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| Special Events And Grand Openings |
| A number of special events are scheduled each year by the Forest Preserve. These events draw thousands of visitors, who come to learn about the cultural and natural features Will County offers. And with the completion of more improvement projects, community events are held to introduce the public to these new outdoor opportunities.
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Ride the Rock May 17, 2008
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Event Details:
To celebrate National Bike Month, the Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting the second annual "Ride the Rock." This free, family bike ride will be Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. A minimum age of 11 is recommended.
For information and registration, call 815.727.8700, weekdays.
The bike ride is along the 15-mile looped trail system formed by the Rock Run Trail, the Joliet Junction Trail,and a segment of the I & M Canal State Trail.
Riders will check in and begin the ride at the Forest Preserve District's Rock Run Greenway--
I & M Canal Access preserve, on Empress Drive (Houbolt Road), just south of the I-80 overpass, in Joliet.
The route takes riders north on the Rock Run Trail to Joliet Junior College and on to Theodore Marsh Preserve, in Crest Hill. Here riders will access the Joliet Junction Trail to head south to Rockdale, where the trail connects to the I & M Canal State Trail. A short ride brings bicyclists back to the starting point at I & M Canal Access.
Most of the trail is paved, and the degree of difficulty is easy to moderate. Some of the looped trail is along sidewalks and street routes.
Participants are encouraged to wear a helmet.
Four rest stops along the way will provide refreshments and restrooms.
Sponsors:
Applebee's Restaurant ,
Comcast ,
D'Arcy Motors ,
Empress Casino Joliet ,
PeopleFirst Bank ,
Sam's Club ,
WJOL Radio ,
Joliet Junior College ,
Northern Illinois Steel ,
Wight & Company
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Island Rendezvous June 14, 2008
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Event Details:
The "Island Rendezvous," a two-day festival celebrating the 18th-century fur trade, wil be Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 15, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. This all-age, family event is free of charge.
This event, now in its 25th year, features voyageur, colonial,Native American and soldier reenactors from all over the midwest.
A voyageur encampment is set up on the grounds of Isle a la Cache Museum, and the public can wander through to observe period skills and talk with the reenactors.
Demonstrations like a canoe race, black-powder musket shoots and tomahawk throws will be provided both days. Live period music will be ongoing.
Other features of the Rendezvous include hands-on opportunities will skills and games, children's stories and eating (food will be available for sale).
Most locations are available via a paved or crushed limestone path, but some campsites will be located on uneven ground.
Isle a la Cache Museum, devoted to the voyageur-Native American fur trade, will be open both days. The museum was completely renovated, with all new exhibits and enlarged space for displays, and reopened in 2007.
For information on the Island Rendezvous, call Isle a la Cache Museum at 815.886.1467.
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