Briefs: 'Battle of Bands' deadline

The registration deadline for Marklund's 2nd annual "Battle of the Bands" is 5 p.m. today. The top band in each of the contest's two divisions, under-18 and 18 and above, will win a 15-hour recording session at JPL Records in Cary. The Battle of the Bands will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at Marklund's Mill Creek Campus, 1 South 450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva. There is a registration fee of $20 per band. Call Crystal Michels at (630) 593-5427 or visit www.marklund.org. Marklund is a not-for-profit network helping infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Come see the critters

The Neighbors of South East Elgin and the Midwest Midwest Dachshund Rescue will co-host Elgin's eighth annual Unity Fest from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at Drake Field, on Hastings Street two blocks east of Route 25. The event, which is open to the public, will feature weiner dog races, hand-walked pony rides, children's games and entertainment, a wildlife demonstration, door prizes, Bingo for adults, picnic faire, pet rescue organizations, a pet communicator and much more. Visit www.mwdr.org or call (847) 742-0980.

Free open gyms all summer:

The Elgin Police Department school liaison program will sponsor a free open gym program for kids 8 to 16 through Aug. 8. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. kids can play basketball, kickball, soccer, floor hockey, swimming or do arts and crafts at U-46 schools. Speakers will give presentations on baking, bicycle safety, gang awareness and prevention, life skills and drug and alcohol awareness. A waiver and participation form is required. Get forms at www.cityofelgin.org, under police department, juvenile investigations. Call (847) 289-2640.