One-stop shopping for brides-to-be
The news release came with this note: "I know you aren't known for writing about brides, but -" and then came the pitch to mention the Geneva Wedding Walk event Sunday at the Geneva Commons.
I don't suspect I am known for writing about any one thing in particular, which is the beauty and freedom of this column.
But this qualifies as a "Talk of the Town" item, so let's take a look at this event that emphasizes one of mankind's great traditions - and a significant boost to businesses that benefit every time a couple gets hitched.
For $25, the bride and two friends will be able to talk to vendors with expertise in every aspect of planning a wedding. Twenty-five years ago, my wife handled a significant portion of planning our wedding, and she likely would have found it convenient for everyone to be in one place at one time.
Registration takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and participants will visit mall stores that are part of the walk before concluding in the event tent from 2 to 5 p.m. to visit vendors, receive gift bags and watch fashion shows. Geneva Bride, a group of Geneva-area wedding boutiques, sponsors the event.
Sounds like some ladies will be missing the football games on Sunday.
Wired for sound: The new state-of-the-art public address system at Geneva High School is a great addition to the atmosphere at Burgess Field and makes the voice of veteran announcer Kurt Wehrmeister even more booming.
The system was dedicated in honor of John McNeil, a senior from last year's state Class 7A second-place squad who died suddenly in February, only months after completing a stellar season.
Geneva fans are lamenting that only two more regular season home games remain this year. They will have to bank on some postseason action again at home. They're a pretty good bet to nab an extra home game or two in the state playoffs, as Geneva figures to be a high seed again.
Pioneer street signage: St. Charles is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, but I didn't expect to see a throwback to those early pioneer days out on Randall Road.
The road construction crews had to remove the Red Gate Road street signs at Randall Road during recent work, and the signs were temporarily replaced the old-fashioned way.
Pieces of wood, with "Red Gate" painted on in black paint, were posted on nearby poles. They looked like something out of the Old West - or maybe from St. Charles 175 years ago.
That's exploring: This group has some good places to go.
It's called the ECC Explorers in the Elgin Community College fall schedule booklet for noncredit courses, but it's actually not an organized group or club.
It's just a name for anyone who takes advantage of the trips being offered in the booklet through Getaway Travel.
And they've picked some great trips for potential ECC Explorers - the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October; Thanksgiving in New York City; and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena to celebrate the New Year.