Each year, Sept. 3 is recognized as national skyscraper day! Did you know the first skyscraper was built in Chicago?

In 1884, Chicago architect William LeBaron Jenny designed the first skyscraper, which stood nine stories high, and was home to the Home Life Insurance Building. Itwas the first structure to stand on an iron frame. The building stood for 46 years until its demolition in 1931.

The Chicago Water and Air Show is returning this weekend to the Chicago lakefront Aug. 10-11 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

This event started in 1959, and has grown to be the largest and oldest free admission air show in the United States. Each year, the show sees over two million people on the city’s lakefront to the military and its pilots perform stunts above Lake Michigan.

The Illinois State Fair has been around since 1853, held for the first time in Springfield at a wooded 20-acre site located one mile west of the Old State Capitol.

Since its beginning, the fair has focused on promoting Illinois’ innovation, methods of agriculture and raising livestock. It has also displayed Illinois’ leading improvements in labor, industry, education, arts and sciences. The fair was also intended to provide an opportunity for famers to exchange ideas.

With the summer weather heating up, Illinoisans can enjoy a variety of water activities at William W. Powers State Recreation Area and other local parks. These recreational sites offer opportunities to get outdoors while enjoying nature on land and water.

Located on Wolf Lake on Chicago’s southeast side at the Illinois-Indiana state line, the William W. Powers State Recreation Area is a 160-acre recreation park featuring a visitor center, picnic area, blinds for hunting and space for other summer activities like boating and fishing. In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly dedicated the site to honor the memory of William W. Powers, a former state legislator that was remembered for his investment in the promotion of recreation for local residents.

Since its establishment, William W. Powers State Recreation Area increased from 160 acres to 580 acres, of which 419 acres are water. The park’s Wolf Lake provides an expansive six miles of shoreline for fishing, fully stocked with largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, bullhead, carp, walleye, and hybrid muskie.

The charming town of Galena is set to host the annual Great Galena Balloon Race from June 21-23, 2024.

The Great Galena Balloon Race has become a beloved tradition, drawing crowds that are eager to experience the thrill and beauty of ballooning. Held over three days, this year’s event promises excitement with a range of activities suitable for all ages.

During the event, there will be live music, hot air balloon races, a classic car show and more. The event is raising money for Camp Hertko Hollow and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).