Pots on parade
This is the last week to check out the decorated flower pots on Madison Street as part of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce’s Flower Pots on Parade initiative.
Families, businesses and other organizations adopted pots and decorated them with a fall or Halloween theme. The designs went up Oct. 23 but everything will be coming down Nov. 8.
Robert Steed gallery exhibition
The Triton College art gallery is hosting an exhibition of sculptures titled “Now we See Them, Now we Don’t” from local artist Robert Steed through Thursday, Nov. 18 in the fine arts gallery room at 2000 Fifth Ave. in River Grove.
In this exhibit, Steed uses salvaged materials to assemble his interpretations of endangered and extinct animal species, part of his mission to raise awareness of the threats facing these unique animals. His exhibits are meant to be both artistic and educational.
An Oak Park native, Steed attended the University of Iowa majoring in studio art before working in commercial art, then designing and building furniture. He now makes his home in River Forest.
For more information on the exhibition, contact Carol Gutkowski at carolgutkowski@triton.edu or 708-456-0300, ext. 3506.
Animal Crossing meet-up
Nintendo, the makers of the immensely popular social simulation video game Animal Crossing, announced a major update is coming Nov. 5, so get back into the groove and explore the new world at this remote or in-person meet-up at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Monday, Nov. 8 from 4-5 p.m.
Attendees will be able to share all they’ve discovered in the New Horizons update and get a tour of the library’s own Animal Crossing Island.
Guests should bring their item, villager, do-it-yourself wish lists, terraforming headaches, Dream Addresses and more. Free Animal Crossing villager Amiibo cards – including some popular villagers – will be given away if your island is accepting new residents.
Register for the event on the library’s website, fppl.org.
Pumpkin smash
Deliver an emphatic end to the Halloween season at the annual pumpkin smash on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Roosevelt Middle School.
The event has a noble aim – to divert jack-o-lanterns from the landfill to instead be composted – and is sponsored by River Forest School District 90’s Green4Good collaborative that promotes environmental stewardship at school and home.
Roosevelt Middle School is at 7560 Oak Ave. in River Forest.
Aprons and amaretto
The Park District of Forest Park’s new Sips and Crafts series kicks off with aprons and Amaretto sours Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Roos Recreation Center.
Every registrant will create their own custom-designed fabric apron – a lovely holiday gift for yourself or someone special – and learn a tasty recipe for an Amaretto cranberry spice cocktail, which of course will be sampled throughout the evening.
All crafting supplies will be provided, and if Amaretto’s not your flavor of choice, wine, water and pop will also be available.
The event is only for guests ages 21 and older. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased on the park district’s website, pdofp.org, under Adult Programming.
Submit your Event: Have an event we should feature in the Big Week? Email event details (photo, time, place, cost & a brief description) to Andy@forestparkreview.com. The deadline for submissions is Friday at noon.
