5 Things to Do: Ski jumping in Fox River Grove and sip on hot chocolate in Union

Here are five things to do this weekend:

Ski jump tournament: The 120th annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday at Norge Ski Club, located at 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove. Watch athletes from around the country compete for the title of best ski jumper while enjoying grilled food and beverages from Wild Onion Brewery and Miller Brewing. Junior and intermediate jumpers will compete Saturday, followed by Olympic hopefuls taking on the 70-meter jump Saturday and Sunday. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Find more details on the Norge Winter Ski Jump Tournament and buy tickets here: norgeskiclub.org.

Hot chocolate and history: Get cozy with the McHenry County Historical Society and Museum during the Hot Chocolate and History event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 6422 Main St., Union. The free event will have a hot chocolate bar, mini tours, a scavenger hunt and kid-friendly activities. Learn about upcoming events and programs while supporting the historical society during its January membership drive. Check out more information on the McHenry County Historical Society and Museum Hot Chocolate and History event here: Facebook.com/McHenryCountyHistoricalSociety.

Learn about extreme storm chasing: Storm chaser and atmospheric scientist Reed Timmer will share stories and knowledge behind extreme weather during a show at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St. Timmer will share his experiences of recording historic storms from blizzards to tornadoes while sharing the science behind the weather. Tickets are $35. Find more details about Timmer’s extreme storm chasing presentation and buy tickets here: woodstockoperahouse.com.

Shop winter sales: Bundle up for winter shopping during Crystal Lake’s Sidewalk Sales through Sunday at multiple shops in the downtown area. Small businesses will have special deals and discounts including Dalzell Jewelers, The Running Depot, Shay, Grounds and Kitchen Outfitters. More information on downtown Crystal Lake’s Sidewalk Sales can be found here: downtowncl.org/events/slidewalk-sales.

People in Need Forum: Learn about resources and services available to those in need at the People in Need Forum from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. The free event will have exhibitors showcasing resources and presenting workshops on topics such as immigration, caregiving, homelessness, addiction, LGBTQ resources and senior citizen support. Check out more information on the People in Need Forum here: Mchenry.edu/events/2025/01/pin-01-25.html.

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