Traveling Harry Potter exhibit to stop at Vernon Area Public Library
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There's something about Harry
The Vernon Area Public Library District hosts the traveling Harry Potter exhibit "Harry Potter's World: Renaissance, Science, Magic and Medicine," starting this weekend. The exhibit, developed and produced at the National Library of Medicine, explores Harry Potter's world of magic and its roots in Renaissance science. To launch the exhibit, the library is hosting a Harry Potter Kickoff Party and Look-A-Like Contest from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 21. A prize will be awarded for the best Harry Potter costume. Registration is required for the contest.
Exhibit runs Sunday, March 21, through Sunday, May 2, at the Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Old Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Exhibit, kickoff party and costume contest are free. (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Today
Gems, minerals and fossils
The Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois hosts its Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. The event features mineral and fossil dealers, demonstrations, book sales, a live and silent auction, museum exhibits and more. A special kids' corner features kid-related exhibits and a geode cracker.
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. Visit esconi.org. (630) 942-2800.
Rhythm in Round Lake
The nationally acclaimed tap dance ensemble M.A.D.D. Rhythms performs at the Round Lake Area Public Library.
2 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at the Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Road, Round Lake. Free admission. (847) 546-7060.
'The Visitor: A Passover Tale'
The National Marionette Company of Chicago presents "The Visitor: A Passover Tale" for all ages and faiths. Guests can meet the marionettes after the shows.
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at Congregation Beth Shalom, 772 W. 5th Ave., Naperville. Tickets cost $5 at the door. (630) 961-1818.
Orchids galore!
The Illinois Orchid Society presents its Cascades of Orchids Spring Show and Sale at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Orchid vendors from throughout the United States, and as far south as Ecuador and Colombia, vie for best of class ribbons in 22 different orchid classes. Vendors and orchid society members display rare species of cultivated hybrids, and vendors sell orchids - including exotic species and hybrids not readily available in the retail market.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday March 21, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Admission to the garden is free. Select event fees apply. Parking costs $20. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org.
Celebrate syrup
The annual Sugar Bush Fair celebrates just about everything about maple syrup. Highlights include demonstrations, activities, historic re-enactments and a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup.
9 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 21, at Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Free general admission, but a $4-$5 fee is required for breakfast. (847) 985-2100 or parkfun.com.
This week
Golden art
The new "Golden Legacy: Original Art From 65 Years of Golden Books" exhibit features 60 original illustrations from one of American publishing's most significant picture book series, Little Golden Books. See illustrations from popular stories such as "The Poky Little Puppy," "I Can Fly," "The Color Kittens" and "Tawny Scrawny Lion." Interactive environments featuring characters from the books also will be featured.
Runs 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 and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $2.50-$6. (847) 968-3400 or lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
Jake Johannsen
Comedian Jake Johannsen headlines at Zanies comedy club in Vernon Hills.
7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Zanies, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, Vernon Hills. $25 plus a two-item food/beverage minimum. (847) 549-6030 or zanies.com.
A few more days to see Frida
The "Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray" exhibition runs through Sunday, March 28, at Aurora University. See 46 photographs taken of Frida Kahlo, one of the most influential Mexican painters of the mid-20th century. The photographs, taken by Nickolas Muray, date from 1937 to 1941 and focus on Kahlo's deep interest in her Mexican heritage.
Runs through Sunday, March 28, in the Schingoethe Art Gallery at Aurora University, 1400 Marseillaise Place in Dunham Hall, Aurora. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Free and open to the public. (630) 844-7843 or aurora.edu/artsandideas.