Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation notes

Special news

Halloween decorating contest winners: The village of Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department would like to thank the 19 families that participated in this year's Halloween Decorating Contest held on Oct. 25. All 19 homes had fantastic displays, but there were two that really grabbed the judges.

The Bashonski family of 102 Acorn Lane won the "Cheeriest House" category and the "Scariest House" prize was claimed by the Walters family of 15 Linden St. Congratulations to this year's winners and thanks to all who participated.

Sixth annual Festival of Trees: Would you like to help the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department turn the Village Hall into a winter wonderland on Dec. 1?

We are seeking local businesses to sponsor a tree for $75. Businesses can decorate their own tree or allow a not-for-profit organization to decorate the tree instead.

All trees will be on display throughout December. Residents and spectators at the Santa Ride-In will "vote" for their favorite tree through donations of nonperishable food items. All donated food items will go directly to the Lake in the Hills/Algonquin Food Pantry.

The tree receiving the most "votes" (donated food) wins. For more information regarding sponsoring or decorating a tree, call the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department at (847) 960-7460.

For youth

Rock soup: Bring your favorite vegetable and fruit (fresh or canned), a bowl, spoon and paring knife to this unique cooking class.

We will make Rock Soup, fruit salad and homemade biscuits for supper. Rock Soup is a tradition based on the book titled "Stone Soup," a story we will all enjoy while we wait for the soup to simmer. Dinner is served from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday in the village hall kitchen. Program is for ages 3 and older with an adult. Fee is $5 for residents and $6 for nonresidents.

Every kid loves a party: The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department invites you to join Ms. Deena on Friday for a dinosaur party you'll really dig with a related easy-to-make craft, music and a story. Bring your imagination and be ready for some messy fun. Limited class sizes, so register early. Kids of all ages are welcome; adult participation is required. Bring a small snack to enjoy at our picnic in the village hall classroom either from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Resident rate is $10 per parent/child and $7 each additional child. Non-resident rate is $12 per parent/child and $8 each additional child.

Tater Tot playdates: Rain, rain, go away or we'll just stay inside to play.

Join the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department to connect with other moms, dads and caregivers while your little ones make friends and have fun playing. Gym mats and limited toys will be available. Feel free to bring your child's favorite toy.

The upcoming playtimes are from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 15 and 29 in the Multipurpose room for kids up to 5 years old. Fee is $2 per child for both residents and nonresidents.

Sky High Science-Mad Science: Like to build things? Join the Parks & Recreation Department of Lake in the Hills from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 to discover the strengths of triangles, cylinders and arches in structures of all sorts. We'll test different structures for stability. Take the Roman Arch Challenge and works as a team to build a super bridge. Class will be held in the village hall multipurpose room. Fee for residents is $30, and non-residents is $30.

Preschoolers … On the Bus We Go: Parents, grab your kids and hop on the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department's minibus for our next family field trip. Become part of the most exhilarating celebration of the year with the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus on Nov. 16. Witness Bello tempt fate atop the Wheel of Steel and balance on a seven-story high sway pole. See exotic animals, including Asian elephants, and royal bengal and white tigers. Gasp at jaw-dropping stunts, high-wire high jinx, adrenaline-pounding trapeze acts and more We will leave for the United Center from the village hall at 8:45 a.m. sharp and return at approximately 1:30 p.m. Resident fee is $7, nonresident fee is $9. Fee covers transportation only. Circus tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or by phone at (312) 559-1212.

For adults

Football Widows Club: Ladies, this is one time you'll gladly relinquish the remote. Let your significant other, disguised as a couch potato, hang out at home watching the game while you and your friends have a Girls' Day Out.

The Parks & Recreation Department of Lake in the Hills has fueled up the bus for a day of serious holiday shopping in Gurnee Mills. The bus leaves at 9 a.m. sharp on Nov. 18 from the village hall, 600 Harvest Gate. The group will return around 5 p.m. Resident rate is $7, non-resident rate is $9. Fee includes transportation only.

For seniors

Senior afternoon variety: Attention area seniors --the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department will be meeting once a month for various activities and entertainment.

Join the group from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 9 for a trip to the Algonquin Library. As space is limited to 14 participants, register early to guarantee your seat on the bus. Resident fee is $2, and nonresidents pay $3.

For registration and information, call (847) 960-7460.