Briefs: Pets on parade
The Swedish Days Pet Parade in Geneva returns this year and will feature guest performer Tony Aguirre and his Sky Dogz. These dogs perform acrobatic leaps while retrieving Frisbees and participating in races. This year's parade categories are: dogs and pals, pets and pals, petless pals (stuffed animals), pals on wheels and best dressed ensemble. Bring your own pet (on a leash or in a cage) to the Wheeler Park pavilion (in the northern part of the park) on North First Street on Saturday at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $5. Each category will parade before judges. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in each of the divisions. For more information, call the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at (630) 232-6060 or visit www.genevachamber.com.
Kids can learn architecture
The Geneva History Center is offering an architectural walking tour for children in fourth and higher grade levels at 10 a.m. June 25. The cost is $4. The center is at 113 S. Third St., Geneva. Visit www.genevahistorycenter.org. To register, call (630) 232-4951.
New craft shop to open:
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. July 1 celebrates the opening of My Eclectic Mess at 930 W. Main St., St. Charles. The craft and sewing business is owned by local resident Beth Oberle. For more information, call Oberle at (630) 443-4770 or go to www.myeclecticmess.com.
Pool DJ Nights are back
DJ Nights at Pottawatomie Pool in St. Charles returns for the season July 8. The family program takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday in July, with various themes. There also will be contests and prizes for children. The pool is at 8 North Ave. For more information, call (630) 584-3314.
'Sunset walk' in Batavia
The Kane County Forest Preserve will host a "Solstice Sunset walk" at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia. Participants will learn about equinoxes, solstices and seasons while looking out for wildlife and watching the sun set over the marsh. The program is free, but people are asked to register by calling (847) 741-8350. The preserve is at 39W115 Main Street in Batavia.
Songwriting contest
The "Art in Your Ear" songwriting contest is open for entries. The contest, held in conjunction with Batavia's Art in Your Eye festival, has categories for pop/rock, country, folk/protest, hip-hop/rap and Christian/inspirational songs. Winners will receive prizes and a chance to perform at the festival. Applications are $20 and available online at www.artinyourear.com. They need to be postmarked by July 15. Entries are judged solely on songwriting and not on the performance of the song.