Good morning, Elgin.

Families are invited to celebrate the end of summer at Elgin’s annual End of Summer Bash on Aug.

9, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Festival Park. The free event will feature giant dinosaurs, a live volcano, interactive activities, live music, up to 20 food vendors and free parking downtown, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Nine furry pets from Texas will arrive at Anderson Humane today to ease overcrowding in an Austin shelter after recent floods.

The animals—carefully selected by Austin Pets Alive!—will receive health checks and care from staff before being put up for adoption.

Authorities reported that a 19-year-old man died after his Kawasaki motorcycle collided with a black Range Rover SUV at the intersection of Randall and Red Gate roads near St. Charles just after midnight Tuesday — investigators are reviewing the crash details and awaiting toxicology results.

St. Charles State Sen. Don DeWitte announced he will not run for reelection next year and will serve his term until January 2027—he said he is not retiring but is clearing the way for new candidates in a district that includes Elgin and other local communities.

The Kane County Health Department is giving residents with a valid FOID card a free biometric gun safe—each safe uses fingerprint, key, or code technology to block unauthorized access, and a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health paid for them.

They are available while supplies last.

Apex Gear Service Ribbon Cutting Celebration

11 AM – 1 PM — Apex Gear Service, Inc. — Free entry — Celebrate milestones with food, refreshments, and a chance to connect with the community.

Open Mic Night at Lords Park Pavilion

7-10 p.m. — Lords Park Pavilion — Free entry — Celebrate local talent with music, poetry, and comedy under the stars.

Childbirth and Newborn Care Series

6-9 p.m. — Advocate Sherman Hospital — Cost varies — Explore comprehensive childbirth and newborn care topics in this two-session series.

Uncaged in the Zoo: Deb the Frog Lady

12:30 – 1:30 PM — Lords Park Zoo — Free entry — Discover fascinating amphibians and reptiles with Deb the Frog Lady in this engaging summer program.

Free In-Person Coding Workshop for Kids

11 AM – 6 PM — 495 Airport Rd — Free entry — Kids aged 7-14 can explore robotics and math in a fun, interactive environment.

Nature in Your Neighborhood

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Lords Park Zoo — Free entry — Enjoy a fun storytime and craft session featuring bison at the final program of the zoo season.

Lords Park Zoo Historical Discovery

1-3 p.m. — Lords Park Zoo — Admission details not specified — Explore the zoo's fascinating history while creating crafts inspired by its early animal residents.

Breathing Techniques for Labor and Delivery

6-8 p.m. — Advocate Sherman Hospital — Cost info not provided — Learn breathing, relaxation, and massage techniques for comfort during labor.

Tim Gleason & the Whiskey Disco Band Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — South Elgin Parks & Rec Department — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music as part of the Summer Concert Series in Panton Mill Park.

Birthing Center Tour

5:15-6:15 p.m. — Advocate Sherman Hospital — Free entry — Explore the Family Birthing Center and get answers to your questions about childbirth services.