Morton Arboretum’s Walking Plays features Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s classic play “Midsummer Night’s Dream” takes inspiration from its setting during a series of performances at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 to 16 at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. 53 in Lisle.
The full-length play, included in the arboretum’s series of Walking Plays performed by local professional actors, begins with a walk leader guides the audiences to each location along a 1- to 2-mile hiking route. Attendees are encouraged to bring portable chairs or a blanket for eating, bug spray and water.
Performances start at the Thornhill Shelter on the west side of the arboretum and last about 90 minutes. This tale about mistaken identities, magic and music has no intermission. It’s suitable for all ages although it includes some crass humor and romance.
Tickets cost $27 for those 18 and older and $17 for children 2 through 17 years old; infants are free. Members pay $10 less. Buy tickets at mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/walking-plays/#availability or at 630-968-0074.
League offers lesson on how to run for public office
Community members interested in running for elected office might want to check out a program presented by the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave.
Basics of Running for Public Office will provide a practical overview of the candidate process for local governing entities such as villages, schools, park district boards and school boards. It will cover ballot access requirements, caucuses, campaign finance rules, petition circulation and other aspects of running a campaign. The session will be led by lawyers Ronette McCarthy and Tyler Smith of Ancel Glink, a law firm that specializes in local government matters and election law.
The second half features a panel discussion by local elected officials – Village of La Grange Trustee Beth Augustine, Village of Brookfield Trustee Nicole Gilhooley and Village of Western Springs President Heidi Rudolph – who will share their experiences in both seeking and serving in public office. Attendees can ask questions.
The program is free and open to the public. Register at lagrange.librarycalendar.com/events/month or 708-215-3200.
Taste of Elmwood Park starts Aug. 6
The annual Taste of Elmwood Park takes place Aug. 6 to 9 at Central Park, 75th Avenue and Fullerton Avenue.
The event includes carnival rides and games, a four-day bocce tournament, arts and crafts, food from local restaurants and a meatball-eating contest at 4 p.m. Aug. 8 for 12 contestants chosen randomly.
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Musical acts will perform from 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 6, 3:30 to 11 p.m. Aug. 7, noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 8 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 9. The Taste Lounge will feature cocktails and local bands and DJs.
Admission to the event is free; no outside food or beverages will be allowed. Details are at www.elmwoodpark.org/160/About-Us or by calling 708-452-7300.
Light shows, star party shine at Triton space center
The Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave. in River Grove, offers a cool place to relax in August while enjoying shows about the universe or taking in a cosmic light show.
A “star party,” in which participants look through telescopes, will be hosted by Cernan staff and members of the Chicago Astronomical Society from 7:45 to 10 p.m. Aug. 22. All ages are welcome to try to see Venus and Saturn, as long as skies are clear. Admission is free.
Tickets are required for weekly planetarium programs and can be bought at the center, which opens 30 minutes before shows. On Saturdays, “Dark Biosphere” at 7 p.m. explores underground ecosystems and a cosmic light show at 8:30 p.m. features music by Prince. At 9:45 a.m. Wednesdays, attend “The Stellars: Mission Green” to learn about forests, pollinators and other natural spaces. At 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, “Unveiling the Invisible Universe” explores the universe through cosmic rays, neutrinos and more to reveal the origins of the cosmos.
Matinee cosmic lights shows take place at 4 p.m. Aug. 4-6 with the music of David Bowie; Aug. 11-13 featuring Prince, Aug. 18-20 starring Led Zeppelin and Aug. 25-27 featuring Michael Jackson. Tickets cost $5 for those 2 to 17 years old and older than 54 and $10 for adults 18 to 54. Details are at www.triton.edu/campus/cernan-center.
Franklin Park flag football registration ends soon
Registration ends Aug. 2 for Leyden League flag football offered by the Park District of Franklin Park.
Teams meet once per week for practice, followed by games on Sunday mornings, with the first game starting Sept. 13. The league will be split up this way: first and second grade, third and fourth grade, fifth and sixth grade, and seventh and eighth grade.
Team coaches decide practice schedules. Families will be contacted when schedules are finalized, with the first practice starting between Aug. 31 and Sept. 6.
The cost is $130 for residents and $10 more for nonresidents. Sign up at www.fpparks.org/programs/youth-athletics or call 847-455-2852.
Conservatory-grown cacti, succulents up for sale
The Oak Park Conservatory is hosting a sale of succulents and cacti grown at the facility.
Online sales started July 24, and in-person sales are available July 31 to Aug. 1. A large assortment are available. Those who shop in person can talk to experts about caring for these easy-to-grow plants.
The conservancy is at 615 Garfield St. Details are at 708-725-2400 or [email protected].
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