Elgin holding dinosaur-themed End of Summer Bash Aug. 9
Elgin’s dinosaur-themed End of Summer Bash at Festival Park will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, followed by a drone show.
The free, family-friendly event will turn the park into a prehistoric playground, complete with life-sized dinosaurs, a live volcano and a variety of interactive attractions and performances, a city news release said.
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Attractions will include a magic show, reptile show, baby dino pets, jugglers, balloon artists, LED mini golf, bounce houses, a giant LED Lite Brite, fossil digging, slime crafting and oversized yard games. Set to perform are Semple Band, led by NBC’s “The Voice” finalist Keith Semple, and EZ Band, a group known for viral videos and a multicultural sound.
Local and regional food vendors will be on site. The night-ending drone show will run 10 to 15 minutes.
For more information, go to elginil.gov/2509/End-of-Summer-Bash.
Kane seeking smart sprinkler pilot program participants
Kane County is seeking residents to participate in its recently-launched pilot program to conserve water, reduce utility bills and protect the county’s long-term groundwater supply.
As part of this initiative, the county is looking for high water users who will be provided with smart irrigation systems at no cost in exchange for participation in a study, according to a county newsletter. The goal is to evaluate how smart irrigation technologies can help reduce water consumption.
“This is a chance for residents to take meaningful action toward sustainability while also saving money,” Sarra Hinshaw, Kane County Sustainability Manager, said in the newsletter. “We’re especially looking for participants with monthly water bills over $400 who are willing to share their usage data.”
Residents interested in participating should call Hinshaw at 630-208-8665 or email [email protected]. For more information, go to www.kanecountyil.gov/FDER/Pages/environmentalResources/energy.aspx.
ICC to hold public forum in Elgin on Nicor rate hike proposal
The Illinois Commerce Commission is holding a public forum in Elgin Thursday, Aug. 7, on Nicor Gas’ request for a $316.5 million rate hike.
Public comments can be made on the proposal at the event, which will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way.
According to the Citizens Utility Board, this is the fifth rate-hike request since 2017 for Nicor, Illinois’ largest gas utility. Between 2017 and 2024, the utility has raised delivery rates by 114%, totaling $747 million, the nonprofit advocacy organization said.
The request is being opposed by CUB, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, AARP Illinois and Illinois PIRG.
YWCA Elgin’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ auction set
Reservations are being taken for YWCA Elgin’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” auction being held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Elgin Country Club, 2575 Weld Road.
The evening will feature a live auction, sale, light bites and a cash bar, according to the YWCA website. Proceeds will benefit the YWCA Elgin’s educational programs.
An online auction at www.ywcaelgin.org/auction will be open through Aug. 14.
Tickets are $55 for YWCA members and $60 for nonmembers. RSVP by Thursday, Aug. 14. For tickets and information, go to www.ywcaelgin.org/auction.
Elgin artist Ken Simonsen holding solo gallery show Aug. 8
A free opening reception for Elgin-based artist Ken Simonsen’s first solo art show will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, Artspace, 51 S. Spring St., Elgin.
“Surreal in Nature” is a “visual exploration into the unusual, the beautiful, the dark and the ridiculous,” according to a social media post. The show runs through Friday, Aug. 29.
For more information, go to www.psymonsenstudios.com/fine-art
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, call 224-489-7129 or email [email protected].