Publications & Sites 
Family Friendly: Get a taste of the Armenian culture
Dancers will perform at the annual Taste of Armenia Aug. 26. Visitors can also try Armenian food, listen to music and shop at the outdoor craft market.
Parents and kids can sample an ancient culture at Taste of Armenia, noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at St. James Armenian Church, 816 Clark St., Evanston.
“It’s a leisurely afternoon for families of all ethnic backgrounds,” said event co-chairman Gary Rejebian of Evanston. “It’s a celebration of Armenian heritage and culture. There’s authentic Armenian food. There’s a big selection of games for kids. There’s a really interesting cultural program.”
That may be why more than 2,500 people attend the event annually.
This year’s event will feature exerpts from Silk Road Rising’s upcoming play “Night Over Erzinga” at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
“It’s a tale of losing and regaining ethnic identity,” Rejebian said.
Children should particularly enjoy a high-stepping performance by the more than 50 dancers of the Armenian Dance Co. of Chicago at 4:15 p.m. There will also be an outdoor craft market, photography exhibit and music.
Admission is free.
For details, call (847) 864-6263 or visit www.tasteofarmenia.org.
Try it, you’ll like it
Everyone is invited to sample gymnastics and ice skating for free during Chill Out at Centennial, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 at Centennial Ice Arena, 3100 Trail Way, Highland Park. There will also be arts and crafts, and a raffle.
For details, call (847) 432-4790 or visit www.pdhp.org.
Dash to Bash
A carnival, music, classic car show and film fest are a few highlights of Skokie’s Backlot Bash, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24-26 on Oakton Street between Lincoln and Laramie avenues. Admission is free, as is the music. Food will be sold.
For details, call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2274 or visit www.backlotbash.com.
The great escape
Your child’s fluffy companion will enjoy a night away during a Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Northfield Branch of Winnetka Public Library, 1785 Orchard Lane. Kids will bring their friend to the library at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27 for a storytime, then tuck them in for the night. Next morning, they’ll learn what happened at the sleepover. Registration is required.
For details, call (847) 446-5990 or visit www.winnetkalibrary.org.
Think positive
Getting children excited about school is the goal of Kindergarten Kick-Off, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29 at Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave. Children entering kindergarten, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, will hear stories, work on a craft project and have a treat. Registration is required.
For details, call (847) 835-5056 or visit www.glencoepubliclibrary.org.~.
