Palatine farmers market to get early start May 10
The potted arrangements, hanging baskets and bedding plants and herbs that make popular gifts for Mom come May are available early this year, at least in Palatine.
The village will debut its farmers market on May 10, nearly a month ahead of schedule. The annual summertime event runs 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Palatine train station, at Wood and Smith streets.
Most produce isn't "in season" just yet, so the initial selection will be limited to young asparagus, spring rhubarb, early lettuce, greens and greenhouse tomatoes.
There also will be an array of plants, spices, teas, pottery, pickles, pet treats, baked goods and buffalo meat, according to Marg Duer, manager of the farmers market.
Memorial Day parade: Details have been set for this year's Memorial Day parade in Palatine.
Festivities will kick off at 9:45 a.m. May 26 at Hillside Cemetery on Smith Street, where the American Legion Post 690 will place a wreath. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Cornell Avenue and Eric Drive.
Legion color guards and the Fremd High School marching band will perform along the route, which continues north on Smith, east on Robertson, south on Brockway and east on Wood to the Veterans Memorial in Community Park.
At the end of the parade, elected officials will speak and there will be a rifle salute. Finally, at 12:15 p.m., a brief ceremony will take place in Town Square, 150 W. Palatine Road.
Heavy metal: If Micro Machine-sized toys just aren't cutting it with your kids anymore, check out a free Palatine Park District event that lets them play with the real deal.
Vehicles, including a police car, fire truck, school bus, tow truck, crane and cement mixer, will be on display from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 at the Palatine Family Aquatic Center parking lot, 250 E. Wood St. The best part? Kids will get to sit in the driver's seat. For details call (847) 991-0333.
Prime time for night skies: Stargazers interested in galaxies far, far away will want to head to Harper College Saturday night.
From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Karl G. Henize Observatory on Harper's main campus will be open to check out the sights.
Budding astronomers will have access to the main telescope in the dome or others set out by observatory staff and astronomy club volunteers. Given the right conditions, spotting Saturn, Mars and the astrological signs of Leo, Gemini and Cancer may be possible, said observatory coordinator Percy Mui. Other galaxies may also be seen.
Future viewings are scheduled for alternating weekends now through November: Saturdays in the spring and fall, Fridays in the summer. Call (847) 925-6990 or go to geocities.com/harperastronomyclub.
So long, furry friends: After 30 years, veterinarian Linda Vukovich has closed the Birchwood Animal Clinic, a small, one-room practice on Northwest Highway. She was known for her dedication to every animal. Best to luck to Vukovich in the future.