Tri-Cities briefs
Farm chore fun
Children ages 8 to 11 can learn about life on an 1840s farm during a camp Tuesday through Thursday, July 21-23, at the Garfield Farm Museum, Route 38 and Garfield Road, in LaFox. The cost is $75. Children will feed farm animals, tour the buildings and learn chores such as butter-churning, corn-shelling, candlemaking, cutting hay, flailing wheat, spinning wool and scrubbing laundry, as well as games children of the era played. To register, call (630) 584-8485 or send e-mail to info@garfieldfarm.org.
Free concerts in Geneva
The Geneva Park District will offer a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 at Island Park, State Street and the Fox River. The band Members Only, which plays all '80s music, will be featured this week.
Bible school for kids
Batavia United Methodist Church invites children age four through entering sixth grade to a vacation Bible school, "Camp EDGE: Experience + Discover God Everywhere" from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, July 27 to 31, at the church, 8 N. Batavia Ave. The cost is $20. Each day will have an original theme. To sign up, call Deb Menger at (630) 879-7060 or visit bataviaumc.com.
Mercenary army talk
"Mercenaries In Our Midst" will be presented from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. It is sponsored by Clearwater, a group working for legislation that would restrict the operation of private armies, including the company formerly known as Blackwater, in Illinois. For more information, call (847) 742-1406.
Coloring contest
West Chicago children ages 12 and younger are invited to participate in the National Night Out Coloring Contest. National Night Out will be celebrated from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The event will include a flashlight walk, movie in the park, pool party and softball game. Coloring contest forms can be picked up at the West Chicago Police Department, 325 Spencer St.; West Chicago Park District, 157 W. Washington St.; or city hall, 475 Main St. The entry deadline is Monday, July 27. Winning pictures in three age categories will be displayed.