Author: Fox Valley Magazine

(Photo Credits: Keeping Moments Photography) With a few steps off a trailer and onto Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve, American bison, also known as buffalo, have made a triumphant return to Kane County prairie, for the first time in more than 200 years.         The move follows a three-way partnership between the Forest Preserve District of Kane County as land owner, the American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC) as owner of the animals, and Ruhter Bison as the herd manager. It was an agreement the Forest Preserve District had worked to bring to completion for years, and something promised…

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Hardt, this story began in Elgin, Illinois, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy. “I was a wrestler in high school, and that taught me the importance of dedication and determination in completing what I started,” Hardt said. “Those lessons have served me well in the Navy.” Hardt graduated from Elgin High School in 2015. Hardt joined the Navy ten years ago. “I joined because I have a family history of military…

The rollicking holiday smash Who Brought The Humbug will come to the Batavia Arts Centre on Friday, December 12 at 7:30pm. Get ready for a high-energy holiday spectacle like no other! Who Brought the Humbug? flips the script on your typical holiday show, blending jaw-dropping tap dance, infectious beats, and a whole lot of festive fun. Imagine Santa rapping, Frosty breaking it down, and reindeer rocking hip-hop choreography—all set at the most outrageously fun ugly sweater party you’ve ever seen! From Rhythm Street Movement, the masters of rhythm and storytelling, this show is packed with holiday classics reimagined, humor that…

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the Elgin Master Chorale will present their Holiday Spectacular at The Hemmens in Elgin on Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14. Celebrate the holidays with your favorite carols, new spins on modern favorites, all with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the Elgin Master Chorale. With any luck, there may be a special visitor from the North Pole as well. Chad Goodman, conductor Featuring Guest Artists: Elgin Master Chorale; Integrity School of Dance Tickets: Gold $68 / Red $42 / Green $20 Purchase Performances: Saturday, December 13, 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sunday, December 14, 2:30pm The Hemmens is located…

Note: This is the latest in a weekly series from Anderson Humane spotlighting wonderful animals currently looking for a “forever home.” We encourage you to support Anderson Humane and it’s tireless efforts to care for our animal friends and place them in loving homes. For more information please visit https://ahconnects.org/. RUDY Rudy is a very handsome Australian Shepherd/Collie mix with a stunning red, tan, and white coat and the cutest freckles sprinkled across his nose! This sweet 10-month-old boy absolutely loves snacks and will never say no to a tasty treat. Rudy is full of life and happy, bouncy puppy energy,…

Hosts Ray Rogina and Pat Crimmins hit the road to discover the delights of Touché French Creole in Aurora, where they speak with Chefs/Partners Rayshawn Hendricks and Keonte’ Tooles while dining of some amazing New Orleans cuisine. Have a listen. Touche French Creole is located at 6 North River Street in Aurora. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.touchefrenchcreole.com.

The Kane County Cougars will be hosting a special brunch with Santa on Saturday morning from 9am-noon and Sunday afternoon, noon-3pm. Head on over to the Hyundai Suite Level at the beautiful Northwestern Medicine Field for a Christmas experience you’ll never forget. Your ticket will include a breakfast buffet, hot chocolate bar, and holiday crafts. Make sure you know what you want for Christmas, because Santa will be available for a visit and picture. Tickets are available here. Adults: $40; Kids: $15. Northwestern Medicine Field is located at 34W002 Cherry Lane in Geneva.

Get in the Christmas spirit by vising two iconic Christmas light shows in Pingree Grove. Goebbert’s Drive Thru Take a magical journey through the apple orchard, transformed into a glowing winter wonderland filled with synchronized lights, holiday scenes, and festive music. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire drive-thru as they wind through the illuminated path. The experience typically lasts 12–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Larsen’s Light Show Larsen’s Light Show is a fully programmed 30-minute show featuring the iconic Larsen home. Watch the house explode with color and energy through perfectly synchronized lights, strobes, spark machines, fog effects,…

Note: This is the latest in a weekly series from Anderson Humane spotlighting wonderful animals currently looking for a “forever home.” We encourage you to support Anderson Humane and it’s tireless efforts to care for our animal friends and place them in loving homes. For more information please visit https://ahconnects.org/. Meet Bernie – A Shy Teddy Bear with a Heart of GoldIf you’re looking for a gentle soul wrapped in soft fur, Bernie might just be your perfect match. This sweet five-year-old boy can be a little shy when meeting new people, but give him a bit of time and patience, and you’ll soon discover…