Saturday
After an early start we arrived at the Hoffman Estates Public Library where we had a private reception and introduction to Hoffman Estates by Mark and Wendy Battaglia before the big treat. We had private bleachers for the Hoffman Estates 50th Anniversary Parade. I felt like a little child again picking up candy from the street. There were fire engines blasting, polices cars wailing and lots more fun things to see.
We had time after the parade so Dale, our great driver, took us on a side trip to South Barrington to see the fantastic mansions in the area. We each picked out the one we wanted. We then stopped at Goebert's Farm Market to smell all their beautiful flowers.
We had a wonderful lunch at the Hoffman Estates City Hall. They had a new car show and cash door prizes. One of our companions won first prize. What fun!
After a short stop at our hotel to get rested up for our night's activities we were off again for more surprises. Out evening meal was on our own at the new Arboretum Shopping Center.
Our final treat for the evening was the 2009 Heartland International Tattoo. No, I don't have a new tattoo. This is a gathering of Pipe and Drum Groups. The Pipes are actually bagpipes. There were many interesting groups from The Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers to the U.S. Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. It ended with a spectacular rendition of "Amazing Grace" which started our with the Irish American Heritage Singers melding into each participating group coming into the center and ending with a solo piper. The lights had been dimmed with a spotlight on the piper. It was quite moving.
What a busy day. It's now time for bed.
Sunday
What a better way to start the Sunday with going to church. We went to the Willow Creek Community Church, which has the 2nd largest church in the US. The auditorium seats 7,095 on three levels. It was a cultural experience as this denominational church is very casual with singers and instruments playing contemporary songs. It has a book store, an activity center and a Coffee Bar. There are large screens all through the church so you can watch the service from wherever you are in the facilities.
Our lunch was at the Apple Villa Pancake House and Restaurant. We had good service and plenty of food.
Our afternoon stop was at the Billy Graham Center and Museum. It was very interesting to see how the Evangelical ministries were started and how they have progressed through time.
After a brief rest we were out for our last evening entertainment. We went to the Skokie Theatre and were entertained by Jeanne Scherkenback who performed "Kate the Great" a musical anthology and history of Kate Smith. It was a wonderful performance.
North, South, East or West Where we're going is anyone's guess Traveling "Southwest" is the Best
Maybe south, maybe east Where we're going will be a treat Traveling "Southwest" can't be beat
Have a great day.We had time after the parade so Dale, our great driver, took us on a side trip to South Barrington to see the fantastic mansions in the area. We each picked out the one we wanted. We then stopped at Goebert's Farm Market to smell all their beautiful flowers.
We had a wonderful lunch at the Hoffman Estates City Hall. They had a new car show and cash door prizes. One of our companions won first prize. What fun!
After a short stop at our hotel to get rested up for our night's activities we were off again for more surprises. Out evening meal was on our own at the new Arboretum Shopping Center.
Our final treat for the evening was the 2009 Heartland International Tattoo. No, I don't have a new tattoo. This is a gathering of Pipe and Drum Groups. The Pipes are actually bagpipes. There were many interesting groups from The Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers to the U.S. Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. It ended with a spectacular rendition of "Amazing Grace" which started our with the Irish American Heritage Singers melding into each participating group coming into the center and ending with a solo piper. The lights had been dimmed with a spotlight on the piper. It was quite moving.
What a busy day. It's now time for bed.
Sunday
What a better way to start the Sunday with going to church. We went to the Willow Creek Community Church, which has the 2nd largest church in the US. The auditorium seats 7,095 on three levels. It was a cultural experience as this denominational church is very casual with singers and instruments playing contemporary songs. It has a book store, an activity center and a Coffee Bar. There are large screens all through the church so you can watch the service from wherever you are in the facilities.
Our lunch was at the Apple Villa Pancake House and Restaurant. We had good service and plenty of food.
Our afternoon stop was at the Billy Graham Center and Museum. It was very interesting to see how the Evangelical ministries were started and how they have progressed through time.
After a brief rest we were out for our last evening entertainment. We went to the Skokie Theatre and were entertained by Jeanne Scherkenback who performed "Kate the Great" a musical anthology and history of Kate Smith. It was a wonderful performance.
North, South, East or West Where we're going is anyone's guess Traveling "Southwest" is the Best
Maybe south, maybe east Where we're going will be a treat Traveling "Southwest" can't be beat
Linda Balk
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