The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 28

E2 Pantagraph Sunday, April 1, 2007 www.pantagraph.com G01FESTIVALS spirim Don swl tram that takes visitors on a one-hour guided tour of the grounds. Call Visitor Services at (630) 968-0074 for the daily schedule. Wednesdays and Sundays feature an Art-in-Nature Tram Tour that brings out the artistic aspects of the landscapes. April also will feature Earth Day celebrations, including Portfolia An Exhibit of Fine Art Inspired by Nature and Earth Day on April 21-22. A Special Focus Walk: Art in Nature will be from 1 to 2 p.m.

April 22. Arbor Day is special at the arboretum. Events feature an under-the-tent plant sale sponsored by Hinsdale Nursery, a tree planting, a children's parade, a Special Focus Walk: Art in Nature and more. The Morton Arboretum is 25 miles west of Chicago on Illinois 53 just west of Interstate 355 and north of Interstate 88. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 and older and $4 for children ages 3-17.

Tram tours are an additional $5 for adults and $4 for children. Visit http:www.mortonarb.org for more information. by twisting and intertwining saplings, branches and twigs His goal is to encourage people to plant and conserve trees. He has more than 175 sculptures as tall as 25 feet around the world. The exhibit, which will be completed by Arbor Day, is free of charge with Arboretum admission.

The spring fest features large sculpted eggs created by Cub and Boy Scouts. They will be set along and near the Egg-ology Trail. Search for all the eggs, decide on your favorite and cast your ballot at the visitor center between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday through April 8.

At 11 a.m. Good Friday, join the Buggies and Bonnets Spring Parade. Decorate your strollers and wagons, and join Morty the Oak and Bunny for a parade through the Children's Garden and Pine Family Trail. Prizes will be awarded for Biggest Bonnet, Wackiest Wagon, Best Family Entry, Buggiest Buggy, Best Use of Natural Materials and more. Have questions about your trees and shrubs? Experts will answer them in the Plant Clinic or at Sterling Morton Library The Acorn Express is an open-air By Scott Richardson LISLE The Morton Arboretum may be just the place to visit Easter weekend to take part in its Spring Festival and the Egg-ology Hunt.

The arboretum gardens open at 7 a.m. 365 days a year. It closes at 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earliest. Visi-.

tor center hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March through October. Group tours are available. Pre-register by calling (630) 719-5700.

The Morton Arboretum was established in 1922 by Joy Morton. His goal was to collect plants from around the world and display them in a setting where people could study and enjoy them. Today, the arboretum is comprised of gardens, plant collections and natural areas that encompass 1,700 acres. The park boasts 14 miles of trails. Water is available at the Visitor Center and Thornhill Education Center.

Joy Morton was the owner of Morton Salt Co. His love of trees, shrubs and plants came through his parents. His father was Julius Sterling Morton, who was Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland and For the PantaqraphTHE MORTON ARBORETUM Artist Patrick Dougherty will sculpt something like this during April at The Morton Arboretum. City, is now a state park. During the spring fest and continuing through the month, internationally acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty will sculpt a larger-than-life creation who originated Arbor Day.

Julius Sterling Morton established "Plant trees" as the family motto. Joy's mother, Caroline Morton, loved gardening. Arbor Lodge, the family home at Nebraska Milwaukee WIS. Chicago IOWA Map and numbered listing below shows our picks for some interesting upcoming festivals in the Midwest. PeoriifJ Bloomington Champaign! iprtngiiem i .4 i lis INO.

lUUi Rockford I KY CLOSER TO HOME raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and All for Hope, an Illinois-based foundation to assist cancer- related programs, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2 Northcrest Court, Bloomington. It will feature an exclusive tour of one of B.J. Armstrong's finest custom homes, wine, appetizers and a live auction, featuring a bike jersey signed by Lance Armstrong, a special edition Trek LiveSTRONG.bicycle, several major league baseball ticket packages and an Apple iPod, among other items. The cost is $55 per ticket.

Make checks payable and mail to Jeff Wells, 5 Laurel Wood Drive, Bloomington, IL 61704. Phone (309) 287-8210 or e-mail jsunswellsaol.com. April 14-15 Blacksmiths from throughout the Midwest will take part in Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site's 25th Annual "Hammer In" near Petersburg. Times are Through April 9 Eureka College hosts, "Free at Last: A History of the Abolition of Slavery in America," an exhibit about the abolitionist movement on loan from the Gilder-Lehrman Institute for American History in New York City. April 11 Bloomington Normal Bass Club hosts bass pro Greg Hackney at Times Past Inn in Bloomington at 7 p.m.

$10 adults. Kids under 16 free. April 13 Illinois Sustainable Living Wellness Expo featuring 100 exhibits, 30 presenters and a keynote on the climate crisis from 10 p.m. at Illinois Wesleyan Shirk Center. Affordable fashion show, fuel efficient cars, a children's carnival and more.

Visit www.ecologyactioncenter.org. April 14 The second annual All for Hope Gala to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Registration for artists is $10 per day if received by April 1.

Late registration or registration at the door is $15. To obtain a registration form, call Lincoln's New Salem (217) 632-4000. April 15 An ABC (Adventures Benefiting Children) RunBikeWalk will be held at 8 a.m. at Dawson LakeMoraine View Park. ABC events are to raise money for causes involving kids.

This one is for an 8-year-old Decatur boy who has neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks children. Visit www.savemyles.org for more about him. The event is free but donations are accepted. Choose a distance: 3.5 miles, around the lake once; 7 miles, around twice; or 9 miles to West Park and back. Post-run food and drinks are served.

A post-Easter Easter egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. Eggs may contain candy or a gift certificate. Vv. (J). 1 Chicago -V Gary if r.i a V.

1 w. streets of this historic village. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Race time is 9 a.m. The Skamperoo for kids is scheduled for 10 a.m.

Entry fees paid prior to the day of the race are $14 which includes a Stomp T-shirt. Registration and entry fees the day of the race are $16 and include a Stomp T-shirt. Runners age 7 to 19 can enter for half price. Sponsored by the Bishop-Hill Old Settlers' Association. (309) 927-3345 or e-mail bishophillwinco.net.

ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 29 Body Worlds 2 Chicago's The Museum of Science and Industry hosts more than 20 new full-body plastinates and 200 human specimens that have' been preserved through "plastination," a technique that replaces bodily fluids and fat. (773) 684-1414 or visit www.msichicago.trg THROUGH MAY 13 Spring Flower Show Chicago The show at Lincoln Park Conservatory will feature a changing selection of spring blooming plants including azaleas, spring flowering annuals and spring flowering perennials. (312) 742-7736 or visit SOURCE: ESRI, GOT FEATURED FESTIVAL Salt on your eggs? Lisle The Morton Arboretum, established by the Morton Salt family, hosts a variety of spring activities perfect for the Easter holiday. BEST BETS 1 Advertising antique show St. Charles Today The Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine Jukebox Show at Pheasant Run Resort features more than 300 booths of jukeboxes, slot machines, video games, pinball games, gas pumps and petroliana, neon signs, soda machines and signs, gumball machines and more.

Times are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1. Admission is $7 per day, children 12 and under are free. Parking is free.

Visit www.chicagolandshow.com or phone (815) 353:1593. 2 Car show Peoria Today The Peoria Civic Center hosts the final day of the Central Illinois Auto Show. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is $4.

3 30-mile run DeWitt Today Meet at 8 a.m. for the Clinton Lake 30-mile Trail Runoff-road. Call Chris Migotsky for more info. (217) 649-2505. A Fishing seminar Findley April 3 Smallmouth fishing guide Jonn Graham speaks to the Lake Shelbyville Muskie Club to the Lake Shelbyville Muskie Club at 7 p.m.

at Eagle Creek Resort at pindley. Non-members welcome. Period music performed throughout each day. Sutlers and food vendors will be available onsite. Adults: Children 12 and under free.

(217) 927-4301. APRIL 21-22 Classics Chrome Car Show Loves Park The 7th annual Classics Chrome Car Show features classic cars, sports cars, muscle cars, hot-rod and custom cars, exotic and race cars, specialty cars and motorcycles Sports Center in Loves Park. Times are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 21 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 22.

Visit www.classicsandchrome.com or call (815) 399-8823. APRIL 28 Swedish Stomp Bishop Hill The 13th annual Swedish Stomp, a 5K run or walk, is geared toward the entire family. Compete in the 5K run for the coveted handcarved wooden boot trophy, symbolic of the Swedish Stomp, or just enjoy a morning walk along the quiet interactive games, special entertainment and more inside the spectacular Crystal Gardens. (312) 595-5031 APRIL 12-13 NRA's Annual Meetings Exhibits St. Louis The event will feature five acres of guns, guides and gear at the America's Center.

With an estimated 50,000 attendees and more than 300 exhibits, this year's gathering promises to be among the best in NRA's 136-year history. Leading firearm manufacturers will display the firearm industry's latest products. Various hunting and shooting accessories, and an extensive private collection displayed by NRA-affiliated gun collector clubs, will fill acres of convention space. For more information; including banquet tickets: www.nraam.org APRIL 15 TO MAY 7 Civil War Days White Hall Encampments at Custer Park, White Hall Reservoir, will be open for tours and demonstrations 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

Battle re-enactments at 2 p.m. each day. THROUGH APRIL 28 New Harmonies Galena Galena History Museum hosts the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music." Inter-active exhibit focuses on American roots music, including blues, country western, folk ballads and gospel. Open to the public daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Admission is $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children ages 10-18. Phone (815) 777-9129. Got an opinion? WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OTHER FESTIVALS Chicago Chicago's Navy Pier welcomes spring with two weeks of nonstop family fun and entertainment featuring indoor rides, inflatable slides, CDFF TRAVEL SHOWS' iiitaorciDn ft-" A hhi liT-flr i All APRIL 12 Women Only Normal Vitesse Cycle Shop hosts a Women's Only Night for both biking and running information. Representatives from manufacturers and suppliers will be on hand to answer all of your questions. Plenty of refreshments.

An emergency road clinic will show how to change a flat tire, roll a chain back on the chain rings and more. Free. Phone (309) 454-1541. THROUGH APRIL 12 Spring at Navy Pier Sept. 20-28 with I AW1.2PM7PM News Anchor I (7 IU ri i BOB LARSON RECEIVE Comfort Inn 1 1 1 i .1 li WMBD HOLIDAY 505 brocK umvc BLOOMINGTON Airfare 13 meals t-J t.

ja js i i. i ue uft mm i.w a if SHOWS IVt' ML Kitzbuhel, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Oberammergau Tyrolean Alps cruise Tour Departs Bloomington (TV js CaTi' mmm Fantasy Amusement Co. and The Interstate Center are having a zis vq P1 April 5-8 most attractions inside, tall rides outside April 12-15 all attractions outside I I ML For $12.00 admission fee, you can ride all rides as many times as you like. Games food pay as you go. Bring this ad and SAv'E $2.00 OFF ADMISSION.

1 per person. Thursday April 5th Open at 5 PM Friday April 6 Open at 6 PM Good Friday Special 1-5 PM $10.00 unlimited rides. Discount coupons are good also. Saturday April 7 -Open at 1 PM Sunday April Open at 1 PM 6ee Easter Bunny and sign up for the Easter Egg Hunt OEBY Nil NEUTRON Shows Every LKETJJ Magic M.MkE8MSI roo5 i..