'Summer's Last Blast' set for Aug. 24

Source: Chicago TribuneJuly 23--It's always a tad bittersweet when the dog days of summer edge into August and autumn suddenly returns in September, with cooler temperatures and another Midwest winter not too far away.存倉But fear not, there is still some good times to be had in the summertime, as the Summer's Last Blast event nears on Aug. 24 in Bolingbrook.The all-day event, hosted by the Bolingbrook Park District and spread out across the 66 acres of Volunteer Park, offers families a bit of affordable fun before summer comes to a close."We enjoy doing this and giving back to the community, and giving people the chance for inexpensive family fun," said Christy Sorenson, one of the park district organizers of the event.The day's events offer a wide variety of diversions that offer something to do for everyone, she said, and pre-registration is now open for many events.Last Blast has evolved over the summers as it now enters its 16th year, Sorenson said.For the first time this year, the Bolingbrook Rotary Club will host its "Raise-A-Stink" raffle during the event.The fundraising event, which brings money in for the Rotary Club's scholarship fund, involves a cow and a grid of squares on a large stretch of grass.Participants can purchase a two-foot square block on the grass grid for $5 each, according to the club's website.On the afternoon of the event, cows are let loose on this grid, with participants watching to see where the cow does its business."The areas where Mother Nature calls will be the winning blocks," according to the club's website. "In case nature calls in more than one area, a panel of judges will determine the (winner)."Cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be offered to the participant who bought the winning square.To purchase your piece of pasture, e-mail kcoyne772@gmail.com or call 630-547-8982.If waiting for a cow to do its business isn't your cup of tea, there's a自存倉slew of other fun times to be had at the Last Blast.Exercise-oriented early risers can participate in a 5K run starting at 8 a.m., Sorenson said. Kids ages 6 to 17 and adults will compete in separate races that wind their way through area neighborhoods, she said.The first 500 participants will receive a T-shirt, goody bag and refreshments, she said. The top three male and female participants in each category will also score a medal.Pre-registration is open now and costs $20 for adults and $18 for kids. Day-of registration is $24 for adults and $22 for kids.The park district will offer a kite fest event this year as well, Sorenson said.Professional kite fliers will dazzle onlookers with aerial acrobatics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., she said, and kids can get a free kite of their own to decorate and fly.The car show is back, with 21 different categories of cherry automobiles that visitors can vote on.Bolingbrook residents looking to take a dip at the Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park will be charged just $1 for admission. Non-locals will be charged $5, Sorenson said, with all proceeds going toward the district's financial aid program.There is also food, mini stock car racing, a gymnastics demonstration, free canoeing in the Volunteer Park North pond and a petting zoo, among other fun, Sorenson said.At night, the cover band 28 Days will rock out, followed by a fireworks finale at dusk.Today when so many family destinations cost an arm and a leg, Sorenson said the district staff enjoys offering a day of fun that won't break the bank."We enjoy working the event," she said. "It's fun to see everyone else having a good time."For more information and to register for events, go to bolingbrookparks.org or call 630-739-1700.geoffz@tribune.comTwitter: @JournoGeoffZCopyright: ___ (c)2013 the Chicago Tribune Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉新蒲崗