The Chicago Traveler

Mocha Moms will arrive in Chicago this week for their National Conference which is open to everyone.' The festivities begin on Friday Morning with breakfast and a variety of speakers and workshops.' Friday night has the Moms going out on the town for a “Moms Night Out”.' Saturday returns with more information sessions and there is also a vendor section that will have items that you need and that you really really want.

Mocha Moms is a National group of Moms that are committed to raising their children themselves and have taken the next step to stay at home with the children.' Because of the economy, all of us know what sort of sacrifice these women are making.' They come from all walks of life, education, and economic status.' Not all of the moms stay at home, but anyone who supports the mission and values of devoting more time to their families is welcome to join.

The conference will be at Chicago’s Ohare Airport Hilton on Friday and Saturday.' Room rates are $129 per night if you mention the code MMI.' The cost of the conference is $200 for both days which is clearly a deal for all you receive.' The information alone would cost that, but you will also receive continental breakfast and a full lunch both days.

Mocha Moms, which'was founded in 1997,'is not for profit.' It was founded to help support moms of color.' Todays chapters are spread throughout the United States with all nationalities of women.' It’s a great opportunity to help support and be supported with'women in the same position you are.

Check out the Great Performers of Illinois Festival happening today through Monday July 13th.' The Millennium Park has a free festival spotlighting Great Performers of wonderful state.' Kids will stare wide eyed at the lifesize urban corn maze there.' There are at least 6000 corn stalks located near the Family Fun Tent.' Bring the kids to explore the corn and pick up educational information about corn and how important it is.' There will also be walking giant corn called “Cornettes” that will come up to you in the corn maze and tell corny jokes and corn tips. Get your picture taken with one of the Cornettes.' You will be sure to have something to talk about at the water cooler on Monday when you return to work.

There are many free performances at the park.' Come out and make a day of it.' The gates just opened up and will go through.' One of the free concerts today is Dennis DeYoung formally of the Styx.' He is on from 7:30-9pm.

Photo Credit:' Photobucket

Come to Welles Park located at Lincoln and Montrose for one of Chicago’s Unique and very fun festivals.' It’s across from Sulzer Library. The Chicago Folk and Roots Festival is one of the more lively festivals to hit our area.' At first glance you probably wouldn’t think of adding Folk and Roots together but the mix is actually neat.' The festival is brought to you by the Oldtowne School of Folk Music.

The gates will open up here at noon in about a half hour and will go all day till 9:30pm or so (smile).' There will be good food and I mean some really good food.- Don’t eat before you go.' If you do, just get some tasty desserts.' And the music is outstanding.' There are two stages, a kids tent and dancing tent.' You will find me in the dancing tent.' I love music and dance and combining the two makes me so happy.' The Welles Park gazebo will also have some entertainment.' You get the idea.' It’s a large festival with lots of fun.

It’s $8 to get in, $4 for seniors and kids.' The fee helps support the festival each year and school programs.' Come on out and join in on the fun.

Old St. Pat’s Church will be the host for the'Annual World’s Largest Block Party on Friday July 10th and Saturday July 11th from 5:30pm-10:30pm.- You are sure to have a awesome time.' This party draws a large crowd so be prepared for a lot of people.' There will be some of Chicago’s finest foods to taste along with adult beverages and music.' Each admission to the block party gets you five tickets for one of the following; beer, wine, water or pop.' You can’t beat that.'

Music will be performed on the Main Stage and South Stage by Green River Ordinance, Collective Soul and several others.' The first 100 people there each day who bring a food donation will receive a free hot dog from the Old St. Pat’s Grill.' The party and the food donation will help the mission and outreach activities of Old St. Pat.' There is nothing better than enjoying a good party and helping others in the process.' Tickets are $35 per night or $60 for both days when purchased together.' The event is for the 21 and over crowd.

This Saturday, July 11, is the Volleywood Beach Bash on North Avenue Beach.' If you are looking for something fun to do that is a little out of the ordinary and you like Volleyball, this is the place for you.'

The day will be filled with Volleyball tournament games.' You can participate in the volleyball games, hang out on the beach to watch the festivities and enjoy the concert.' The concert will feature MC Hammer along with DJ Matt Roan and DJ Whiteshadow.' The Hammer is bringing his dancers also.' Hopefully he will play some of his old music that we all love so much.' Remember the Hammer pants' But don’t bring those with you to the Beach Bash.' Those are for you to enjoy the memories of only, not to wear again.

The event is to help the Chicago Sport and Social Club celebrate 20 years in existence.' Best of all the event is FREE.' You can’t touch this!'

You must be 21 or over to attend.

Picture Credit:' Flickr

Have you ever been to see the thoroughbred horses run' It’s quite a spectacular event.' Back before the days of casinos, it was about the only legal way to gamble.' Arlington Park is an awesome track.' They are gearing up for the Miller Lite Party on July 11th beginning at 2:30pm.' It’s'a great reason to sneak away from work early.' It’s Friday, why not'

There will be live racing along with simulcast racing and of course, Miller beer.' Some local Chicago bands are playing and there will also be blues in the evening by Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners.'

Have you learned to play Baggo yet? If so, you are not alone.' I haven’t quite learned it either but there will be games and also some help with instruction.

Photo Credit:' Flickr

Chicago is a great place to be in the summertime. The kids are out of school and wait a minute….' The kids are out of school so you are probably looking for something to do.' If you don’t have them enrolled in a day camp, you may have run out of unique things to do.' If you are traveling with kids, you will love to have suggestions for something that is kid friendly.' Enjoy our Chicago fun activities including:

• American Girls Day' Out - Do you have a girl who just loves American Girls' Plan to visit the Water Tower Place store on July 1, 8 August 12 or 19th where she can enjoy crafts and activities.
• Check out a guided tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum and see what $1million dollars looks like all shredded up.' Tours are daily at 1pm.
• Find out what farm life is like by checking out Wagner Farm.' There are hayrides and tours and kids can even find out how to milk a cow.
• Check out the Chicago area beaches.' That is always one way to soak up the day and the kids will love it.
• Take in a museum.' For the summer many museums are offering free admission on certain days;' Monday - Chicago History Museum, Tuesday - Museum of Contemporary Art, Wednesday - Glessner House Museum, Thursday - Chicago Children’s Museum, Friday - Art Institute of Chicago and Sunday' - DuSable Museum of African American History.
• Kidsbowlfree.com has a program that provides kids with two free games of bowling each day for the summer.' You do have to sign up at their website and then you print off the coupons to take to the bowling alley.' You still have to pay for the shoes but it’s still a fun time.

Enjoy the summer.