Arlington Hts. celebrates Million Week

It's Million Week in Arlington Heights, and music will sound on the downtown streets Thursday, Friday and Saturday, culminating with the Mane Event, Aug. 12, and Taste of Arlington Heights Aug. 13.

Eighteen restaurants will sell food and drink both nights, and a few restaurants have added eating contests.

The International Festival of Racing, including the famous Arlington Million, takes place at Arlington Park Saturday, and the village that gives the track its name will celebrate downtown at Campbell Street and Vail Avenue every night. Visit discoverarlington.com/ for schedule details.#8220;The excitement has grown since last year's successful two-day event,#8221; said Jon Ridler, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.#8220;Both the Mane Event and the Taste of Arlington Heights will have more vendors participating than last year.#8221;The Sounds of Summer concert series continues 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, with Skip Towne The Greyhounds, which plays blues, swing and jazz. The band features guitarist Harry Reinhart, the father of Haley Reinhart, Wheeling's own star of #8220;American Idol.#8221;The Mane Event, a joint presentation by the village and the chamber, runs from 5-11 p.m. Friday. It will have a Business Expo, pony rides and children's games and entertainers, and food.The music starts with the Metropolis Rock Band at 6 p.m.; Heartless at 7 p.m.; followed by Libido Funk Circus at 9 p.m.The chamber sponsors the post-Million Taste of Arlington Heights from 5-11 p.m. Saturday. Eighteen restaurants will serve food, and the entertainment will be the bands Exit 147 at 6 p.m. and Dot, Dot, Dot at 8:30 p.m.Ttowa Korean Bistro, 161 W. Wing St., will host a dumpling eating contest, and The Riviera Restaurant, 5 W. Campbell St., will hold a hot dog eating contest. Contestants must register at the restaurants and pay an entry fee before Saturday.