Event shows Barrington’s offerings
By Samantha Raucci Contributor February 16, 2012 9:13AM
Barrington- Langendorf Recreation Center hosts the Third Annual Love Barrington event from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. featuring a dance teaching/performance, a magician and a choir performance. The Bataille Academie of Art offered dance lead by DeeDee Gallagher. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 17, 2012 8:06AM
On Saturday, the Barrington Cultural Commission hosted the third annual Love Barrington event at Langendorf Recreation and Fitness Center.
The family event was free to the public and featured crafts, “Move to the Groove” with DeeDee Gallagher, a magic show, and a sing-a-long with the Barrington Children’s Choir.
Linda Hovde, member of the Barrington Cultural Commission and event chair, loves having something that caters to community members of all ages.
“We wanted to host something aimed at kids,” said Hovde. “Something fun to do that’s free and close to home. It’s a lot to get the kids somewhere, especially in winter.”
Dave Nelson, Cuba Township supervisor, is also the chair of the Barrington Cultural Commission, and enjoys bringing families to the area.
“Our organization strives to bring entertainment to our community,” said Nelson. “The idea behind Love Barrington was for a youth program involving music, magic, and art.”
The Barrington Cultural Commission was started three years ago by the village of Barrington to promote local cultural events. They also sponsor the Memorial Day Art Fair, and the winter Barrington Aglow event.
“We have about six events during the year just to give people in the community something to do and support and to have some fun,” said Nelson. “Our idea is to have events where people can come to Barrington instead of going to Chicago or wherever.”
The star of the show was Dennis DeBondt, who performed his “Very Funny Magic Show” for the crowd. For DeBondt, a Missouri native, a childhood interest has turned into a career.
“I was always interested in magic when I was a kid and my dad and I checked out a book on it,” said DeBondt. “But I got sidetracked, went to school, moved to Chicago, and a magician moved in downstairs and I took some lessons.”
Two years later, DeBondt quit his job and started doing magic full-time. He has been a full-time magician for 25 years.
Despite his Missouri roots, DeBondt has his own ties to the Barrington community.
“I worked with Linda(Hovde) about 12 years ago, I did a show for a country club,” said DeBondt. “This year, she called me up and asked if I would come back and do a family show.”
DeBondt’s work keeps him traveling, but he still finds comfort in the town of Barrington.
“I really do like Barrington. It’s a great town. It’s a little melting pot, and everyone is really nice. It’s got a nice little hometown feel.”
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