The Holmstad gallery features local artist and the classic car shows return to Geneva

The Holmstad features local artist
Local artist Robert Pennington’s oil and watercolor painting are featured at the Holmstad Town Center Gallery, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway through July 7. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Pennington developed an interest in painting landscaped while serving with the U.S. Army in Italy during World War II, according to a release from The Holmstad. He earned a bachelor degree in fine arts after the war and worked in advertising for many years. After retiring, he focused on refining his work in watercolor paintings.

Forest preserve sets senior stroll
It might be short notice, but the Kane County Forest Preserve District will host a senior stroll at 10 a.m. July 6 at the Fabyan East Forest Preserve, 1500 Crissey Ave., Geneva. The program will include a guided walk in the preserve and refreshments. The program is free, but registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, call 630-444-3190. Visit the district's website for a schedule of senior stroll dates.

The St. Charles Public Library will host an opportunity to discuss gardening questions with master gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension at 9 a.m. July 8. The library is located at 1 S. Sixth St. in downtown St. Charles. The session is free and drop-ins are welcome. For more information, call 630-584-0076.

Classic car shows return to Geneva
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce hosts the Geneva Classic Car Show every Thursday at 6 p.m. from July 6 to Aug. 3 at the James Street parking lot, behind the old courthouse, in downtown Geneva. The show includes a DJ and food vendors. Admission is free.

The rodeo returns to the Fox Valley
The Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville will host the Fox Valley Pro Rodeo July 7-8. The rodeo will be open from noon to 7 p.m. both days and will include barrel racing, bareback riding, bull riding and other activities. Lori and I always enjoy the rodeo, and it's a good opportunity for grandchildren to see horses, cowboys, and some spirited competition. The fairgrounds are located at 10826 Illinois Route 71, Yorkville. For more information, call 630-553-5860.

Fair facts from the farm bureau
The 2017 Kane County County Fair runs July 20-23 at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. The Kane County Farm Bureau recently shared some facts about the county’s fair and others. Here are a few of my favorite facts:
• The Kane County Fair opened in 1948
• The oldest county fair in Illinois is the Macoupin County Fair, established in 1852
• The first auto races were conducted at the Illinois State Fairgrounds racetrack in 1910
• The 2017 county fair season in Illinois began June 6 in Macon County and continues through Sept. 10 in Calhoun County

• I enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables. I think some of the best produce can be found at the many farmer’s markets in the Fox Valley areas. I visit at least two each week and enjoy meeting the various vendors. The Kane County Farm Bureau offers The Bounty of Kane, a listing of the area’s seasonal farm markets. I imagine there’s a market near you, so get out and enjoy some fresh produce.

• I heard my first Back to School sale commercial for the 2017 school year on July 2, and that’s just too darn early, in my opinion. I won’t mention the retailer that was ran the radio commercial, because I’m not looking for trouble. I know some folks like to plan ahead and get these things addressed early. But Batavia schools dismissed for the summer just over a month ago. Life moves too fast on its own without us pushing it along. Try to enjoy the summer while it lasts, and enjoy today. Besides, there will be plenty of time in August to buy those supplies.

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