Karie Angell Luc

3 days ago | chicagotribune.com | Karie Angell Luc

More than 10,000 plants were made available to an estimated 1,000 visitors to Saturday’s annual Spring Plant Sale and Farm Festival at Liberty Prairie in Grayslake. “It’s just been my tradition,” said Michelle Suran of Skokie, who arrived early with Jerry Kohn, also of Skokie, in pursuit of herbs, vegetables, onions and flowers. First in line at 7:12 a.m. were friends Elisabeth Neiss of Lake Villa and Inga Kleve of Antioch. “I love gardening,” said Neiss, who came in search of flowering perennials.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Karie Angell Luc

Approximately 2,500 local families attended the annual @GLMVchamber’s Extreme Block Party Family Expo and Taste of the Towns on May 3 in Mundelein at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The five-hour Saturday midday event was free to attend and drew more than 50 exhibitors by local businesses, restaurants and more. The event was produced by the GLMV Chamber of Commerce (based in Libertyville) which serves Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Karie Angell Luc

Approximately 100 people tapped into the force Saturday at “Star Wars” Day, a first-time event at the Zion-Benton Public Library. The library’s celebration included “Star Wars” crafts, a scavenger hunt, a photo booth backdrop with oversized cardboard figures such as Luke Skywalker and games with a “Star Wars” theme. And, of course, visitors could come dressed in costumes.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Karie Angell Luc

For the first time in the newer part of the Hawthorn mall in Vernon Hills, Saturday’s annual Earth Day Celebration featured food trucks, artisan booths, live music, lawn games, a petting zoo, animal show and more. Liz Giergiel of Wauconda attended the Animal Quest show with children Jack, 11, and Natalie, 8. “It’s wonderful,” she said.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Karie Angell Luc

Between 150 to 250 people attended the free annual Senior Expo on April 22 at the Community Arts Center (225 McHenry Road) in Buffalo Grove. Nearly 60 vendors and community representatives offered giveaways and learning opportunities in several rooms. The Senior Expo was expanded into atrium space this year to accommodate increased demand. Patron Donna Mattis of Buffalo Grove noted the Senior Expo gets, “bigger every year. “It’s nice to come, we see our friends, we get information,” Mattis added.