Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer is back in Chicago Nov. 12-13

Craft beer lovers can rejoice in the return of the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB), North America’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival and competition.

Now in its 19th year and organized by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, FoBAB is nationally recognized for its rare and unique wood- and barrel-aged creations. After going virtual in 2020, FoBAB returns to Chicago with a limited-capacity, in-person festival, a full competition and a to-go option. More than 180 breweries are expected to submit nearly 300 wood- and barrel-aged beer, cider and mead for judging and tasting — in person or at home.

FoBAB’s in-person festival features two tasting sessions: Friday, Nov. 12 (6-10 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 13th (1-5 p.m.) at the UIC Pavilion/Credit Union 1 Arena (525 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago). Limited attendance and a higher capacity venue will enable greater social distancing and a more intimate festival experience.

Brewers will be staged throughout the main floor, around the concourse and outdoors. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the festival will be required upon entry for all staff, volunteers and attendees.

More than 180 breweries are expected to submit nearly 200 wood- and barrel-aged beer, cider and mead for judging and tasting — in person or at home.

In addition to the event, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is pleased to once again offer a FoBAB to-go option for attendees who want to bring the best of FoBAB’s award-winning beers home with them, as well as those who are more comfortable staying home right now.

Assorted six-packs of exclusive FoBAB competition beers will be available for purchase on a limited basis at the UIC Pavilion November 12-14.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit FOBAB.com

Save the date: Treasures & Trinkets Holiday Bazaar from the Park Ridge Park District — Saturday, Nov. 6

Mark your calendar for the Park Ridge Park District’s annual Treasures & Trinkets Holiday Bazaar at the Centennial Activity Center on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. From handmade holiday crafts to baked goods, housewares, and jewelry, you’ll find unique, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.

There is a $2 admission fee. The Centennial Activity Center is located at 100 S. Western Ave. in Park Ridge. Visit PRParks.org or call 847-692-3597 for more information.

Franklin Elementary’s Raise Craze raises $32,000 through various acts of kindness

Raise Craze, a fundraiser that rewards students with donations for performing acts of kindness throughout the school, community and at home, has been a big hit at local Franklin Elementary.

Two of the community events that played a role in the fundraiser this fall were Bernies’s Book Bank and Uncle Pete’s Sack Lunches. Franklin students have, to date, donated 906 books to Bernie’s and more than 300 lunches to those in need through Uncle Pete’s.

At the beginning of the fundraiser, Franklin students, parents and staff aimed for a goal of $25,000 to help with teacher allocations, student activities, assemblies, improvements, etc. They easily surpassed that lofty mark with almost $32,000.

As a reward, the students got to vote on a fun outdoor assembly, which took place Oct. 18 and included a vote to put their principal in a dunk tank. Congratulations to all the students at Franklin Elementary for a job well done.