They're starting!" a small girl shrieked loudly, running toward her
parents and staring wide-eyed at the sky Friday night in Aurora, where
thousands of people tucked into the city's nooks and crannies in
anticipation of the evening's fireworks.
Fairs, festivals and more Your online guide to summer fun
Time to plan for summer fun. From local community celebrations to county fairs and Illinois getaway locations, the Beacon News provides this online guide to affordable family fun. And remember to send us your snapshots from the local festivals in jpeg format to fvpreaders@gmail.com.
I scream, you scream ... ... we all scream for ice cream!
Our GO section is planning a story on the area's best ice cream shops and we'd like your input. Tell us about your favorite spot for frosty treats and why you think it licks the competition.
Suicide Prevention Services trims hours
At a time when its services might be needed even more, Batavia-based
Suicide Prevention Services is being forced to cut back on its hours. Suicide Prevention Service's office hours have been cut by three hours
daily -- it's now open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- and no services will be
offered on Tuesdays.
Travel destinations in '09: tents, cabins
Families who ordinarily travel across the country or overseas seeking a
piece of the new or exotic are finding it right here in the Fox Valley.
The economy is affecting the traditional family vacation, and more
people are finding fun in the quintessential summer activity: camping.
Cougars fans turn out in droves for Ramirez
It's hard to determine which event was more celebrated Friday night
when Kane County hosted Peoria -- the patriotic displays of color from
both teams for Independence Day or the return of Cubs' third baseman
Aramis Ramirez from injury. • Photos: Cougars week
Ceiling fans good idea all year
Gas and energy prices are rising again, and that means Americans must
tighten their belts even further. You don't need to dread hot summer
temps and high air conditioning bills when you have ceiling fans in
your home. And ceiling fan-and-light combinations that have earned Energy Star
accreditation are about 50 percent more efficient than non-conforming
units.
Illinois not only state with budget crisis
Several states, including Illinois, are facing the prospect of government shutdowns and program cuts as they enter the first weekend of the fiscal year and July Fourth holiday without a budget in place.
Time to light up the skies
Everyone loves a party, and America's birthday is a great reason to celebrate. With parades, picnics and patriotism on full display, the Fourth of July is some of the best of what our country has to offer. But the patriotic display isn't over when the sun sets; that's when the party is just getting started.
