Fun and Games – Page 20

Duke Mallard, the Oak Lawn Park District's mascot, interacts with families Oct. 17 at the Park District's Howl-O-Ween festival at Wolfe Wildlife Park. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Duke Mallard ‘boogies down’ as Oak Lawn Park District mascot

By Janice Neumann

October 30, 2026 at 5:03 a.m.

Duke Mallard, the official mascot of the Oak Lawn Park District after taking over for...

Riders aboard the Raging Bull roller coaster scream as they head into a dip on May 26, 2016, at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. (Anthony Souffle/baiduhai)

Six Flags roller coasters getting seat belts in wake of fatal accident: ‘Trust is earned through actions’

By Joseph States

October 27, 2026 at 2:19 p.m.

All Six Flags parks and rides will also undergo a review of safety procedures, the...

An Aztec dance group will be among the highlights of the Dia de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 1 in Oak Park. “I think the community is ready to celebrate again," said organizer Alma Martinez. "The community is asking to get together to honor our ancestors.” (Daveed Holmes, Aperture Photography)

Oak Park Dia de los Muertos Festival returns a year after being canceled by immigration enforcement fears

By Myrna Petlicki

October 26, 2026 at 2:07 p.m.

Public ofrendas are returning to Oak Park for a Dia de los Muertos Festival that...

An image of Syrian President Bashar Assad, riddled with bullets, is seen on the facade of the provincial government office in the aftermath of the opposition’s takeover of Hama, Syria, on Dec. 6, 2024. (Omar Albam/AP)

The Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz for Dec. 14

By Grace Miserocchi

December 14, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Think you know what went on in the world of Chicago politics, sports and pop...

Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown speaks during a news conference after practice at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on Dec. 4, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

The Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz for Dec. 7

By Claire Malon

December 7, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Think you know what went on in the world of Chicago politics, sports and pop...

A person carts a freshly cut pine tree through Gaver Farm in Mount Airy, Maryland, on Dec. 17, 2023, eight days before Christmas. (Julia Nikhinson/Getty-AFP)

Heidi Stevens: ‘I thought my dad was quite the woodsman.’ Pretending to chop down a tree and other tricks to keep the holidays magical

By Heidi Stevens

December 6, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is the lengths that grown-ups go to...

Evanston residents invented many famous toys and playthings, such as Tinkertoys, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots and the "Operation" game, all featured in the Evanston History Center's exhibit on historic toys with Evanston roots. (Evanston History Center)

Tinkertoys, Rudolph and ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots:’ Evanston History Center displays toys with local tie-in

By Myrna Petlicki

December 4, 2024 at 4:39 p.m.

Evanston residents have made significant contributions to the toy industry, creating everything from Tinkertoys to...

Aaron Baxter, of Chicago, prepares to ride as a Buffalo Soldier on his horse, Josie, in the 9th Annual Rodeo at Brown Family Ranch, a Black-owned ranch that has been operating for more than 50 years in Gary, on Sept. 28, 2024. (Tess Crowley/baiduhai)

Black cowboys and cowgirls carry on traditions brought to northwest Indiana, Greater Chicago from the South

By Tiffani Arnold

November 30, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

At the Brown Family Ranch’s annual rodeo in Gary, many Black equestrians say the legacy...

Windy City Skaters roll south on North Marshfield Avenue during their Holiday Lights Road Rave through city neighborhoods on Nov. 22, 2024. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Windy City Skaters build community and explore Chicago on wheels: ‘The whole world is your skate rink’

By Sylvan Lebrun

November 30, 2024 at 7:46 p.m.

Skating approximately 12 miles along city streets during regular Friday night “Road Raves,” the Windy...

Former Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron takes the field on Nov. 3, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

The Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz for Nov. 16

By Grace Miserocchi

November 16, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Think you know what went on in the world of Chicago politics, sports and pop...

Adam Lubiak and Jason Koziol compete in a club league at Windy City Curling in Villa Park on Nov. 14, 2024. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Photos: Windy City Curling

By Chris Sweda

November 15, 2024 at 4:03 p.m.

Windy City Curling league play resumes after a fire in early March destroyed much of...

The Loft leadership team members, from left, owners Mike Shideler and Joe Napoli, food and beverage director Matt Griseta and general manager Jared Bell, gather near the facility's six-lane bowling alley, which is expected to open in early Dec.. (Michelle Mullins/Daily Southtown)

Historic downtown Frankfort bowling alley reopening as The Loft

By Michelle Mullins

November 15, 2024 at 2:55 p.m.

The building in downtown Frankfort opened as a general store in 1877, and the upstairs...

Republican President-elect Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Evan Vucci/AP)

The Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz for Nov. 9

By Grace Miserocchi

November 9, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Think you know what went on in the world of Chicago politics, sports and pop...