Briefs: Learn to fish

The Learn to Fish program is today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Independence Grove forest preserve on Route 137 just east of Libertyville. Offered by the Lake County Forest Preserve District, the program is open to adults and families with children 8 and older. All equipment is provided, but participants can bring their own pole and tackle. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. The program will meet outside the visitor's center. All fishing is catch and release. Cost is $21 ($15 for county residents) per person. Register online at www.lcfpd.org or call (847) 968-3321.

Blood drive in Gurnee

The Gurnee Fire Department hosts a blood drive today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Station No. 2, 6581 Dada Drive. The department is one of several holding blood drives this summer. Future events are planned in Grayslake, Waukegan and Mundelein.

Downtown discussion set

The Mundelein village board will meet with the town's business development commission Monday to discuss ways to improve the downtown area. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Dover Straits restaurant, 890 E. Route 45, Mundelein. It's open to the public. Property acquisition, beautification, construction and other topics are on the agenda.

Bridge work

Reconstruction of Old Elm Road bridge over the East Skokie River, just west of Green Bay Road, begins Monday. Old Elm Road will be closed to traffic until the end of November. Traffic will be detoured onto Westleigh Road via Route 41 or Sheridan Road. Green Bay Road will remain open during the project. For updates, visit www.cityoflakeforest.com.

Art show is at Arlington

Arlington Park will host the Prairie State Art Festival showcasing 25 juried Illinois artisans today and Sunday. The artists will compete for $10,000 in prize money. Each artist will have one or more items with a special horse or horse racing theme on display. Standard general admission of $7 applies ($6 online) and includes a full day of racing plus a day of art and activities. The show will be held in conjunction with the 2008 Prairie State Festival of Racing, where Illinois-bred horses will vie for in excess of $600,000 in purses. More information is at www.arlingtonpark.com.