Living in the Midwest, you have probably already learned the importance of taking advantage of the beautiful summer weather while we have it. One great way to do so, is picnicing. The New York Times just wrote an article giving excellent food ideas to spruce up the average picnic basket. Not only are they excellent, but plentiful. With 101 ideas, you can come up with a whole menu for the a tasty and unique picnic that will likely become one of your summer highlights.

The best part is, all of the dishes take only 20 minutes or less to prepare. That gives you more time to get outside and enjoy the weather, but be careful.  With a tasty spread like the one you’ll get from these tips, you might have to keep an eye out for any Yogi Bear-types.

That is theme of this year’s 4th of July festivities in Evanston, IL. This is the 87th year that the Evanston Fourth of July Association has been in charge, and boy, do they have it down!

The parade, which begins at 2pm, is a fourth of July staple for all Evanstonians. With over 140 entrants, this is more than a parade - it’s an event. In fact, it has become so popular that people start setting up chairs along side the road  three days before the parade even occurs. The procession begins at Central Park Avenue East on Central Street and ends at Ashland Avenue.

The festivities don’t stop with the parade. At 7:30 head to Clark Street beach to hear the Palatine Concert Band perform on the lakefront as pre-firework entertainment. Enjoy the live music until 9 and wait just 15 minutes for fireworks to light up the sky, capping off the evening in true 4th of July fashion.

Every year Evanston’s 4th of July festivities top those of the prior year - so don’t miss what they have in store for 2008!

More information here>>

Planning on watching the fireworks at Butler Lake?

Come early this year to hear live music performed by the Village Band. The performance will begin at 7:30 pm and last until dusk. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Bring family and friends. Sit back and enjoy the weather, music, and the fact it’s Friday night. Let the patriotic tunes get you in the mood for the pinnacle of every 4th of July - fireworks.

What a holiday. A day off to barbecue with your favorite people followed by a night of free entertainment.