The briefs
Libertyville farmers market set to open
Mainstreet Libertyville's Farmer's Market begins its 28th year Thursday with the traditional "cutting of the watermelon" ceremony hosted by Mayor Jeff Harger.
The market is held on Church Street between Milwaukee and Brainerd avenues from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 16.
More than 20 vendors from the Midwest offer the freshest bounty of the season: fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, kettle corn, jam, herbs, cheese, fresh mushrooms, cut flowers, animal treats and much more. New vendors include Tweety-Pie, with an assortment of sweet and savory pies, and Sosinski Produce, offering jams and jellies.
Gurnee's market is already open
The Gurnee Park District's Farmer's Market is open every Friday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Esper Petersen Park, located at Grand and Kilbourne Road. Stop by this new location for a great opportunity to enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season at great prices. The market offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and other delicious treats. There will be returning vendors as well as new vendors offering an abundance of choices. The market will be closed Friday, July 4. The Farmer's Market is co-sponsored by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.gurneeparkdistrict.com or call (847) 623-7788.
Outdoor concerts to begin at Cuneo
Enjoy the weather and music outdoors at the the Concert in the Cuneo Gardens, beginning June 25.
The outdoor lawn concert features "The Daddy-O's" on June 25. This live band plays the music and melodies of the 50s and 60s.
Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Food and beverages permitted.
The concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Entrance gates open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per car.
On July 9, the concert features Sam Magdal, while on Aug. 6, an Elton John/Billy Joel tribute band will perform.
Cuneo Museum and Gardens are located at 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. Call (847) 362-3042 or visit www.cuneomuseum.org.
Hike and tour Lake County on bus trip
A hiking tour and bus blitz that showcases the highlights of Lake County's natural landscape, led by geology and natural history professor Ron Riepe, will be held on July 19.
Participants will visit Thelen's Sand and Gravel Pit and then climb and picnic atop Gander Mountain, the highest peak in Lake County. The group will also travel across the Valparaiso Moraine, through the Des Plaines River Valley and into the heart of the state's biological hot spot, Illinois Beach State Park, with various hiking spots along the way.
The trip, sponsored by the Liberty Prairie Conservancy, will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is open to the public. Pre-registration is required.
The fee is $89 ($69 for Conservancy members) and includes lunch, snacks and transportation. Visit www.libertyprarie.org or call (847) 548-5989, ext. 33 to register.