The briefs

Sign up today for school flea market

The parent group of Harriet Gifford Elementary School will host its second annual flea market from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the school, 240 S. Clifton Ave., Elgin. Space is still available.

They offer a 6-foot table and a 10-by-15 foot space to the first 30 families to reserve a spot. All other spaces will be 10-by-15 feet without a table. There will be electrical access to test items, as well as bathroom access for renters only.

There will be a food court with items such as hot dogs, chips, sodas, water, candy and popcorn.

If you cannot attend, but would like to donate items, contact the school at (847) 888-5195 and leave a message for Kim Kaldenberger or Kim Moraetes, co-presidents, no later than Wednesday, April 29.

All spaces hold a donation fee of $15 and proceeds benefit the students, upcoming events and activities. No vehicles will be allowed onto the field, so large items such as big furniture or appliances are discouraged. If at the end of the day you would like to leave any items rather than take them with you, they will have them picked up and donated.

Arrive early for set up. Vendors are responsible for their items and need to bring change.

DaVinci to host its benefit auction

DaVinci Academy will hold its benefit auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at The Q Center in St. Charles to raise funds to support the school's programs for intellectually gifted and talented students in grades prekindergarten through eighth grade.

Tickets are $75 and attendees enjoy a gourmet meal, raffle drawings, and live and silent auctions. This year's top-level raffle items are an iMac desktop computer and a 47-inch LCD TV with a Blu-ray player.

Raffle tickets can be purchased by the general public for $10 each; winners need not be present to win.

For details, e-mail auction@dvacademy.org or visit the auction page at www.dvacademy.org.

Algonquin festival needs volunteers

The Algonquin Founders' Days Festival Committee is looking for volunteers. If you are interested in helping out with the Fox Valley's longest, continuous running festival, call the Founders hotline at (847) 658-5340 and leave your name and number. Someone from the committee will call you back.

Areas where you can help out include: parade, bake-off, bike decorating, cardboard boat regatta, cat and dog show, carnival, children's games, Founders' Run, Little Mr. and Miss Pageant, market and bazaar, social garden, clean-up, information booth, security, gates, and more.

Elgin antiques moves to new spot

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin invites you to the ribbon-cutting and grand opening Friday, May 1, of Elgin Antiques & Uniques at its new location, 203 E. Chicago St. The ribbon cutting will be at 4 p.m. outdoors.

Between 4 and 8 p.m., owner Ray Maxwell will be offering punch and cake along with a 20-percent discount on all items in the store between those hours. Items in his store include a selection of Depression glass, light fixtures, kitchenalia, replacement knobs and handles, chair caning and rushing, furniture, and other specialty items.

Free parking for this event can be found across the street in the Spring Street parking deck. For details, call Ray at (847) 606-6284 or visit www.elginantiques80.com.

For details on the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin or to volunteer, contact the office at (847) 488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org.

Native plant sale is set for Sunday

The Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee will hold its annual native plant sale from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

More than 150 species will be available to plant your prairie, woodland or rain garden. Organic heirloom garden vegetables and herbs from W&M Landcorp Organic Nursery and native trees and shrubs from O'Hana Farms will be for sale, too.

Cash and check only; no credit cards. For details, call (815) 342-5146 or visit www.theWPPC.org.

Join in wildflower walk on Sunday

The Friends of Trout Park are hosting a wildflower walk at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Experienced guides will lead small groups through the woods and ravines pointing out plants and discussing the natural history of the area.

Once known as the Elgin Botanical Gardens, Trout Park has a rich and diverse array of plant life. Flowers such as bloodroot, marsh marigold and skunk cabbage can be viewed.

The walk is free and lasts 1-2 hours. Trout Park is off Route 25 on Trout Park Boulevard and Sherwood Avenue on Elgin's northeast side.