Cardboard Boat Regatta and Mythical Creatures Week

Residents of Oak Park enjoyed a unique event during Mythical Creatures Week organized by the Park District of Oak Park at Rehm Pool. Participants took part in a cardboard boat regatta, testing their engineering abilities by sailing homemade boats across the pool.

The event featured various activities including:

• Arts and crafts at the Dole Center, creating fairies, muppets, and mermaid collages.
• Plaster casts of animal and Bigfoot tracks at Austin Gardens.
• A family event at Pleasant Home.
• Walks in Scoville Park with intriguing characters and mythical creatures.
• Plant and creature education at the Oak Park Conservatory.

38th Annual Darien Fest

The Darien Fest will be held from August 7 to 9 at Hinsdale South High School, located at 7401 Clarendon Hills Road. The festival includes a variety of entertainment and activities:

• Opening ceremonies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, assisted by the high school’s marching band and cheerleaders.
• Live performances by Ocean’s Rat Pack on August 7 and bands such as Whiskey Road, Heartache Tonight, Blind Reality, and Grand Illusion throughout the festival.
• Carnival games and rides are available daily, alongside bingo with Cancer Smashers.
• A business expo in the afternoons.

Pets, bikes, motorized scooters, or outside food and beverages are not allowed. More information is available at www.darien.il.us.

Hinsdale Boutique Real Estate Firm Recognition

Bomba & Mancini, a real estate firm based in Hinsdale, was recently honored as the #5 Small Team in Illinois by RealTrends Verified. During the tracking period, they achieved $99 million in closed sales volume with 70 transactions. Bryan Bomba, co-founder, expressed pride in the recognition, attributing success to client trust.

Burr Ridge Art Fair Returns

The annual Burr Ridge Art Fair will feature over 75 artists selling various art forms, including photographs, jewelry, and sculptures. The event at the Burr Ridge Village Center will take place on August 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests can enjoy:

• Live art demonstrations and interactive activities like face painting and henna.
• Kids’ art zone with fun projects and the opportunity to interact with artists.
• Live music and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

The festival is free, and parking is included. More details can be found at amdurproductions.com/burr-ridge-art-fair.

Brookfield Women’s Club Blood Drive

The Brookfield Women’s Club will hold a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross on August 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Brookfield Village Hall. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred and can be made at 800-733-2767 or RedCrossBlood.org.

Participants who donate blood in August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.

Grocery Giveaway at Immanuel Lutheran Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church will host a drive-through grocery giveaway on August 9, September 12, and October 10 at 2317 S. Wolfe Road, Hillside. Food distribution begins at 11 a.m. and continues until supplies last. Volunteer-run, the pantry receives support from foundation grants, corporate giving, and private donations. Contact them at 708-562-5590 or www.immanuel-hillside.org/pyht for more information.