Smash Mouth to headline Palatine Street Fest in August

Details of the 2008 Downtown Palatine Street Fest are coming together, and the village has scored a well-known act.

Smash Mouth, the music group behind hits like "All Star," "Walkin' on the Sun" and "Can't Get Enough of You, Baby" will headline the three-day block party Aug. 22-24.

In addition to Smash Mouth, which is scheduled for the 10 p.m. Friday slot, the village booked Wedding Banned, Mike & Joe and local boys Murley Shertz.

The Downtown Palatine Street Fest has grown from 20,000 attendees in 2000 to more than 45,000 people last year.

It will be held in the area bound by the Metra tracks, Palatine Road and Smith and Bothwell streets. Hours have been set for 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Local restaurants will provide an extensive menu. Activities will include the Palatine Park District's 5th annual Feet Fest 3K Family Fun Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 24. Registration is required.

For updates and more information, go to palatine.il.us/streetfest.

Countdown to Relay For Life: The Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Inverness Relay For Life will take place 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 13-14 at Palatine High School.

At last glance, 58 teams made up of 504 participants had raised nearly $40,000.

Relay For Life is a powerful event that celebrates cancer survivors and honors the memory of those who have lost their battle. Teams of 8 to 15 people take turns walking around the track -- all the while eating, listening to music, playing games and sharing stories.

The highlight is a 10 p.m. ceremony in which hundreds of personalized luminaria line the track and bleachers.

Proceeds go toward education, advocacy, research and local patient services.

Team registration is $25. The next team captain meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. June 5 at Palatine village hall. To register, go to relayforlifeprmi.com

Furry friends in good hands: Palatine Animal Hospital was recently honored by the American Animal Hospital Association for its 50-year "commitment to excellence in small animal care." The veterinary hospital was one of nine nationwide to receive the recognition.

Palatine's palm tree oasis: Members of the Midtown Athletic Club in Palatine will get a taste of the tropics once the outdoor pool opens.

As part of the club's multimillion-dollar renovation, actual palm trees will be used to surround the new Olympic-sized pool and zero-depth kiddie pool. They're expected to grow at least 10 feet in height. The deck will also feature a café and an underwater sound system.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Monday at the club, at 1760 N. Hicks Road. (847) 991-4646.