The Forest Preserve District of Kane County invites the community to take part in the eighth annual Rusty Rodeo, a free, family-friendly event focused on removing invasive rusty crayfish from local waterways, district officials said.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15, at two locations along the Fox River: North Aurora Island Park, 4 E. State St., North Aurora; and Mt. St. Mary’s Park, 79 Prairie St., St. Charles.
During the event, volunteers will search shallow waters for rusty crayfish, an invasive species that can negatively impact aquatic habitats, according to a press release from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
With help from naturalists, participants will learn how to collect, identify and remove rusty crayfish from the Fox River, the release said.
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy, officials said. Those taking part should expect to get wet, as volunteers will be wading into the water. A limited number of dip nets will be available to borrow, but participants are encouraged to bring their own, if possible, the release said.
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The Rusty Rodeo is co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District, Fox Valley Park District and Friends of the Fox River.
No registration is required. For more information, go to www.kaneforest.com, email [email protected] or call 630-444-3190.
Businesses invited to take part in Jazz Weekend
St. Charles businesses are invited to participate in St. Charles Jazz Weekend in September by hosting a live jazz performance, event organizers said in a news release.
St. Charles Jazz Weekend will take place Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 13, showcasing and promoting live jazz performances at venues throughout St. Charles, the release said.
Any business located in St. Charles can be a part of Jazz Weekend, including retail shops, restaurants, bars, music venues, coffee shops and more, the release said. Participating businesses are responsible for booking and paying for the jazz performers.
St. Charles establishments planning to host jazz performances for the annual event are asked to contact the St. Charles Business Alliance at [email protected]. The St. Charles Business Alliance will be promoting businesses and their jazz performances on www.stcjazzweekend.com and through various marketing efforts, the release said.
For more information regarding St. Charles Jazz Weekend, go to www.stcjazzweekend.com.
Charity bike ride to benefit CASA Kane County
Registration is underway for the Hope Echoes on the River Charity Bike Ride to benefit CASA Kane County being held Sunday, Aug. 30, beginning and ending at the Kane County Courthouse, 100 S. Third St., Geneva.
A 65-mile route will start at 7 a.m., followed by a 35-mile route at 9 a.m. and a 10-mile route at 10:30 a.m., with all finishing at noon, according to a news release.
Participants will receive T-shirts and water bottles. There will be a post-race party featuring food trucks and vendors. Staff from Sammy’s Bikes will be on hand to help with minor repairs.
“This ride is about more than miles. It’s about making sure every child in foster care has someone by their side,” Jim Di Ciaula, CASA executive director, said in the release. “Each rider helps amplify a child’s voice and strengthen their path toward a safe, nurturing and permanent home.”
Registration fees through Friday, Aug. 28, are $125 for riders 18 and older, $50 for riders 13 to 17, and $20 for children ages 12 or younger.
Go to runsignup.com/Race/IL/Geneva/HopeEchoesOnTheRiverCharityBikeRide to register or donate.