Briefs: Festival in Aurora

The Fox Valley Park District will host a family festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail in Aurora. The festival will include football-throwing contests, carnival games and an inflatable climbing wall. The toddler crowd can participate in a diaper derby and Big Wheel races, among other events. Admission is $5 per person. The admission includes access to all activities. For more information on the VACyard Bash, call (630) 907-9600.

ECC student group lauded

Elgin Community College's Organization of Latin American Students recently won the Lideres Summit Award for Achievement at the National Council of La Raza conference in San Diego. The award is given each year to the group that has made a significant impact on its campus. This is the third year the group has won the award.

Charity car show

The second annual Charity Car and Motorcycle Show sponsored by Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez is planned for noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at the sheriff's office, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles. Registration in 12 vehicle categories starts at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $10 with proceeds benefiting Disabled American Veterans. Call (630) 761-8093.

History of Batavia biz

Learn about the history of commerce in Batavia over the past 175 years at a discussion at 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Besides windmill factories and rock quarries, participants will talk about stores, service industries and other manufacturers of the past. Co-sponsored by the Batavia Depot Museum, the Batavia Historical Society and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Vendors sought for Celetastity

The Fox Valley Park District and the Greater Aurora Area Chamber of Commerce are accepting applications from food vendors for Celetastity, which is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 30 at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road in Aurora. The event features entertainment and activities for all ages. Applications are available at www.celetastity.com, www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org, www.aurorachamber.com or by calling (630) 897-0516.

Cruise nights in Batavia

The Batavia Jaycees will have its Cars Under the Stars events from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday Aug. 22 and Sept. 5 on the Riverwalk on Houston Street. Each night will have prizes and music. All vehicles are welcome. For more information, visit www.bataviajaycees.org.

Nature programs for kids

Children ages 3 to 6 can explore nature in the Kane County Forest Preserve's Near to Nature programs this summer. Children and their parents will explore natural areas, go on hikes and play games. The cost is $5 for each session. The dates offered are: Aug 26 at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin; Aug. 27 at Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, 35W076 Villa Maria Road, St. Charles; and Aug. 28 at the Les Arends Forest Preserve, 2S731 Route 31 in Batavia. All programs are from 10 to 11 a.m. To register, call (847) 741-8350.

Crafters needed

The Batavia Mothers Club is looking for crafters to display and sell work at its 23rd annual Autumn Arts and Crafts Show. The show will feature paintings, drawings, pottery, glass, accessories, dolls and other items. Applications for the 150 booths are available at www.bataviamothersclub.org and will be taken until Monday. The show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Mooseheart field house. For more information, call (630) 748-1501 or e-mail bmccrafteraps@yahoo.com.

Foster announces office hours

Congressman Bill Foster announced open office hours for constituents to come and speak to him about any topic they choose at various points in the next three weeks. Residents of the 14th Congressional District can come to Foster's Batavia office on the following dates: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday; 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 3. The district office is located at 27 N. River St. in Batavia.