The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 30

E2 The Pantagraph Sunday, February 15, 2004 www.pantagraph.com GQIFESTIVALS Navy Pier's MairdHa ras rao ffut too wEnoDe Dixieland music each day in the Pavilion. Joe's Be-Bop and Bubba Gump Shriqig-Company and Marketplace also will be open to make Mardi Gras food the order of the day. Additionally, Bubba Gump's will feature New Orleans-style beverages. "There is also Americana food like hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and salads," Bruton said. "But there's definitely a down-south feel to it." "I think one of the coolest things about this event is that most Mardi Gras events are geared towards adults," Bruton said.

"This event is geared towards children." "It's a very cute visual." Also, two guests will be chosen each day of the festival to win round-trip air transportation to any American Air- lines American Eagle destination in continental United States. Entry forms and full contest rules will be available.atm the Main Information Booth in the ly Pavilion. Mardi Gras at Navy Pier is supported by American Airlines. For more information, call (312) 595-PIER or (800) 595-PIER. Or visit www.navypier.com.

By Michael Styrczula featurespantaqraph.com CHICAGO The'spirit of New Orleans' French Quarter is coming to Chicago twice. Mardi Gras Celebration at Navy Pier will take place Saturday and Feb. 22 and again Feb. 28-29, offering a free family-style event that includes mask-making, musical entertainment and the crowning of a Mardi Gras King and Queen. Maura Bruton, manager of public relations for Navy Pier, said organizers have been pleased with the move to bring a taste of Creole to Chicago.

This is the fourth year for the festival. Children can participate in mask-making and other crafts at the Kids' Corner in the North Entry of the Family Pavilion. One boy and girl under the age of 13 will be randomly selected by a raffle drawing and crowned the king and queen each day. "It adds to the atmosphere, fun and festivity of the event," Bruton said. The Dock Stampers, the pier's in-house entertainment group, will lead the selected kings and queens in the Mardi Gras procession.

The band also will be playing For The 'Mardi Gras Celebration at Navy Pier in Chicago will feature the crowning of an honorary King and Queen. Each 3Sy, one boy and girl under the age of 13 will be selected by raffle to become festival royalty. nukee TO HOME Map and numbered listing below shows our picks for some interesting upcoming festivals in the Midwest. i "tockford Pantagraph CLOSER Feb. 21-2228-29 Maple Syrup Time, Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E.

Lake Drive, Springfield. Syrup-tappingmaking demonstrations. (217) 529-1111. of boating, fishing, resort and charter exhibits; fishing and hunting seminars, more. (309) 788-5912 FEB.

21-22 Northern Illinois Antiques Dealers Association Antique Show Forest Hills Lodge, Machesney Park Now in its 44th year, this show features more than 40 of the top antigue dealers from the Midwest selling furniture, china, glass, stoneware, silver, textiles, jewelry, toys arid more. (815) 784-5537 FEB. 20-22 Southern Illinois Garden Show Civic Center, Carbondale Get a jump on spring at this festival that includes a landscaped Railroad Garden, dozens of free workshops and a flower show that organizers say is ranked among the top 10 in the country. (800) 526-1500 or (618) 529-4451 FEB. 20-22 Boat, Vacation Fishing Show MetroCentre, Rockford View the best and newest boats on the market along with marine accessories, fishing eguipment, more; numerous exhibitors from resorts, campgrounds, etc.

(815) 877-8043. FEB. 20-22 International Adventure Travel and Outdoor Sports Show Navy Pier, Chicago Everything you need to know if you intend to travel: Overseas and domestic destinations; health and medical advice; adventure sports, more. Feb. 22 Trainfair, Illinois Central College, East Peoria.

Swap tables, model railroad displays, videos, test track, more. (309) 697-9054 (312) 595-PIER FEB. 21-22 Paleo-Fest Dinosaur lovers of all ages will find a lot to their liking at the Sixth Annual PaleoFest at Rockford's Burpee Museum of Natural History. Consider: DinoBlast workshops for kids and Paleo Talks and studio workshops for adults and students; lunch in the "DinoDiner," shopping for fossils and buying dinosaur stuff at the "DinoDen." FEB. 21-22 Model.Train Show Mattoon Lots of working displays of model trains, train merchandise, more.

(217)235-3432 FEB. 21-22 Old-Fashioned Quilt Show Naper Settlement, Naperville" More than 75 quilted objects, from antique to contemporary, are on display. (630) 420-6010 FEB. 21-22 Winter Carnival Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena Mardi Gras-themed event with games, entertainment, fireworks, more; snowboard challenge. (815)777-1320 DRIVING romantic ruins.

(314) 577-0254 FEB. 17-22 International Festival Student Center, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Cultural presentations, forums, entertainment and exhibitions by the school's large international student population. (618)453-5774 FEB. 18 Taste of Galena Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort, Galena Local restaurants serve up their favorite dishes. (815) 777-2248 FEB.

18-22 36th Annual RV Camping Van Show Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont Hey, spring and summer are just around the corner. Get a head start by wandering through a huge selection of tent campers, travel trailers, expandable trailers, motor homes and conversion vans. (847) 692-2222 FEB. 19-21 WIU Jazz Festival Western Illinois University, Macomb Performances and competitions by jazz musicians from throughout the region with final concert Feb.

21 by the WIU Jazz Studio (309) 298:1505 FEB. 19-22 27th Annual St. Loujs RV Camping Travel Show America's Center, St. Louis New model recreational vehicles on display along with campgrounds, resorts, destinations and retail products; several displays and programs in celebration of the Lewis and Clark expedition add some variety to the proceedings. (314) 355-1236 Outdoor Show OCCA Expo Center, Rock Island More than 60,000 sguare feet FEB.

22 Passport to the World: A Multi-Cultural Event 333 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling, This festival allows you to taKft. a virtual trip around the wojJcju giving visitors a chance to enjoy diverse cultures, music, dress and foods. Hih (847) 465-3333 FEB. 22 Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Parade Downtown St.

Louis Features 50 of the best floats from the Saturday Mardi Gras grand parade, which marks the, official end of the Mardi Gras season. Also, three Mardi Gras" Party Zones will operate froiirtl'4 until 8 p.m. with entertainment, food and refreshments. (314)436-6500 FEB. 27-29 Country Treasures Craft show Keller Convention Center, Effingham A wide assortment of offerings from dozens of artists and craftspeople.

(217) 347-5115 FEB. 28-29 Echoes of the Past Trade Fair Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Oshkosh A showcase for 18th and 19th century historical re-enactors, craftsmen, merchants and military units with many items for sale; demonstrations, seminars, music and entertainment. (920)233-5332 FEB. 28-29 Home and Outdoor Festival" Holiday Inn, Mt. Vernon More than 50 exhibitors of products and services for home building and improvement; food concessions.

(618) 244-7100 SCHOOL (309) 827-0022 or www.reedertransportation.com Adult Classes Available 3 Including roundtrip From PEORIA Ti mi mil iimmffiii JAm From yUeiUKX, i ill1- "'SOURCE: ESRI, GOT FEATURED FESTIVAL Mardi Gras Celebration at Navy Pier 21-2228-29 vlt's cold by the lakefront, but there will be plenty of places to warm up at this festival that organisers think is so cool, they've booked two weekends for it. Family is the theme here, the crowning of a "king and queen and lots of "stuff for kids to do. BETS 1 Charter Communications Mardi Gras Grand Parade 21 Downtown St. Louis to Historic ISoulard Neighborhood A parade, with a theme of ''Celebrate St. Louis, features marching bands, colorful masks and outlandish costumes.

It follows a route down 'Market Street before moving to Soulard. Families can view the show from the Family Fun in Kiener Plaza. 5(314) 771-5110 Greater Milwaukee Auto Show 21-29 OTHER FESTIVALS THROUGH FEB. 15 Chicago Auto Show jjIcCormick Place, Chicago Qne of the biggest auto shows in the country will include more tJian 1,000 cars, trucks and SUVs and the usual must-see IOWA Chicago Peoria Bloomington Champaign Louis 't. MO I -Chicago Gary i 1 i.

Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, Wis. Another of the bigger auto shows in the Midwest, featuring a complete line of new cars and trucks. (414)908-6000 3Rockford Home Show Feb. 27-29 r' MetroCentre, Rockford t. One of the Midwest's premier home shows, say organizers, who open two floors of the convention center to exhibitors of home and garden products; food and garden demonstrations, entertainment and lots of family activities.

(815) 968-5222 4lrishfest 2004 March 6 Downtown Dixon Feature acts from Milwaukee, Wis. and Irish step dancers provide the entertainment; children's activities, food and, of course, a pub. (815) 652-4269' Heartland Food Festival Eckert's Farm, Belleville What organizers describe a unique festival that focuses on healthy and hearty foods from the Midwest; lots of samples, demonstrations and expert seminars. concept cars. (312) 791-7000 THROUGH MARCH 15 Annual Orchid Show Missouri Botanical Garden, St.

Louis Hundreds of exotic and fragrant orchids and lush tropical foliage accented by urns, columns and Dinner Theatre on the fun; sign up todav Teen Driver Classes Feb 23rd-Mar18th M-Th 5:30 7:30 (Ends before Spring Break) Mar 1st Apr 19th only 5:30 7:30 Mar 29lh April 22ni M-Th 5:30 7:30 More classes available, call for details 1242 E. Empire, Bloomington SANGAMON AUDITORIUM UNIVERSITY OF ILIINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD Global Getaways LunchMahnee Bus trip March 16, 2004 When Irish Cows are Smiling The MilkPail Bus, lunch and show cost is only $57. Final payment deadline is Monday, February 16, 2004. Don miss out Call 662-6508 and Book online www.allegiantair.com allemtions 800.432.38 10 or call yourTravel Agent Call Hnllv 1 1 ith (i I nhfl 1 fi ftfl VS at 662-6508 I 1.