Sunday picks: All aboard the High Wheeler Train Show
High Wheeler Train Show
Model train fans can see more than 20 operating model railroads at the High Wheeler Train Show at the Harper College Sports Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Layouts include elaborate structures and model trains of all sizes — from tiny “Z” scale up to garden-size “G” scale. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors; $2 for kids ages 5-12; free for kids younger than 5. A coupon at highwheelertrainshow.com offers free admission for kids when accompanied by an adult. Show is a cash-only event. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4
Play time
The 2012 Chicagoland Kids Expo features a petting zoo, hands-on activities, stage shows, play areas and so much more this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $10; $5 kids ages 3-12. (847) 303-4100 or chicagokidsexpo.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4
Wowing wheels
The World of Wheels celebrates 50 years of showing off an amazing array of hot rod cars, bikes and more in the Chicago area this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Special events include Bigfoot the monster truck, live bands, and guest appearances by WWE superstar Rey Mysterio, Billy the Exterminator, Zendaya Coleman from “Shake It Up” and more. $18; $5 kids ages 6-12; free for kids 5 and younger. (847) 692-2222 or autorama.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 4
‘Animals Are Outside Today'
The Friends of Ryerson Woods present “Animals Are Outside Today,” a new photography exhibition by artist Colleen Plumb at Ryerson Woods, on Riverwoods Road, south of Route 22, Deerfield. In the solo show, Plumb explores the relationship between humans and animals, studying how animals are woven into the fabric of human culture. The opening reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. (847) 968-3321 or ryersonwoods.org. Exhibit runs through Sunday, April 29, in the historic Brushwood building. Opening reception with the artist runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 4
‘Great Day' band
Those peppy and talented musician friends who make up “The Fresh Beat Band” on Nick Jr. are set to play two Sunday concerts at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $20-$30. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4
The woman behind the Girl Scouts
Actress Peggy Rogers portrays Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912, at a program at the Wood Dale Public Library, 520 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. The presentation includes photos, historical costumes and Girl Scout artifacts. Refreshments and a bake sale follow. Free, but donations are welcome. The event is sponsored by Yesterday's Farm Museum. (630) 595-8777 or wooddalelibrary.org. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4
Music and dance
The Chicago Cossacks Russian Music and Dance Troupe present an afternoon program of Russian and Ukrainian folk music and dancing at the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Free. (847) 438-3433 or eapl.org. 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4
Beethoven bounty
Conductor Tania Miller leads the Elgin Symphony Orchestra with guest pianist Gabriela Martinez for an all-Beethoven concert this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $24-$70. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4
Orion Ensemble
The Orion Ensemble, an all-female chamber music group, presents its “Celebrating Women Composers” concert at the Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 East Side Drive, Geneva. $10-$26. Kids ages 12 and younger admitted free. (630) 628-9591 or orionensemble.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, March 4