Briefs: 'American Girl' star in town
Eleven-year-old Madison Davenport, who plays alongside Abigail Breslin in the new movie "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl," will be meeting with fans Wednesday and Thursday afternoon from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, 1001 W. 75th St., Woodridge. Call (630) 427-1880.
Fireworks in St. Charles
Fireworks, food and music will be part of Friday's July 4 celebration in St. Charles. The free event starts 6 p.m. at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., with live music by Red Woody and picnic-style offerings such as hot dogs, bratwurst and ice cream. A $27,000 fireworks display begins at dark. Picnic tables will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but families are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Call (630) 513-6200 or go online to www.st-charlesparks.org.
Register for Freedom Run
The Greater St. Charles Education Foundation will have its second annual Great Western Freedom 4 competitive run at 8 a.m. Friday. The race starts at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve along Dean Street, just west of Randall Road, and follows the Great Western Trail. Registration can be done online at www.signmeup.com or in person at Dick Pond Athletics, 303 N. Second St., for $20. On-site registration the day of the event is $25. A $2 discount is offered to members of the Chicago Area Runners Association and the Fox River Trail Runners. Proceeds benefit programs at St. Charles School District 303. For more information, go to www.stceducation.com.
Concerts in the park
Free concerts are planned in St. Charles through Aug. 14 for the park district's annual Concerts in the Park series. The concerts start at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Park, along West Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets. Scheduled to perform Wednesday is the Kimi Hayes Band, For details, call (630) 513-6200.
Windmill Whirl 5K coming
Spots are open for the Windmill Whirl 5K community run during Windmill City Fest in Batavia. The run is at 7 p.m. July 11, starting at Houston Street and Island Avenue and following the Fox River bike trail. There are awards for top finishers. The cost to register is $20 before Saturday or $25 on race day. Runners can register online at www.bataviaparks.org or at the park district office at 327 W. Wilson St. Call the district at (630) 879-5235.
Ladies golf tournament
The 2008 St. Charles Ladies Golf Tournament is planned for July 10-12 at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. The competition, sponsored by Avenue Two Barber Shop, includes both 9- and 18-hole divisions. It's open to women ages 18 and older who have a St. Charles mailing address, live in the St. Charles Park District or have a season park pass. The deadline to register is 8 p.m. Sunday. The entry fee is $28. Call (630) 584-8356.