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Nov 11
8
Light Up Your Date Night with the 98th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The City of Chicago and UL are proud to present the official start of the holiday season the 98th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Wednesday, November 23, 2011! The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highly-anticipated event drawing people of all ages to the heart of Chicago’s downtown “Loop.” Musical performances and festive holiday music begins at 4:30 pm and the holiday season officially commences at 5:00 pm, when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to dazzle in Daley Plaza.
The Winning Tree donated by the Spangler Family
Chicago has spoken! The 55-foot Colorado Spruce from Western Springs nominated by the Spangler Family will serve as the City’s official Christmas Tree on Daley Plaza this holiday season. This is the second year the City has held a contest encouraging residents to vote on the winning tree. Chicago’s Christmas Tree is presented by Safety Partner, UL.
The stately Colorado Spruce sits in the family’s front yard next to their home of 18 years. As a runner-up in last year’s contest, they decided to enter once again after much encouragement. “Our ‘celebritree’ status from last year brought much excitement and support from family, friends and neighbors,” said owner Klaudia Spangler.
As part of their contest submission, Mrs. Spangler wrote this about their tree: Over the years, the tree has served us well. It has been a fort for our kids when they were younger, a great source of shade and an ideal marker when directing people to our home. Now their “celebritree” will be a marker in the heart of Chicago, shining brightly for all to enjoy on Daley Plaza.
The tree will be removed by the Brickman Group on Thursday, November 3. On Friday evening November 4, it will be delivered to Daley Plaza and installed sometime after 7 pm Klaudia and Don Spangler as well as their children Aidan and Hope, will attend and take part in the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 23 beginning at 4:30 pm on Daley Plaza. Following a musical program, they will join Santa Claus, program emcees Valerie Warner of Windy City LIVE and Mike Caplan of ABC 7 Chicago to light the tree promptly at 5 pm. Additionally, the Spangler family will receive decorative LED lights courtesy of UL.
The Christmas Tree Contest began in early September and 38 trees from Chicago, northern Illinois and Indiana were submitted for consideration. With the assistance of The Brickman Group (landscaping/tree professionals) and the Chicago Sun-Times, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events selected the top three finalists.
Kicking off Chicago’s winter season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park will open on Friday, November 18, 2011 and will remain open through Sunday, March 11, 2012, weather permitting. The rink, now in its eleventh season, draws more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10. The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison streets.
Regular Hours for the season are as follows:
Mondays through Thursdays: 12 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Fridays: 12 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Saturdays (through Dec.17): 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.
Saturdays (beginning Jan. 7): 10 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Holiday Hours:
Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving): 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 24: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 25: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 31: 10 a.m. — 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 1: 12 p.m. — 9 p.m.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture presents the 13th annual World Music Festival: Chicago this September 15 – 22, 2011. A celebration of music from around the globe continues this year at the city-wide, multi-venue, week-long festival. Presented at area museums, parks, cultural centers, plazas, theaters, clubs, and other venues, events include a combination of free and low-cost ticketed concerts, many of which are family friendly.
Check out the schedule here.
World Music from Illinois to Italy and beyond…
Illinois-born, Nashville-based, clawhammer banjo player Abigail Washburn is every bit as interested in the present and the future as she is in the past, and as attuned to the global as she is to the local. Abigail pairs venerable folk elements with far-flung sounds, and the result is both traditional and exotic..
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino is the foremost and longest standing traditional music band from Salento, Italy, located in the Puglia region. Playing the energetic pizzica, a style of music and dance native to this region, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino features drums, violin, guitar, bass, tamburello, accordion, flute, Italian bag pipes, harmonica and vocals to form a sound full of energy, passion, rhythm and mystery.
According to Google we’ve got a lot of P.F. Chang’s fans visiting. Good news for you, for the rest of July they’re offering 1/3 off all bottles of wine on Mondays and Tuesdays in celebration of their 18th anniversary and the new wine program. More details here. 
Want a no-brainer regular Date Night? Sign up for Session IV at Penguin Foot Pottery for you and your spouse!
The next 4-week session at Penguin Foot Pottery begins May 31st. Check out their summer schedule here.
Some highlights that may interest you: Wednesday night’s 7-9 is now a 6-week intermediate class. Students will be introduced to more demos and techniques than the regular 4-week beginning class, and will have the opportunity to explore these with more time on the wheel.
Classes will begin to fill up this week so now’s to time to register! Visit Penguin Foot’s website at www.penguinfoot.com
If you find yourself at the Do Division Fest on June 4th or 5th check their booth out!
As mentioned before, my husband and I love spending our date night’s at one of the Chopping Block’s couples themed cooking classes. It’s hands-on, a perfect opportunity to learn and new skill, it’s also a great time to spend with other couples, indulging in some wonderful food.
Please check out some of the classes offered this month:
Date Night: Hangin’ at the Hacienda – Vamanos! Bring a date and have fun making these all time Mexican favorites.
Queso Fundido; Authentic Carne Asada with Corn Tortillas, Salsa Verde, Queso Fresco and Mexican Crema; Mexican Rice and Borracho Beans; Flan Misterioso (Chocolate-Cajeta Flan Cake).Couples Cooking: Hawaiin Luau – Immerse yourself in the sun-drenched food of the Hawaiian Islands.
Mango and Shrimp Spring Rolls; Macadamia Nut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Volcano-Spiced Pineapple Relish; Coconut Rice; Passion Fruit Chiffon Pie.Table for Two: Spring Dinner Party – At the Chopping Block, every table is the chef’s table. Bring a friend and watch one of our expert chefs work some kitchen magic to create a soul-satisfying feast. This cooking lesson includes a full meal, so come hungry!
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Focaccia; Celery Root, Parsley, Shaved Fennel and Watercress Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette; Pan Roasted Chicken
The Chopping Block has two locations – One in Lincoln Square and the other at the Merchandise Mart. If the class you desire is booked, be sure to check both places!
