Briefs: Hoffman historic bus tour

The Hoffman Estates Historical Sites Commission invites the community to a bus tour of the village at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, starting at village hall, 1900 Hassell Road. The event will help kick off the celebration of the village's 50th anniversary and include refreshments provided by the Celebrations Commission at the historic Sunderlage Farmhouse. The bus will then return to the village hall. A second bus will also be offered, departing at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (847) 781-2606.

Police academy to meet: The fall session of the Des Plaines Citizen Police Academy will meet 7 p.m. Mondays Sept. 29-Nov. 24 at the Des Plaines Park District Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. The free program allows attendees to learn in detail about police work and includes a ride along with police and use of the police firing range. Attendees must be 21 with no criminal background. Those interested in attending should contact Chris Terrazzino at (847) 391-6122.

Safety seat checks Saturday

The Rolling Meadows Police Department will conduct free inspections and installations of car seats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in the 4700 block of Arbor Drive. The check is part of the state Department of Transportation's effort to increase the use of safety belts and child safety seats.

Department hosts open house

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department will host its 13th annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at its headquarters, 109 Deerfield Parkway. The open house precedes National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 5 to 11, and many area departments hold open houses around that time. For more information on the open house, call the department at (847) 520-1522.

Wheeling hosts competition

Wheeling High School is hosting the 41st Chicagoland Marching Band Festival from 4-10 p.m. Saturday. The competition is the Chicago area's longest running marching band festival. Admission is $10 for individuals, $7 for students and $25 for families. Car pooling is recommended as parking can be a challenge.