Luck of the Irish
Irish Fest 2002 is a four-day celebration of Irish music and culture, featuring an assortment of contemporary and traditional Irish musicians, along with actors and storytellers on five stages. The carnival rides are all free with each $12 admission. Parking is free, and children under 3 get in free.
Irish Fest, 3-11:30 p.m. Friday, from noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from noon to 8 p.m. Monday at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. 708-687-9323.
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— Pat Harper
Flower power
Spend Sunday at a cabin and learn about a local flower farm. Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary hosts Peonies Aplenty Sunday. Come out and learn the story of the Redeker peony farm and see the flowers that remain, as guides explain this little-known part of Schaumburg history. Admission free. 75 cents per project.
Peonies Aplenty, 1 p.m. Sunday and June 2. Free. Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary’s log cabin, 1111 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg. 847-985-2100.
— Stephanie Price
Bicycle boogie
During Bike Chicago 2002, even little tykes can get into the spin of things. The South Lakefront Bike Ride goes from Mandrake Park to the South Shore Cultural Center. When the ride reaches Promontory Point, kids can participate in Big Wheel and tricycle races on an obstacle course. (Kids should bring their own mode of transportation, but a few loaner trikes will be available). . In another event at Gladstone Park, youngsters can adorn their bikes with red, white and blue decorations, participate in a parade and perhaps win a prize for the best-decorated bike.
South Lakefront Bike Ride, Mandrake Park, 901 E. Pershing Rd., 10 a.m. Saturday, for ages 10 and up, Promontory Point, 54th Street and the lakefront, Big Wheel and tricycle race, about, 11 a.m. Saturday, for ages 4 and up; Memorial Day Bike Parade, Gladstone Park, 5421 N. Menard Ave., 11 a.m. Saturday, 312-742-7853. All events are free.
— Nancy Maes