Latest news with #ClaireBaumgartner
Chicago Tribune
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
The hunt was on at the Morton Grove Park District ‘Eggstravaganza' hunt event for children and pooches,
Easter egg hunts are springtime events that only the kiddos would love — said no one at the Prairie View Park in Morton Grove where dozens of family dogs also got in on the action last Saturday. The Morton Grove Park District held its annual 'Eggstravaganza' egg hunt at Prairie View Park, bringing nearly 200 kids age 1 to 10 to the park to search for treat-filled plastic eggs. Then, after their early morning treasure hunt, the dogs took to the field for the 'Doggie Egg Hunt.' Organizers said 44 dogs participated. 'We heard from many participants [who] say they had a great time at the event,' Park District Recreation Supervisor Claire Baumgartner told Pioneer Press via email. 'Kids had a great time scooping up eggs, looking for a golden egg for a prize, seeing the bunny, and enjoying the beautiful weather.' Baumbartner said the Park District is pleased with the turnout. The annual event features a visit by the Easter bunny, and the eggs the kids find have small toys and candy inside. The event was broken up into age groups, with 1- and 2-year-olds hunting first in an event exclusively for their age group. The older children filled their bags and baskets – which they had to provide themselves – with goodies. Then, the dogs' hunt was held. All participants had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, according to the flyer announcing the event. 'We had a wonderful turnout of participants on a beautiful April day. Families came and stuck around to find all the treasures in their eggs and to enjoy the park. We have a great time putting on this event, seeing everyone get together as a community, and watching the kids light up as they find all their goodies,' Baumgartner stated in the email.
Chicago Tribune
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
‘Sweet' was the theme of Morton Grove Valentine's Day community events
Dozens of girls were escorted by their dad or other male to the annual 'My Little Sweetheart Dance' earlier this month at Morton Grove Civic Center. '' 'It's a nice event to have a special night with a parent and child,' said Claire Baumgartner, recreation supervisor for the Morton Grove Park District, which sponsored the event. 'You get some one-on-one time with your child so they can feel special for a night. It's just nice to get dressed up and go dancing.' According to Baumgartner, new additions to the dance included giving out glow sticks at the end of the night and having sponsor Play and Spin onsite with giveaways, including candy and game cards for activities at the Niles family-friendly entertainment center. She said My Little Sweetheart Dance included a dinner of chicken, French fries, salad and mostaccioli – all provided by local restaurants – and, of course, music. The 77 registrants this year were comparable to the approximately 80 dance attendees in 2024, Baumgartner said. Attendees, who came from Morton Grove and surrounding towns, each received a goody bag with Valentine's Day-themed items including pencils, bracelets, candy and temporary tattoos. 'It's a longstanding event so people know it's a lot of fun,' she said. Activities included games such as limbo and freeze. There was also a contest to guess how many Starburst candies were in a jar. Baumgartner said Morton Grove resident Mattie Speilburg, 8, won the candy-filled jar after guessing 63, which was closest to the actual number of 62. Valentine's was celebrated for more than a day in Morton Grove. Baumgartner said a new event was the holiday-themed Paint N Snack on Feb. 8 at Prairie View Community Center to celebrate Galentine's Day with friends. There, Lena Roy led nine attendees in painting a tree with red and pink flowers. Snacks included cheese and crackers, fruit and brownies. 'We thought a Paint N Snack would be fun so we decided to do it once a month,' said Baumgartner, who explained that the inaugural session was in January and the next one is on March 15. The annual Valentine Cake Decorating returned Feb. 13 at Prairie View Community Center. Participants received six mini heart-shaped cakes. The approximately 18 attendees were mostly Morton Grove residents between the ages of 3 and 6 accompanied by their parents. 'I brought in icing, some tips to be able to make designs in the icing, colored sprinkles, Sweethearts candies with the words on them, M&M's and a bunch of different stuff to decorate with,' said Baumgartner.
