Dedicated to all things LEGO, Brickworld 2009 returns to the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling with a new title - largest LEGO public event in North America.

Brickworld 2009 - which has private events today and Friday and is open to the public Saturday and Sunday - has more than 500 exhibitors participating in the largest exposition of LEGO-related creations ever assembled and open to public participation.

Thursday and Friday have featured seminars on robotics, trains, architecture and art mediums involving the LEGO brick, dedicated exhibit time and on-site build competitions for registered attendees.

"Brickworld presents the opportunity for children and adults to engage their imaginations and interact with other participants and their creations," said Bryan Bonahoom, Brickworld executive director.

Brickworld will open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 21.

Visitors have more than four ballrooms of expo space to explore and meet more than 500 registered attendees, they can participate in interactive building activities and meet "Buddy" a larger than life LEGO Minifigure.

"Brickworld was created with the attendee in mind,"said Adam Reed Tucker, a Northbrook resident and founder of Brickworld. "The goal is to continue to bring Brickworld back year after year, each time with something new."

Visit www.brickworld.us for details. Public admission is $7 children and seniors; $10 for adults. The Westin Chicago North Shore is at 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.