Cheap stuff: Golden Books art, all things syrup, model railroad show
$10 and under Pure goldThe Lake County Discovery Museum opens its newest exhibit, "Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books," on Saturday, March 20. See 60 original illustrations from one of American publishing's best-loved picture book series, Little Golden Books. The exhibit includes artwork from popular stories such as "The Poky Little Puppy," "I Can Fly" and "Tawny Scrawny Lion." Runs Saturday, March 20, through Sunday, Aug. 22, at the Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Drive, Wauconda. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. $2.50-$6. (847) 968-3400 or lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.Celebrating syrupThe Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm's annual Sugar Bush Fair celebrates maple syrup. Highlights include demonstrations, activities, historic re-enactments and a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup.9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21, at the Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Free general admission, but a $4-$5 fee is required for breakfast. (847) 985-2100 or parkfun.com.'The Visitor: A Passover Tale'Guests of all ages and faiths are invited to see The National Marionette Company of Chicago's presentation of "The Visitor: A Passover Tale" at Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville. Audience members can "meet" the marionettes after the show.11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at Congregation Beth Shalom, 772 W. 5th Ave., Naperville. Event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 at the door. (630) 961-1818.Sign up for ScrabbleThe Read Between the Lynes bookstore hosts its Third Annual Amateur Scrabble Tournament for all ages. The all-day tournament begins at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 21. Competitors go head-to-head to try and out-spell and outscore one another. There will be an adults division and a kids' division for players ages 13 and under.9 a.m. Sunday, March 21, at Read Between the Lynes, 129 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Entry fee is $10 per person. The deadline to register is 7 p.m. on Friday, March 19. (815) 206-5967.Free Watercolors on displayThe work of Palatine artist Richard Helland is now being featured in the "Watercolor - Bright and Bold" art exhibit at the Barrington Area Library. Helland's watercolors feature scenes from Italy, France, Mexico, Alaska and Door County, Wis. The exhibit is on display through Saturday, March 27, during regular library hoursHours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. Free. (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.com.Gems, minerals and fossilsThe Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois presents its Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show, featuring mineral and fossil dealers, demonstrations, book sales, live and silent auctions and museum exhibits. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 20; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 21, in the commons room of Building K at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Free admission and parking. (630) 942-2800 or esconi.org.Keep on chuggingThe Lake County Model Railroad Club hosts its Spring Open House. See the club's permanent HO operating model railroad in a 30-by-60-foot room, occupying more than 1,500 square feet. Although the layout is 35 years old, the club uses the latest digital technology to operate and simulate real railroad activity. Guests who bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Wauconda Food Pantry will receive a raffle ticket for a door prize.Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21, in the rear entrance of the Honey Hill Coffee Co., 107 S. Main St., Wauconda. Admission is free. For all ages. (847) 487-8484 or lcmrr.org.False1016763See miniature trains chugging down the track at The Lake County Model Railroad Club's spring open house.Courtesy of The Lake County Model Railroad ClubFalse