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McHenry County Living's weekend guide to celebrating the good life!

Welcome to the McHenry County Weekender, keeping you up-to-speed on the best events and activities in McHenry County every Thursday. This exclusive weekly e-newsletter - complete with special offers - is brought to you by McHenry County Living magazine, so you're getting the inside track on the best must-see happenings in the county. And we have a little something for everyone:
Spend "A Day at Petersen Farm"
Petersen
The Landmark Commission of the City of McHenry will celebrate Abraham Lincoln at the second annual "A Day at Petersen Farm," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28 (McCullom Lake Road, one mile West of Route 31, across from McHenry's Petersen Park). This free event honors the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, and exhibits will include farm equipment, farm animals and an 1800s demonstration garden. Visitors will see demonstrations of canning, pie baking, spinning, weaving, treadle sewing machine, rug hooking and braiding, quilting, tatting, lace and leatherwork. Entertainment includes an Abraham Lincoln re-enactor; the McHenry Public Library reading Lincoln stories for children; authentic 1860s music with the Bear Creek musicians; a magician with his wagon of wonders and amazement; a Civil War Cavalry encampment with Union Cavalry Troopers. Also, quilts reproduced from the Lincoln era will be on display. There will be children's games and activities in various locations; live farm animals to get up close to; plus free hay rides throughout the day. And the McHenry County Museum will have its Lincoln exhibit on display.
Have "Lunch in the Park"
gazebo
Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street is pleased to host a new event for 2009 entitled "Lunch in the Park," which will be held the final Friday of each summer month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting June 26. This event includes a free concert series at the new gazebo featuring local musicians. Performing Friday are Jori Parys and Brad Jimenez, students from Prairie Ridge High School. Guests are invited to bring their own lunch, lawn chairs and blankets, and a limited number of tables and chairs will be available. Food vendors such as Georgio's, Duke's and Benedict's will be on-site. And don't forget to visit Downtown Crystal Lake's Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location. This week, downtown's favorite DJ, Mark O'Meara will be playing your favorite tunes at the gazebo. 
Set Sail for America's Cardboard Cup Regatta
cardboard regatta
On Saturday, June 27th at noon, get ready to set sail at the 25th annual America's Cardboard Cup Regatta at Crystal Lake's Main Beach (300 Lake Shore Dr.). The popular race hosts more than 180 cardboard boats and more than 5,000 spectators. Past entries have included a 700-pound castle, monster trucks, Star Wars Death Star, giant margaritas and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Participants have come from all over the Chicago region and as far away as Germany, Australia and New Zealand. It's $20 to enter a boat. All proceeds benefit a wide variety of local charities. Local musician Jori Parys will perform. 
Lace Up Your Filmmaking Boots at the Raue
raue sage

Looking for something exciting to do this summer? If you're 15 years old or older, The Sage Studio Film Bootcamp is a filmmaking camp that not only teaches filmmaking process in theory, but supplies mentored hands-on training culminating in the creation of three short films. Each student chooses a specialty to study - directing, writing or cinematography - and will also crew the other short films for added experience. This "double-duty" exposes the student to a broad view of filmmaking, teaching them how all aspects influence a film shoot. Application deadline for the July 23-26 class is June 30.

"Remember Our Heroes" at VFW 5040 Car Show
vfw car show
On Saturday, June 27th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., VFW 5040 is hosting its second annual "Remember Our Heroes" car show in the VFW parking lot (240 Throop St.). The event, organized by Bill and Jeanne Kulinski, includes a juried show with prizes, raffles, a beer tent and food. Every car signed up in advance receives a dog tag commemorating the show. Admission is free and car entries are $15. Money raised helps benefit local veterans' causes. Register early - the VFW is anticipating another huge turnout this year. For more information, call 815-338-5040.

Miss Woodstock to be Crowned 
miss woodstock
See who has what it takes to be crowned Miss Woodstock 2009 at the 61st Annual Miss Woodstock Scholarship Pageant at 7 p.m., Friday, June 26 at the Waverly House (214 Main St.). Tickets are $10 ($8 for students and seniors). Miss Woodstock 2009 receives a $2,000 educational scholarship or savings bond. Miss Woodstock must demonstrate true commitment and grace as she represents the City of Woodstock and the Woodstock Chamber at many community and chamber events throughout her year of reign.

 
THE SUMMER ISSUE OF MCHENRY COUNTY LIVING IS NOW AVAILABLE! Find free issues at your local storefronts, restaurants and libraries! They're going fast -- get them while they last. Got a great story idea or want YOUR event listed in the Weekender? Send info to erica@mchenrycountyliving.com.
 
Have a fun and safe weekend!
-McHenry County Weekender
Fun is Heating Up This Weekend in McHenry County
Revisit the 1800s at Petersen Farm
Enjoy Lunch, Music at Depot Park
Set Sail at the Cardboard Cup Regatta
VFW Car Show Remembers our Heroes
How Does Your Garden Grow?
If you haven't already, enter your garden in the McHenry County Living's Gardens in the County Contest for cash prizes!

What's to Come!
We've already begun gearing up for the "Back to School" issue. Here's what's in store:

·    Editor's Choice - Good Eats: The McHenry County Dining Guide
·    Tour de Homes - A Preview of the Service League of Crystal Lake's Housewalk
·    Gatherings - Behind the Scenes of the County's Farmers Markets
·    Pets on Parade - Local Services That Pamper Our Best Friends
·    Happy Faces, Fun Places - A Look Back at Summer Events in Our "Scrapbook"

Quick Links

Weekender Weather Report
partly cloudy

Today...Partly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Light and variable winds early in the morning becoming northwest around 10 mph in the late morning and early afternoon...then becoming light and variable late in the afternoon.

Tonight...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s. Light and variable winds.

Friday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Light and variable winds.

Friday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s. Light and variable winds.

Saturday...Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Southeast winds around 10 mph.

Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s.

Sunday...Partly sunny. Highs around 80.

Sunday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

-Source: National Weather Service as of 6/25

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