UPDATE: Final Days of Kane’s Fabulous Summer Events Guide 2018!
- Editor’s Note: This is Kane County Connects’ first-ever summer events guide. The guide will be regularly updated, so please bookmark and check back often. If your community has an event that we’ve missed, e-mail a link, text and image to kanecountyconnects@gmail.com!
It’s been a spectacular summer in Kane County, with 1,001 events and festivals and family-friendly entertainment.
The weather these past three months was often hot and sometimes stormy, but Kane County communities were full of people, celebrating everything from Art on the Fox in Algonquin to this past weekend’s Farm To Table Community Dinner in West Dundee.
Kane County Connects summer intern Allison Arguezo did a fabulous job putting together the guide and weekly updates, reported live from the Kane County Fair and boosted the Kane County Jobs Committee’s tourism and economic development efforts by giving residents a one-stop shop for fun stuff.
Thanks to Allison’s hard work and the Jobs Committee’s continuing efforts, we’re going to put together our first-ever Fabulous Fall Events Guide, featuring things to do, place to go and people to see from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2018.
Got an event of countywide interest that you’d like to promote? Email text, photos and a link to your event to kanecountyconnects@gmail.com, and we’ll include it in our guide.
About Our Guide
As a service to the community and to promote tourism-related commerce, the Kane County Jobs Committee offers this guide to events taking place in Kane County, IL, during the warm-weather months of June, July and August.
For more information, check out the Why Kane website, visit the Kane County homepage or sign up for the Kane County Connects daily e-newsletter!
Algonquin
June 9 — Document Shredding Event
June 16-17 — 11th Annual Art on the Fox Fine Art Show
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday — Riverfront Park, Algonquin
Art on the Fox turns 11 this June!
This annual Fathers Day Weekend show attracts artists and attendees throughout the Midwest for a day of art and enjoyment along the Fox River.
Attendees can bring the family to the park for this free Father’s Day show. While parents are visiting the art booths, children can design art in our Picasso Tent or get messy in hands on demonstrations and activities.
Free entertainment is available each day in the park’s central gazebo.
June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, Aug. 2, 9 — Algonquin Summer Concerts
July 26-29 — Algonquin Founder’s Day
- 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018, at Spella Park, 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
- 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2018, at Spella Park, 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Spella Park, 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 29, 2018, at Spella Park, 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
Algonquin Founders’ Days is an annual celebration that takes place the last full weekend in July. The 2018 fest will be July 26-29 at Spells Park
Founders’ Day a family-friendly four day event, with something for everyone including: Bicycle Decorating Contest, BBQ Cook-Off, Kids Korner, Outdoor Business Expo, Family Olympics, great music, one of the longest standing parades in the state, Trivia Night and the Fireworks Spectacular over the Fox Rivera family-friendly four day event, with something for everyone including: Bicycle Decorating Contest, BBQ Cook-Off, Kids Korner, Outdoor Business Expo, Family Olympics, great music, one of the longest standing parades in the state, Trivia Night and the Fireworks Spectacular over the Fox River.
Aurora
June 1 — First Fridays Illinois Bicentennial June 1
June 5 — Stories at the Zoo
June 10 — Fox Valley Festival Chorus ‘Music American Style’
June 14 — AHHAB Annual Community Breakfast
June 15-16 — Blues On The Fox
- Gates open at 6 p.m. Friday, June 15, at Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park
- Gates open at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park
Now in its 22nd year, the annual Blues on the Fox festival has attracted music and blues fans from all over the state and even the country.
Featuring some of the hottest artists singing the blues and up-and-comers destined for stardom, Blues on the Fox pays tribute to musicians John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson, Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy and others who recorded their historic sound at the Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora.
Pay tribute to the past, rock out with the present and prepare for the future of blues at Blues on the Fox.
June 17 — 2018 Pride Parade Aurora
June 29 — Downtown Alive!
- 6:30 p.m. at Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park
Former Chicago Bear Dan Hampton has put the band back together with his former Super Bowl teammates Otis Wilson and Steve McMichael for a revival of the Chicago 6.
- 9 p.m. at Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park
Love classic rock? Want to hear all the greatest hits of the genre? Then you need 97Nine. Having all grown up listening to Chicago’s Loop 97.9FM rock radio, these incredible musicians take the stage each night and recreate the visceral experience most everyone had with the music of an unmistakable era.
July 4 — Aurora’s Fourth of July Parade
Event isn’t posted yet, but bookmark this page, and we’ll update when details become available.
July 14 — The Art of Rap
July 27 — Downtown Alive! Heartache Tonight
Aug. 4 — George Thorogood & The Destroyers with special guest Foghat
Aug. 11 — OneRepublic
Aug. 17 — Happy Together Tour 2018
Aug. 18 — Gladys Knight & The O’Jays
Aug. 24 — Get The Led Out
Aug. 26 — City of Lights Ukulele Fest!
Barrington Hills
Aug. 12 – Barrington Honor Ride And Run
Batavia
June 2 — Race to Market – Opening Day 5K 2018
June 2 — WellBatavia 2018
June 8 — Batavia Depot Museum 2nd Fridays — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Engage with and enjoy downtown Batavia during Second Fridays; a night full of food, art, music, fun and so much more! Second Fridays are an interactive and vibrant experience around downtown Batavia working to complement the monthly art gallery opening at Water Street Studios.
June 10 — Batavia Flag Day Ice Cream Social
June 13 — River Rhapsody Concert Series — 7 p.m.
June 17 — Fishing Derby
June 20 — River Rhapsody Concert Series
July 4 — Batavia Fourth of July Fireworks
Event isn’t posted yet, but bookmark this page, and we’ll update when details become available.
July 13-15 — Windmill City Festival
Windmill City Festival has long been a staple of the community and has become a tradition for many families. Are you ready to create lasting memories and enjoy countless activities over the course of two and a half days? Then stop by too see the many family-friendly attractions, participate the golf challenge, enjoy food booths and the beer garden, listen to music played by great bands. Every member of the family is sure to find a new favorite activity!
Mark your calendar and be sure to drop by the downtown area to enjoy Batavia’s biggest event of the summer! The Windmill City Festival Committee includes representatives from the Batavia Park District, Batavia Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Batavia.
For full festival schedule, visit www.windmillcityfest.org
July 21 — Cocktails in the Park 2018
July 28 — Chili Cook Out
Aug. 4 — Park Clean Up Day
Big Rock
Aug. 11-12 — 60th Annual O-Sa-Wan Pow Wow And Native American Marketplace
Burlington
CREDIT: Premier Living Properties
July 4 — Independence Day Celebration
Independence Day will be celebrated in Burlington on Tuesday evening July 3 with the Burlington Park opening at 5:30 p.m. There will be local food vendors, music, a ceremony honoring our Veterans and closing the evening with a NEW fireworks display.
The Burlington Fireworks Committee is a nonprofit organization funded independently by donations. The BFC works with the VOB, and respectfully represents the VOB in celebrating the USA’s 242nd birthday by honoring our Veterans past and present. Be sure to attend and enjoy the evening in small town America.
Campton Hills
- Aug. 7 — National Night Out at Campton Hills
Carpentersville
June 23 — Concerts & Fireworks
- 7:30 p.m. – 1976 revisits all of the great rockin music from the 1970’s. Featuring male and female vocals, two outstanding guitarists and a blistering rhythm section, they are sure to lead up to the fireworks show with a bang!
- 9:30 p.m. — The Fireworks show may begin up to 30 minutes early or be delayed up to one hour due to inclement weather. The rain-out date for the fireworks is Sunday, June 24 at approximately 9:00 pm.
Location: Meadowdale Park/Shopping Center Besinger & Maple Ave., Carpentersville
July 14 — Fest On The Fox
- Noon to 9 p.m. at Carpenter Park
A new location will bring new fun and activities for everyone!
Fest on the Fox was created to highlight the great food, businesses and talent in Northern Kane County.
Live entertainment includes Village Voice Competition, Baggo Tournament, Free Kid Activities, Magic Show, 5K Run, Beer Garden, Food Vendors and so much more!
July 20 — Concerts In Carpenter Park
Aug. 10 — Free Concerts in the Park
Aug. 11 — Burgers And Brew Fest at Carpenter Park
East Dundee
June 8-10 — Village-wide Garage Sale
June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 — Wine Down Wednesday
June 15, July 13, Aug. 3 — Concert in the Park
June 18, July 16, Aug. 20 — Motor Monday
June 28, July 26, Aug. 30 — Thirsty Thursday
August 13 — Friends Of The Fox River Fundraiser
Elburn
June 24-26 — Amma’s Summer Tour
Amma, the humanitarian and spiritual leader known as Mata Amritanandamayi, will be visiting Elburn during her North American Tour, from Sunday, June 24 to Tuesday, June 26. More than 10,000 people will gather to receive her personal embrace (hug), and enjoy three days of free public programs, inspirational live music, meditation, healing arts and delicious vegetarian food. All are welcome!
MA Center Chicago, 41W501 Keslinger Road, Elburn. Contact: 630-387-5077, chicago@macenters.org or amma.org/Chicago.
Aug. 17-19 — Elburn Days
Elburn Days is the largest annual fundraiser for the Elburn Lions Park and Elburn Lions Charities. The Elburn Lions Club has been hosting Elburn Days annually on the third full weekend in August for many years. It is hosted over a three-day period.
It’s a fantastic experience with a a wide variety of activities for all ages to enjoy. Each year we continue to expand the activities and are grateful for all the assistance we receive from the many volunteers. Elburn Days signifies so much more than the event itself. It’s the best representation we can give to the community on Lionism, Volunteering and Community Service!
Follow our Elburn Days Facebook page for up to date information.
Elgin
June 1 (And Every Friday) — Elgin Farmers Market
The Elgin Farmers Market (formerly known at the Harvest Market) will now be held on Grove Avenue near DuPage Court every Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. beginning June 1 and running through Oct. 5.
June 9-10 — Elgin Civil War Experience
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at property adjacent to 600 S. State St.- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at property adjacent to 600 S. State St.
View re-enactors re-create both civilian and military life during the Civil War era. Spectators will also be able to witness two battle reenactments with educational commentary and a special Candlelight Tour with Cannon Night Fire on Saturday night.
June 14 — Elgin Flag Day Service
The City of Elgin’s annual Flag Day Service takes place on Thursday, June 14th from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 274 N. Grove Avenue behind the Gail Borden Public Library. The service, which is sponsored by the Elgin Elks Lodge 737, will feature a speaker, presentation of flags and a 21-gun salute. The community is invited to join us for this patriotic celebration.
June 19 — Summer Concert Series
Elgin’s Summer Concerts in the Park begin Tuesday, June 19, with Return2Soul and then again Tuesday, June 26 with The Illinois Brass Band. All concerts are free of charge. Bring a few dollars to purchase popcorn and other treats from one of our local Elgin non-profits, as well as lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the live music. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Wing Park Bandshell.
June 23 — Fox Valley Garden Walk
July 4 — City of Elgin and Grand Victoria Casino Fourth of July Celebrations
City’s Fourth of July
- Website
- Registration for the parade is open! Register here.
Parade Information:
- Date/Time: 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 4
- 2018 Parade Theme: Ride the Wave
- Start/Finish Parade: Parade starts at Slade and Douglas. Parade ends at Douglas and Highland.
- Estimated Parade Time: 2 hours
Grand Victoria Casino’s 4th of July Celebration:
Kool & the Gang and The Commodores:
- Wednesday, July 4
- Show begins at 6 p.m.
- Gates open at 4 p.m.
- Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.
- Tickets available at gvctickets.com
Fireworks: 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4
July 12, 19, 26, Aug. 2, 7 — Summer Movies in the Park
July 13-15 — St. Sophia 2018 Greek Fest
July 17, 24 — Summer Concerts Series
July 18, Aug. 1, 15, Sept. 5 — Walk With The Mayor
Aug. 4-5 — Art & Soul on the Fox
Art & Soul on the Fox IS truly “Art in the HeART” of the city!
Aug. 25 — ELGIN Hay Day
Geneva
June 17 — Viking Midsummer Festival at Good Templar Park
June 19-24 — Swedish Days Festival
Geneva’s largest festival features a host of family-friendly activities with live musical entertainment, a carnival, Kids’ Day fun, Sweden Väst, a Grand Parade, multi-ethnic food plus great shopping in our historic downtown. Geneva’s train station is located just blocks from the festivities.
Contact: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 630-232-6060
July 7 — Shakespeare in the Park
Enjoy a night of comedy and culture along the Fox River at Island Park, starting at 6 p.m. Stone Soup Shakespeare will perform a 90 minute version of the Taming of the Shrew for the whole family. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and picnic dinner.
Contact: Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, 630-938-4530
July 8, 15, 22, 29 — RiverPark Concert Series
A variety of musical performances are held during this free event on Sunday evenings in July at 6 p.m. at the RiverPark Amphitheater on North River Lane and Peyton Street (151 N. River Lane). In case of rain, performance will take place at Geneva United Methodist Church, 211 Hamilton Street.
Contact: Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, 630-938-4530
July 28-29 — Geneva Arts Fair
More than 140 artisans in a host of mediums from around the country are showcased along Third Street in downtown Geneva. Free admission; includes a children’s art area.
Contact: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 630-232-6060
Thursdays in July And August — Geneva Classic Car Shows
Check out the shining chrome and gleaming engines of antiques, custom build, sports and muscle cars along with food, music and a DJ; free admission. Fourth & James streets (Courthouse Parking Lot).
Contact: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 630-232-6060
Sunday, Aug. 26 — Geneva Concours d’Elegance
Classic car enthusiasts will gather together again this year in Geneva, Illinois to view a beautiful collection of antique, classic and modern automobiles. Participants from all over the country will display their prized automobiles on Third Street hoping to be awarded one of the coveted “Benz” trophies.
Contact: Geneva Concours d’Elegance NFP, 630-584-3107
Gilberts
June 1-3 — Gilberts Community Days
Gilberts Community Days is a three-day free music festival with some of the area’s best bands performing for your entertainment. The festival includes a Kid’s Zone with free crafts sponsored by Lifezone 360, free magic shows, a freepetting zoo and free projects sponsored by Home Depot. There are food vendors with delicious offerings, and your thirst can be quenched with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
June 7-10 — Communitywide Garage Sale
The annual village-wide garage sale takes place in mid-June from Thursday through Sunday. No permit necessary.
Hampshire
June 9 — Summer on State
The Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce is happy to introduce an all new event called Summer on State. This event is open to all. The event will consist of business/organization sponsored carnival activities, interactive DJ, food trucks, beer garden, farmers and outdoor market sneak peek, cookie baking contest, basketball shooting contest, hula hoop contest and more.
June 16 — 1st Farmers’ and Outdoor Market of 2018
Huntley
June 2 — Craft Fair / Free Entertainment
June 9 — Antique Tractor Display / Home Based Business Day / Free Entertainment
June 16 — Trash 2 Treasure Fair
June 30 — Family Fun Day at the Market
Craft fair, free kids games, free bike/stroller decorating and mini parade around the square. Entertainment: The Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band (11:15 a.m.) and more!
July 4 — Independence Day Fireworks Show (rain date: 7/6/18) Parking locations
Aug. 5 — Bike Huntley & Community Picnic
Aug. 7 — National Night Out
Aug. 10 — Movie in the Park (Parisek Park): Wizard of Oz
Kaneville
Aug. 26 — Kaneville Fest Annual Bike Parade
Lily Lake
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TBA
Maple Park
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TBA
Montgomery
June 24 — Sunday in the Park
The open park area behind Lakewood Creek Elementary School will be the location for a fun community event called Sunday in the Park from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 24.
Join friends and neighbors for free ice cream from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., food to purchase from food trucks, games and activities for kids of all ages and a concert from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs! This event is sponsored by the Montgomery Village Board and the Fox Valley Park District, with free ice cream provided by Engineering Enterprises, Inc.
Please call (630) 896-8080 Ext. 9003 with any questions.
Aug. 10-12 — Montgomery Fest
Each summer, Montgomery Fest brings together neighbors and friends from throughout the area to enjoy a weekend of old-fashioned family fun. Held the second weekend in August along the banks of the Fox River, highlights of the Fest include musical performances, carnival rides, a wide range of food vendors, petting zoo, a carp fishing derby, a car show, parade and fireworks.
In 2018, Montgomery Fest will be held on Aug.10, 11 and 12. Special events will include contests, (carp derby and a talent show), terrific entertainment, and a parade that local groups or businesses can participate in with no registration fee (although advance sign-up is required).
North Aurora
June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 — NOARDA Rythm on the Riverfront – Concert in the Park
July 3 — Fireworks at Riverfront Park
Aug. 3-5 — North Aurora Days
WebsiteThe village of North Aurora is proud to continue the North Aurora Days tradition of providing a fun-filled weekend of activities and entertainment for the whole family in our great community.
Be sure to review all the information on the North Aurora Days website for times and locations of all the fun and exciting events. Join your friends and bring your family to enjoy the 2018 North Aurora Days.
Pingree Grove
June 14-16 — Village-Wide Garage Sales
July 6-7 — Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate our nation’s freedom at Pingree Grove’s annual Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks, food, parade, music and more! See the full schedule at: http://bit.ly/2r46YdW
Sleepy Hollow
July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration
Timetable of events at Sabatino Park, Sleepy Hollow:
- 8 a.m. — Fun Run starts
- 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Fishing Derby
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. BGSA Car Show
- 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Ticket sales for food, games and refreshments
- 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Food sales
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Entertainment, featuring The Lenny’s
- 11:30 a.m. — Parade begins
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Beer & Wine sales
- 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Games
- 1 p.m. — Bags Tournament
- 2:30 p.m. — Pie Eating Contest
- 3 p.m. — Raffle drawing for grand prizes
- 4 p.m. — Close of entertainment and concessions
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks gates and parking opens
- 9:15 p.m. — Fireworks start
South Elgin
June 16 — Tuna Kahuna Kids Fishing Derby
Parents and grandparents have been bringing their children for years and enjoying this wonderful fishing experience. This event is open to children 15 years and younger, along with a guest group from Fox Valley Special Recreation Association.
July 4 — Fourth of July Parade
Aug. 4-5 — 14th Annual The World of Faeries Festival
St. Charles
June 9 — Tri-City Craft Brew Festival at Lincoln Park
June 10 — 41st Annual Kane County Railroad Collectibles and Model Train Show at Kane County Fairgrounds
June 10 — Harley-Davidson 2nd Annual Pink Heals TriCities Motorcycle Ride at Harley-Davidson St. Charles
June 23 — Best of St. Charles Foodie Fest at St. Charles History Museum
June 23 — Monarchs & Milkweed Festival at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
June 26 — St. Charles Cruise Nites at Riverside Avenue
June 30-July 1 — Live at Christ Community America’s Got Talent Finalist
July 4 — July 4th Celebration at Pottawatomie Park
Fun and entertaining for the whole family. Concessions available. At 6pm, experience some sizzling chemistry, incredible energy and irresistible songs by an incredibly-talented band that offers a repertoire of songs ranging from the latest top 40 hits to classics.
Fireworks at dark. Best views from Pottawatomie Park, Ferson Creek Park and downtown St. Charles.
July 4 — Prairie Walk at Garfield Farm and Inn Museum
July 18-22 — Kane County Fair at Kane County Fairgrounds
WebsiteFox Valley’s Top-Rated Summer Event! The Kane County Fair will take place July 18-22, 2018. Additional information will be made available closer to the fair dates.
Aug. 8-12 — Equifest III at Lamplight at Lamplight Equestrian Center
Aug. 15 — Delorean Convention and Show 2018 Tech Session at Baltria Vintage Auto Gallery
Aug. 24 — Homefront: Echoes of the Great War Exhibit Opening with Dance Night at St. Charles History Museum
Sugar Grove
July 26-29 — Sugar Grove Corn Boil
The Sugar Grove Corn Boil will be hosting its annual summer festival July 26-29, 2018. Our mission is to promote a sense of community, provide local civic and charitable groups with fundraising opportunities, as well as, offer affordable family fun, with our tasty sweet corn as one of the main attractions.
For more than 50 years, the Corn Boil festival has been widely attended by not just the residents of Sugar Grove, but by those in the surrounding communities, and even some from a far. Each year the all-volunteer committee is committed to providing the best festival around.
Virgil
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TBA
West Dundee
FREE Concerts in Grafelman Park, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- June 8 – Formed in 2008, SODA has quickly become one of Chicago’s most booked bands.
- July 6 — Southern Jack is a local country band that covers bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet and many more.
- July 27 — Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band: This Caribbean reggae band will whisk your thoughts away to the island beach, warm weather, and tropical music of Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Paul Simon, Dick Dale, Jimmy Cliff and many others. They offer a variety of entertainment for everyone who enjoys warm weather!
- Aug. 3 — Concert in the Park with Off the Charts
- Aug. 10 — Free Concerts in the Park
June 8 — Nickelodeon Star Jake Bell in West Dundee
June 23 — Concert And Fireworks
Kick off your Fourth of July celebration a little early! Enjoy an evening filled with music and fireworks. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks to follow at approximately 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Dundee Township Lions Club.
July 25 — The Intelligentsia Cup
The Intelligentsia Cup powered by SRAM is happy to announce its 2018 series venues, offering 10 days of continuous racing with seven criteriums and three road races, including the Illinois state road race championship!
The West Dundee River Challenge returns with the daunting “leg breaker” finish hill on Wednesday, July 25.
Aug. 26 — West Dundee Farm To Table Community Dinner
West Dundee will host its 2nd Annual Farm To Table Community Dinner at Grafelman Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26.
The Farm to Table Community Dinner will begin with a social hour before sitting down to enjoy a community meal together. This one-of-a-kind meal features fresh, local ingredients expertly prepared by local chefs and served in a festive atmosphere. More info to follow at www.wdundee.org.
Read More!
And check out the Aurora Area!
About the Kane County Summer Events Guide
Looking for something to do this summer? Kane County is the place to be!
As a service to the community and to promote tourism-related commerce, the Kane County Jobs Committee offers this guide to events taking place in Kane County, IL, during the warm-weather months of June, July and August.
For more information, visit kanecountyconnects.com, check out the Why Kane website and the newly redesigned Kane County homepage or sign up for the Kane County Connects daily e-newsletter!
