Rita’s Italian Ice is open for the season and celebrates spring with a free day of Italian ice March 20

Sure, you may think seeing a few robins in the yard or March Madness on TV may signal the start of spring, but for us it’s the opening of Rita’s Italian Ice on Northwest Highway (March 1). And to celebrate the official first day of spring, Rita’s will be giving out free ice to customers on Thursday, March 20.

A popular destination for a quick treat, especially on summer evenings after nearby baseball and softball games and swimming in Hinkley Park, Rita’s typically offers up to 16 different Italian ice options and five frozen custard flavors (chocolate, vanilla, twist, strawberry and banana currently). Several flavors get rotated out every few weeks, which is fun because it makes each visit feel like a new experience.

Every time we think we settle in on a favorite item, we discover something new and exciting. Insider’s tip: Try the thick Concrete with some tasty toppings or a Blendini, which is a blend of creamy frozen custard and Italian ice.

157 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge. RitasIce.com

Park Ridge Farmers Market opens May 24, and Market After Dark returns May 31, June 21 and Aug. 23

Get excited, as last summer’s fun new addition to our community events calendar is back — and guaranteed to be even better in its second go-round. Market After Dark, located in the same parking lot location as the Park Ridge Farmer’s Market (15 Prairie Ave.), was a huge success in its first year. And the Chamber of Commerce committee is hard at work at adding even more options to the schedule for year two.

Featuring a variety of food and art vendors, mixed with small-business pop-ups, live entertainment and a large, handpicked rotation of local guest breweries, wineries and distilleries, this event is the type of summer street party everyone can enjoy.

Market After Dark will again take place from 4:30-9:30 p.m. one Saturday per month — this year’s dates are May 31, June 21 and Aug. 23 — and tasting options will be available for the various distilleries, breweries and wineries. For more information and updates, visit MarketAfterDark.com

The Farmers’ Market, meanwhile, remains the ideal way to casually kickstart your summer and fall weekends here in town. Take time to peruse a wonderful selection of fruits, vegetables and an array of other products from more than 40 vendors from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. rain or shine every Saturday from May 24 through the end of October. Located at 15 Prairie Avenue between Main and Garden. ParkRidgeFarmersMarket.com

Taste of Park Ridge returns July 10-12

Save the date for the Taste Of Park Ridge, which will run from July 10-12 this year and include the regular collection of local food options, live music, kids activities, business networking and much more — all in the heart of Uptown Park Ridge on Summit Avenue.

For more information as the event nears, visit TasteOfParkRidge.com

Easter bunny visit, egg hunts with the Park Ridge Park District April 11-12

The Easter bunny is at Maine Park on Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and he would love it if you came by for a visit. The bunny has a special bunny basket filled with a special craft, treats, bunny ears, 15 pre-filled eggs to have an egg hunt at home, and other fun surprises. Sign up for a time slot to visit the bunny, take a photo, and pick up your bunny basket. Visits will be about five minutes, and you can come any time during your assigned time slot (9-10 a.m., 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). $27/$37 fee is per basket.
Then later on the 12th from 1:30-2 p.m. at Maine Park, you can grab your basket for an earth-friendly egg hunt for wooden eggs that can be turned in for candy and other prizes. Make sure to keep an eye out for other prizes on the egg hunt field. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside.

On April 11, the Park District is hosting a flashlight egg hunt with hundreds of decorated wooden eggs hidden outdoors around Maine Park. Just bring your flashlight and a bag or basket to collect the eggs, and then turn them into prizes. Pre-registration is required. Register for both events now at PRParks.org

The Park Ridge Garden Club’s upcoming events

The Park Ridge Garden Club has a pair of big fundraisers coming up. First off is the plant sale on Saturday, May 17 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), followed by a Garden Walk on Sunday, June 22 (noon-5 p.m.).

For the plant sale, come early for the best selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, geranium pots and a large variety of  member-grown plants. The plant sale will be held at Cumberland Park, 101 S. Cumberland Ave. in Park Ridge. Cash or credit cards only, and both events are rain or shine. For more information, visit ParkRidgeGardenClub.org

Winter clearance sale at Gabriel’s Closet

Now’s the time to take advantage with up to 50% off apparel, shoes, outerwear, gear, toys, accessories and more at Gabriel’s Closet in Uptown Park Ridge. The sale is available in-store and online.

You can also create a wish list of Gabriel’s Closet merchandise to share with your friends and family. It’s a new feature that’s perfect for baby showers, birthdays, holiday celebrations or “just because” gifting.

428 W. Touhy Ave. in Park Ridge. GabrielsCloset.org

Deals around town

No only can you get a complimentary wine tasting on the last Saturday of every month from 12-3 p.m. at Patina Wine Bar, but there’s also a pretty stallar happy hour there that includes $2 oysters, $12 flatbreads and $10 meatballs, crostinis, cheakpeas and shishitos, as well as $8 glasses of wine from Tuesday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m. and Friday from 3-5 p.m. 112 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge. PatinaWineBar.com

Looking for a lunch special to get you through the day? Head to Don Juan’s Cantina for a $16.95 deal that includes one appetizer and one entree (like shrimp fajitas or chicken burritos) Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 650 N. Northwest Hwy in Park Ridge. DJsCantina.com

Besides some of the best Italian food you’ll find in Chicagoland, Zia’s Social offers up Tito’s mixers for $7 and house red and white wine for just $6 every day of the week. And don’t you dare forget $6 martini Tuesdays. 6158 N. Northwest Hwy in Norwood Park. ZiasSocial.com