Sunday picks: Take a spin in a soap box derby car
Soap Box Derby
Kids can stop by for a free test run in a soap box derby car at the All-American Soap Box Derby Indoor Race at the Charlestowne Mall, 3800 E. Main St., St. Charles. The event features racing for youngsters ages 7 to 17, who compete in official All-American Soap Box Derby cars. Free for spectators and kids taking test runs. Visit chicagosoapboxderby.org, or call race director Stan Iglehart at (630) 841-8832. Races run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. Free test runs offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Top dogs
From toy-sized poodles to giant schnauzers, see dog breeds great and small at the 2012 International Kennel Club Dog Show this weekend at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore, Chicago. $18. Free for kids ages 12 and younger with adult ticket purchase. (312) 791-7000 or ikcdogshow.com. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Link to the links
A mild winter probably means that golfers will be able to get out on the green sooner. Get a jump on the latest gear and more at the Chicago Golf Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $5 Friday; $10 Saturday or Sunday. $4 youth ages 12-15. Free for younger kids. (847) 692-2222 or chicagogolfshow.com. 9:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Rolling down the rails
The Lake County Model Railroad Club hosts its 40th Anniversary Early Spring Open House at 107 S. Main St., two blocks north of Route 176, Wauconda. Visitors can see the club's HO scale permanent operating model railroad, occupying more than 1,500 feet. Other events include a scavenger hunt for kids. Guests are asked to bring an item for donation to the Wauconda Food Pantry. Those donating an item will get a free raffle ticket toward a door prize. Admission is free. Visit lcmrr.org. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Winter hot
The Joffrey Ballet's mixed repertory program “Winter Fire” continues this weekend at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $25-$149. (800) 982-2787 or joffrey.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
‘Heroes and Hard Times'
Husband-and-wife folk duo Sparky and Rhonda Rucker present “Heroes and Hard Times: African-American History Through Song and Story” at the Lisle Public Library, 777 Front St., Lisle. The program looks at three centuries of African-American history, including slavery, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War and the civil rights movement through folk songs and stories. Free. (630) 971-1675 or lislelibrary.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Meet Jennifer Chiaverini
Jennifer Chiaverini, author of “The Wedding Quilt,” discusses and signs copies of her latest novel, “Sonoma Rose,” at the Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Chiaverini will also discuss and sign her other titles. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Free admission. Registration is required. (847) 244-5150 or wnpl.info. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Northbrook Symphony
The Northbrook Symphony presents its classical “Turkish Delights” concert at the Sheely Center for the Performing Arts at Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. $25-$45 for adults; $8 for children/students with an ID. Visit TheNSO.org. 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Herman hurrah
Naperville cabaret singer Joan Curto performs her Broadway revue, “No Tune Like a Show Tune: The Words and Music of Jerry Herman,” at North Central College's Madden Theatre, 161 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $27. (630) 637-7469 or tickets.noctrl.edu. 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26