September 22-23, 2018 was the inaugural of the annual Windy City Blues Fest, a joint project of the…read moreWindy City Blues Society, the Village of Lyons and the Cook County Forest Preserve District. For two days, Saturday and Sunday, two stages, located in the picturesque and spacious Cermak Woods Park in the close-in Chicago suburb of Lyons, hosted over 40 performances of some of the finest blues musicians in Chicago - the home of the blues - as well from down South where the blues originated. Superbly organized, everything executed flawlessly, an amazing accomplishment for such a first-time event. A true testimonial to the organizers and working relationship. It was a must-see for blues fans and families and rivaled blues festivals anywhere and looking forward to continued success in the years to come.

Great race course- nice and flat, a large loop through town that didn't have any awkward turn…read morearounds, and allowed for running in the shade some of the time. This race is smaller than some of the others I've been in- busier streets are not blocked off, but instead traffic is stopped for the runners by police. This is not a chip-timed race, but there are mile markers with volunteers standing to call out the time to you. After the race, they have water, bagels, and fruit. The location at the school allowed for a lot of fun items to be set up for the kids- music, raffles, games, etc, which kept my nieces entertained while they waited! The sponsors donate gift cards, which was a fun incentive to stick around too. Money goes to support a scholarship fund. All around great time, will run this again!

The Life Out Loud Event is a very small storytelling event held each year in Pullman. I think it's…read moremostly neighborhood residents, but I live about as far from Pullman in Chicago as you can possibly be so they welcome others! Anyone can tell a story if they wish. We heard stories of accidental workplace disasters; a ten in er that autonomy means the same thing today as it did in the 1930s; The event is free, and short; it's only a couple hours long. There were only about 30 people here which I actually liked a lot; it made parking a total breeze and I was able to sit in a place that I could see all the speakers. It was in the evening, so the weather was lovely with a cool summer breeze. Friends of the organizer brought bags of popcorn for everyone and there was lemonade. I loved hearing people's stories. They're funny, poignant, and a reminder of our shared humanity. I'll come back next year if I am able. Bring a chair (or a blanket, or find a spot on one of the many benches around Arcade Park.

*Driver License Renewal*…read more I went here to renew my drivers license because the one closer to me wasn't open on Monday's. When I pulled into the lot, I saw a line outside. I walked up to the line, a young lady that worked there asked me what I was there for, I told her to renew my license; she told me exactly where to stand and what I needed and she proceeded to help others who came behind me to make sure they were in the right area. This place is a well oiled machine and I appreciate that. Every step of the way, someone was there to ensure everything went according to plan, efficiently; and I appreciated that! I was in and out in less than an hour and I would recommend this place to anyone who needs their services. I'm glad I found them online since my local office was closed. It was a pleasant experience A+++

Handy little office for Orland Township staff. They used to be located at 94th Avenue and 151st…read morestreet. They moved here a few years ago when they needed more room. Early voting for Orland Park residents takes place here as well as other Orland Township services...such as the food pantry. Entrance is in the back of the bulding.

Was another fest that had some become fallen to the victim of substantial cutbacks…read more With the absence of many antique dealers taking part, bargains,etc. Plus one/two blocks shorter of the fest length. But nevertheless can still be a pretty fun fest. Despite some recent woes.

I really enjoyed the Day hanging on the lake with my family and friends. The environment was joyful…read moreand peaceful. I felt safe and was able to relax and just enjoy the music, the entertainment, the food and all the beautiful people that were out there just having a wonderful time. It was nice to see friends that I haven't seen in many years..... it was a really good choice hosting the event on the lake. I look forward to going again next year.

We had an amazing Friday evening!…read more I mean.... I had such a fun, satisfying, delicious, musical, vibing evening! If you haven't heard of or been to The Quarry on the south shore of Chicago, I'm putting you on notice. We joined Chicago history maker and philanthropist Yvette J. Moyo for her birthday celebration. Every Friday at the Quarry, there's, jazz and beautiful food and drinks for grown folks. LOL We ate "the Nuggets of Knowledge" too fast to take photos, just one of the amazing dishes created by The Bald-Head Chef and music by @allthesaxyouwant on IG. The place is a whole vibe. One for the books!

We used the quarry as we needed an event space at the last minute to hold my sisters repast. We…read morebooked the smaller room to hold about 80 people and the owner was really nice and accommodating. On the day of the repast I arrived first to get the room ready for the guest to arrive. I walked in and was utterly surprised the tables need to be thrown away and rebought. The 6 foot serving tables were not sturdy at all. And the tables where the guest sat were horrible. Thank my lucky stars I brought my own black table clothes. The place was HOT. They claimed to have had the air on but it was an 85 degree day and cooler outside then in there. The shared kitchen was ok. But the freezer is full of old food. The manger was abit rude and unprofessional as someone parked by the door and we advised her we would have them move. She advised they could park in the parking lot she would open it as a courtesy but it's normally $75 an hour to park there . She also made mention that the shared kitchen was $25 a hour. After she was done with her ranting. I mention to her that those items were included in our contract. She paused and recanted her statement. I totally understand what they are doing in this neighborhood and I commend them for it. However, the hourly price they are charging does not match up with the space. I'm hoping they continue to work on this location and improve it! Also, I'm going to assume the sign they provided on this ad is the future sign for the building as there is a plastic sign hung up on there right now

It has become a tradition to come, meet friends, drink a beer, eat a thuringer and enjoy…read more Crowds can be large on nice days but for the most part everyone is relaxed and happy. Sunday afternoon is a great time for families.

Maifest is one of my least favorite fests in Chicago, but it's close to home so I find myself here…read moreevery year. The problem with Maifest is it is so insanely crowded. There is a thin row of standing tabletops, and other than that, there's just lots of people congregating on the (closed off) street. There is only one food stand offering sausage, pretzels, sauerkraut, etc. There is also only one beer stand offering one type each of domestic or import, the latter being $2 more. Expect long lines as there is only one tent for each. Music is lively and gets the crowd pumped. I'm always surprised how many pregnant women and babies are there; I get nervous they will get pushed or trampled. And definitely expect at least a little beer to get spilled on you, as a lot of the songs call for lifting your beer in the air, and you're surrounded by drunk people... #gross Overall, come for a beer, explore the neighborhood, and don't expect too much, otherwise you're sure to be disappointed.