Weekend picks: Take mom for a ride today
Flowers for Mom
The Midwest Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents a display and sale of more than 150 rhododendron and azalea varieties in the Fairchild Room, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Admission to the botanic garden is free. Parking is $20 per car. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8
Free ride
On Mother's Day, mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and stepmoms ride trolleys free with a paid child's fare at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. La Fox St. (Route 31), South Elgin. Moms ride free. Fares for other riders are $3.50 for adults; $2 seniors and children ages 3-11. Kids younger than 3 ride free. (847) 697-4676 or foxtrolley.org. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 8
Full gallop
Arlington Park's grand opening weekend includes a special Mother's Day promotion Sunday (the first 5,000 women through the gate get a free rose). Arlington Park is at 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. $10 admission. (847) 385-7410 or arlingtonpark.com. 11:15 a.m. Sunday, May 8, for Mother's Day
Big top fun
The Piccadilly Circus shares its 25th anniversary celebrations locally with elephant acts, motorcycle daredevils, a contingent of clowns and more for eight performances this weekend at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $32-$44; $13-$23 kids $10 parking. (888) 732-7784 or searscentre.com. 1 and 3:30 and 6 p.m. Sunday, May 8
Feeling bookish?
Author Matthew Algeo reads from his new book, “The President is a Sick Man: Wherein the Supposedly Virtuous Grover Cleveland Survives a Secret Surgery at Sea and Vilifies the Courageous Newspaperman Who Dared Expose The Truth.” Algeo will also be signing copies of his book at the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The event is free with paid $12-$22 general museum admission. (312) 642-6502 or imss.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8
‘Conductor Highlights'
The Fox Valley Concert Band concludes its 2010-11 season with a “Conductor Highlights” concert at Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Free admission with open seating. (847) 695-7096 or fvcb.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, May 8
America's Sister
If you love comedian Loni Love from her appearances on “Chelsea Lately” and her Comedy Central special “America's Sister,” then don't miss her weekend engagement at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $20. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, May 8