Put all your eggs in one basket

Chicago

Put all your eggs in one basket

Just tell the kids they're going to the largest free candy grab in the Midwest and it takes place on the field at Soldier Field and they're bound to scream "Sweet!" More than 4,000 adults and children are expected at the 6th Annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 4. The free event will be broadcast on the stadium's two colossal video screens and the first 2,000 children (10 years and under) who participate in the 10 am to noon candy grab receive a commemorative wooden egg. Before the candy grab, families may brunch with the bunny 8:30 - 10 a.m. Admission to the brunch is $17.50 for adults, $12 for children under age 10, and free for children under age 3 with a paying adult. Reservations are mandatory for brunch and must be made by Friday, April 3 by calling 312-235-7096. Run by www.soldierfield.net for details.

Gimme an A! Gimme a B-flat!

The best Midwestern collegiate a cappella groups will be trilling and riffing at Navy Pier Saturday March 21 and Sunday, March 22. From noon to 5 pm both days, the Family Pavilion Stage will be filled with smooth vocals and winning moves courtesy of groups like Misfitz (Miami University of Ohio); Compulsive Lyres (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor); Aca'Fellas (Loyola University of Chicago); and Lake Shore Jive (Chicago, IL) among others. It's free! 600 East Grand Avenue; (312) 595-PIER.

Don't worry, be sappy

Kids may not give a fig how their clothes get washed, pressed and neatly placed in dresser drawers but they may want the low down on some of their favorite liquid. See the entire maple syrup-making process from tapping the tree and collecting the sap, to boiling it down into yummy syrup at the North Park Village Nature Center. Walk through the sugar bush, enjoy storytelling, make a maple craft and taste real maple syrup fresh off the fire. The Maple Syrup Festival is a sweet tradition that is free and fun for all ages. Saturday and Sunday, March 21 & 22; 10 am- 3 pm each day at 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. See what's on tap at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 744-5472.

Midwest

Ready for your close-up?

Who needs to trek to Telluride or Toronto for a world-class film festival and all the accoutrement? Michigan hosts two impressive movie fests in March: the East Lansing Film Festival (www.elf.com) offers independent features, documentaries and shorts as well as tributes, seminars, premieres and parties, March 18 - 26. Call (517) 862-2533 for the script on this one. The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the longest running showcase of independent, experimental and artistically-inspired films in North

America and the 46th festival takes place March 24 - 29. See 47.aafilmfest.org/ for films, events and more.

Nectar of the gods rains over Galena

Celebrate the end of winter by breaking out a bottle of wine - or how about a case? Hey, it has been a long, long winter, so get to Galena for the Wine Lovers' Weekend at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. From March 27-29, partake in a variety of wine-centric events hosted by some of the world's top industry leaders as well as the resort's own culinary team. Just some of the events include: Unibroue Craft Brew tasting; Grand Tasting at the Galena Convention Center; chocolate, pastry and port tasting from Eagle Ridge pastry chefs; a New Zealand-inspired wine dinner; an Alsatian-inspired luncheon; and a Crémant d'Alsace brunch; a culinary showdown; and wine seminars. A Wine Lovers' Weekend Package which includes two-night accommodations, sponsored meals and beverages, admission to all scheduled wine seminars and tastings, and a ticket to the Grand Tasting Event starts at $489 per person, excluding tax. Call Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa to book at (800) 892-2269 or stop by www.eagleridge.com.

See your reflection in the snow-covered hills The ski and snowboard fans get one more go up the lift during Avalanche Days at Granite Peak. From Monday, March 23, through Sunday, April 5, the annual spring festival offers some of the season's best skiing and, yes, an avalanche of fun. Join in games; enjoy live music and entertainment; take advantage of free group ski and snowboard lessons weekdays; free child ski and snowboard rental with family combo ticket; and a petting zoo for the little critters. Check out shopping and dining specials at local businesses and get gear for next year at the Granite Peak Ski & Sports Shop spring blowout sale. Call the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau at (888) 948-4748 or visit www.visitwausau.com for details.

Worth the trip

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson just announced a new "Spring Break 1, 2, Wheee!" offer that includes 33 percent off each night of a three night stay and a coupon for free breakfast at T.G.I. Friday's restaurants. With the discount, daily rates may be as low as $70 at many locations, so a family can enjoy a spring break getaway for around $200 (not including taxes or other charges). Country Inns & Suites By Carlson has more than 450 hotels in North America, including attractive spring break locations like Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, San Diego, Phoenix and New Orleans. The offer is available now through April 30 at participating hotels in the United States and Canada. Mosey by www.countryinns.com/springbreak2009 for complete details about the promotion.