By the time you read this, my heart will be a little less full, my smile a tad forced and my eyes a bit red. Life is full of transitions and changes. Some are easier to work through than others. The transition that is taking place in our house is one that will result in three incredibly happy kids pursuing their dreams at the universities of their choice and two parents struggling to adjust and move on with their lives. We are officially empty nesters.
I am convinced that a key part of that adjustment is for Chris and me to spend each Sunday doing something fun together. No more working on Sundays; we are saying goodbye to cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, heading into the office, grocery shopping and running errands. Instead we will be worshipping, exercising, and heading off to area festivals. Our kids are growing up and moving on and so must we.
As Paul Harvey used to say this column is âpartly personal.â Â Looking for something to do this fall? Consider checking out these area events.
Juicy red tomatoes are one of the summerâs delicacies and they are celebrated in Northern Indiana. Pierceton Indiana is home to the Heirloom Tomato Festival. The festival includes an exhibit of over 100 heirloom tomatoes, a green tomato pie contest, a judged agricultural art show and craft fair, seed saving advice and of course bluegrass music. Educational talks are also presented. The event is Saturday, August 24from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information go towww.visitkosciuskocounty.orgor contact the Pierceton Chamber of Commerce at 574-797-3033.
The Sandwich Fair is the premiere county fair in Illinois. It runs this year from September 4-8. The events include an antique car show, demolition derby (my personal favorite!), lumberjack shows and culinary competitions. Thursday is Senior Day with admission at only $6 if you get there before 5p.m. For more information go to www.sandwichfair.com or call 815-786-2159.
The Lincoln Park Conservancy is a not for profit organization that works in cooperation with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District. They help to maintain over 1200 acres of land. On Saturday, September 21st, docents will be leading Wildflower Walks around the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. The walks will start at 10am and are geared for both beginners and experienced adults. Donations are suggested and reservations are required. Visit www.lincolnparkconservancy.org or call 773-883-PARK for more information.
Cantigny Park in Wheaton is hosting a Fall Festival on October 12. Plant and pumpkin sales, a Childrenâs Book Sale and Live Entertainment will all take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The land for Cantigny Park was donated by Colonel Robert McCormick after his death in 1955. The park consists of over 500 acres and includes a museum, gardens, a golf course, walking trails and an education center. For more information go to www.cantigny.org or call 630-668-5161.
Also occurring the second weekend in October is Marengo Settlersâ Days. The Settlersâ Days features a wonderful parade on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m. and a Band Field Show at 4 p.m. Saturdayâs events include a Childrenâs Pet Parade, Water Fights, Bingo, Flea Market, Bake sale and Arts and Crafts fair. All of this is just a short 15-minute drive from Huntley. For more information go to www.settlersdays.com
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
