5 Things: Fall Arrives, Homecoming for North and More

Summer is officially over. After today the days will get shorter and the nights longer, at least until the clocks fall-back. 

Also, cheer the St. Charles North Star's on for their varsity game against one of their rival teams, the Geneva Vikings. But beware of the afternoon gridlock through the downtown area with the St. Charles North Homecoming parade. 

Here are five things going on today, Friday, Sept. 23, 2011. 

1. Fun Fact: The September Equinox took place at 9:04 a.m., making today is officially the first day of fall for the northern hemisphere. During the equinox, the length of night and day across the world is relatively the same, at 12 hours, because the Earth's tilt is a straight line, perpendicular to the sun.

There are many ancient traditions that surround the September Equinox and it is seen as a powerful celestial event in cultures throughout the world. You can read more about the traditions surrounding the September Equinox here.

2. Homecoming weekend for  begins with a parade at 1 p.m. through downtown St. Charles.  so please be aware of parade-related delays. 

 varsity homecoming game against the Geneva Vikings starts at 7:30 p.m. at St. Charles North High School. The Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. in the school's main gym. 

3. The Country Folk Art Festival comes to the from 6 to 10 p.m. The show runs through the weekend on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

This show is designed to feature specialized arts from folk art to reproductions of American arts and crafts. Visit www.artoftheheartlandinc.com for more information. 

4. Remember the show Who's Line Is It Anyway? The funny British improv-comedy show that also was made for American audiences with a certain Price is Right host? Well, the  in Aurora is bringing back it's improv style and hilarity with two shows at 8 and 10 p.m. tonight.

Tickets are available for $20. No one under the age of 14 is allowed at the 8 p.m. show. The 10 p.m. show is the "naughty" performance and no one under the age of 17 will be admitted. 

5. Bring some chairs and a blanket and hang out on the lawn for a Ravinia-style night of music during  at 6 p.m. at the . Tonight's performance will feature the soothing sounds of Sharon Hartley. Sharon is a solo guitar artist with an organic blend of acoustic music with mindful lyrics.

This is a free event, open to all ages.