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Today we’re going to share a little bit about the origins of Flag Day, and then we’ve got plenty of options for American Flag accessories for your car!  You’ll be all set for the upcoming 4th of July celebrations, too. more What is Flag Day? In 1885, a school teacher from Wisconsin, named Bernard Cigrand, led his school in the first observance of the holiday to honor the American flag across the country.  Thanks to US President Woodrow Wilson, it was officially adopted into rotation as a yearly holiday every June 14th as of 1916. Why is it always on June 14th? In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to create a unified colonial military force to push forward in the war of independence from Britain.  On June 14th in 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution specifying the United States flag’s new design; it would have 13 alternating stripes in red and white, and 13 white stars against a blue background to represent the union. Did you know that there is an official flag folding method for the American flag? Check it out in this great instructional video! Shop for some Patriotic Car Gear Perfect for summertime, you can keep your vehicle cool and shielded from the sun with this patriotic Bald Eagle USA Flag Car Windshield on Amazon for $21.99 Profess your love for these great United States with a God Bless America License Plate Frame for $18.99 on Amazon. Let the whole world know that you love American History with these wonderful Vintage American Flag Car Seat Cover, Steering Wheel Cover, and Seatbelt Covers on Amazon for $57.99 for the set And you can even snag an additional set of Vintage American Flag Rear Seat Covers Bench Seat Style for $27.99 on Amazon to complete the look for your third row seating. Keep your car clean and neat during the summer with all those iced drinks by grabbing a 2 Pack of Car Coasters with Bald Eagle God Bless america for $9.99 on amazon and protect your cupholders from messes, leaks, and condensation. Add an extra layer of protection to your car when it’s parked on the street from side-swipes, nicks, and scratches with these American Flag Side Mirror Covers for Cars, Dual Set for $8.95 on Amazon It’s the little details that can make all the difference in completing a unified aesthetic in car decor!  So why not grab a set of these Car Tire Valve American Flag Stem Air Caps Covers at $4.99 per set for each of your tire valves!

It’s no secret that we love all things automotive.  We eat, breathe, and dream about cars!  Today we’re sharing our picks for some of our favourite videos currently on YouTube. You’ll find a mix of how-tos, fun facts, brand highlights, and so much more!  We think you’ll really enjoy today’s picks that are a great blend of information and entertainment. more Got a suggestion for a YouTuber that should be on our radar? Let us know in the comments on our social media and we’ll be glad to check it out.  Remember to like and subscribe to the channels that you like best on our list, as it helps support these creators to keep making you fresh new content. Here’s Scotty Kilmer aka #SavageScotty talking a little bit about the history of Toyota cars, and why he only buys Toyota branded vehicles: And another one from Scotty Kilmer all about the Toyota Tundra Special Edition: This brand profile by CNBC takes a look at how Toyota became one of the world’s leading automakers and largest manufacturers today: Let’s take an inside look at the Hypercar Factory of Toyota Gazoo Racing via Mobil 1 The Grid’s channel: Car vlogger Doug DeMuro is giving us a thorough look and review of the GR86 from Toyota on his YouTube channel: EverydayDriver is revisiting their recent 2022 GR86 and answers viewers top questions: We’re taking a drive with the gang from TheStraightPipes as they explore the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro: Love racing? Then you’re going to love this video on Toyota Racing Development from Donut Media: ​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaCnWkKyDYg We’re loving this video from 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours from TOYOTA Gazoo Racing! It really gets the adrenaline pumping: Throttle House is racing and comparing the Toyota GR86 with the 2022 Honda Civic SI in a drag and roll race:

Today is World Oceans Day, implemented every year on June 8th by the United Nations in an effort to help preserve our planet’s oceans.  The purpose of this holiday is to examine the impact humans have on the ocean, to mobilize efforts to reduce pollution and destruction of the ocean, and work together to implement a sustainable management system for this vital global resource. more Living in Wisconsin and Illinois, we may not live in close proximity to the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a big impact on the health and sustainability of our oceans by making small changes and efforts! Here are some great lifestyle choices that are easy to implement that have a huge impact on our environment: Reduce your carbon footprint. Purchasing hybrid vehicles with PZEV designation, as well as all-electric or alternative fuel vehicles is a great way to help reduce your dependency on fossil fuels.  Other ways to reduce your carbon footprint include keeping your home at a regulated temperature, turning off all lights and electronics when you leave a room, taking public transportation or walking or riding a bike instead of driving, and purchasing food that is designated “sustainably harvested/sustainably caught.” Practice the “Leave Nothing Behind, Leave it Cleaner Than You Found it” mantra. Whenever you travel, especially to places such as beaches or lakes or bodies of water, make sure that you do not leave any trash or belongings behind.  If you bring it in, you bring it out – this includes trash, beach toys, clothing, recyclables, food scraps, etc.  Throw it out in designated areas or bins, or bag it up to bring it home and dispose of properly.  Trash that is left behind can be consumed by wildlife or make its way into rivers, streams, and estuaries that empty into the oceans or large bodies of water. Say no to single-use plastics and demand environmentally friendly alternatives. While single-use plastics do have their place in medical environments, and are considered an accessibility need for many disabled individuals around the globe, if you do not require their use, it’s best to choose a more environmentally friendly alternative.  Choosing items made from paper which can be composted, such as paper straws or uncoated paper food containers, are much better than single-use plastics.  Replace your single use drink containers with stainless steel or glass alternatives.  Avoid releasing items such as balloons into the air as well, and opt instead for paper decorations and biodegradable confetti.  Reach out to your favourite businesses and companies and make a suggestion to swap to renewable, recyclable, reusable materials instead of single-use. Get politically involved. Learn about important environmental issues that are up for a vote locally, regionally, and globally. Urge your local elected officials and representatives to vote on the side of conservation, sustainability, and preservation efforts for a greener future.  Don’t be afraid to get involved and take action by joining conservation groups and helping to restore coastal and beachside areas as well as rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems. Explore the oceans up close and personal. Take a road trip with friends and family to the East Coast, West Coast, or Gulf coast areas and go explore the beaches, tidal pools, and coastal regions.  Observe the local wildlife and flora of each region, and how it interacts with the environment.  Volunteer to do some wildlife monitoring or cleanup efforts in these areas, too!  If long distance travel is not an option, there are lots of ways to explore the ocean.  Marine Biologists maintain aquatic habitats and rehabilitate lots of aquatic wildlife by working with aquariums and observation facilities. You can visit lots of public aquariums across the country! Learn more about conservation efforts via The Economist: All across the globe, car manufacturers are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint, and aid in environmental preservation efforts.  Here’s a look at what some of today’s automotive industry is doing to help the cause: The Ocean Cleanup nonprofit: Toyota USA and Environmental Stability Efforts to Conserve Water: Toyota Motor Philippines Nationwide Coastal Clean-Up Efforts:

At Classic Auto Group, we really, really love cars.  We’re constantly honing our skills to stay in the know and ahead of the curve so we can help our customers find the right car for their needs. We make it our business to know everything there is about safety, performance, and aesthetics of each of the vehicles we sell. But we recognize that buying and selling cars is probably not a daily part of our customers’ lives, or even a weekly one. That’s why we’re sharing our helpful Automotive Terminology posts with all of you, so you can feel confident when you set out to find your next perfect car. more Our Automotive Terminology series is designed to help you learn the lingo and technological terms of the automotive industry.  By the time you’re ready to buy a car or even bring it in for maintenance appointments, you’ll have all the “know-how” to navigate the conversation with ease. Today, we’re highlighting one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: the airbag system.  Automotive manufacturers are constantly amending and updating the safety features in modern vehicles, and especially so for the Airbag restraint system to keep you safe in a collision.  Check out our post today to learn more about how these safety features work and why they were implemented! Although iterations of inflatable safety airbags existed as early as the 1950s, Allen Breed is considered the inventor of modern airbags; Breed patented the world’s first electromechanical automotive airbag system in 1968!  It took a little while for the invention to catch on, but by the mid-80s he began to receive orders from GM, Chrysler, and Ford.  By the mid-1990s, the airbag safety systems were employed as standard, and today they’re included in every American vehicle and over 90% of European models. Curious to learn more? This article by Second Chance Garage is a great reference point on the history of airbags, a nd this article by Wired helps breakdown the mechanics and engineering behind this lifesaving device. Let’s take another look at how Airbags work and Why: Ever wonder why race cars don’t have airbags? Donut Media is here to explain, and the answer is not as simple as you might think: Terms to know: Airbag deactivation A system that uses sensors in a vehicle's front passenger seat to determine whether to activate that seat’s front airbag, based on whether it detects the presence of an individual of sufficient weight. Airbags A cushion that deploys and fills with air when a major impact occurs to reduce a vehicle occupants chances of coming in contact with the vehicle's interior surfaces. Curtain airbags Also known as "head airbags." Wide-spanning airbags that when deployed cover the side glass in a side impact or, in some applications, a rollover, to keep occupants' heads and limbs fully inside the vehicle. Knee airbags Small airbags that deploy under the dashboard by the knees, typically on the driver's side where the steering column and other hard vehicle parts are located. Seatbelt pretensioners A seatbelt with a mechanism that reels in the belt when the airbag is deployed for the purpose of keeping the occupant in the proper position. Side airbags Small airbags that deploy from the outside edge of a seat to protect the occupant's rib cage in a side impact collision. Side curtain rollover sensor A sensor that determines in the event of a collision whether or not it is necessary to deploy a vehicle's side curtain airbags.

Hop on in your new vehicle from Classic Auto Group and take your popcorn party on the road, because we’re going to the Drive-In Theater! We love movies at home as much as the next person, but there is a special kind of unparalleled joy that can only come from a flick on the big screen from your car.  S ince today is Drive-In Movie Day, we thought it would be only fitting we explore the origins of one of our favourite theater experiences! Drive-In movie theaters were spotted as early as the 1910s, but they rose in popularity after 1933, when Richard Hollingshead of New Jersey patented the first official drive-in theater. After creating a mini drive-in for his mother, Hollingshead scaled things up and opened it to the public. He created a solution for folks who did not fit comfortably into small movie theater seats, and also a great option for families with children, stating “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.”  It was a big hit with families, and things continued their upward momentum. By the 1950s and 1960s, there were upwards of 4,000 drive-in movie theaters in the US thanks to their affordability and accessibility.  The only initial drawback of these outdoor cinemas were weather related restrictions; certain areas could only show movies during specific seasons when weather conditions were mild.  In the 1970s, the oil crisis led to rising prices in gasoline, and many people traded in their cars for more compact models, making them less comfortable for kids and families to spend long hours in while watching movies. Drive-Ins shifted their content to survive with the times, opting instead to show cult favorites, exploitation cinema, adult films, and horror movies.  By the 80s and 90s, home video had taken over the market with VCRs , and by the early 2000s, DVD players had all but obliterated the competition.  Drive-In theater numbers have dwindled since, with just over 300 drive-ins running in the US by 2019. In late 2020, however, outdoor movie experiences and drive-ins began to see a rise in popularity once again thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. With intermittent lockdowns, social distancing parameters, and multiple restrictions on social gatherings and public events, people began looking for new ways to get out of the house and socialize. Drive-In movie theaters began to soar in popularity once more, and were responsible for generating 85% of box office revenue for the film industry. Thankfully, the resurgence of Drive-Ins is gaining momentum and we’re excited to see so many new theaters opening as people enjoy this taste of nostalgia and one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. Looking to join the fun of the resurgence of Drive-In Cinema? We’ve rounded up our picks for great nearby drive-ins! Check them out here: The Milky Way Drive-In in Franklin, WI McHenry Outdoor Theatre in McHenry, IL Midway Drive-In in Sterling, IL Chitown Futbol and Movies in Chicago, IL Blue Moonlight Drive-in Theater in Galesburg, IL Route 34 Drive In Theatre in Earlville, IL MOO-V-Night in Westmont, IL Chicago Drive In in Bridgeview, IL You can also create your own drive-in at home, queue up a movie on a streaming service, or head on an adventure to a local drive-in! Need a great jumping off point to building your own 5-star experience at home? Check out this great video from YouTube: Check out this great documentary on Drive-In Movie Theater history: How many of these Top 10 Drive-In movie Theaters have you been to in the US?  Let’s take a road trip and check them out: Go on a Road Trip to an Abandoned Drive-In Theater in Massachusetts and learn a little about the origins of drive-ins: Here’s some fun YouTube videos all about Drive-In movie experiences!

Today is National Veggier Burger day, and we’re glad it’s arrived just in time for the start of summer barbecue and camping trip season!  We’re going to help you find some great options in the local area for vegetarian and vegan food, as well as some perfect meals for grilling out.  We’ll help you find the best recipe and suggestions to pop into your cooler so you can feed everyone in your party at the beach, the campsite, or even in your own backyard.  Check out our latest Local Eats Guide today! more Great Recipes for Make-Ahead-Meals and Veggie Burgers For Camping and Beach Cookouts! Veterans of the barbecue will have no problem dishing up a delectable platter of meats and sausage treats, but when it comes to feeding vegetarians it can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some of our picks for awesome meals to bring along to your next family outing. Easy to pop in the cooler and into your trunk so you can get on the road to adventure and fun! 12 Vegetarian Campfire Meals Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers Camping Food Veggie Burgers Fiery Campfire Veggies Plantbased Campfire Meals Looking for some great portable grills to make all these delicious meal ideas? We’ve got you covered: The Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable TAbletop Propane Gas Grill is under $200 on Amazon and great for space-saving options to take to the beach or the campsite. The Eureka SPRK Camp Grill is powered by butane and gives you 90 minutes of cook time per fueling.  It’s lightweight, only 8lbs 8oz, and its compact design makes it travel friendly. Under $150 at REI CoOp. Go back to basics with the Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill for a portable, collapsible, charcoal fire grill on the go. It’s incredibly affordable and priced under $50 on Amazon right now. Not in the DIY mood?  Let’s take a look at some fantastic local eateries that highlight some of the best vegan and vegetarian options in the Chicago Area: Some of the Best Veggie Burgers in Chicago: Delicious Vegan Fast Food at Plant Based Junkie in Chicago from The Black Foodies: The Best Veggie Burger in Chicago via Parts and Labor: Chicago Vegan Food Tour: Check out some of these great restaurants just a short drive away from Classic Auto Group’s stores and Classic Auto Body Shop: Mod Pizza of Waukegan, IL Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan, IL Living Foods Pantry in Waukegan, IL Be Market in Lake Bluff, IL Fresh Cafe in Mundelein, IL Momcorn in Gurnee, IL Healthyums in Zion, IL Holcomb Hollow in Mundelein, IL Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville,IL Pita Inn in Mundelein, IL The Silo Restaurant in Lake Bluff, IL Spirit Elephant in Winnetka, IL Taste of the Middle East in Mettawa, IL Royal Thai in Gurnee, IL SLYE Coal Fired Pizza Company in Wauconda, IL The Otherdoor in Lake Bluff, IL Blue Bear in Racine, WI The Maple Table in Racine, WI Asiana Korean Cuisine Restaurant in Racine, WI Krung Thai in Racine, WI The Buzz Cafe in Kenosha, WI Noodles and Company in Kenosha, WI Madame Pho in Kenosha, WI Gyro Grill in Kenosha,WI Harborside Common Grounds in Kenosha, WI

June is National Dairy Month, and today is National Cheese Day!! We’d be remiss if we didn’t use today as a springboard to take a little trip over the state border into our neighbouring state of Wisconsin. more What do Cars and Wisconsin Cheese have in common? Glad you asked! Except for Switzerland, Wisconsin is also home to the only Master Cheesemaker program in the world, and is the only state in which you need a license to make cheese.  Steve Bulhozer is a local Master Cheesemaker in Monroe, Wisconsin at the Klondike Cheese Company. He and his family have been crafting feta, havarti, munster, and brick Cheese for five generations!  But cheesemaking isn’t the only skill that The Bulhozer brothers have perfected, they’re also interested in car racing!  In fact, they have their own unofficial racing team representing the family name and their passion for their family business. But that’s not all!  Did you know that someone in Wisconsin built their very own motorized, jet-powered cheese wedge? Wild, we know, but it’s true! Wisconsin Native Dieter Sturm, inventor and cheese loveer, created The Cheese-n-ator.  Check it out here on Youtube: In just a moment we’re going to take a little trip across Wisconsin to some dairy farms you’ll be able to visit in person and tour, but first we have some fun facts. Save them for your long car trip and impress your family and friends with your Expert Dairy Knowledge! You might think it’s cheesy, but we’re really excited to share these super fun facts with you about Wisconsin and it’s Dairy + Cheese production: Wisconsin produces more flavors, varieties, and styles of cheese than anywhere else; over 600 different cheeses are made from Wisconsin dairies. There are an estimated 100 cheese production factories in Wisconsin. 47% of all specialty cheeses have Wisconsin origins (Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin) Wisconsin produces the most Cheddar Cheese in the United States Wisconsin has been manufacturing many varieties of cheese for more than 150 years. Cheese production in Wisconsin has been attributed to the arrival of Swiss Settlers migrating with their cattle from Ohio to New Glarus, WI in the mid-1840s. As of 2020, the average consumer in the US eats about 40 pounds of cheese a year, which is up by 5 pounds in the last decade; the United States as a whole ate a whopping estimated total of 6 million metric tons of cheese, accounting for 24% of worldwide cheese consumption. Check out this great video from PBS Food on the history and origins of Wisconsin Dairy: Ready to get up close and personal with some dairy farmers and the cheesemaking process? Here are some great dairy themed events happening in Wisconsin this month that are worth a little road trip to experience: The Milk Merchant of Wausau is hosting a Rose & Cheese tasting on Thursday June 9th at 1PM. The New Glarus Beer, Bacon and Cheese Festival is rolling into New Glarus on June 11th. Clayton’s Cheese Days Craft and Vendor event runs from 10AM to 3PM on June 18th in Clayton. The Cheese Curd Festival of Ellsworth takes place on June 24th and June 25th from 10AM to 7PM. After reading our fun facts and making plans to attend some of those fun events, we wouldn't blame you if your taste for cheese can no longer be satiated!  That’s why we’ve created a fun little road trip around to some of Wisconsin’s dairy farms that welcome public visitors.  It’s a great way to spend the summer in your new car from Classic Auto Group.  Let’s hit the road and see where our favourite snack comes from: We’ve even mapped it out on google maps for you! DeVoe Family Farm Tours Wegmueller Dairy Farm Hinchley’s Dairy Farm Tours Blue Star Dairy Farms Knigge Farms Brickstead Dairy Farm Cozy Nook Farm Once you’re familiar with the dairy farmers and process of raising, caring for, and milking cattle, you’ll want to head out to see how the greatest snack in the world is made, of course!  Here are some fantastic “roadtrippable” Cheese factories and tours you can take across the great state of Wisconsin: The Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha is a cheese lovers paradise, and has everything you want from bricks to curds to even chocolate cheese fudge (don’t knock it til you try it!) Door Artisan Cheese Company ages their award-winning cheese on site, and you can take a tour of the Door County Creamery and find out where cheese comes from and how it’s made. Fromagination Cheese Shop has artisanal local cheeses and hosts special events and even Workshops and Classes! The Dane County Farmers Market is home to multiple Wisconsin creameries! The LaClare Family Creamery is a goat cheese manufacturing farm and family run business that allows you to enjoy a visit to the goat farm, sample and purchase specialty products, and even go on a self-guided tour.

Today is National Donut Day, and we’re very excited to celebrate with one of our favourite snacks!  Whether you love them glazed, dipped, filled, or plain, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this sweet treat.  Today we’ll be listing some of our favourite local places to snag some donuts. Once you’ve picked out your box of sweet treats, you can head on home to watch some of these incredible videos of YouTubers having the time of their lives doing donuts in their cars!  And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to one of our favourite YouTube channels of all, Donut Media! more Let’s get some snacks before we get started watching videos!  Here’s some amazing local venues to grab a box of donuts.  Which one is your favourite?  Let us know in the comments on our social media! O Brothers Bakery in Waukegan Z Donuts in Waukegan La Poblanita Bakery in Waukegan Gurnee Donuts in Gurnee Lee Donuts in Libertyville Village Bakery in Fox Lake Wheeling Donuts in Wheeling CJ’s Coffee House in Zion Wishing Well Mini Donut Creations in Highland Park Mini Donut Factory in Wheeling Tom’s Pastry in Highwood Lovin Oven Cakery in Round Lake Beach Spunky Dunkers Donuts in Palatine Country Donuts in Crystal Lake Duck Donuts in Libertyville Mini Donut Factory in Gurnee Holcomb Hollow in Mundelein Morkes Chocolates in Palatine Cindy’s Petite Sweets in Winthrop Harbor Peterson’s Tasty Delight Bakery in Hoffman Estates Whisk Bakery & Coffee in Wauconda Somethings Brewing in Grayslake Heading into Chicago this weekend? Why not check out these incredible, delectable treats: Now that we’ve got the grub, let’s check out these fun videos and see how many other types of donuts we can enjoy: Here’s a great video from Donut Media checking out the specs of the 2018 Kia Stinger GT: http://www.​​youtube.com/watch?v=6SNG2mDWdnc Here’s a video from Donut Media sharing the details of Toyota’s Corolla GR and “Gazoo Racing”: And we would certainly be remiss if we left the Donut Media crew doing Donuts off our list of pretty sweet videos today: Or this riotous video of Donut Media doing donuts through 2800 pounds of sprinkles: We’re also including some really cool how-to-videos to show you the mechanics, but please, use caution, and do not attempt any stunts in your car unless you’re a trained professional!  The drivers in these videos are using closed co urses with express permission; it should be noted that stunts in public lots or locations and busy streets should not be attempted and are illegal in most places. Here’s a fun video from Kelley Blue Book and KBB’s Managing Editor Micah Muzio as he breaks down the technique and requirements for safely performing donuts in an automatic vehicle. The crew at Hoonigan is living out their childhood dreams today with the charming young Lila Kalis, and her sweet stunt Power Wheels skills in her modded toy car. (Do not allow children to attempt to recreate these videos; these were monitored by highly trained professionals at all times.) Team O’Neil on Youtube is breaking down the mechanics of doing donuts in a RWD car with specific techniques for this style of vehicle.

Hello there Lake County Illinois!  We’re back with another fun-filled Classic Auto Group Community Calendar.  There’s so much to see and do this summer, we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.  You’ll find family friendly festivals, Pride Parades, concerts, and so much more.  Check it out and get ready to fill your calendar jam-packed with exciting adventures and joyful memories. more June 3rd is the wonderful Lake County PrideFest Kick-Off starting from 5:30 to 8PM at Green Town on the Rocks. On Saturday June 4th from 12PM to 9PM in Waukegan is the fantastic Lake County Pride Fest 22!  Each year thousands come together to celebrate and support our local LGBTQ+ community with a full day jampacked with activities, entertainment, and fun for all ages. Lake County PrideFest 2022 will be taking place near "Lot F" (Water & Genesee streets) in downtown Waukegan. Saturday June 4th and Sunday June 5th in Highwood, you and your family and friends can enjoy the festivities of the Highwood Pride Festival, an event benefiting the Haven Youth and Family Services and Highland Park High SChool Spectrum Club! On June 5th from 12:30 to 2:30 at t he Three Brothers Theatre you can have a riotous interactive performance with talented drag and burlesque performers to celebrate pride month! For families short on time, you can head over to Buffalo Grove to enjoy the Pride Picnic at the Spray ‘n Play on June 5th from 11:30AM to 2:30PM!  This is just the first in a new series of events to promote diversity in the community called “Uniquely Us.” On June 6th from 5PM to 6PM at the Deerfield Public Library you can stop by and enjoy a hands-on craft session to make a Pride Month Personalized Notebook Journal that reflects your personality.  The’ll have many colors to choose from and you’ll be able to make your very own vinyl sticker to adorn the front! On Saturday June 11th at 4PM, head into the city at Chicago’s Fantasy Nightclub to start the Pride Bar Crawl! On June 12th, the Waukegan Farmers Market is back in action and ready to bring you fantastic local foods and artisan goods across the street from the Waukegan Library, and every Sunday following from 12PM to 4PM! On Tuesday June 14th at the Palatine Library in Palatine, kids ages 12 and up are encouraged to come drop in to the Celebrate Pride event and learn how to do simple embroidery, design a patch, and create an iron-on with the embroidery machine. Sign up today to reserve your spot! On June 16th from 5:30 to 7:00, Family Service of Lake County presents Coffee & Mental Health at Drip and Culture Socially Minded Coffee in Waukegan. On the 17th of June at Waukegan High School, the WSO is celebrating a dual event of Juneteenth and Pride Month! On June 18th at the Waukegan Harbor and Marina in Waukegan, enjoy the Art Wauk at the Harbor Gallery from 5PM to 8PM On June 18th, the Waukegan History Museum is running the “Juneteenth Journey” from 10AM to 4PM as hosted by Juneteenth Lake County, and you can enjoy a bus tour of historic African American sites throughout Lake County and learn a little more about Black History and Achievements in our local area! The Jazz & Juneteenth Celebration at Ravinia takes place on June 19th from 5PM to 9PM in Highland Park for a commemorative jazz performance concert. Saturday June 25th from 1aAM to 2PM at El Jefe - Leña y Mar in Aurora is the Drag me to Brunch: Pride Extravaganza! There will be plentiful mimosas, delicious foods, and a bevy of beautiful drag queens providing hours of laughter and entertainment! On June 25th and 26th at Navy Pier in Chicago  you can enjoy an all-ages event celebrating diversity, equality, and inclusivity for the free Navy Pride Pier Celebration starting at 5PM on Saturday. On September 10th from 12PM to 10PM head over to the Naper Settlement in Naperville for the Naper Pride Festival! The Annual Pride Festival of Chicago takes place on October 1st through October 3rd at Halsted and Addison.  So plan your calendars accordingly for this spectacular event later this year!

Today is June 1st, and it’s the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month!  We thought it would be fun to celebrate by kicking things off with a fun car post dedicated to rainbow car accessories and aesthetics.  You’ll find lots of fun things on our list, and if you happen to purchase any you can share them in the comments on our social media!  We’d love to see your new Classic Auto Group car decked out in cheerful, colourful accessories. more This super cheerful crocheted accessory by CurlyMoods on Etsy is sure to brighten your day!  Perfect for hanging on your rearview mirror to encourage some smiles instead of shouting when you’re stuck in traffic. Sometimes the little details can make all the difference when it comes to mood boosting.  Now you can even decorate your car’s air vents with a little colorful pizazz thanks to PYHLVCLF on Amazon. The HUGS IDEA Rainbow Tie Dye Universal Seat Covers are a fantastic way to take pride in your vehicle and brighten up your next road trip!  They’re easy to install and easy to clean, and provide wonderful protection from messes and spills. Looking to add a splash of color to your car and display your pride? Check out this rainbow LGBTQ License Plate frame on Amazon! This beautiful Travel Tire Cover is great for protecting your spare tires on your SUV, Truck, or RV.  Its vivid colours will add a touch of fun to any vehicle, and you can say goodbye to the blasé! Need a safe place to store your important documents while driving? Never lose them again with this bright, colourful, rainbow themed car document holder! It’s budget friendly and fits in most glove boxes. Who doesn’t love a good RGB lighting system?  Now you can upgrade your older model car with Bluetooth Technology and USB ports on a budget with this Criacr V5.0 FM Transmitter! Upgrading your audio has never been easier! Going on lots of road trips this summer? We love to see it!  Check out these Cute Rainbow Car Headrest/Waist Pillows for your car on Etsy by Exbcolovmoment. They’re a great way to add style and comfort to any car! Keep your car looking and smelling fresh all year round with these fabulous Rainbow Car Air Fresheners in bulk on Amazon.

Today is National Creativity Day, and we’re here to celebrate with a list of things that can help promote creative thinking, innovation, and imagination!  Being creative can help us build a better tomorrow by opening doors to new ideas for feats of engineering, environmental conservation efforts, new inventions, and so much more. It doesn’t matter what your creative pursuit is, whether it’s music or photography or filmmaking or cooking or even blogging, there’s something for everyone. The possibilities are endless! more Every year new shining stars rise to the top of the ranks in innovation and invention. By supporting The Arts in your local schools and communities you’re helping insure  that younger generations will have the opportunity to further their education, and become an integral part of shaping the future.  Who knows?  The teen you inspire to vlog about their efforts for community park cleanup may lead the charge for cleaning the ocean, or the kid you’ve shown how to paint may create a magnificent urban renewal mural to revitalize downtown. Let’s look at some great ways to engage creatively and expand our horizons! What are some ways you like to engage in creativity?  Do you know any great local hot spots for creative activities?  How can creativity improve the automotive industry?  We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section on our social media! You can use your creativity to make a difference in your community right here on Long Island!  Want to learn more about how to do that? Check out the rest of our blog post today for new ideas on how to get involved. Great Ways to Make a Creative Difference: Volunteer at your local library to run creative workshops for youth over the summer!  If you’ve got a skill in the arts, one of the ways that you can give back to others is sharing your creativity in the form of teaching. You can work with local schools or arts organizations and volunteer to teach beginner music lessons, art or mural workshops, and even a short class on taking selfie portraits or videos for young vloggers.  There are also lots of organization that work with at-risk youth to help them find creative ways of self expression, and getting involved in community work through public art installations If you’re a maker and artist, you can create a local treasure hunt to find your artwork.  Take a few of your prints, pieces of art, or whatever goods you make and place them into little waterproof baggies or acetate gift bags.  Put your business card inside with a little note of positivity to whomever is the lucky finder.  Head over to a local park to drop your packages near playgrounds, public benches, local gardens, or even attach them to trees to bring some unexpected smiles.  Post and share it to your social media with photographs or a brief description of the location, and ask your followers to go and find them! Find a local makerspace and take a class in something you’ve never tried before!  Trying hands-on workshops can introduce you to new passions and get your mind going to think creatively.  Plus, it’s a great morale booster for mental health to spend time making things from nothing into something! Did you know your local farmers market or downtown arts festival is a great way to support the local economy? Talk to the artists and get to know them a little more, and you may start to see more friendly faces at events around town!  Feel free to ask about their process, purchase some goods from their stall, and post about the experience online!Shopping small helps individual sellers continue to do what they love, and makes you a patron of the arts so they can help beautify our lives and hometowns.  The more you shop art market  events, the more encouragement towns and businesses will have to book more frequent public events!

School is rounding out to a close and Summer is just about to begin!  For parents and caregivers it can be a little overwhelming to try and find ways to keep your kiddos occupied for weeks on end, especially if you’re working on a tight budget.  That’s why today’s post is all about great excursions and day trips that you can take with the kids that won’t break the bank.  Keep things fresh and fun all summer long with these budget-friendly ideas.  And of course, feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments on our social media. We’d love to include your ideas in a future update! more The Lambs Farm in Libertyville is a great day out with your whole family.  This non-profit organization helps folks with developmental disabilities connect with their communities.  There’s a wonderful Farmyard on site with more than 300 animals that you can meet up close and personally!  There’s also a Sugar Maple Candy Shop, the Cedar Chest Thrift Shop, the Dogwood Pet and Garden Center, and Magnolia Cafe & Bakery on site.  Admission is reasonably priced at just $5, and the Farmyard ticket also includes mini golf! Volo Auto Museum is located in Volo, and is perfect for car enthusiasts both young and old. Stop by and take a walk through history with cars from yesteryear through today.  It has over 33 exhibits to explore along with special events throughout the year!  Transportation nerds will be very excited to also check out the incredible boats on site, too! Tickets range from about $13 to $32 depending if you also couple it with an admission to Jurassic Gardens, also! Waukegan Municipal Beach in Waukegan is a mile-long stretch of public beach with gorgeous natural sand-dunes!  It’s a perfect family outing for swimming, sandcastle building, or even just a peaceful picnic on the beach to watch the sunrise or sunset.  And check the local event calendar for local food sellers and food truck pop-us, sailing, and even kiteboarding.  Parking may be a nominal fee on certain days, but the beach is free to residents with a Waukegan City Sticker. Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest is an incredible living museum, biological station, and animal conservation center on the border of the Middlefork avana wildlife habitat.  There are 85 different species of animals, and if you’re there during regular hours of operation you may even get to enjoy a meet and greet with some of them!  The facilities include opportunities to enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits, demonstrations and feedings, nature-themed birthday parties, educational classes, and even summer camp options for kids 4 through 15.  Admission is free but a donation is encouraged to help support events and animal caretaking. The Tempel Lipizzans at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek is a one-of-a-kind day out! You and your friends and family can enjoy an incredible feat of showmanship with performance horseback riding!  You’ll enjoy a full program of entertainment including dancing stallions, battle reenactments, classical riding and tricks, and other equine related performance art.  You can join in the fun by auditing a clinic for a day, or perhaps taking a tour of the facilities to learn even more about the history and process. Discounts may apply for group bookings. Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire i s a massive multi-course mini golf course ranked in the Top 10 Miniature Golf courses in the United States!  With 36 greens, and 21 mechanical objects and obstacles, this is a delightfully unusual 18-hole golf course.  It’s meticulously designed and maintained and is a wonderful, whimsical way to spend a few hours bonding with family and friends. Other activities of note just a short drive away from Lake County in Illinois and Wisconsin: Kristof’s Entertainment Center Shedd Aquarium The Chicago History Museum The Lincoln Park Zoo Milwaukee’s Cedarburg Historic District Milwaukee Public Market East Troy Electric Railroad Museum of Wisconsin Art America’s Action Territory Bristol Renaissance Faire