When Ralph Covert holds a concert, with the help of a seven-piece band, in honor of the release of his new CD, “Under the Sea,” families will hear an eclectic mix of music. To the sound of two mandolins Covert will sing “Honey for the Bears,” which may remind listeners of the folk music style of “Brother Where Art Thou.” Kids can dance around and pretend to play a musical instrument to the music of “Sunny Day, Rainy Day, Anytime Band” and sing along to “The Coffee Song” about parents who need a jolt of java. Ralph Covert Kids CD Release Concert, noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., admission $12; 773-728-6000.
— Nancy Maes
Trucks to touch
Kids can get a close-up look at construction vehicles and ones used for emergencies at an event sponsored by the Deerfield Park District called “Touch-a-Truck.” As the name suggests they can do more than gawk, they can actually touch a back hoe, a loader and a bucket truck, also known as a cherry picker, which is used to carry workers way up high. They can also touch a fire engine, a police car and a tow truck. The people who drive them will be on hand to answer questions and so will Bob the Builder, the construction worker who has made a name for himself on the Nickelodeon TV channel. “Touch-a-Truck,” 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Brickyards Park north parking lot, corner of Kates and Pfingsten Roads, Deerfield, free; 847-945-0650.
— Nancy Maes
For the Earth
Celebrate Mother Earth during the Earth Day 2002 festival Saturday at McHenry County College. Discover what local organizations are doing to help the environment and find out the many ways you can help, too. Live music, games, interactive displays, food, fun and other festivities. Sponsored by the McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County Defenders, McHenry County Conservation Foundation, Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute, McHenry County Regional Office of Education and the Back Door Foundation. Earth Day 2002, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, free; 815-459-5779.
— Stephanie Price
Hike and sundaes
Spring Brook Nature Center will host March for Parks Sunday in Itasca to mark Earth Day. Choose a short hike around Spring Brook’s grounds or a three-mile hike through the adjacent Songbird Forest Preserve. Ice cream sundaes will be served after the walk. Participants who raise $20 will receive a free T-shirt. Every participant will receive a free water bottle. Scout, church and corporate groups are welcome. Call to register and to pick up a pledge sheet. March for Parks, 2 p.m. Sunday, Spring Brook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca, no entry fee; 630-773-5572.
— Stephanie Price
Animal kingdom
Heed the call of wild at the Crest Hill Library Saturday. The library will turn itself into an animal-friendly zone when World Wildlife Kingdom will present a program featuring such wild creatures as an exotic Siberian tiger, a monkey and an alligator. “Jungle Habitat,” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Crest Hill Public Library, 1298 Theodore St., Crest Hill, free admission; 815-725-0234.
— Pat Harper
