Slaughter makes Hoffman Estates proud

In case you missed it, last Saturday was "Chicago Slaughter Day" in Hoffman Estates, celebrating the football team's 58-48 triumph over the Ft. Wayne Freedom for the Continental Indoor Football League title.

Apparently the team, whose home is the Sears Centre, wanted to participate in the village's Fourth of July Parade this Saturday, but many of the players will have left the area and gone home. The guys need some rest after an undefeated season and probably want to spend the holiday with family. I have a feeling former Chicago Bear Steve McMichael, the Slaughter's coach, is still wiping the champagne from his eyes.

But for those still around, yes, Sister Hazel performs at 9:30 p.m. tonight at village's Independence Day festival on the grounds of village hall.

Get there early and get a good seat because - contrary to an earlier misprint (ours) - it's the band's one and only show at this event. If mid-Nineties alt-rock isn't your cup of tea, come out for the fireworks after sundown Saturday, July 4, or the parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, which celebrates the village's 50th anniversary.

During the parade, the celebrations commission will again take donations of nonperishable foods, paper products and money at their parade float. Donations will benefit local food pantries.

Have a happy Independence Day. It's a great holiday, despite the annoying Will Smith movie. Stay safe.