June 2010

June 3, 10, 17, 24

Casual Dinner and Evening Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Board a Starved Rock Lodge Trolley and travel to the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For a leisurely cruise on the picturesque Illinois River. After the cruise the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge where you will enjoy a special dinner served with cheesecake. Please call 800-868-7625 ext.386 for reservations.

June 4, 11, 18, 25

Canal Boat & Trolley Tours
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica

Join us for the newest history tour that Starved Rock Lodge has to offer. Start off with a delicious Hot Lunch Buffet in the rustic dining room at Starved Rock Lodge. Next, board one of our trolleys for a ride to our State Park’s Visitor Center. Your trolley will also take you on a relaxing ride to the New Canal Boat located in LaSalle. Step back in time with period dressed interpreters on this 1-hour mule-pulled canal boat ride. Finish the tour with a final stop at the Lock 16 Visitor Center.

June 4, 11, 18, 25

Mule Tender's Friday Lunch and Boat Ride Special
Lock 16 Visitor Center
754 First Street, LaSalle
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
(815) 223-1848

Enjoy lunch at the Lock 16 Center Café, a Mule Tending 101 class, and a hour long trip on the LaSalle Canal Boat for a special price every Friday. Lunch includes a lunch platter with ice cream for dessert. Reservations strong recommended. www.lasallecanalboat.org.

June 5

14th Annual Ron Robb Special People Cruise
Starved Rock Yacht Club
Dee Bennett Road, Ottawa

The Starved Rock Yacht Club is hosting this annual special event. Approximately 50 handicapped guests will be entertained with music, art and boat rides on the Illinois River. Passengers can enjoy a 40 minute boat ride from Yacht Club to Buffalo Rock State Park and back. For more information please visit www.starvedrockyachtclub.org.

June 5, 12, 19, 26

Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
9:00 am and 11:00 am

Tour includes a historical trolley ride, hot lunch buffet at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For tickets and information call 1-800-868-7625, ext 386

June 6, 13, 20, 27

Trolley Tours
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica

Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall area of the Lodge. Enjoy a historic trolley ride with stops at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center where you will see a short video of the area. You will also travel to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center where you will see Starved Rock from across the river and watch as the river traffic lock through the locks. You will also travel through the village of Utica and hear about the Illinois and Michigan Canal. While aboard, the driver will narrate the history and legends of the area. For tickets and information please call 815-220-7386.

June 7, 14, 21, 28

Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
11:00 am

Tour includes a historical trolley ride, hot lunch buffet at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For tickets and information call 1-800-868-7625, ext 386

June 7, 14, 21, 28

June 7th Evening, 8th Matinee

Musical Tribute to the Stars
Patsy Cline (Played by Mary Pfeifer)
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica

Mary Pfeifer has a voice that will take you back to the days of Patsy Cline. From Patsy’s first recordings in 1955 to her last in 1963. She covers her famous hits such as Crazy and Walking After Midnight. Mary recently performed the part of Patsy Cline in the highly successful Engle Lane Theater production of ‘Always Patsy Cline’. Start with a delicious Homestyle Lunch Buffet or Dinner and wine tasting in the Great Hall of the Starved Rock Lodge and then relax and enjoy the show. Matinee $30.00, Evening $35.00. For tickets call 815-667-4211 ext. 38

June 10 – 13

Scout Homecoming
Ottawa Scouting Museum
1100 Canal Street, Ottawa

The Ottawa Scouting Museum is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Scouting! This Homecoming Event is being held in honor of Ottawa native William D. Boyce, founder of the Boy Scouts of America. A host of activities will be held through Ottawa including Old Fashion Soap Box Derby, Dutch Oven Cook Off, Leather Working Workshop, Craft Corner, Girl Scout Activities, Camping, Hiking, Pioneering Park, Circus Exhibit. For a schedule of events email scouter07@hotmailcom.

June 11

Music at the Mansion
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St., LaSalle
5:45 pm
(815) 224-5891
www.hegelercarus.org

Twinkle Stars - Age 12 to Adult
Suzuki Students Perform on the Violin

June 12

National Marina Day at Heritage Harbor
Heritage Harbor Marina
N 2753 Rd., Ottawa

Enjoy a Jr. Fishing Derby and other activities. Learn how to tie a knot, bait a hook, identify and clean fish! Casting contest, fishing contest, and prizes for the biggest and smallest fish. www.heritageharborottawa.com.

June 12 & 13

PD Battle at Midway
Skydive Chicago, Ottawa
(815) 433-0000
www.skydivechicago.com

Spread out a blanket and be amazed as you watch the teams perform their daring formations in mid-air! View the actual jumps on video in our air-conditioned auditorium while judges.

The Secret Gardens of Utica Garden Walk
Downtown Utica
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday

Come visit the best-kept secrets in Utica. Over 20 beautiful gardens will be open and on display. Huge plant sale downtown Utica. Tickets for self-guided walk are $8.00 can be purchased in advance or on the day of event. Trolley guided tour is on Saturday only and are $18.00 and should be purchased in advance. Call 800-868-7625 ext. 386 for tickets or information.

June 13

Einstein: His Science, Philosophy, and Humanity
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St., LaSalle
4:00 pm
(815) 224-5891
www.hegelercarus.org

Presented by Pangratios Papacosta, Professor, Science and Mathematics Department, Columbia College Chicago. This program provided by the Illinois Humanities Council.

June 14

Starved Rock Overnight Excursion
Spirit of Peoria
100 NE Water St, Peoria
800-676-8988
spiritofpeoria.com

2 days/1 night. Embark on a journey north from Peoria to Starved Rock State Park, Utica, Illinois. This excursion features two days of cruising along with an overnight at the historic Starved Rock Lodge. Cruise includes meals and non-alcoholic drinks, transportation, entertainment, taxes and gratuities as well as one night lodging at Starved Rock Lodge.

June 16 – June 19

Seneca Shipyard Days
Downtown Seneca

Food vendors, cruise night, carnival, craft/designer ∓ bake sale, 5K Walk/Run, Beanbag Tournament. For more information visit www.senecashipyarddays.com.

June 18

Cruise Night in Ottawa
LaSalle St., Ottawa
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Come and check out antique and custom cars during Cruise Night.

More on 34
From Galesburg to Sandwich

The largest yard sale in Illinois ... a 120 mile yard sale along Route 34. Treasures can be found from Galesburg to Sandwich.

Mini Antique Road Show
Maple Leaf Park
1318 E U.S. 34, Earlville
(815) 246-6200

A professional appraiser will be available to price and discuss your item. There is a $5 charge per antique, limit two.

June 19

Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run
Downtown Marseilles

The Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run hosts an annual motorcycle run and memorial service at the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall in Marseilles . Over 20,000 motorcycles will depart from the Grundy County Fair Grounds at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in Marseilles approximately 11:00 a.m. The memorial service honoring the soldiers and sailors who have paid the ultimate sacrifice will start at 1:00 p.m. Immediately following the memorial there will be a Celebration of Freedom on Main Street. Which will include over 75 food and various other vendors, live entertainment and a beer garden.

LaSalle County Green Fete Festival
Downtown Ottawa
(815) 667-4700
Noon - 7 pm
www.greenfetefestival.com

This festival will not only provide a diverse range of entertainment, but will also present information about how to live a healthier life. Shop for organic goods, watch demonstrations on Tai Chi, Yoga and Tai Kwon Do. Fun-filled family festival.

Story Time in Washington Park
Lafayette & LaSalle Streets, Ottawa
(815) 434-4003
9am - 1 pm

Join the United Way of Eastern LaSalle County for story time. Each hour local community celebrities will read "The Wild Little Horse". Activities and fun for children!

June 19 & 20

12th Annual Railroad Crossing Days
Union Depot Railroad Museum
783 Main Street, Mendota
(815) 539-3373
10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday

Visit the Union Depot Railroad for railroad memorabilia,morse code demonstrations. Gandy Dancer rides, guided tours of restored train cars, and much more! There will be a railroad Swap Meet both days for 10 am - 3 pm at Lincoln School in Mendota. Free Admission. Visit www.mendotamuseums.org.

June 20

Mendota YMCA 5K Run/Walk
8:00 am
(815) 538-6603
www.ivymca.com/mendota1.htm

Summer Solstice Dinner
LaSalle Canal Boat
Lock 16 Visitor Center
754 First Street, LaSalle
6:00 pm
(815) 223-1848

Experience a Summer Solstice dinner on the LaSalle Canal Boat. Enjoy your homemade dinner while drifting along the Illinois & Michigan Canal on the 1848 replica canal boat. Reservations required. www.lasallecanalboat.org

June 20 – 26

Christmas Belles
Engle Lane Theatre, Streator
815-672-3584
www.englelane.org

June 20 – 27

Marseilles 175th Anniversary Celebration
Downtown Marseilles

Activities will include; an Antique Appraisal Fair, Community Auction, Carriage Rides, Campfire/Folk Songs Sing-a-Long, Senior Citizens Pork Chop Dinner, Johnny Kaye’s Orchestra, Victorian Tea, Ice Cream Social, Beanbag and Horseshoe Tournaments, 5K Run, American Idol Contest, Sand Volleyball Tournament, All Class Reunions for Marseilles High School Graduates, Carnival, Food Vendors, Beer Tent, Live Entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Parade, Lions Club Chicken Fry, Fireworks and much more. For the children there will be Storytelling, a Puppet Show, Petting Zoo, Family Pet Day, Circus, old fashioned children’s games including panning for gold, marble shoot out contest, Wild West shooting gallery, sack races, tug of war, Carnival, fishing tournament and much more for kids!! For more information please visit www.marseillesil.net.

June 21

The Legacy Girls
An Andrews Sister Musical Tribute Show
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Begin your trip back to the Boogie Woogie days of the 30s and 40s with a Homestyle Lunch Buffet in the Great Hall of Starved Rock Lodge. The vocal trio, The Legacy Girls, will entertain you with three-part harmonies, costumes and synchronized dances that are truly the Andrew Sisters' style. For tickets call 815-6667-4211, ext 386.

June 23 & 24

Ottawa Art League Kids Camp
807 LaSalle Street, Ottawa
(815) 357-1556

Classes will be taught in a fun, outdoor environment! Drawing, Jewelry Making, Pastels, Photography and Watercolors are a few of the course that will be offered. Participants must be 8 years of age. All supplies will be provided.

June 26

Custom Car Show
Downtown Oglesby
3:00 pm

If horsepower, chrome and good ole rock'n'roll rev your engines, then Downtown Oglesby is the place to be. Stroll through the downtown area among the more than 100 custom cars from 3 to 8 pm, then join the party at Dale & Walnut for live bands, beer and food. This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone. For more information, call 815-883-9722 or visit www.oglesby.il.us.

En Plaine Air Art Show
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St., LaSalle
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
(815) 224-5891
www.hegelercarus.org

Juried art show held on the grounds of the Hegeler Carus Mansion.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Boating Safety Classes
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
950 N 27th Road, Ottawa
(815) 667-4054
8:15 am - 5:00 pm

This minimum eight-hour course includes instruction in equipment requirements, navigation rules, legal requirements, accident situations and how to handle them, the weather, trailering, visual distress signals, personal watercraft and special topics and the final exam. No fee.

Oglesby Library Book Sale & City-wide Garage Sales
111 S. Woodland Ave., Oglesby
10:00 am

There are bargains galore during this one-day book sale and city-wide garage sale. Pick up your map of sale locations at the library while you browse the "stacks." For more information, call 815-883-9722 or visit www.oglesby.il.us.

June 27

Ottawa Garden Walk
Reddick Mansion
100 W Lafayette St, Ottawa
(815) 343-7655

Stroll through Ottawa and view the lovely gardens! Five home gardens will be open for your viewing pleasure. Rain or Shine.

June 28

Ongoing June

April 10 - June 20
Come on Get Happy!
The Judy Garland Music Tribute Show
Follies Theatre
122 Mill Street, Utica
(815) 667-7008
www.folliestheatre.com

June 25 – August 29

Hot Country Nights
Follies Theatre
122 Mill Street, Utica
(815) 667-7008
www.folliestheatre.com

Every Sunday

Every Monday and Thursday

Casual Dinner and Evening Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Board a Starved Rock Lodge Trolley and travel to the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For a leisurely cruise on the picturesque Illinois River. After the cruise the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge where you will enjoy a special dinner served with cheesecake. Please call 800-868-7625 ext.386 for reservations.

Every Monday and Saturday

Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
11:00 am Monday; 9:00 am and 11:00 am on Saturday

Tour includes a historical trolley ride, hot lunch buffet at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For tickets and information call 1-800-868-7625, ext 386

Every Tuesday, June 22, 2010 through August 3rd

Colgate Country Showdown
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica

Talented country music singers will compete for the title of Colgate County Showdown winner and win $1000! The winner will advance to regional finals and have a chance to compete in Nashville, where Country Music Stars are Made! The deadline for contest entries is May 31, 2010. Registration forms will be available at the WALS 102 website (wals102.com) in March 2010.

Every Friday

Every Saturday

Old Town Farmers Market
Washington Park
Jackson & LaSalle, Ottawa
8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Purchase freshly grown goods at the Ottawa Old town Farmers Market. With a motto of we BAKE it, we GROW it, we SELL it FRESH, you're sure to find something fantastic.