River Forest fest hosts some cool creations

• Reprints

Vessels of all shapes and sizes will hit the Keystone Park Sled Hill in River Forest during the Cardboard Sled Competition, part of River Forest’s Winter Fest.

Updated: February 3, 2012 10:14PM

Some very unusual creations are expected to zoom down the Keystone Park Sled Hill in River Forest during Winter Fest, 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Everyone is invited to enter a Cardboard Sled Competition. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest sled and the most creative one. (See the website, www.rfparks.com, for rules and entry form.)

“We did an upgrade to the Sled Hill,” said Karen Scherrer, recreation services manager. “The height was increased by six feet and we turn on the lights to allow sledding into evening hours.”

Other activities at the free festival will include watching an ice sculptor work, horse-drawn carriage rides and a snowman-building contest. Indoors at the Depot, 401 Thatcher Ave., free hot chocolate and treats will be served and there will be a craft project.

In case the weather doesn’t cooperate, Scherrer said, “Our maintenance crew is working on a way to make some snow.”

Call (708) 366-6660 or visit www.rfparks.com website.

Ella is calling

Tickets sell out fast whenever Ella Jenkins appears in concert, so reserve yours early for her 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 performance at Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. Known for her call-and-response style, Jenkins has been enchanting children and parents for over 50 years. Tickets are $12 for members, $16 for nonmembers.

Call (708) 383-4815 or visit wonder-works.org.

The name of the game

... doesn’t matter. Open Gaming Day is all about having fun with your kids on a cold winter’s day. From 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave., you and your children can challenge each other to Wii games as well as board games.

Ccall (708) 366-5205 or visit www.rflib.org.

The place to be

Your children will have a sweet time at Kidzone, 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Franklin Park Public Library, 10311 Grand Ave. They will hear stories about the upcoming holiday and then make Valentine cookie decorations. The event is for ages 5 and up, and registration is required.

Call (847) 455-6016 or visit www.franklinparklibrary.org.

Pick your project

You can paint a ceramic heart ornament, decorate a heart picture frame or make a Valentine’s Day card using Kirigami, a variation on Origami, during Valentine’s Day Family Craft, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at Melrose Park Public Library, 801 N. Broadway. Registration is required.

Call (708) 649-7485 or visit www.melroseparklibrary.org.