Botanic fest creates cultural connections in Glencoe

Updated: May 10, 2012 12:04PM

Families can connect with another culture during the Malott Japanese Garden Children’s Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.

“We’re really happy because we’re able to bring back so many of the favorite performers and people who do demonstrations,” said Eileen Prendergast, manager of youth and family programs.

That includes a tea ceremony demonstration at 10:30 a.m. by students from Seiko Nakashima’s Urasenke School. Also returning are shakuhachi flutist Michael Chikuzen Gould (11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.), storyteller Anne Shimojima (12:30 p.m.) and the Koto harp performers of Chicago Koto Group (2:30 p.m.).

“Throughout the day, we’ll have hands-on activities and projects,” Prendergast said. Kids can construct a kimono paper doll, a miniature carp kite and an origami samurai helmet.

Prendergast said that the Japanese Garden Children’s Festival shows families, “How that garden fits in with Japanese culture.”

For details, call (847) 835-5440 or visit chicagobotanic.org.

You’ve gotta have art

Start the weekend with a fun family activity, Art Smart, from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. An instructor from the North Suburban YMCA will lead this drop-in art class for families.

For details, call (847) 272-6224 or visit northbrook.info.

Focus on film

Skaters who take classes at the Centennial Ice Arena, 3100 Trail Way, Highland Park, will exhibit their skills to cinematic music during “At the Movies.” Ice show times are 7 p.m. Friday, May 18, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19, and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 20. Tickets are $9. The Centennial’s Learn to Skate program offers classes for ages 31/2 through adults.

For details, call (847) 432-4790 or visit pdhp.org.

Nili at Lollie

The Storybook Mom will share tales of mothers during a free “We Love Mommy!” storytime at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Lollie, 1315 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Nili Yelin considers her programs, “sit down stand up.” She adapts picture books, poems, songs, fingerplays and original materials for her interactive performances.

For details, call (847) 849-3272 or visit storybookmom.com.

Chaos condoned

High-energy fun is promised for Musical Mayhem from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. This half-hour drop-in family program in the auditorium will combine music and dancing as you and your kids use shakers and scarves.

For details, call (847) 272-6224 or visit wnorthbrook.info.

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