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RESTAURANT WEEK SAMPLING PLUS ONE VENUE'S MILESTONE PARTY
WHERE: Sampling event at Seven Bridges Golf Club, 1 Mulligan Drive, Woodridge
WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 8 for tasting; week runs Aug. 8 to 16
COST AND INFO: $10 for adults for sampling event, $5 for children age 3 to 12; to register, visit Chamber630.com; www.dinewoodridge.com
ABOUT: To kick off the first Seven Bridges Restaurant Week, a tasting event is planned. It's called Sample Seven Bridges and will feature favorites from many of the participants in Restaurant Week, which offers a variety of dining incentives. A handy "passport" details the participating eateries and their special offers. One of the participants is Ike and Oak Brewing Co., which will celebrate its six-month anniversary Aug. 10 with its Backwoods BBQ Bash celebration beginning at 11 a.m. with a lineup featuring a pig roast dinner special for $12, live acoustic music from 6 to 8 p.m. and again from 9 to 11 p.m., 25% off crowlers all day, 10% off all merchandise, and family activities including a balloon sculptor, piñatas, fresh cotton candy machine and a bags tournament. Ed Ranquist of Downers Grove, who owns the brewpub, says “The event is to thank everyone for making the first six months incredible and to celebrate craft beer, culinary delights and the great outdoors. Everyone is invited to our Backwoods BBQ Bash.” It's at 6315 Main St. in Seven Bridges, with details at www.ikeandoakbrewing.com.
HOSTA AUCTION AND SALE
WHERE: The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale.
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. Aug. 11
COST AND INFO: Free admission; 224-622-1171; northernillinoishostasociety.org
ABOUT: Hostas and other shade plants will be the main attraction at the Northern Illinois Hosta Society Auction and Plant Sale fundraiser. Organizers invite all plant lovers to come bid and buy top quality plants at reasonable prices. A wide variety of new and classic hostas and companion plants will be available. Most will be auctioned, but many will be at the bargain table for as little as $5 per plant. A raffle will allow lucky winners to take home one of several prizes, possibly a giant hosta. Mark Zilis, one of the foremost experts in the hosta field and a prolific author, will serve as auctioneer. His books will be available.
SPARKFEST BENEFIT
WHERE: St. Petronille parking lot, 420 Glenwood, Glen Ellyn
WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 9
COST AND INFO: Ticket details at stpetschurch.org, 630-469-0404, ext. 2106
ABOUT: Sparkfest is an outdoor family music benefit. It will feature Irish-born vocalist Gavin Coyle (shown), Serena Harnack on electric violin, Mary Nevins and other local musicians. Food will be available for purchase. Guests should bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the St. Petronille Parish Life Center. The concert will benefit the St. Petronille Youth Ministry.
STRAUSS OPERETTA
WHERE: First United Methodist Church of La Grange, 100 W. Cossitt Ave.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10
COST AND INFO: $20, $15 for students and seniors; www.saltcreekchamberorchestra.org
ABOUT: Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra collaborates with the Midwest Institute of Opera to present a Johann Strauss Jr. operetta, "Die Fledermaus." Tim Semanik is conductor and Tracy Koch directs. It will be performed in English with English supertitles. The singers are Cristina Gallo, Joelle Kross, Thomas Bailey, Macauley Allen, Matthew Mancillas, Damon Cole, Oliver Neal Medina, Merideth Jolstad, Jessica Bella and Bryan Dahl. Tickets will be available at the door and at brownpapertickets.com.
WILLOW FEST PROMISES FOUR DAYS OF FUN
WHERE: Willow Springs Village Hall, 1 Village Circle, Archer Avenue and Willow Springs Road
WHEN: Aug. 8 to 11
COST AND INFO: Free admission; 708-467-3700, www.willowsprings-il.gov.
ABOUT: Live bands, carnival, car show, fireworks, craft and vendor show, children's activities, food and other attractions will fuel the four-day Willow Fest.