The threat of foul weather moved the event from the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden indoors to Nichols Hall, but the final "Grapes & Hops" gathering of 2008 drew more than 200 guests to the Chicago Botanic Garden to sample a variety of wines and beers.

A team of four volunteers gathered behind Congressman Mark Kirk's Northbrook Office at 707 Skokie Blvd. Sept. 3 to load donations for Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Ike victims into a moving van.

The 25th annual Port Clinton Art Festival, held August 23 and 24, drew an estimated 275,000 people to Highland Park to view the work of more than 260 artists.

Kokyo Taiko Drum Troupe from the Buddhist Temple of Chicago performed for hundreds at the Chicago Botanic Garden Aug. 17 as part of the Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival.

The Lake County Greek Festival returned August 15-17 after a two year absence with an important addition to the celebration: the new St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

The second annual Orphans of the Storm Pooch Parade welcomed more than 100 locals and their dogs at 9 a.m. Aug. 16. The crowd gathered at Jaycee Memorial Park for breakfast and activities before heading out on a two mile walk down Greenwood and Hazel Avenues.