Weekender: Rob Elgas Joins Library's Epic Celebration; Thomas the Tank; Prairie Walk

The last weekend of the summer includes a celebration of epic proportions at the Crystal Lake Public Library, and the return of Thomas the Tank to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union.

Also on the calendar this weekend is the Woodstock Jazz Festival, an informative Prairie Walk in Cary and a special fundraiser at Lake Julian to honor veterans and assist Cary flood victims.

More details on the weekend: 

Epic Celebration at Crystal Lake Public Library
Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 126 N. Paddock St., Crystal Lake
The Crystal Lake Public Library's Epic Celebration is when participants of the reading program get to redeem the tickets they've earned all summer by logging the number of minutes they've read.

Participants of the EPIC Celebration Summer Reading Program can redeem tickets for more than 20 games and attractions from a rock climbing wall to face painting (compliments of Black Diamond Plumbing). Tickets will also be available for purchase at $1 each.

The EPIC Celebration Event also will include performances and guest appearances by local artists including NBC Chicago news anchor Rob Elgas, the Crystal Lake Strikers, Clef Hangers Barbershop Quartet, Miss Crystal Lake and more.

Click here for a full list of games and attractions, as well as other EPIC Celebration Event details. Food will be available for purchase.


Thomas and Friends, Day Out With Thomas
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 and 25
The Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd., Union, hosts its second weekend of "Day Out With Thomas 2013." The event is a huge hit with Thomas the Tank fans, and anyone who loves the railroad. Parking lot opens at 7:30 a.m., Gates open at 9 a.m.

Prairie Walk 
10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Sands Main Street Prairie, Cary
The Cary Park District is hosting a free prairie walk, which is open to all residents. A local biologist and naturalist Phil Stanko will lead the walk and educate participants on prairie plants, birds, insects and the stories of families, building, and the features of Wallace Farm. 

Sands Main Street Prairie is located on East Main Street, just east of Decker Drive, in Cary. 

Cary Flood Relief and Honor Flight Event
1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Lake Julian, 65 Route 14, Cary
The Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois invites the community to help their friends and community members impacted by the recent floods. Participants of the upcoming Honor Flight, scheduled for Sept. 13-15, also will be recognized.