Weekend Spotlight: Steam Engines, Bicycles, Stars & More

The coming week is the last full week of operation for several area pools and the Harold Hall Quarry Beach in Batavia, so you might want to consider taking a dive or visiting a splash pad this weekend. But there's plenty else to keep you busy, too. Here are a few highlights. As always, check the Go West Calendar for events that might better fit your family's interests, schedule or budget.

From the 2008 parade. Photo courtesy of the Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee.STEAM SHOW: The annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee takes place on farm in Sycamore. It features parades of old steam engines, tractors and other antique machines; barrel train rides for kids; music; a operating sawmill; mule team wagon rides; bluegrass music and more. Admission is $6, children under 12 are free. Parking is free. The buildings are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, and here's a schedule of daily events. 

STARRY NIGHT: The Yorkville Music Under the Stars series wraps up Friday night, with a 7 p.m performance by Billy Croft and 5 Alarm, described as "country rock." Admission is free, and the concert this week will be held at Yorkville's Town Square.

BREAKING AWAY: If your family loves riding your bikes, you'll want to know about the 13th annual Winfield Criterium, being held Saturday at Oakwood Park and Sunday at Creekside Park in Winfield. The event will feature national championship races, pro-ranked cyclists, kids races, lawnmower races and a showing of 'Breaking Away" on Saturday night. Admission is free, and you can find a detailed schedule of events at winfieldcriterium.com.

QUEEN OF HEARTS: Marquee Youth Stage will be performing "Alice in Wonderland Jr." on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. The production features music, including classic songs from the Disney movie such as "I'm Late." Tickets are $16 for adults, $11 for students.

STAR PARTY: Peck Farm Park Interpretative Center in Geneva will host a public start party on Saturday, starting at 7:30 p.m. with a short discussion, followed by a tour of the moon, planets and star clusters. This event is free, and it's organized by the Fox Valley Astronomical Society.

BLUE & GRAY: Blackberry Farm in Aurora will host a "Civil War Living History Display" on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Re-enactors will be dressed in Civil War uniforms, have artifacts on display for viewing and answer questions about the war. This event is included in regular admission to Blackberry Farm.