2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Lansing celebrates international cultures, and more
International cuisine, dancing, music, children's activities, cultural education and sports will be highlighted during the Lansing Public Library and Village of Lansing's annual International Cultural Celebration Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 21 at Fox Pointe, 13138 Henry St.
The free event showcases the diverse communities that make up Lansing and the Chicago area. Traditional Navajo dance and storytelling, Irish folk music, performances by Necalli Dance Movement and BollyBhangra, Caribbean rhythms from the Hydro Afro Reggae Band and polka-style music are among entertainment. Guests also can explore cultural displays and interactive exhibits and experience free henna art.
A Kidz Zone hosted by the library lets children explore hands-on crafts and educational games from different parts of the world, as well as learn to play instruments.
Food vendors will offer cuisine from around the world, and adults can participate in international wine tastings. 'We hope people taste something they have never tasted before and learn more about the heritage of that food,' village event planner Michelle Henderson shared in a news release. Information is at or 708-832-4583.
The fifth annual Miles for Maddog 5k/10k Run and Walk takes place the morning of June 21 at Lincolnway North High School, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Mokena.
The race, which begins and ends at the school, winds through Island Prairie Park and past the Giving Tree organ and tissue donation memorials.
The event includes a donor tribute area with photos of more than 175 donor heroes, a flag parade with organ and tissue donation organizations from around the country and a display with more than 2,800 marker flags representing last year's Illinois tissue and organ donors. Local nonprofits and Illinois and organ donation and transplantation organizations will have booths.
Proceeds from the event will support education and outreach efforts by the Maddog Strong Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Mokana, as well as national organ and tissue donation registration.
'Miles for Maddog is the only USA Track and Field certified course and sanctioned event in Illinois to celebrate organ and tissue donation and transplantation,' a news release noted. Details and registration are found at
The third annual Pride Fest event takes place the evening of June 20 at the bandshell at Irwin Park, 18120 S. Highland Ave., Homewood.
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, Village of Flossmoor and Village of Homewood team up for the free event, which celebrates inclusion and diversity. Food and beverage sales start at 5 p.m. No outside alcohol is allowed.
Performances by MC Queen Sasha Love and the Bel Canto Community Choir start at that time, and The Divas, Chicago's newest all-female fronted pop cover group, begins playing at 7 p.m.
Attendees may bring lawn chairs or blankets. Information is at 708-957-0300.
The SafeLIGHT Foundation recently recognized its 2024-25 class in the Teen Ambassador Program, which has a mission of promoting safe driving to prevent crashes and save lives.
This year's class included students from nine area high schools: Southland College Prep in Richton Park, Tinley Park High School and Andrew High School in Tinley Park, and De La Salle Institute, Mother McAuley, Noble Baker, Rauner College Prep, Holy Trinity and Kenwood, all in Chicago. Each student received a $2,500 college scholarship for participating.
The ambassadors were Alana Newson of Tinley Park High School, Addison Piel of Andrew High School, Leilani Bailey of Kenwood High School, Shannon Crawford of Noble Baker High School, Giana Rivera of Mother McAuley High School, Isabella Mollfulleda-Diaz of Holy Trinity High School, Octavio Macias of Rauner College Prep High School, Zuri Joplin of De La Salle Institute and Southland College Prep High School students Madison Glover, Julia Franklin, Kennedi Baity, Milei Catalan,Sean Thomas, Rickaiya Bernard, Dejajuan Myers, Kehinde Sowemimo and Meilani Thomas.
Applications for the 2025-26 program are at
Concert in the Park features Brass From the Past from 6 to 9 p.m. June 19at 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park.
The free concert kicks off the village's summer concert series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy live music. Grounds open at 6 p.m. with music from 7 to 9 p.m.
It's sponsored by the Palos Park Recreation and Parks Department. Information is at 708-671-3760.
