Naperville Fire Department presenting fire prevention seminar
The Naperville Fire Department will hold a free public program to educate residents about the cause of fires at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
There were 40 structure fires in 2024 in the city, a city news release said. Fire officials are hoping that by knowing the causes of fires, residents can be made aware of unsafe conditions or behaviors before they become a fire hazard.
The discussion will center on fire prevention and how best to protect both family and property, the release said.
Speakers will also present information about department programs that support fire prevention efforts, such as proper maintenance of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and how to create an escape plan in the event of a fire, officials said.
DuPage County hosting native plant sale Friday and Saturday
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s annual Native Plant Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook.
All plants have originated from seed collected within 100 miles of the county and are free of insecticides harmful to bees and other pollinators, a news release said.
Plant experts will be on site to offer gardening tips and help customers shop from more than 170 different types of native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees, including 14 newly offered species.
Admission is free, and proceeds from sales will support the forest preserve district’s educational programs, the release said.
Shoppers should bring their own boxes or wagons to transport plants. A list of anticipated inventory is available at www.dupageforest.org/native-plant-sale.
Élan Dance Company holding showcase and auditions
Élan Dance Company will present its 2025 showcase, featuring hip hop, jazz and ballet, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, at North Central College’s Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.
The Naperville Park District organization provides dance training classes for children and teens and offers both a competitive team and performance-only team, a news release said.
Tickets for the showcase are not required, but seating will be limited, park district officials said. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Auditions for the 2025-26 season will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave.
Auditions for 6- to 9-years-olds will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dancers must be 6 years old by Sept. 1 to audition.
Auditions for children age 10 to 13 will be between 5:45 and 6:45 p.m. and for dancers between age 14 and 18 will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.
Registration and a $10 audition fee is required at www.napervilleparks.org/dance.
Forest Preserve District planning fishing opportunities
Whether it is fishing for trash or for fish, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has three upcoming events at the Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook.
An Adult Fishing Derby will be held from 7 to 9 a.m. and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Hidden Lakes. Prizes will be awarded in the annual event, which features giveaways for early registrants. Participants must bring their own gear, but one container of nightcrawlers will be provided.
Open to ages 16 or older, the cost is $5 per person and registration at www.reconnectwithnature.org required.
Residents can help beautify the preserves by participating in the district’s “Fishing for Trash” program. Stop by the Tackle Box Bait shop anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, and Friday, May 23, or 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, to get a bucket and a picker to collect litter.
Anyone who participates in the clean-up efforts will earn a treat, the forest district said. No registration is required.
Hidden Lakes will also be the site for first-time fishermen to learn the basics. Scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 23, the program is for those age 8 and older, district officials said. Participants will learn how to bait a hook, cast and catch. All equipment, including a fishing pole, tackle and bait, will be provided.
Register at www.reconnectwithnature.org by May 22.
