News Briefs: Scarecrow Fest is back Friday; Big Blue Swim School reopens; Winnetka pet adoption event on Saturday

Fall really gets going this Friday, Sept. 25, in Highland Park.

The city’s annual Scarecrow Fest will take place from 4-8 p.m. in Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave.

The event will include mini pumpkin painting, face painting, larger-than-life scarecrow puppets, family activities, appearances from Dorothy and Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz,” live music, and food from Las Torres, Michael’s Grill and Indus Progressive Indian.

During your visit, try to find more than two dozen scarecrows decorated by local businesses and vote for your favorite to win Best in Show!

The Scarecrow Trail will stay up through Oct. 10. For more information, visit the event webpage.

Return of Big Blue

Following a serious of renovations, Big Blue Swim School reopened its Wilmette location on Sept. 19 in Edens Plaza, 3232 Lake Ave., and will host a reopening celebration from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Updates to the facility include new showers, improved changing-room partitions, new lobby carpeting and reception desks, fresh paint, and new murals throughout.

“Every improvement we make to our swim schools is about creating a better experience for the families who spend time with us each week,” said Tom Dolan, president of corporate pools at Big Blue Swim School, in a media release. “The updates in Wilmette will provide families with a refreshed, comfortable viewing area and the space for children to continue building their skills and confidence in the water.

“We’re proud to continue investing in this community and look forward to serving Wilmette families for years to come.”

The free event on Sept. 26 will include a DJ, face painting, balloon artists, snacks and beverages, along with tours of the newly renovated facility and opportunities to meet the local team.

Families interested in learning more about Big Blue Swim School or scheduling a free trial lesson at the Wilmette location can learn more online.

Puppy adoption event on Saturday in Winnetka

PAWS Chicago and five other local pet rescues are bringing Chicagoland’s homeless animals to Winnetka from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The animals will stroll the sidewalks in front of 29 retailers along Elm Street, Chestnut Street and Lincoln Avenue, according to a release from PAWS.

This adoption event reportedly is sponsored by a family in memory of their cherished pup Bruno Marvin, a Havanese.

Dozens of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be looking for their new families during the event.

PAWS Chicago encourages potential adopters to bring every family member to the event, including resident dogs, and to fill out an adoption application online prior to the event.

Participating rescues organizations are: Forever Fortunate Felines, Greyhounds Only, Orphans of the Storm, St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines, PAWS Chicago and Tail Together Co.

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