Wheeling Park District offers fun family fare
Fall is just around the corner, and the Wheeling Park District plans to keep the excitement going into the next season and beyond.
Family Pizza & Bingo Night is coming up from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at the Community Recreation Center. Round up the crew for an evening of bingo and pizza. Prizes for bingo winners add to the fun. All those attending must register by Sept. 9. The in-district fee is $5 per person; out-of-district is $7 per person. Spaces are limited.
• Give autumn a proper welcome at Fallapalooza from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Bring your family and friends to this free event at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion. Live music by Jennifer Fletcher & The Reckoning sets the tone for a myriad activities, including a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables and airbrush tattoos. Food and refreshments are available for purchase. Mario's Cart and Chicago Lunchbox food trucks are scheduled to attend. No registration is required.
• Those 55 and older are invited to take part in several trips and activities during the month. Head to the Joliet Casino and test your luck from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14. Play 10 games of bingo with prizes every round at the CRC from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22. Take in a day of shopping with friends and a break for lunch at the Aurora Outlet Mall from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30. All of these programs require advanced registration.
• Looking ahead, Oktoberfest is coming to Heritage Park from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. This annual event is all about food, beer, music and merriment. Enjoy German and domestic beers, bratwurst and live entertainment by Dan Mateja and IPA (International Polka Association) Tribute Band and 7th heaven. Admission is free; food and beer are available for purchase.
• Children ages 10 and younger are in for a bewitching time at Boonanza from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22. This spook-tacular event at the CRC is free and includes spooky storytelling, carnival games, balloonist and inflatables. Decorate a pumpkin to take home and create a craft, too.
• Sunday, Oct. 24, is the Day of the Dead Family 5K Run/Walk. Bring the whole family for a fun run around Heritage Park and the streets of Wheeling. The race starts at 8 a.m. and is followed by a Dia de los Muertos celebration featuring live music, food and family activities. All preregistered runners receive a commemorative short-sleeve T-shirt. Cost in advance is $15/adults; $10/kids 12 years and younger; day-of fee is $25/adults; $20/kids 12 younger. Register at: dayofthedead5k.run/
For a complete listing of special events and activities, visit www.wheelingparkdistrict.com.
The Heritage Park Performance Pavilion is at 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling, and the CRC is at 100 Community Blvd.