Chicago Sun-times Outdoor Columnist Dale Bowman joins Ray to discuss the best fishing tips going into the holiday weekend and a guide on where to go for the best fishing locations in your area.  Dale knows all the tricks on where to spot the most populated parts of a lake or pond to have the best luck with getting a bite as well as some hidden gems that most people don't know is a great fishing location.

Chicago Sun-times Outdoor Columnist Dale Bowman joins Ray to discuss the best fishing tips going into the holiday weekend and a guide on where to go for the best fishing locations in your area.  Dale knows all the tricks on where to spot the most populated parts of a lake or pond to have the best luck with getting a bite as well as some hidden gems that most people don't know is a great fishing location.

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

PINCH HITTERS

Fishing tips for the 4th of July weekend

IF YOU'RE FEELING ARTSY: Check out the Lincoln Roscoe Art + Craft Fair! This event, hosted by Friends of Lakeview, takes place on Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and Melrose Streets. Returning to Chicago on May 16 and 17, this northside event features art for the home, including fabulous paintings, sculptures, and fiber pieces, as well as décor, jewelry, and more; all handmade by artists and artisans. Live music all weekend long, painting classes, selfie stations, personalized poems, festival food, interactive art activities for kids hosted by local businesses! For more info: https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/

IF YOU'RE FEELING NOSTALGIC: Check out Rocky In Concert for the 50th Anniversary of the classic film with the Chicago Philharmonic! Rocky in Concert will experience Rocky Balboa like never before by watching the original Rocky film on larger-than-life screens while the musical score is performed live by a symphony orchestra and piano. This is a MUST-SEE event for Rocky fans of all ages, celebrating the 50th anniversary of this classic franchise and encouraging audiences to cheer on the underdog Rocky as Bill Conti’s legendary score “Gonna Fly Now” plays once again.  For more info: https://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/


IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out Anime Central, the Midwest Anime and Manga Convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont! As part of its mission, Anime brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities. The event includes a huge exhibit hall, a massive video game room, concerts, dances, educational panels and workshops, premiere screenings, autograph sessions, 24-hour video rooms, tabletop gaming and much, much more! For more info: https://rosemont.com/

IF YOU'RE FEELING ARTSY: Check out the Lincoln Roscoe Art + Craft Fair! This event, hosted by Friends of Lakeview, takes place on Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and Melrose Streets. Returning to Chicago on May 16 and 17, this northside event features art for the home, including fabulous paintings, sculptures, and fiber pieces, as well as d&eacute;cor, jewelry, and more; all handmade by artists and artisans. Live music all weekend long, painting classes, selfie stations, personalized poems, festival food, interactive art activities for kids hosted by local businesses! For more info: <a href="https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/events-calendar/lincoln-roscoe-art-craft-fair-2" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/</a>
IF YOU'RE FEELING NOSTALGIC: Check out Rocky In Concert for the 50th Anniversary of the classic film with the Chicago Philharmonic! Rocky in Concert will experience Rocky Balboa like never before by watching the original Rocky film on larger-than-life screens while the musical score is performed live by a symphony orchestra and piano. This is a MUST-SEE event for Rocky fans of all ages, celebrating the 50th anniversary of this classic franchise and encouraging audiences to cheer on the underdog Rocky as Bill Conti&rsquo;s legendary score &ldquo;Gonna Fly Now&rdquo; plays once again.&nbsp; For more info: <a href="https://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/">https://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/</a>
 IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out Anime Central, the Midwest Anime and Manga Convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont! As part of its mission, Anime brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities. The event includes a huge exhibit hall, a massive video game room, concerts, dances, educational panels and workshops, premiere screenings, autograph sessions, 24-hour video rooms, tabletop gaming and much, much more! For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://rosemont.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://rosemont.com/</a>

SOCIAL STEPH - 05/14/2026 - Summer is right around the corner, and Chicago is ready to get outside with these activities!

IF YOU'RE FEELING HUNGRY: CHECK OUT PICKLE FEST! Do you love all things pickled? Well, there’s a festival for you. This Wrigleyville event—taking place at some of the neighborhood's top bars—will feature pickle cocktails and mocktails, pickle-focused foods, pickleback shots, live music, photo ops and much more. It’s a day you’ll relish forever. For tix and more info: https://chicagopicklefest.weebly.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN-   Check out Sonny Acres Farm's Something for Mom Market on Saturday, May 9 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Guests can browse the Garden Center for plants, hanging baskets, and gardening essentials, take advantage of a buy one, get one half-off hanging basket special, and explore the General Store and Sweet Shop for seasonal décor and locally made treats. With outdoor activities, food, and a welcoming farm setting, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend! For more info: https://sonnyacres.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SWEET FOR MOM: Check out the Pizookie at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse in Orland Park! A Pizookie ( a combo of "pizza" and "cookie") is a large, gourmet cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan, served warm, and topped with ice cream. You can try one at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse! Don't miss the Monster Pizookie for a limited time ONLY!!! For more info: https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/

IF YOU'RE FEELING HUNGRY: CHECK OUT PICKLE FEST! Do you love all things pickled? Well, there&rsquo;s a festival for you. This Wrigleyville event&mdash;taking place at some of the neighborhood's top bars&mdash;will feature pickle cocktails and mocktails, pickle-focused foods, pickleback shots, live music, photo ops and much more. It&rsquo;s a day you&rsquo;ll relish forever. For tix and more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagopicklefest.weebly.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://chicagopicklefest.weebly.com/</a> IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN-&nbsp; &nbsp;Check out Sonny Acres Farm's Something for Mom Market on Saturday, May 9 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Guests can browse the Garden Center for plants, hanging baskets, and gardening essentials, take advantage of a buy one, get one half-off hanging basket special, and explore the General Store and Sweet Shop for seasonal d&eacute;cor and locally made treats. With outdoor activities, food, and a welcoming farm setting, it&rsquo;s the perfect way to celebrate Mother&rsquo;s Day weekend! For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://sonnyacres.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://sonnyacres.com/</a> IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SWEET FOR MOM: Check out the Pizookie at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse in Orland Park! A Pizookie ( a combo of "pizza" and "cookie") is a large, gourmet cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan, served warm, and topped with ice cream. You can try one at BJ's Restaurant &amp; Brewhouse! Don't miss the Monster Pizookie for a limited time ONLY!!! For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/</a>

SOCIAL STEPH - 05/07/2026 - Ready for a beautiful Mother's Day weekend in Chicago? Here's what you should check out:

IF YOU WANT TO CHEER ON THE HORSES: Check out Cody's Public House! Cody's is throwing the ultimate Derby Day bash on May 2, open to Chicagoans and their canine companions! Starting at 2 p.m., guests are welcomed to Cody’s beer garden for a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest. Bring your furry friend along in their finest pup attire and enter the running for prizes like a $100 gift card, Old Fashioned kit, and more! For more info: https://www.codyschicago.com/

IF YOU'RE CRAVING SOMETHING SWEET: Check out the Chocolate Walk in Valparaiso, IN! Get ready for the sweetest day in Valpo! Join your fellow chocolate lovers on Saturday, May 2nd for all things chocolate, fun with friends, and a springtime stroll through Downtown Valpo, indulging in decadent chocolate treats from local businesses! This is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day early or pick out some great gifts for all the mother figures in your life! For more info: https://www.valparaisoevents.com/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR YOUR FUR BABY: Check out the Chihuahua Race at Salsa 17 in Arlington Heights! The Annual Chihuahua Race returns with fun for the whole family... pups included! Last year they had almost 60 (SIXTY!) dogs racing and countless spectators lining the street to cheer them on. They call it the 'chihuahua' race, but any dog 20lb and under is eligible to race (as long as they are friendly with other dogs). For more info: https://www.chicagonorthwest.com/

IF YOU WANT TO CHEER ON THE HORSES: Check out Cody's Public House! Cody's is throwing the ultimate Derby Day bash on May 2, open to Chicagoans and their canine companions! Starting at 2 p.m., guests are welcomed to Cody&rsquo;s beer garden for a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest. Bring your furry friend along in their finest pup attire and enter the running for prizes like a $100 gift card, Old Fashioned kit, and more! For more info: <a href="https://www.codyschicago.com/">https://www.codyschicago.com/</a>
IF YOU'RE CRAVING SOMETHING SWEET: Check out the Chocolate Walk in Valparaiso, IN! Get ready for the sweetest day in Valpo! Join your fellow chocolate lovers on Saturday, May 2nd for all things chocolate, fun with friends, and a springtime stroll through Downtown Valpo, indulging in decadent chocolate treats from local businesses! This is the perfect way to celebrate Mother&rsquo;s Day early or pick out some great gifts for all the mother figures in your life! For more info: <a href="https://www.valparaisoevents.com/">https://www.valparaisoevents.com/</a>
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR YOUR FUR BABY: Check out the Chihuahua Race at Salsa 17 in Arlington Heights! The Annual Chihuahua Race returns with fun for the whole family... pups included! Last year they had almost 60 (SIXTY!) dogs racing and countless spectators lining the street to cheer them on. They call it the 'chihuahua' race, but any dog 20lb and under is eligible to race (as long as they are friendly with other dogs). For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagonorthwest.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://www.chicagonorthwest.com/</a>

Fishing tips for the 4th of July weekend

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