Chicago's North Shore - North and Northwest Suburbs Real Estate Archive

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. School is starting and soon the leaves will be changing. But the fun of summer is not over yet as the Chicago area is host to many fun Labor Day events. Make your plans now!

32nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

Sep 2, 2010 - Sep 5, 2010

The longest running of the city's lakefront music festivals. For more than 30 years, the Chicago Jazz Festival has been a Labor Day weekend tradition. Know for its artistic creativity, the Chicago Jazz Festival promotes awareness and appreciation for all form of jazz through quality live musical performances. The festival’s mission is to showcase Chicago’s vast jazz talent alongside national and international artists to encourage and educated a jazz audience of all ages.

This year’s performers include: Artist-in-Residence: Nicole Mitchell, Henry Threadgill, Brad Mehldau, Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band, Rene Marie, The Either/Orchestra, Kurt Elling and more. Best of all this is a free event!

Buffalo Grove Days
Sep. 2, 2010 - Sep. 6, 2010

This annual festival has fun for everyone. There will be the Chamber Beer Garden, a Business and Craft Fair, Free Entertainment all day long, a Carnival, Games, Special Events, a Parade on Sunday and Fireworks. Visit their website for more information.

Oak Brook Half Marathon
Sep. 6, 2010 - Sep. 6, 2010

Make plans to be a part of the Third Annual Oak Brook Half-Marathon, a Labor Day tradition that distance runners of all types will enjoy. This challenging course is comprised of the streets, rolling bicycle paths and limestone forest preserve trails of the scenic Village of Oak Brook. This is an ideal lead-up event for anyone training for a fall marathon, or who simply enjoys the half-marathon distance. After the run, stay for great refreshments from our sponsors and enjoy the hospitality of this lovely Village. There will be activities for the whole family - including youth races  which will be presented by the Oak Brook Park District. Admission Charge. Visit their website for more information on this event.

62nd Annual Jubilee Days Festival
Sep. 4, 2010 - Sep. 6, 2010

This weekend long festival begins with a golf outing at the Shepherds Crook Golf Course on Friday. Saturday includes a 5K run, Miss Zion Pageants and an ice cream social. Sunday's entertainment includes the Arts and Crafts Festival, food, live music and fireworks. Monday will include the Mayors Breakfast, and Arts and Crafts Festival, food and the Jubilee Parade at 1pm.

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Summer is going fast! It is hard to believe that it is almost the 4th of July. The North Shore area has some of the best Independence Day celebrations in the country. Below are some of the exciting events that you and your family can enjoy. Have a safe and fun holiday!

City of Chicago's Fourth of July Fireworks
Location:  From Foster to Montrose
Lawrence & Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL
Cost:  Free
Time:  9:00 p.m.  (15 minutes long)
Info:  Fireworks can be viewed on the North Side from Foster to Montrose.  Display will occur up and down Chicago's 26 miles of lakefront.
 
 
Evanston Fireworks
Location:  Clark Street Beach; 400-499 Clark Street, Evanston, IL
Cost:  Free
2:00 p.m.:  Parade from Central Park Avenue East on Central Street to Ashland Avenue
7:30 p.m. - 9:10 p.m.:  Palatine Concert Band will play patriotic music
9:15 p.m.:  Fireworks
 
 
Glencoe Fireworks/Festival -- Glencoe Park District
999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe, IL
Location:  Lakefront Park
8:00 a.m.:    2 mile fun run from Train Station
10:00 a.m.:  All-Media Art Fair on Village Green
10:00 a.m.:  Family games at Kalk Park
2:00 p.m.:    Parade
6:00 p.m.:    Park & Ride from Village parking lot & train station
6:30 p.m.:    BBQ meal at the beach
6:30 p.m.:    Children's entertainment by Magician Jeff Bibik
7:00 p.m.:    Music
9:00 p.m.:    Fireworks on the beach
 
 
Skokie Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks Festival
12:00 noon:  Parade (bands, drill teams, clowns, tumblers, live animals, vintage autos & more).  Runs north from Oakton Community College on Lincoln Avenue to Oakton Street, then east from downtown to Oakton Park.
5:00 p.m.:  Festival at Niles West High School.  Features food, drinks and live bands until dusk.
Dusk:  3-D fireworks.  The first 10,000 people get a free pair of 3-D glasses.  Location - Niles West High School

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The long weekend with the last Monday in May is celebrated as the start of summer. Parades, barbeques and other special kick off the summer season. The Chicago area offers many fun events for everyone to enjoy. Have a fun and safe holiday!

Memorial Day Parade-May 29, 2010 - Downtown Chicago

The annual Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2008. The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza in Chicago ( at Dearborn and Washington Streets). The parade will step off at 12:00 noon and proceed south down State Street from Randolph Street to Van Buren Street.

Randolph Street Fest

Randolph Street Fest is the festival of the week this weekend. It runs all
summer on specific weekends. This street market used to be known as the Chicago Antique Market, but alas less antiques leads to a name change. This means all kinds of good stuff is for sale, although not at discount prices. Check it out for some browsing action at 1400 W. Randolph St, in Chicago 60607. They now feature indie items (eco friendly, home made, crafters) and world goods from all over in addition to the antiques. From 10am -5pm Saturday may 24th and Sunday May 25th. It is $10.00 to enter to cover the site rental and security fees. Call 312-666-1200 for more info. 
A free trolley departs from Water Tower Place on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and returns to North Michigan Avenue from the Market every 30 minutes between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

 
14th Annual Memorial Day Dedication & Wreath Laying Ceremony at Grant Park
 

The Lawrence Pucci Wedgwood Society of Chicago and co-sponsor Chicago Cultural Mile Association invite you to celebrate this Memorial Day by reaffirming our pledge to assemble, honor and remember those who served this glorious country in the spirit and memory of General John A. Logan, founder of Memorial Day. The dedication and wreath laying ceremony will be held on May 31, 2010, 11:00 AM at the foot of the John A. Logan statue in Grant Park (Michigan & 9th). This event is free and open to the public, more info at http://www.chicagoculturalmile.com
 

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Earth Day is celebrated in the US on April 22 and is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. First celebrated in 1970 as a global day of observance of the need to protect the earth, this year marks the 40th anniversary of this holiday. The Chicago area hosts many events each year to celebrate Earth Day. Below are some of the exciting events planned in the area!

5K for Earth Day
This run/walk event takes place on Saturday, April 24th at 8 a.m. along Humboldt Park and Logan Square. Registration fee for runners and walkers is $30 and $35 the day of the event. Fees for children ages 11 to 17 are $20 and children under 10 are free. Stick around after the Earth Day 5K for an all-day Green Living Expo that includes entertainment for the whole family, great food, educational booths on saving the environment and a farmers market. For more information, go to the 5K for Earth Day event website here.

Chicago Kayak Earth Day 2010 Skokie Lagoons
The Chicago Kayak Club will once again be holding their clean up day in celebration of Earth Day. This year's event will take place the Sunday before Earth Day on April 18th from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The group will be cleaning up Skokie Lagoons. The club will be clearing all trash and debris in the surrounding areas of the Lagoons and along the water's edge. Those with kayaks or canoes are encouraged to participate and will have the opportunity to do their clean up from the water. Gloves, pick sticks and garbage bags will be provided. These items have been generously donated to the club by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Green Your Footprint
GO Green Management will be hosting their 3rd annual Earth Day Celebration on Thursday, April 22nd starting at 5 p.m. with an educational mixer. At 6 p.m. the excitement begins with Veev cocktails, food from local Chicago eateries and great entertainment. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. The Earth Day event takes place at Flai.

Scout Seasonal Workshop
If your looking for a great event for the children, then this is the place to celebrate Earth Day. The Scout Seasonal Workshop will be held April 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chicago Botanical Garden. The event will include a scavenger hunt, craft projects and other hands-on activities. Tickets for the event are $12. To find out morer Tower located at 222 West Erie, Chicago.

The hiolidays have arrived in Chicago! Aside from shopping and decorating our area offers many fun and festive events to enjoy during this wonderful time of the year. Giving to those less fortunate is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, below are some ways to do both! Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Charitable Events

Connections For The Homeless-Evanston:
2010 Dewey Ave. Evanston,  847.475.7070/Ext. 100
This organization supports families in housing need in the Evansotn area, operating emergency shelters. They currently are in need of the following donations: Coats, boots, gloves, men's long pants and jeans

Toys For Tots
Cars of America in Glenview is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and is collecting new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year. Typically, these toys will be distributed in and distribute those toys as holiday gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Toys will be collected at Cars of America. 1727 Chestnut Ave. Glenview , M-F, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 866carCARE for further information

Tree Sales

If you are looking for the perfect tree below are some options!

Deerfield:
You can find fresh trees at the Optimist Club sale located at the corner of Jewett Park Drive and Park Avenue, Monday - Friday, 3 - 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Glenview:
Wagner Farm will have fresh cut trees, wreaths and greenery for sale beginning Saturday, November 24. They're located at 1510 Wagner Rd., on the corner of E. Lake and Wagner near the Glenview/Wilmette border.

Holiday Events

Macy's Santa Breakfast at Westfield Old Orchard
December 12, 2009 - December 13, 2009
Reservations Required. Located in the Lower Level Marketplace, a balloon artist, face painter and Santa himself entertain with a special gift for each child. Event begins at 9am. Adults $16; children $12. Type: Festivals/Fairs.   Macy's Westfield Old Orchard Shopping
I-94 and Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 

Menorah Lighting Downtown Evanston
December 14, 2009 - December 14, 2009
Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl and Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein will light the Menorah. There will be greetings from city officials and community members, a boys choir, music and refreshments.    Fountain Square , Davis St., Sherman Ave. and Orrington Ave. Evanston, IL

Grove Holiday Store
December 16, 2009 - December 20, 2009
Choose those specials holiday gifts from a selected collection of personalized ornaments, holiday decorations, unique home accessories, crafts, gourmet and baked items and more. 10 am-5 pm.  The Grove  1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL 847-299-6096 

New Year’s Eve Fun Skatef
Location: Winnetka Ice Arena, 490 Hibbard Rd.
Date: December 31st
Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

It's that time of the year again! Thanksgiving time is here and whether you plan to cook, shop or just enjoy this time with family and friends, the Chicago Metro area offers so much to do! Kick off this holiday season by enjoying all that our area offers. Happy Thanksgiving!

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2009 

This famous Thanksgiving Parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on November 26, 2009 and features giant inflatables, marching bands, dancers and more.  The State Street Thanksgiving Parade is attended by over 400,000 spectators and features over 100 participating "units", including marching bands, floats, horses, drill teams, circus performers, and more. Parade starts on State Street from Congress to Randolph  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m

Dining Guide

Thanksgiving is all about eating, so even if you don't plan on cooking or if you were not lucky enough to be invited to dinner you can still feast.  Chicago restaurants will be offering their renditions of the classic holiday feast. From traditional turkey with stuffing and mashed potatoes to spiced-up ethnic interpretations, click here to find a place where you and your family can eat well this Thanksgiving, minus the dishes.

Turkey Shoot at Davis Square Park

Football fans of all ages can head to Davis Square Park for the annual Turkey Shoot event on the field. The games run from 10 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving day, and the event is open to all ages. This free activity is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors before your Thanksgiving meal. Call (312) 747-2001 for more information.

NoMI Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet

The NoMI Thanksgiving brunch is host to one of the largest brunches in the city. This upscale restaurant serves a grand holiday buffet with all of your Thanksgiving favorites and comfort foods. They feature traditional fare such as turkey, potatoes, Thanksgiving sides as well as sides and a grand showcase of desserts. NoMI is located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt hotel on 800 North Michigan Avenue. Call (312) 239-4030 for Thanksgiving 2009 brunch reservations and more information.

The Great Tree at Macy's

Kick off your holiday season on Thanksgiving night with the annual lighting the Macy's Great Tree.  The 45-foot tree takes a few weeks to decorate with over 1,200 themed ornaments and hundreds of lights. It's a Chicago holiday tradition you won't want to miss, and takes place in the Walnut Room of Macy's Chicago.