Cheap stuff: Pet tales, Vernon Hills fest, Civil War reenactment
Free
Those wild and wacky pets!
Learn about some strange pets who have lived in the White House in the Pets: Weird, Wacky or Wild program. Margaret Selakovich of the Geneva History Center will discuss the book "Wackiest White House Pets," along with some stories of pets from Geneva. Veterinarians Dr. Rebecca Campbell and Dr. Julie Kroll from St. Charles will be on hand to discuss the care and feeding of pets. Guests can also make a wacky pet craft. The program is designed for families with children in grades three and older.
Facts: 7 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St., Geneva. Free admission. No registration is required. (630) 232-4951.
Vernon Hills celebrates the season
The annual Vernon Hills Summer Celebration features a carnival, live music, a beer garden and children's activities.
Facts: Runs 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 16; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 17; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 18; and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 19, in Century Park, one-half mile north of Milwaukee Road on Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Free general admission. (847) 367-3700 or vernonhills.org.
Food and fireworks in Glendale Heights
Glendale Heights Fest features musical entertainment, a carnival, craft show, food and fireworks. Musical performers includes Raine Nation and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Bopology, Infinity and 7th Heaven.
Facts: Runs 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 10; 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 11, and 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday, July 12, in Camera Park, Bloomingdale Road and Fullerton Avenue, Glendale Heights. Free admission. There is a fee for carnival rides. Visit glendaleheights.org.
Meet me at the fair
Return to the days of the old county fair at the Heritage Fair. Hear the tunes of a barbershop quartet, and watch a magician and puppeteers. Who will win the pie-baking contest? Stop by to see the winning baker. Browse through old books at the used book sale. Other events include an antiques auction, a cake walk and a quilt display.
Facts: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Free admission. (815) 923-2267 or visit mchsonline.org.
On your mark, get set ...
Watch as Dachshunds get competitive and pick up speed in Wiener Dog Races at Unity Fest 2009. Other events include pony rides, games, raffles, bingo for adults, pet rescue organization displays, puppy parades, fresh root beer, plenty of food and more.
Facts: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Drake Field, on Hastings Street, east of Route 25, Elgin. General admission is free. Those entering their dogs in races pay $2 per racer. Sponsored by the Midwest Dachshund Rescue organization. (847) 742-0980 or visit mwdr.org.
$10 and under
A war in Wauconda
Step back in time this weekend to the days of the North and South at Civil War Days. Watch as famous Civil War battles are fought once again. Take a camp tour to see how the soldiers lived between battles. Stroll the grounds and look for re-enactors portraying President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Lincoln and other Civil War figures. Food is available for purchase.
Facts: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Lakewood Forest Preserve, on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road, Wauconda. $8 for adults; $4 for ages 4 to 17. Visit lcfpd.org/civilwar.
'The King and I'
Summer Musical Theatre presents "The King and I," Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic 1951 musical about a 19th century British governess who develops a sometimes tenuous relationship with the king of Siam.
Facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11; 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $10-$15. (630) 637-7469.
Dance the night away
Join the Chicago Dance Club for an evening of dancing music - with songs from the 1950s to present.
Facts: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the American Legion Hall, 9757 W. Pacific, Franklin Park. Members are $5. Nonmembers are $10. Call hotline for information. (847) 622-4466.
Naperville Big Band
The Naperville Big Band headlines with a free concert at Cantigny Park.
Facts: 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Cantigny Park and First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission with regular paid $2-$5 parking fee. (630) 668-5161 or cantignypark.com.