Kids can ring in the new year at Biaggi's
Biaggi's Italian restaurant will host a special New Year's Eve party just for kids.
But don't worry, the kids won't be bouncing off the walls way past their bedtime at this party. In fact, the most they'll miss is their nap.
The party begins at 10 a.m. on New Year's Eve at the restaurant, which is located along Randall Road in the Algonquin Commons mall.
"It's really designed for children that can't enjoy New Year's Eve because it's so late," said Biaggi's Managing Partner Scott Lager. "They don't usually get to celebrate and we want them to enjoy it too."
The event will feature a DJ, clown and face painters, as well as dancing and a food buffet.
"The food is all kid-related," Lager said.
As the clock nears noon, all of the kids will gather together to count down to 2008. The suspense will culminate with a New Year's Eve balloon drop, and shouts of joy as 2008 nears.
The only entrance fee for the event is a piece of warm winter clothing such as boots, hats, coats, mittens or gloves. All of the winter wear will be donated to the United Way of McHenry County, Lager said.
In addition, Biaggi's will be donating $500 in winter coats to the United Way as part of the event, he said.
The event started out as an event for members of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Kane County Chambers and their families and friends.
"We wanted to do something fun, and also something to benefit the United Way," Lager said.
However, you do not need to be a chamber member to attend.
Everyone is welcome, Lager said.
However, the event, now in its third year, has become so popular that it is now limited to 100 people and reservations are required.
For information call Biaggi's at (847) 658-5040.
Head elsewhere: If you're looking to watch Johnny Depp's new Movie Sweeny Todd, don't stop at Marcus Theaters along Randall in Elgin.
The entire Marcus Theater chain, not just the Elgin location, won't show the movie because of price disagreements over carrying the movie.
Bring the kids: If you are hoping to see a movie with the kids over Christmas vacation, remember that Kerasotes Theaters in Lake in the Hills offers matinee movie Tuesdays.
On that day, kids are welcome at the first showing of all movies, and you won't get stares from other patrons annoyed because they're making too much noise. They too will probably be there with their young kids.