Cheap stuff to do: Robot show, fishing contest
Free
Catch and release
Youth, ages 15 and older, can grab their fishing poles for the Fish for Fun catch-and-release fishing derby. Awards are presented for the largest catch. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. All participants receive a bag of goodies.
Facts: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Walton Island, on the Fox River, south of Kimball, Elgin. Free. Visit downtownelgin.com.
A robot who can do dishes?
Get an up-close view of all the latest technology in the world of robots at The International Robots, Vision and Motion Control Show. See the Partner Robot that has a "personality" programmed into it, and the ReadyBot mobile service robot that can help at home with dishes and food preparation.
Facts: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 9; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 10; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Admission is free to those ages 18 and older who register online by Monday, June 8. No one under age 18 will be admitted to the show. Call (773) 994-6088 or visit robots-vision-show.info.
Time for fun at Timmy's
Families are invited to LYDIA's Family Day with musical entertainment, food and kids' activities at Timmy's Sandwiches & Ice Cream shop in Long Grove. Other highlights include an inflatable play area and face painting. The event is hosted by the LYDIA Home Association that offers care for children when their families are unable to care for them. Guests are invited to learn more about LYDIA services, that include everything from counseling to foster care.
Facts: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Timmy's Sandwiches & Ice Cream at 132 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Free admission. There is a charge for food. (847) 883-8930.
$10 and under
Three Blind Mice Dollhouse and Miniature Show
Stock up on tiny items for dollhouses - vendors will display everything from leather dollhouse furniture to porcelain items, tiny dishes and miniature fruits and vegetables.
Facts: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 5; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Crowne Plaza, 1250 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn. Admission is $2-$5. Kids under age 5 are free. Visit 3blindmiceshow.com.
Flea market at the fairgrounds
Hundreds of dealers offer antiques and collectibles both indoors and outdoors at the Kane County Flea Market. Browse through tables of everything from antique jewelry to comic books and vintage clothing.
Facts: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $5 admission; free for ages 12 and younger. Free parking. (630) 377-2252 or kanecountyfleamarket.com.
Cars and more cars
Fans of cars both older and new can visit Skip's Fiesta Drive-in Reunion Car Show. Trade parts at the collectible and high performance car/truck parts swap meet, plus view collectible cars at the car sale.
Facts: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 Peterson Road, Grayslake. Admission is $2-$7. (630) 340-4744 or visit skipusa.com.