Tri-cities news digest

Free travel show at Arcada:

The St. Charles travel agency Wilson Travel & Cruise will celebrate its 45th anniversary Saturday with a free travel show and movie at the Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main St. The event begins at 2 p.m. with presentations from tour and cruise companies, prizes and snacks. At 4 p.m., visitors can watch a movie on the Arcada's big screen. Wilson Travel & Cruise, 203 E. Illinois Ave., was founded as Wilson World Travel by Fred and Betty Wilson. Since 1986, it has been owned and operated by Janet Foster, who changed its name in 1995. Call (630) 377-3700 for more information.

Preschool fair in Batavia

The Batavia Public Library will host a preschool fair from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Parents can talk to school staff members from multiple preschools in the Batavia and Geneva areas. No registration is required. The library is located at 10 S. Batavia Avenue.

Start your own business

Individuals interested in starting their own business are invited to discover what free and low-cost services are available at a free "Starting Your Business in Illinois" workshop from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at ECC's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The event is hosted by Elgin Community College, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Participants will learn the importance of creating feasibility studies and business plans, and other essential first steps in starting a new business. Registration deadline is Jan. 22. Call (847) 214-7488.

St. Pat's parade planned:

The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown St. Charles is scheduled for 2 p.m. March 8. Parade entries will be accepted until Feb. 15. Ninety spots are available. Volunteers also are needed. This year's parade is sponsored by McNally's Traditional Irish Pub, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, the city of St. Charles and the Jaycees. Forms are available at www.stcharleschamber.com. Call (630) 584-8384 for more information.

Free computer classes:

The Salvation Army in St. Charles will offer free computer classes for seniors and unemployed, underemployed or low-income residents. The Salvation Army is at 1710 S. Seventh Ave. Call (630) 377-2769, ext. 210.