Kaitlin Mikrut

Kaitlin Mikrut is a freelance writer for the Pioneer Press.

The band The Mix brings live energy to the Niles Park District’s “Post-Parade Family Fest” July 4, 2025 at Grennan Heights Park in Niles. (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press)

Niles Park District Fourth of July parade ‘after party’ is ‘just a time to be with family’

July 8, 2025 at 12:42 p.m.

Splashes, laughter, music hits and the aroma of hot dogs filled Grennan Heights Park on July 4 as the Niles Park District hosted its annual “Post-Parade Family Fest.” With inflatable...

An Independence Day parade was part of the Morton Grove Days festivities on July 4, 2025 in Morton Grove. (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press)

Morton Grove Days marks Fourth of July with parade. Carnival rides, funnel cakes and more open during 4-day run.

July 8, 2025 at 12:01 p.m.

The Morton Grove Days Parade has been a longstanding tradition, and it continued this year on the Fourth of July as thousands lined Dempster Street in the summer heat. Put...

"Wine Walk" attendees gather inside 2 Sisters Boutique A+L to shop, sip wine, and explore April 27, 2025 in Park Ridge. (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press).

Park Ridge ‘Wine Walk’ brings together local businesses and area residents

May 6, 2025 at 10:54 a.m.

Wine samplings, small bites, fellowship, pop-up tents and more filled Uptown Park Ridge as the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual "Wine Walk" Sunday. on April 27. Twenty-one...

Dozens of families, including children up to age 10, hunted for treat-filled plastic Easter eggs during the annual event April 19, 2025 at South Park in Park Ridge. (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press)

Donning hats and coats, scores of kids searched for Easter eggs during annual springtime hunt in Park Ridge

April 22, 2025 at 6:03 a.m.

Despite April showers over Easter weekend, the weather didn’t stop families from showing up Saturday to the annual "South Park Easter Egg Hunt" in Park Ridge. Hosted by the South...

Mike Condon. co-founder of Noon Whistle brewery, with locations in Naperville and Lombard, pours a sample of Gummylicious during "Friday Night Flights" Feb. 14, 2025 at the Chicago Auto Show (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press)

Suburban breweries on tap at Chicago Auto Show ‘Flights’ event

February 21, 2025 at 11:07 a.m.

The Chicago Auto Show included more than opportunities to check out – and even test drive some – cars, trucks, SUVs and more, but also for one night, a chance...

Dozens of families turned out for "The Great Family Magic Show" Jan. 19, 2025 at the Centennial Activity Center in Park Ridge. (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press)

Tradition continues in Park Ridge as Park District hosts annual family magic show

January 30, 2025 at 2:07 p.m.

Dozens of families watched with laughter and amazement as doves disappeared and objects vanished – along with other interactive tricks – at “The Great Family Magic Show” earlier this month...

Santa Claus takes "a dip in the pool during the "Swim with Santa" event Dec. 21, 2024 at Centennial Fitness Center in Park Ridge. (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press).

Families in Park Ridge take a dip in the pool with Santa, days before his big delivery day

December 22, 2024 at 1:27 p.m.

The North Pole may be too chilly for a swim, but the pool at Centennial Fitness Center in Park Ridge offered a festive alternative as dozens of families turned out...

The annual “Breakfast with Santa” in Niles was held at the Howard Leisure Center December 14, 2024 (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press)

Santa spreads holiday cheer on ice and at the breakfast with families in Niles

December 16, 2024 at 6:06 p.m.

Santa has been making weekend rounds this holiday season, taking time ahead of his upcoming big day to sit down with families in Niles for a spread of breakfast fare....

Santa and Mrs. Claus mingle with attendees of the annual "Breakfast with Santa" event December 7, 2024 at Lincolnwood Community Center in Lincolnwood. (Kaitlin Mikrut/for Pioneer Press)

Santa and Mrs. Claus have breakfast with families in Lincolnwood

December 10, 2024 at 10:36 a.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus brought holiday magic to Lincolnwood Saturday, hosting a crowd of families for breakfast at the Lincolnwood Community Center. The center buzzed with festive energy as over...

Families had an opportunity to take pictures with the Easter bunny March 23, 2024 at the “Sensory Sensitive Treats with the Bunny” event at the Cheney Mansion in Oak Park. (Kaitlin Mikrut/Pioneer Press)

Easter-themed event at Cheney Mansion offered slower pace, smaller crowd for kids

March 26, 2024 at 7:01 p.m.

The Park District of Oak Park and West Suburban Special Recreation Association hosted their “Sensory Sensitive Treats with the Bunny” event on Saturday at the Cheney Mansion in Oak Park....

All Stories