Aurora Area September 2008 Events

The Aurora Area Blog - Click here to view the posts and leave your comments.

Jan-Dec
Art in City Hall
Enjoy art in the United City of Yorkville City Hall Council Chambers, 800 Game Farm Road. Viewing hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free. For information contact 630.553.8564

September
34th ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
Crafts, flea market, farm demonstrations, antique farm equipment, cars and daily entertainment. Admission charge.
Lyon Farm and Village
7935 Rt. 71, Yorkville
(630) 554-3064 or (630) 553-6777

September
Teacher Appreciation Shopping Month
We invite all education specialist to Visit the Information Booth at Chicago Premium Outlets and show your ID and receive a FREE VIP Coupon Book offering hundreds of dollars in savings.
Chicago Premium Outlets
1650 Premium Outlets Blvd., Aurora, IL 60502
(630) 236-2063
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/chicago

Sept. 3 – 7
SANDWICH FAIR
Spanning 120 years, the Sandwich Fair is one of the largest in Illinois, drawing thousands of people with live entertainment, food, games, shows, judgings, cook-offs, crafts, tractor pulls and livestock shows. Starts at 8 a.m.
Sandwich Fairgrounds
Suydam Rd. and Gletty Rd.
Sandwich (815) 786-2159
www.sandwichfair.com

Sept. 3
Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg Book
Location: The Main Library at 1 E. Benton Street. Multipurpose Room -
Lower Level. Call 630-264-4101. Bring your lunch - we'll provide the dessert! Copies of the book are
available in advance by calling 630-264-4101

Sept. 4, 11
Genealogy Assistance
Location: The Main Library at 1 E. Benton Street. Second Floor. Call 630-264-4101. Need help with your family history project? Our informal drop in session can help start your family tree or break down a brick wall that has stopped your research. Be sure to bring along any family papers that could provide useful information. Individual 2-hour appointments are also available by calling 630-264-4122.

Sept. 4
Estate Planning for the Average Person
Location: The Main Library at 1 E. Benton Street. Multipurpose Room - Lower Level. Call 630-264-4101. Estate Planning for the Average Person: What Everyone Should Know Presented by Herbert C. Steinmetz, Jr., of Lowe & Steinmetz, Ltd., Aurora, this program will focus on wills and other basic documents that every individual should have done for estate planning purposes, regardless of the size of their estate or the type of assets that they own. There will be a discussion of the common problems that are seen after death and what can be done to avoid them and a presentation about the use of trusts (what they are and what they accomplish) in estate planning today.

Sept. 4-6
ComedyComedy
One of the nation's top comediennes! PATTI VASQUEZ, as seen on Comedy Central and NBC's Friday Night, brings her unique (and funny!) perspective of life as a product of mixed Irish and Latino heritage. With special guest TIM HARRISON and house MC BERT BORTH. A great show!
ComedyComedy features national, regional and local live stand-up comedians every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday. Thursday and Friday show times are at 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Our Saturday night shows begin at 8:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15/per person for 21+.
Walter payton's Roundhouse Complex
205 N Broadway Aurora, IL 60505-2663
630-892-0034
http://walterpaytonsroundhouse.com/

Sept. 6
BATAVIA HOUSEWALK
Unique and elegant homes in Batavia are featured in this 2nd annual walk to showcase great design and decorating. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Various homes in Batavia
(630) 761-3528
www.downtownbatavia.com

Sept. 6
Books, Bytes and More
Location: The Main Library at 1 E. Benton Street. Multipurpose Room - Lower Level. Call 630-264-4101. Have you been to the library lately? We are not the library your parents took you to. If you haven't walked through the door in ages, come for a website demonstration and a tour of the Main Library to see how we're working for you. Regular library users are welcome, too. You will be surprised by what you'll find.

Sept. 6
D.L. Hughley
See one of the most highly recognized comedians fresh off his HBO Comedy Special. With venomous delivery -- on par with Chris Rock, Sam Kinison, and other legends of the genre, D.L Hughley mixes his quick wit and affable personality for a performance that is uncut, raw and outrageously funny. The popular comedian spent four years starring in his own sitcom The Hughleys, co-starred in the mega-hit Original Kings of Comedy and has proven himself as one of the hardest working men in showbiz.
$46.50 / $36.50
Paramount Theatre
23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60506
http://paramountarts.com/20080906hughley.php

Sept. 10
Sound Foundations I: Essentials of Stage Sound
Sound Foundations is something new - crash courses in audio for the uninitiated. The first of a four-week course in live sound, to be followed in October with a course in recording studio sound. Class is by registration only - visit www.soundfoundations.net

Sept. 7-13
Illinois Great Rivers Ride
The Illinois Great Rivers Ride is a non-competitive, week-long ride that offers a range of one-of-a-kind experiences as it winds through Southern Illinois. This approximately 350 mile ride makes many stops along the way for bikers to discover Illinois' rich treasures.
We promise you a great experience on this ride with outstanding entertainment, reenactments, dinners and great spirits served each night. We look forward to having you on this ride.
The Illinois Great Rivers Ride is limited to the first 300 cyclists.
877-477-7007
http://illinoisgreatriversride.com

Sept. 11
LIBRARIES REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
The Library will remain open for 24 hours on Sept. 11 for library service, ceremonies at the Flag Pole, community gatherings and visits from the Sugar Grove Police and Fire Departments. Hours: midnight – midnight.
Sugar Grove Library
54 Snow St., Sugar Grove
(630) 466-4686
www.sugargrove.lib.il.us

Sept. 12 – 14
WOMEN’S WELLNESS WEEKEND
Put together by WCC, this relaxing getaway for women offers workshops and programs throughout the weekend, participants can attend all or just some of the activities.
Hours: Fri. 7 p.m. – Sun. 2 p.m.
LaSalle Manor Retreat Center
12480 Galena Rd., Plano
(630) 466-5750 (WCC)
www.waubonsee.edu

Sept. 12
Howie Mandel
With a versatile career that spans all aspects of the entertainment business, Howie Mandel is a comedy scene mainstay. Host of the hit show Deal or No Deal, Mandel's career started on a dare, when friends coaxed him into trying his luck at a comedy amateur night. Since then he's done countless comedy specials, hosted his own talk show and animated children’s series, Bobby’s World, frequently appears on The Tonight Show, is a regular guest host on Regis & Kelly- and still performs over 200 concert dates a year! His night at the Paramount Theatre brings him back to his roots of live comedy, and promises to deliver something very special.
$69.50 / $59.50 / $49.50
Paramount Theatre
23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60506
http://paramountarts.com/20080912mandel.php

Sept. 12
Joy Behar
Best known for her role as cohost of ABC's The View, boisterous, opinionated, real and definitely a New Yorker, Joy Behar brings her hilarious stand-up comedy to the Paramount stage. Hear anecdotes about her Italian-American family, growing up in Brooklyn and bracingly funny observations about men, all with her trademark tell-it-like-it-is style. Joy is sure to make you laugh at yourself... like all great comedians can.
$58.50 / $48.50
Paramount Theatre
23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60506
http://paramountarts.com/20080920behar.php

Sept. 12
Golden Legacy 65 Years of Original Art from Golden
5:30-6:00: Presentation by Leonard S. Marcus, author of Golden Legacy: How
Golden Books Won Children's Hearts, Changed Publishing Forever, and Became
an American Icon Along the Way
6:00-6:30: Book Signing with Leonard S. Marcus
Location: 20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora, IL 60506
Admission to the opening reception is free.
Musical entertainment by the Papo Quartet.

Sept. 13
SIXTH ANNUAL KENDALL COUNTY FAIR BENEFIT TRUCK AND TRACTOR PULL
Illini Pullers Association final pull of the season. Two tracks with lots of action, smoke and rubber burning. Food available, monies earned benefit fair’s general fund. Hours: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Kendall County Fairgrounds
10826 Rt. 71, Yorkville
(630) 553-2860
www.kendallcountyfair.com

Sept. 13
Chef Rick Bayless
The Aurora Public Library is presenting a cooking demo with famous Chicago Chef Rick Bayless at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, September 13 at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $12 for preferred seats and a sample tasting.
There are only 500 $12 tickets available that give viewers preferred seats, and a sample tasting of the chef's creating. There will also be 1000 free tickets that are located in the back of the house and the balcony and do NOT include a sample tasting. These tickets are available at the Aurora Public Library Locations.

Sept. 15
Reading is Top Dog
Location: The Main Library at 1 E. Benton Street. Multipurpose Room - Lower Level. Call 630-264-4123.
Practice reading your favorite story to our dog friends. Therapy dog and handle pairs are members of the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club.

Sept. 19
Taare Zameen Par
Dir: Aamir Khan, India (2007), 140 min.
Taare Zameen Par is the story of Ishaan, an eight-year old boy whose world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate; strange colors, moving shapes, numbers metamorphing into fishes. Ishaan is lost in his world, and is just not interested in algebra and alphabets, constantly failing in school, much to the frustration of his parents. Thinking that he is just a rebellious little boy, they pack him off to a boarding school to 'be disciplined'. Ishaan is lost in this place, and sinks into depression, until one day a new art teacher joins the school who reaches out to him. Taare Zameen Par boasts of a story that strikes a chord, but more importantly, the acting, cinematography and direction is so sensitive, that you are shell-shocked in amazement by the sheer impact it leaves on you at the end. (Hindi with English subtitles)
All shows are on Friday nights at 8 p.m.
in Ramsey Auditorium, in Wilson Hall at Fermilab.
Tickets are sold only at the door:
Adults - $5 , Children (under 12) - $1, students with Fermilab ID - $2.
Fermilab Arts & Lecture Series
Kirk Road & Pine Street, P.O. Box 500, MS 111, Batavia, IL 60510 - 0500
Phone: Voice - 630.840.ARTS(2787), Fax - 630.840.5501
E-Mail: audweb@fnal.gov
http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/Film/films_0809/film_descriptions_0809.html#Taare

Sept. 19
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE MUSICAL
Back by popular demand! To celebrate our 30th anniversary this fall, The
Riverfront Playhouse will produce an encore presentation of NIGHT OF THE
LIVING DEAD: THE MUSICAL. Adapted from the original screenplay by George
Romero and John Russo, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE MUSICAL takes the plot
and characters from the classic horror film and molds it to The Riverfront
Stage replete with 11 songs with lyrics by Jack Schultz and music by Jack
Schultz and Kathleen Dooley. Be prepared for a thoroughly entertaining
night of zombies, blood, dancing and singing! THIS SHOW SELLS OUT SO ORDER
YOUR TICKETS NOW!
11-13 Water Street Mall, Downtown Aurora 630-897-9496
Dress like a zombie and bring this newsletter in for a $5 discount on Friday night shows!

Sept. 20 – 21
BIG ROCK PLOWING MATCH FESTIVAL – 114th Year
Horse show, competitive field plowing, 4-H Beef Show, arts and crafts, ladies fair, junior fair, train rides, pedal tractor pull, round bale roll-off, concessions and more. Starts 8:30 a.m.
Plowman’s Park, 48W508 Hinckley Rd., Big Rock
(630) 556-3501
www.bigrockplowingmatch.com

Sept. 20-21
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Learn how the pioneers prepared themselves for winter. Taste early American foods and play old-fashioned games. Starts at 11 a.m.
Blackberry Farm
100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora
(630) 892-1550
www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

Sept. 20
FIESTA DE LUCES FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food, children’s games and rides.
Hours: 1 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Spring St. and Lincoln Ave. Aurora (630) 844-4386
www.aurora-il.org/specialevents

Sept. 20
Harvest Fest Vineyard Event
Event_Description=11am - 6pm - come out to the Faltz Family Vineyards in Sheridan and enjoy the end of summer! Live entertainment, wine tasting in the vines, riding vineyard tours, 1800s basbeball game by the Somonauk Blue Stockings and much more! Enjoy the beautiful 170 acre section of land on the Fox River as your family and friends have a great day.
2714 N. 4251st Road, Sheridan IL 60551
(630) 554-0404
www.foxvalleywinery.com

Sept. 20
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY
Peek into a wigwam and longhouse, ride on a pony or in a canoe and try shooting an arrow. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hoover Forest Preserve
11285 Fox Rd., Yorkville
(630) 553-4025 or (630) 551-4111

Sept. 20
Amazing Adventure Race Challenge
Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.—Run, bike, trek and canoe your way to the finish line as a three person team. But be prepared for mystery events that challenge you to work as a team. You don't have to be the best or the fastest to be successful in this real adventure challenge. This event takes place at Silver Springs State Park, 13608 Fox Road, Yorkville. Fee. For information contact 630.553.4357.

Sept. 21
RAKU POTTERY DAY
Raku Pottery is an ancient Japanese way of making teapots and cups. Visitors may glaze and decorate pottery and watch the firing process. Hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Blackberry Farm
100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora
(630) 892-1550
www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

Sept. 22
The Guild
The Guild is a monthly get-together for musicians, producers, promoters -
anyone involved in music at any level who's looking to connect with others
in the area who are on the same road. They share a drink and socialize, then
typically come together for a group conversation on a particular topic. At
this month's Guild meeting we'll be passing 'round the guitar and sharing
original music with one another.
Backthird Audio, 67 S. Stolp Ave. Aurora 630-897-9496

Sept. 25
FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS
The most talked-about craft show of the year. Come spend the day in quaint Sandwich for a taste of country.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(4 locations)
Sandwich Fairgrounds
1401 Suydam Rd., Sandwich
(815) 498-9688
Downtown Sandwich
(815) 786-2518
Indian Springs Shopping Center
E. Rt. 34, Sandwich
(630) 552-4401
Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion
515 N. Main St., Sandwich
(815) 786-8426

Sep 25
Illinois and Michigan Canal and Regional Historical Collection
Speaker: John Lamb, of Lewis University
John Lamb has made the study of the history of the Illinois and Michigan Canal his special interest for a very long time. Not only has he prepared numerous papers and presentations on the subject, he has been instrumental in establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Archives at Lewis University, appropriately in the heart of the Corridor. This archive, constantly growing, contains not only many of the official publications connected with the canal, including reports, surveys, hearings, engineering and economic studies, but also extensive material on the life of the canal and its adjacent communities. In addition, the collection includes numerous works on similar canals in the Middle West and elsewhere to place the Illinois and Michigan Canal in a suitable context.
Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third Street, Geneva
For more information email us at kcgsinfo@wideopenwest.com
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilkcgs/

Sept. 27
PHILLIPS PARK FALL FESTIVAL
Free activities and attractions including a petting zoo, hay rides, pony rides, a super slide, live entertainment, face painting and hands-on activities. Hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora
(630) 264-INFO
www.aurora-il.org

Sept. 27
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl
This nationally recognized dance troupe from Aurora is celebrating it's 25th Anniversary. Amazing choreography and authentic wardrobes, made in Mexico, make this ballet one of the best examples of Mexican tradition and art in the U.S. This show features the charming and talented Mexican award-winning singer Goyo Cruz.
$22.00 adult / $15.00 child
Paramount Theatre
23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60506
http://paramountarts.com/20080927folklorico.php