Lake County briefs
Heron Creek playground open:
A new playground has opened at Heron Creek Forest Preserve near Long Grove. The play area provides a series of tunnels, slides, ladders, bridges, decks and swings for children to climb and explore. The playground has separate areas, for children aged 2 to 5, and for children aged 5 to 12. Much of the playground is ramped for handicapped accessibility. There is also a sand pit and lookout stations with views into the woods. New trails, picnic shelters and other public access improvements opened last fall at Heron Creek, which can be accessed on Old McHenry Road, south of Route 22.
Woofstock at Lambs Farm:
Saturday is dedicated to mans best friend at Woofstock, a free event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lambs Farm. In addition to the world's largest dog biscuit, the event features a variety of vendors with specialty food items, toys, clothing, demonstrations, arts, crafts, a pet parade, a canine fashion show and games for applicants and their pets. Visit www.lambsfarm.org or contact Claudia at (847) 990-3750 or crs@lambsfarm.org.
Softball skills clinic:
The Libertyville Girls Softball Association (LGSA) is sponsoring a softball skills development clinic for league members from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Nicholas-Dowden Park, 601 Dymond Road, Libertyville for its league members. Mascots from the 2008 World Champion Chicago Bandits will be on hand and there will be music and refreshments. The clinic features fielding, pitching, and hitting skill stations and will be followed by the annual coaches game. Contact Kevin at (847) 347-4634 or at moonpup@sbcglobal.net.
Learn to fly fish:
Learn the sport of fly fishing at a workshop from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Route 137 east of Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville. The beginner-level workshop will teach novices the equipment, techniques, skills, fish and flies needed for a first outing. All equipment is provided, but participants can bring their own pole and
tackle. Illinois fishing licenses are required. The program is open to ages 16 and up. Cost is $25 and $35 for nonresidents. Register online at www.LCFPD.org via the "upcoming events" listing or call (847) 968-3321.
Vernon Hills pageant:
The 2009 Miss Vernon Hills Pageant will be held at Vernon Hills High School at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Residents are invited to attend this event to show encouragement to all the participants. There are currently 12 Little Miss participants, eight Junior Miss participants and four Miss participants. Vernon Hills High School is at 145 Lakeview Parkway.