Edition: Toasts of the Town

Quintessential Chicago: Winter's End

Author: By Amber Chibucos

Green River

The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade is held on the Saturday before the actual date of St. Patrick's Day-March 15th this year. Events include the annual dyeing of the Chicago River at 10:45 a.m. (best viewed from the Michigan Ave. and Columbus Dr. bridges) and the renowned parade that runs on Columbus from Balbo to Monroe. The South Side Irish Parade kicks off March 9th at noon. This is the 29th year for the event which stretches from 103rd Street and Western Avenue to 115th Street. 

How I Love Thee

Keep the romance going post-Valentine's Day with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's production of Romeo and Juliet. This "short Shakespeare" runs only 75 minutes in the Courtyard Theatre, Feb. 23-April 5. The fast-paced tragedy is a good introduction to works of Shakespeare. The courtyard seats up to 500 in its grand seven-story architectural design. 

Hit the Slopes

Not everyone can head to the Rocky Mountains at a moment's notice, so try Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park in suburban Algonquin. In addition to offering a venue for recreationalboarders, Raging Buffalo acts as a catalyst for the sport in the Midwest. Up-and comingriders compete in local and national events the likes of slopestyle, big air, halfpipe, and boardercross-a race where riders zip down steep, jump-filled courses. The park covers about 10 acres of ground with 150 feet worth of vertical drop. 

In Bloom

Spring is just around the corner at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The month of March hosts many events such as the Sogetsu Ikebana Show featuring traditional Japanese flower arrangements, and the Northern Illinois Gesneriad Society Show & Sale. View beautiful tropical plants in more than 50 exhibits and 20 types of gesneriads (i.e. African Violets) at the Gesneriad Show. The Chicago Botanic Garden is on 385-acres with 23 display gardens and is open year-round.