How many varieties of Lilacs are there in Lilacia Park?

Lombard Village Offices Open on Presidents Day

As a reminder, Village administrative offices will be open on Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, and will operate under the Village’s regular business hours.

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with walk-in hours available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents may visit Village Hall, contact departments by phone, or use online services during this time. 

There will be no changes to garbage or recycling collection. Waste Management service will occur as scheduled.

Lombard Trustees Approve 2026 Event Grants, Advance Pet Shop Zoning Update

At the Feb. 5 Lombard Board of Trustees meeting, village officials approved several grant requests to help local organizations cover costs for major community events planned for 2026. The funding comes from Lombard’s Hotel/Motel Fund and supports events that bring visitors, activity, and economic impact to the village.

Approved 2026 Event Grants:

• Lombard Lilac Parade Committee – $25,000 to help cover village services and event costs for the 2026 Lilac Parade on May 17, including advertising, participant honorariums, and recognition.

• Lombard Garden Club – Funding to purchase lilacs and supplies (pots, soil, labels, and containers) for the annual Lilac Sale in May.

• Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce –

  • $6,500 to support village services for the Lilac Time Arts & Crafts Fair on May 3

  • $3,300 to assist with advertising and public works support for the Farmers Market (May 19 – Oct. 6)

  • $1,000 to help cover village services for Outdoor Vintage Days on March 29, June 28, and Sept. 27

All of the grants were recommended for approval by the Community Promotion and Tourism Committee at its Jan. 6 meeting.

District Four Trustee and committee chair Patrick Egan also shared that additional grant requests are expected to come before the board soon, including funding proposals for:

• Lilac Princess Program

• Lombard Cycling Classic

• Lombard Food Truck Social

• America 250 public art installation

• Explore Historic Lombard app

• Fall Spooktacular

• Winter Candy Cane Lane & Holiday Market

• Lombard Brew Fest

While all were recommended for approval, one request was recommended at a reduced funding level. Final details will be available once meeting minutes are released.  

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Glen Ellyn to Receive $2M for Downtown Metra Station Upgrade

Glen Ellyn is set to receive $2 million in federal funding to replace its downtown Metra station and add a new pedestrian underpass beneath the UP-West Line—bringing major improvements for commuters and pedestrian safety.

The funding is part of more than $9 million secured for several DuPage County projects, supporting upgrades to local water systems, health initiatives, and infrastructure improvements in neighboring communities.

Electronics Recycling in Villa Park

The drop-off site is open on the third Saturday of every month, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Public Works Garage, located at 20 W. Home Avenue.

This free service is only available to Villa Park residents. Please have your ID ready. Also, note that only one TV may be dropped off per visit.

For a full list of accepted items, visit here: https://www.invillapark.com/158/Electronic-Recycling

Lombard Garden Club Hosts Pollinator Presentation – Friday -Feb. 20

The Lombard Garden Club invites the community to a special presentation, “Bee an Advocate for Nature,” featuring Bruce Blake on Friday, February 20 (please note this is a date change from what appears on the Garden Club website).

Blake is a pollinator garden specialist with the DuPage Monarch Project and has served as a steward with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County for more than 20 years. He is also the owner of Prairie Wind Native Plants Nursery and brings deep expertise in native plants and sustainable gardening practices.

Attendees will learn how they can play an active role in supporting the natural world, with discussion topics including native plants, pesticide use, and the impacts of climate change.

The program begins at 12:30 p.m. at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road.
Admission is free, and the public is welcome.

Glen Ellyn Restaurant Week Returns Feb. 20–March 1

Food lovers, mark your calendars! Glen Ellyn Restaurant Week runs Friday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, March 1, serving up a delicious lineup of prix fixe menus, chef-crafted specials, and exclusive promotions at 24 local restaurants.

From longtime favorites and cozy comfort spots to sweet dessert stops, craft drinks, and a few brand-new places to try, there’s something for every craving. It’s the perfect excuse to plan a night out, discover a new favorite, and support local dining all in one week.

Preview menus now at www.downtownglenellyn.com, then grab your friends and make those reservations.

Spice Things Up at Corridor Kitchen & Taps’ 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Think your chili has what it takes to take the crown? Corridor Kitchen & Taps is turning up the heat with its 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off.

When: Sunday, February 22, 2026,

Where: Corridor Kitchen & Taps 18 St. Charles Ave, Lombard, IL

Time:  1:00 PM 

Local favorites and fearless backyard chefs will go head-to-head in a battle for chili glory, serving up their best, boldest recipes. Whether you love it smoky, spicy, or packed with secret ingredients, this is your chance to sample some seriously flavorful bowls.

Want to compete? There’s a $20 entry fee, and sign-ups are happening at the bar (limited spots available, first come, first stirred!). Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, so bring your A-game — and your bravest spices.

Not cooking? No problem! Guests can enjoy drink specials all day, cold beer, tasty chili samples, and giveaways for everyone who attends — not just competitors. Expect great food, great drinks, and even better bragging rights.

Bring your friends, come hungry, and get ready for one of the most flavor-packed Sundays of the year. Who will claim the chili crown?

Glen Ellyn Chili Cook-Off Returns Feb. 22 for a Great Cause

The Glen Ellyn Restaurants Chili Cook-Off for Charity is back on February 22, 2026, bringing together the village’s best restaurants for a chili showdown.

When: Sunday, Feb 22nd 2026

Where: Reserve 22- 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn, IL

Time: 12 pm

Sample mouthwatering chili, local brewery samples and vote for your favorites, and enjoy a fun, community-driven event—all while supporting a great cause. Restaurants participating include: Fire + Wine, Nobel House, Maize + Mash, Main Street Pub, Made In Italy, Maplewood Brewery, MK Steak + Bar and Reserve 22!  Come hungry, bring your friends, and help us make a difference one spoonful at a time! https://www.reserve22.com/events/chili-cook-off-2026 

Glass Court Swim & Fitness Welcomes Community to Open House in Lombard

Glass Court Swim & Fitness invites the community to get a first look at its new space at a special Open House before the official grand opening.

Residents are encouraged to stop by, walk through the facility, meet the Glass Court team, and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting. There will be no formal presentation—just an opportunity to explore the space, reconnect if you were part of Glass Court in the past, or check it out for the first time if you’re curious about what’s coming to Lombard.

Visitors will also get early details about Glass Court’s upcoming Club Membership options and how to become part of the community once doors officially open.

Open House Dates & Times:

• Feb. 26–27: 3–8 p.m.

• Feb. 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• March 1: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Location:
Glass Court Swim & Fitness
830 E. Roosevelt Road, Lombard, IL 60148

Community members are welcome to bring a friend or simply drop in to say hello.

Those who want updates about Glass Court’s opening and membership options can sign up for the interest list here:
👉 Click here for membership

This open house offers a sneak peek at one of Lombard’s newest fitness destinations—and a chance to connect before the doors officially open.

The Lunar New Year season will take place from February 17 to March 3, 2026.

It is celebrated by around 20% of the world's population.

Yvonne Wolf, an educator, will explain the traditions, activities, symbols, and foods associated with this holiday and how you can join in at home.

This event is free to attend but requires registration Click Here

When: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Where: LHS Carriage House, 23 W Maple St. Lombard

Time: 1:30 PM  2:30 PM

Yvonne Wolf is an intercultural consultant and founder of Chinese Intercultural, LLC, offering professional intercultural training and expanding businesses' outreach.

The Love Your Health Fair is a FREE community event focused on wellness, connection, and care.

It will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21st, at Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL, from 12-4 pm.

The event will feature local health providers, activities for kids, a yoga class, and a movement showcase.

The mission of the fair is to empower, inform, and provide care to the community.

Everyone is welcome to attend, including families, parents, teens, and adults interested in mental health and wellness.

The event will offer resources, giveaways, exclusive offers, and opportunities to explore services for overall well-being.  For more information: https://www.lotusbloompsychology.com/loveyourhealth

Rams Bounce Back After First Division Loss

The Glenbard East boys basketball team suffered its first Upstate Eight East loss of the season on Feb. 3, falling 69–64 at Riverside Brookfield and moving to 9–1 in division play.

The Rams quickly rebounded Friday night in Lombard, cruising past Glenbard South 72–43 to improve to 24–3 overall and 10–1 in the division.

Despite a late fourth-quarter rally, Glenbard East came up just short against Riverside Brookfield, who remain tied with the Rams atop the division standings. The Rams now look to close out division play strong when they travel to Ridgewood this Friday.

Rams Close Division Play with Loss to Glenbard South

The Glenbard East girls basketball team wrapped up Upstate Eight Conference East Division play with a 47–24 loss to Glenbard South on Friday in Lombard. The Raiders finished a perfect 12–0 in the division, while the Rams closed out division play at an impressive 10–2 (17–9 overall).

Glenbard South pulled away in the second quarter and led 26–13 at halftime. The lead grew to 39–20 after three quarters.

Senior Kathleen Nevels and junior Teagan Murphy each scored six points for Glenbard East, with sophomore Olivia Nee adding four.

The Rams will finish the regular season this week at Wheaton Warrenville South and open IHSA Class 4A regional play Feb. 17 with a rematch against Wheaton North at Lake Park.

Two Nail-Biters Slip Away for Willowbrook

Willowbrook’s boys basketball team dropped two close West Suburban Gold Conference games last week, falling 68–67 to Proviso East and 79–71 to Leyden in Villa Park. The Warriors now stand at 9–19 overall and 2–7 in conference play.

Against Proviso East, Willowbrook led after three quarters but fell on a last-second basket. Otis Powell led the Warriors with 22 points, followed by Jaylen Griffin with 14 and Antwain Walker with 10.

In Friday’s loss to Leyden, Powell scored 27 points. Jory Crocker added 12, scoring all his points in the second half, while Griffin, Zach Boynton, and Dylan Borkowski each chipped in eight.

Willowbrook travels to Addison Trail Friday 13th and hosts Hinsdale South on Saturday Feb 14th.

Lilac Princess Applications Now Open

Five Lilac Princesses are selected and serve as the Lilac Court, community ambassadors for the Village throughout Lilac Time. 

Each Lilac Princess is awarded a $1,500 scholarship, funded through a Village of Lombard Tourism Grant.  

Click here to apply 

Dairy Queen is Open for the Season

Dairy Queen opened for the season on February 11th. After a brief power outage, they were back and running.

Did you know?

Lombard Dairy Queen built in 1955—and it still features one of the few remaining original neon DQ signs?

While Dairy Queen began updating its signage in the late 1950s, this iconic neon sign was never changed. Today, it’s considered one of the last of its kind and one of the only original Dairy Queen signs still standing in Northern Illinois.

Fun local history fact: the sign itself is officially designated a landmark, making it a protected part of our community’s visual history. A glowing reminder of classic roadside Americana right here in our backyard.

O'Neill's Bar Trivia

When:Every Tuesday Night

Where:O'Neill's Pub Lombard 236 E St Charles Rd, Lombard,

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm

Pet of the Week: Meet Lilac!

Available through Cat Guardians – Lombard

Meet Lilac, a lovely dilute tortie with a tremendous spirit and an inspiring love for life! 💜

This beautiful girl has already been through more than most in her short two years, yet she greets the world with sweetness, resilience, and a heart full of affection.

Lilac is wonderfully friendly and absolutely adores attention from her human companions. She’s the kind of kitty who makes herself right at home—curling up nearby, soaking up pets, and charming everyone she meets with her gentle, easygoing personality. With her warm nature and bright spirit, Lilac would fit beautifully into just about any home.

She’s dreaming of a loving family who will cherish her for the amazing kitty she is. If you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate companion, Lilac might be your perfect match. Make an appointment to meet this charming girl — we’re pretty sure you’ll fall in love at first sight! https://catguardians.org/cats/lilac-2

Lilac’s Details:
• Female
• 2 years old
• Short-haired
• Dilute tortoiseshell

300 varieties of Lilacs in the Park and 50 varieties of Tulips

RelyLocal Lombard Area helps connect residents with trusted local businesses while keeping dollars circulating in our community. We partner with locally owned shops, restaurants, and service providers to offer exclusive rewards, digital coupons, and community-based promotions that benefit both businesses and customers. Through our RelyLocal Rewards Card and local fundraising programs, we help schools, teams, and organizations raise money while supporting small businesses. Our mission is simple: strengthen the local economy, support neighborhood businesses, and make it easy to shop local in Lombard and surrounding communities.