From 'Twilight' convention to bags tournament, a lot to do this weekend

Posted October 01, 2009 11:00 pm

Matt Arado

Civil War re-enactors will show how things were done in the late 19th century as part of a weekend of Civil War-related events at the First Division Museum in Wheaton.

One of the benefits of living in a sprawling metropolitan area like ours is that there's plenty to do on any given weekend.

Take this weekend, for instance. The suburbs are hosting all kinds of events today through Sunday that appeal to just about every interest and age group. Here's a look at three that give a sense of the variety out there.

'Twilighters' assemble

As anticipation for the new "Twilight" movie builds, fans can get their vampire freak on at the first-ever Chicago-area stop of the Official "Twilight" Convention, which takes place in Rosemont today through Sunday.

For those of you who've been living in secluded caves for the past decade, the "Twilight" saga tells the story of a romance between Bella, a teenager living in the Pacific Northwest, and Edward Cullen, a mysterious, alluring youth who comes from a family of vampires. The saga first unfolded in a series of wildly popular books by author Stephenie Meyer. The novels are now getting the movie treatment; the second in the film series, "New Moon," opens in November.

Fans who attend the convention will get a chance to meet actors from the movies, participate in costume contests and listen to stage presentations from "Twilight" fan sites like twilightlexicon.com and twilightmoms.com.

The "Twilight" phenomenon is interesting because it has added girls to the usually male-dominated world of fan conventions, said Gary Berman, co-CEO of Creation Entertainment, the convention organizer.

"Frankly, I don't think the phenomenon has even reached its peak yet," Berman said. "We've been involved in fan conventions for 40 years, but this is really something special."

War games

For history buffs, a trip to the First Division Museum at Wheaton's Cantigny Park might be just the ticket this weekend.

The museum is hosting the 12th annual Civil War Symposium on Saturday. History teachers and a panel of experts from around the country will gather to discuss the Civil War in detail. The symposium is open to the public, but tickets are required.

Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, re-enactors will portray Civil War-era soldiers and civilians on the museum grounds. Visitors will be able to see a Civil War cannon fire and learn how a surgeon from the time went about his lifesaving work, among other things. These outdoor activities, which will include events for children and adults, are free.

Beanbag bash

Don't let the vulgar name fool you: The third annual Windy City Cornhole Classic is actually a wholesome event. Cornhole is the name of that popular backyard game in which participants toss small beanbags at a wood platform with a hole in it. (It's kind of a combination of horseshoes and Bozo Buckets.) On Saturday, more than a thousand Cornhole competitors and as many as 3,000 spectators are expected to assemble at Arlington Park International racetrack to see who's got the best Cornhole chops.

Players can test their talents in competitive or social divisions, but the day isn't just for the players. Spectators will have plenty to do, from meeting members of the Chicago Blaze hockey team to simply enjoying food, drink and a little Cornhole on an early fall afternoon. There will also be activities for the kids.

The event is organized by Palatine-based Adrenaline Sports Management. This is the first year it's being held in the suburbs.

"Three years in, the game doesn't seem to be losing any of its popularity," Event Director Jennifer Jaacks said. "We're so happy to be holding it at Arlington Park."

Beanbag-throwers will flock to Arlington Park on Saturday for the third annual Windy City Cornhole Classic.

"Twilight" fans crowd around members of the Hillywood Show, a group that has produced "Twilight" parody films online, during a recent fan convention. The Hillywood folks are scheduled to appear at this weekend's convention in Rosemont. Courtesy of the Hillywood Show

"New Moon," the second chapter in the "Twilight" movie series, hits theaters next month, but fans will be able to discuss the films and books at the official "Twilight" Convention in Rosemont.

Weekend events The Official Twilight Convention: Oct. 2-4 at the Westin O'Hare hotel, 6100 River Road, Rosemont. Tickets $20 for today and $25 for Saturday and Sunday. Panel discussions, costume competitions, celebrity appearances and more. Events begin at 11 a.m. today; visit <a href="http://twilightconvention.com" target="new">twilightconvention.com</a> for a full schedule. The Windy City Cornhole Classic: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Competitive Cornhole tournaments in a variety of divisions. Registration fees range from $25 to $150. Food and drink available for purchase. Free for spectators. Visit <a href="http://chicagocornholeclassic.com" target="new">chicagocornholeclassic.com</a>. Civil War Symposium: Symposium runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Tickets $40 for the general public. Civil War re-enactments run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4. Free. Visit <a href="http://firstdivisionmuseum.org" target="new">firstdivisionmuseum.org</a>.

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