News across Cook County
Making hay while the sun shines
Little Oliver Schroeder helps gather straw to stuff a scarecrow at the Harvest Festival at Eggleston Park. The weather was perfect; hundreds came to visit the food forest, demonstration garden and pumpkin patch at the park across from the Ecology Center. More than 50 took part in…
Evanston Fire Department to host annual open house on Oct. 3
The Evanston Fire Department will host its annual open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Fire Department Headquarters, 909 Lake St. This free, family-friendly event offers a behind-the-scenes look at fire and emergency services while providing fun, education and…
Prieto Center to host service dog awareness celebration on Sept. 30
The City of Evanston is hosting a service dog awareness celebration at Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave., on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The event will start at 4 p.m. and is free. Whether you are a local business owner, a curious pet lover or just want to be a more supportive…
‘If you have a bike, get on Ridge today’
Not a car was in sight as bikers, skateboarders, runners and walkers took over Ridge Avenue Sunday morning and early afternoon from Howard Street north to Church Street. Hundreds gathered for the 18th annual Bike the Ridge event. Rider Tadeo Carrillo was riding south on his way…
Squeezebox Books & Music to host free birthday bash for longtime Evanston author, filmmaker
Forty-three years ago, Paul McComas moved from Milwaukee to Evanston to pursue a master’s degree in film at Northwestern. Evanston has been home base for the multimedia artist ever since. As McComas turns 65, Tim Peterson’s Squeezebox Books & Music will host a free multimedia…
Harvest Fest and the Zombie Scramble promise fun and fright this fall
It’s officially fall, and Halloween decor is already popping up around Evanston. In the “spirit” of the season, the Evanston Ecology Center is stirring up its annual cauldron of autumn activities for kids and grownups alike. Harvest Fest The annual Harvest Festival will take…
New Ryan Field introduces Great Chicago Food Festival as part of food, drink menu
Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field on Wednesday introduced The Great Chicago Food Festival, a new Chicago food event led by the city’s culinary legends in residence. The festival opens before every event and runs through it, with access included in every ticket; fans pay…
The Ettin rolls into third year with more games, more players
What started with about 35 people gathered around tables at an Evanston American Legion post is getting a bigger playing field this year. The Ettin, an Evanston tabletop role-playing game convention, will return for its third year Sept. 25 and 26, moving to the Holiday Inn in…
Little Big Top: Midnight Circus returns to its roots at Tallmadge Park
It’s the Midnight Circus in the Parks. Sixteen performers — clowns, jugglers, acrobats and more — took their Little Big Top and their show to Tallmadge Park on Sept. 19 and 20. It was a return to the circus’s roots. It was at the neighboring Noyes Cultural Arts Center that the…
Walgreens offering free flu shots at Evanston Public Library on Oct. 3
On Saturday, Oct. 3, Walgreens pharmacists are administering free flu shots, with most insurance, at the Evanston Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the main library, located at 1703 Orrington Ave. Registration is required; call (847) 448-8630 to…
‘Bike the Ridge’ returns for a day of car-free cycling fun on Sept. 27
Community members of all ages are invited to join in on Sunday, Sept. 27, for the return of the city’s beloved annual event, “Bike the Ridge,” featuring cycling, community and fun. Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Ridge Avenue will become a car-free zone, closed to vehicular traffic,…
41st North Shore Century ride goes on despite ‘worst weather we’ve ever had’
The locally famous annual North Shore Century ride, sponsored by the Evanston Bike Club, is a rain or shine event. Regardless of the skies, the club starts setting up at 5 a.m. and is ready to check in cyclists starting at 6 a.m. on ride day. Sunday was the 41st North Shore…