World-class indoor stair climb comes to town
Every breath you take
Chicago owns bragging rights to the best hot dog, the coolest architecture and home to the President of the United States. Now, we'll own the rest of the world as the largest indoor stair-climb comes to town. The American Lung Association of Illinois- Greater Chicago and Presidential Towers Rental Residences have partnered for Climb Chicago, a breathtaking 2,340 steps in 360 flights on 180 floors in four separate buildings. Choose to climb one, two, three or all four towers beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 8-as a four-person relay team, an individual or team, competitive or noncompetitive climber or as a kid or teenager. Register, collect some pledges and help the American Lung Association. Walk up to www.lungil.org or call (800) LUNGUSA.
Carry that weight to the Auditorium
You can't fit into those peasant blouses and tight bell bottoms again but you can reclaim a bit of the past at the Auditorium Theater when RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles comes to town March 3-8. The multimedia, multidimensional experience fuses a live look- and sound-alike band, historical footage and television from the 1960s. Recall favorites as "Let It Be," "Hey Jude," "My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Come Together" and "Can't Buy Me Love." Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling (312) 902-1500 or in person at the Auditorium box office, 50 E Congress Pkwy.
Tiptoe through the Tulips
We know we are emerging from our Midwestern purgatory by the heralding of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. From March 7-15, stroll by elaborately designed themed gardens, attend hands-on demonstrations and workshops and learn how to realistically grow a garden whether on your building's rooftop, in a postage stamp-sized yard or a multi-acre spread. Take advantage of daily free educational seminars daily ranging in topics and skill levels from novice to expert and your vase, pot and cup runneth over with floral tables capes; culinary demos by top chefs from around the country; garden- and green-related services and products; Children's Activity Garden; and more. Navy Pier 600 E Grand, Chicago; www.chicagoflower.com.
Midwest
Pig out Take this little piggy and all the rest to Brookfield Zoo to join in the National Pig Day celebration on Sunday, March 1. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual event not only highlights the smarts of the farmyard animal but offers active fun for families. In Children's Zoo, Harley and Penelope demonstrate their trained behaviors outdoors and everyone sings a rousing rendition of "Happy Pig Day" as the two perky porcinis accept carrot bouquets. Later, line up for the National Pig Day parade and then head to the Hamill Family Play Zoo to participate in pig-themed crafts and activities and listen to live music about the kind swine. National Pig Day activities are free with regular zoo admission of $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Trot over to www.CZS.org or give an "oink" at (708) 688-8000.
Out of the cold and into the old
Antique Roadshow enthusiasts may want to crank up the Model T and putter west to Rock Island for the Antique Spectacular, March 6-8. Featuring antique dealers from around the world, expect a wide range of quality antiques including: furniture, pottery, stoneware, books, prints, primitives, jewelry, silver, signage, prints, paintings, glass, china, postcards, coins, quilts, dolls, toys, advertising, marbles, rugs, vintage textiles and period pieces. Parking is free and show admission of $6 gains you admittance all three days. Dial (712) 326-9964 for details or browse www.antiquespectacular.com.
When you gotta go, you gotta go
Bustin' a gut to get out of town? The wacky goings-on at the Outhouse 500 will help you forget that winter has now officially lasted 37 months. Held Saturday, February 28th, the annual event in historic downtown Coopersville features a parade and race among uniquely decorated outhouses, a chili blast, entertainment by a master saw player and free kids' activities. Get there early to enjoy breakfast at the Country Cafe, or the Coopersville Farm Museum or take advantage of the town's restaurant specials throughout the day. Be sure to vote for your favorite decorated toilet seat, then bid on it to take back home. Coopersville, near Grand Haven, Mich., is about 187 miles from Chicago. For the straight poop, go to www.coopersville.com or call (616) 997-5164.
Worth the trip
Austin pulls on its cowboy boots and dons a ten-gallon hat for The Star of Texas Rodeo, March 13-28. Cowboys compete in bull riding and calf roping at the Travis County Expo Center arena while exhibitors show prize livestock at the 72nd annual event. Headline entertainers appear in concert nightly: the tweens will go for Jesse McCartney while the older hip-hoppers may like Akon; boomers will reminisce with Creedence Clearwater Revisited; and country fans choose from stars like Randy Travis and Clay Walker. Other events include the Rodeo Rumble Run (March 13), the Chuck Wagon Cook-off (March 13-14), the BBQ Cook-off (March 20-22) and the Bullet Proof Blowout (March 27-28). For more information, call (512) 919-3000 or visit www.staroftexas.org.