Free Disney On Ice Tickets Offered to Chicago Families in Exchange for Recycling Christmas Trees

ChiIL Mama's recycled our trees with the city in years past...but we've never been accompanied by bagpipers!!

**The first day of the City’s 2013 Christmas Tree Recycling initiative, families arriving at the Grant Park drop-off site between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. will be able to enjoy a Twelfth Night celebration including Scottish dancers, kilt-clad bagpipers and free hot cider!!**

GO GREEN--GET FREE DISNEY ON ICE TICKETS!! The first 50 Chicago families to drop off a Christmas tree to be recycled at Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Dr., starting at 10 am this Saturday, Jan. 5, will receive four complimentary tickets to the newest Disney On Ice skating spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After, appearing Jan. 23-27 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., and Jan. 30 - Feb. 10 at Chicago's United Center. Go Green and Get your Disney On Ice tickets this Saturday!

The first 50 Chicago families to drop off Christmas trees for recycling starting at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Jan. 5, at Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Dr., will receive four complimentary tickets to the newest Disney On Ice skating spectacular, Disney On Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After, featuring the on-ice debut of the fiery Scottish redhead Merida and friends from Disney-Pixar’s animated hit movie, BRAVE. All tickets are provided by Feld Entertainment. 

Chicago’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program is an initiative of the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), in partnership with the Chicago Park District. In an effort to reduce the amount of waste deposited in landfills, DSS and Chicago Park District forestry crews will be accepting Christmas trees from January 5-18, 2013, at 23 locations throughout the City. Trees dropped off will be ground into fragrant mulch and made available to residents at no cost at the same locations beginning Friday, Jan. 11. Since the program began in 1990, more than 157,700 trees have been kept out of landfills. More than 14,300 trees were recycled last year alone. For additional information on the program call 311 or visit www.cityofchicago.org/dss.

Disney On Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After will open Jan. 23-27 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., then move to Chicago’s United Center, Jan. 30 - Feb. 10. For additional information, visit www.disneyonice.com.

Tree Recycling Locations/Information

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), in partnership with the Chicago Park District, invites residents to recycle their Christmas trees, January 5-18, 2013, to help keep alleys clear, and reduce the amount of materials deposited in landfills.

“Recycling Christmas trees is an easy way for residents to make a big impact on the environment,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.  “Each year, we are able to recycle thousands of Christmas trees to divert more waste away from landfills and reuse the materials in an environmentally-friendly way.”

Trees dropped off at any of the 23 locations will be ground into fragrant mulch by DSS and Chicago Park District forestry crews.  The resulting mulch will be made available to residents at no cost at the same Christmas tree drop-off locations beginning Friday, January 11.

Ornaments, lights, and garland should all be removed before placing the tree in the Christmas tree corral.  The City is not able to accept decorations, tree lights, wreaths, garland, or household recyclable materials at these locations.

Since the program began 24 years ago, more than 157,700 trees have been kept out of landfills.  More than 14,300 trees were recycled last year alone.

For additional information on the program call 311 or visit:  www.cityofchicago.org/dss

North Side
  Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell St.
  Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.
  Lincoln Park, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Ave.
  Margate Park, 4921 N. Marine Dr.
  North Park Village, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.
  Norwood Park, 5801 N. Natoma Ave.
  Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
  Riis Park, 6201 W. Wrightwood Ave.
  Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.

West Side/Central
  Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave.
  Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Drive
  Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1369 N. Sacramento Ave.
  Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St.

South Side
Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave.
  Forestry Site, 900 E. 103rd St.
  Jackson Park, 6300 S. Cornell Ave.
  Kennedy Park, 2427 W. 113th St.
  Lake Meadows Park, 6700 S. Kedzie Ave., near the golf course
  Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.
  McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road
  Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L
  Wentworth Park, 5701 S. Narragansett Ave.

CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL Sketchfest Teens 4 Ticket #Giveaway

STAGE 773 ANNOUNCES THE 12^th ANNUAL

CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL, JANUARY 3 – 13, 2013

Stage 773 Artistic Director Brian Posen proudly announces the dates for the 12^th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, an annual event that celebrates the best in local, national and international sketch comedy, runs January 3 - 13, 2013. All performances take place at Stage 773,1225 W. Belmont. 

Several teen sketch comedy groups from the Elmhurst and Wilmette areas will be performing among over 130 other groups at Stage 773’s 12^th Annual Sketch Comedy Festival, January 3 - 20. The teen troupes are named ATC Teen Comedy Troupe, Department of Homeland Obscurity, Just Bust a Move, Mocktail, Code Red Vines, and S-Cubed.

Teen Groups 2pm Sunday 1-6:

• Just Busta a Move

Lizzy, Michelina, and Kirsten are back in this energetic tribute to the crazy moments in everyone's lives. This fast-paced show will leave you laughing in the aisles, and pondering your own insane experiences. Join Just Bust a Move as they dance their way through competition, embarrassment, and misunderstandings.

Department of Homeland Obscurity

The Department of Homeland Security (D.O.H.O) is made up of 4 extremely talented and attractive boys from Elmhurst Illinois.Together, they hope to bring everyone closer with their inspiring sketches and funny jokes. Just kidding! They're here to make you laugh! Or Cry (out of joy).

ChiIL Out With 4 free tickets to one of the family shows at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 13^th.   

Your choice of S-Cubed, ATC Teen Comedy Troupe, Play On's Code Red Vines or Mocktail.   Click here for full show/troupe descriptions.

Enter below through midnight 1/8/13 for your chance to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  Thanks to Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival for giving us 4 tickets for our readers.

In the two weekends from January 3 – 13, 2013, more than 800 artists from 130 sketch comedy troupes will perform more than 170 shows for the largest ever Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival – and the largest sketch comedy festival America has ever seen. 

The festival’s performance dates and times are: Thursdays at 8, 9 and 10 p.m., Fridays at 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 p.m., Saturdays at 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 p.m., and Sundays at 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 8 and 9 p.m. 

Tickets are $14 each Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and $15 each on Saturdays. Tickets are on sale now at www.Stage773.com, by phone at 773.327.5252, and in person at Stage 773 box office. 

The complete schedule for the 12^th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival can be viewed here.   

About Stage 773

Stage 773 celebrates off-Loop Chicago performing arts and artists.  Formerly known as Lukaba Productions, Stage 773 is a non-profit Chicago company that produces The Cupid Players, Bri-Ko, The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, The Chicago Women’s Funny Festival and other programs, as well as offering subsidized theater rental space to the hundreds of itinerant off-Loop companies and performers.  Stage 773 is located at 1225 W. Belmont; Stage 773’s four theaters are home to performances by some of Chicago’s most innovative, creative and passionate off-Loop performing artists.  For more information on Stage 773 and a list of current events at Stage 773 visit Stage773.com or call 773.929.7367 ext. 112. 

ChiIL Mama's Winning Wednesdays Loads of New #Giveaways

Photo Credit:  Dugan Kenaz-Mara (11)

Happy New Year!   Come ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama in 2013.  Winning Wednesdays are back, where we sum up loads of our great giveaways in one place.  We have a bunch of sweet Chicago area tickets for live music and theatre and our CDs, books, toys, etc. giveaways are open to anyone 18+ anywhere in the USA.  Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.  Good luck and enjoy!

ChiIL Mama's your source for great original content, photo and video filled features, news, and reviews.

Current Chicago Ticket Giveaways:
Click the links to enter

• Win 4 Free Tickets to every Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids Show (Shows are geared toward birth-age 8 with parents, every Sunday at noon)  New winners weekly.  

  *This week we also have a Deep Fried Pickle Project 5 song EP for our 4 ticket winner!  

Enter through Thursday midnight every week.   We'll have a review of 

Deep Fried Pickle Project's

 new full length CD, Green and Bumpy, along with 2 more 5 song EP CDs to give away soon, nationwide.   We'll also be video interviewing the band, and shooting their Beat Kitchen set this Sunday.  

   

• Win 4 Free Tickets to Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After in Chicago (all ages)

• Win 4 Free Tickets to Bud Not Buddy at Chicago Children's Theatre 

   (ideal for ages 8+)

• Win 4 Free Tickets to Chicago Shakespeare Leave it to Ludwig--family show in conjunction with 

  Chicago Chamber Musicians (ideal for ages 4+)

Current Giveaways Open to Anyone 18+ living in the USA:

• American Girl Doll-Girl of the year, Saige, doll & book set ($110 value).  Enter through midnight 1/31/13.

ACT OUT KIDS OPENING: Bud, Not Buddy at Chicago Children's Theatre #giveaway

We adore theatre and Chicago Children's Theatre is one of our all time favorites for excellent, world class, family friendly fare.   Check out Bud, Not Buddy, opening Friday, January 18th.   Tickets are on sale now.   Book ahead to guarantee seats.

Bud, Not Buddy

January 12 - February 24, 2013 

Ideal for Ages 8+

The Ruth Page Center for Arts

1016 N. Dearborn St.

Based on the Newberry winning novel by Christopher Paul Curtis, Adapted by Reginald Andre Jackson, Directed by Derrick Sanders

ChiIL out with a free family 4 pack of tickets to Bud, Not Buddy Saturday, 1/19, at 2 pm.

Click here to enter:  

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclaimer:  Thanks to Chicago Children's Theatre for giving us 4 tickets for our readers.

Travis Turner as Bud in Chicago Children's Theatre's Bud, Not Buddy. Credit: Margaret Strickland  Bud, Not Buddy - the only book to win both the Newbery Award and the Coretta Scott King Author Award -  is a favorite with kids 8 and up, and at many schools, required reading for February, Black History Month. The story follows the heartwarming, unforgettable journey of a young African-American orphan as he searches for his father. Clues kept in a suitcase lead him to adventures in Depression-era Michigan, where he finds community among a group of jazz musicians and, ultimately, an unexpected sense of home. Full of laugh-out-loud humor and wonderful characters, Bud, Not Buddy hits the high notes of jazz and sounds the deeper tones of the Great Depression.  CCT's live stage version of Bud, Not Buddy, adapted by  Reginald Andre Jackson, features Travis Turner as Bud, with  Kamal Angelo Bolden (familiar to CCT audiences as Jackie Robinson in  Jackie and Me), Sean Bolger, MyKele Callicut, Mackenzie Chinn, Cedric May, Malkia Stampley, Andre Teamer, Genevieve VenJohnson  and Cedric Young.   Designers are Courtney O'Neill (scenic design); William Kirkham (lighting design); Rick Sims (sound design); Christine Pascual (costume design) andNick Heggestad (prop design). Click here for tickets, more information, directions, parking and dining recommendations.

 

American Girl Saige Giveaway & Welcome Party Photo Feature #giveaway

Welcome Saige, American Girl of the year 2013!!   

Saige Copeland & ChiIL Mama's Sage--both creative, artistic, 9 year old American Girls!

We had a blast at American Girl Place in Chicago yesterday on 1-1-13, for Saige's debut party.   Check out our original shots here then head on down yourself.   Free doll sized Saige tee's, posters, and crafts are going on 9am-1pm daily through January 4th!!  



It was fun for ChiIL Mama's daughter, Sage, to be there on launch day.   We've NEVER heard her name so many times in one place!   All over the store we heard a chorus of excited girls saying:

Saige is so beautiful.   
Saige rocks!   
I've been waiting my whole life for a doll like Saige.  
I can't wait to get Saige.   
Saige is so cool.   
Saige is my favorite girl.
Saige has awesome hair.
I love Saige.



We had fun following creative clues and acing the Saige Scavenger Hunt to win a poster.  



We also picked up our free doll sized Saige tee and made a hot air balloon craft. 


  




We couldn't resist picking up her adorable dog (He's big, shaggy, black and white...and not unlike my Sage's dog!) and we were happy to see he's a soft body (unlike earlier AG pets) and comes with a leash.   

We also bought the super cool art set, which my Sage is paying for herself out of her "helpful works" money.  

I also couldn't resist the gorgeous sweater dress, accented with a southwestern flair belt.   It's a beautiful blue/purple like the color of flowers on Sage plants like May Night Sage and others in the Salvia family.  It's soft, 100% cotton and doesn't have scratchy seams--all big bonus points in our book!   Saige's accessories and outfits are cool, colorful and artsy. 

My Sage is now determined to save up and earn extra money so she can buy Saige's hot air balloon later this year.   It's pretty impressive and would look great hanging in her room.

Check back with ChiIL Mama often for more photo features, our author interview and the latest news on Saige related events!

We're also sooo excited to be giving away a Saige doll & book set right here at ChiIL Mama, like we did for American Girls of the year Kanani (2011) and McKenna (2012).   


Enter right here for your chance to win through midnight 1/31/13.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclaimer:  Thanks to American Girl for giving us a Saige doll/book set for our readers and one for review.   All opinions are our own.

Check out ChiIL Mama's prior Saige coverage here.

Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After Creative Ticket Presentations #giveaway

The best gift is today.  That's why it's called the present!   Happy new year 1-1-13.   ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and make some icy cool Chi, IL memories to start the new year.

Give the Gift of ROCKIN’ Memories!

Got some holiday cash that longs to become a fun, clutter busting gift?   Need something to fill those dark January days after the last presents have been unwrapped and the holiday fun is fading fast?   

We shared these creative ways to gift tickets on Twitter & Facebook, but if you missed them in the holiday hullabaloo, it's not too late.   We dig these wacky ways to present tickets for birthdays, or for no reason at all.  These extra touches are sure to make an impression.   Check out the directions for 3 memorable, crafty ways to give tickets, at the bottom of this post.

Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After is coming to the Chicagoland area, playing Allstate Arena Jan. 23 - 27 and United Center Jan. 31 - Feb. 10. 

Win 4 free tickets from ChiIL Mama below:

Click here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Thanks again to FELD and Disney on Ice for giving us tickets for our readers and our family.   ChiIL Mama's thrilled to be a FELD field mom again this year.   This means we'll be bringing you ticket giveaways, original content and photo filled features on all Disney on Ice Shows, The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus & Monster Truck Jam in Chicago.  All opinions are our own.   

Get your little one extra excited with a special presentation linked to the show … download a Rockin’ Ever After gift tag or one of these great ticket crafts:

o   Increase the excitement by creating a lotto ticket scratch off

o   Provide an Beauty and Beast ticket rose bouquet

o   Special Merida arrow delivery 

The fun presentation creates an exciting moment when opening the gift.  Then there’s the fun anticipation of attending the show together. You’ll rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! 

Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel.  A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to Chicago! 

A new years gift for all our readers:

Click here to Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows with code MOM!

*Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving. Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

Click here for your chance to win a free family 4 pack of tickets from ChiIL Mama.

PARKING IS FREE in all official Allstate Arena and United Center lots.  

Creative Ways To Present Tickets:

Belle's Rose Bouquet:

Merida's Ticket Arrows:

Scratch Off Disney On Ice Tickets:

Win 4 Free Tickets to Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After in Chicago #giveaway

Come ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to Chicago!   We're even giving away a free family 4 pack of tickets to some of our lucky readers.   Enter right here for your chance to win.

Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After is coming to the Chicagoland area, playing Allstate Arena Jan. 23 - 27 and United Center Jan. 31 - Feb. 10. 

Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel.  

A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. 

You’ll rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! 

Rockin' Ever After is a talent show! Be prepared to see Mickey and all his friends leading you through these Rockin' sing offs and performances!

Enter below for your chance to win 

4 free tickets to your choice of January shows on one of the following dates:

23rd 7pm

24th 7pm

25th 10:30 am (all at Allstate Arena)

or

January 31st  7pm at United Center

Enter here through midnight on 1/14/13:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Thanks again to FELD and Disney on Ice for giving us tickets for our readers and our family.   ChiIL Mama's thrilled to be a FELD field mom again this year.   This means we'll be bringing you ticket giveaways, original content and photo filled features on all Disney on Ice Shows, The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus & Monster Truck Jam in Chicago.  All opinions are our own.   

Click here to Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows with code MOM!

PARKING IS FREE in all official Allstate Arena and United Center lots.  Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving. Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.