When adventurer Steve Fossett disappeared last year while flying over the Nevada desert (and was later declared legally dead), Chicago lost not only an amazing citizen with roots in this city, but also the record holder for our world-famous Race to Mackinac. Fossett nailed it in the Stars and Stripes in 1998 with a time of 18 hours, 50 minutes, and 32 seconds.

This year, as the race readies for its historic 100th running between Chicago and Michigan's Mackinac Island, more than 450 boats will compete for the honor of getting there first. And, while Fossett won't be around to participate, the boat he used will be. All eyes will be on the 60-foot multihull Stars and Stripes as Don Wilson tries to cross the finish line first and, in a way, extend Fossett's legacy.

Even if you're a landlubber, there's a lot to appreciate about this year's race, which is the longest, annual freshwater sailing race in the world. You can watch the parade of boats from Navy Pier as they depart on Saturday, July 19 or follow the competition at home via your computer. This will be the largest boat race in history to have every competitor outfitted with a GPS transponder.

Related Reading:
Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Profile
Spectator Guide for the Race to Mackinac

Weekend picks for the Fourth of July, 2008 are kind of a no-brainer, aren't they? Just in case you're a little low on brain cells after a raucous June, here you go:

• Classic Ways to Spend Fourth of July in Chicago
• All the recipes and prep you need to throw The Great American Cook-out, courtesy of About.com's Guide to Grilling Derrick Riches.
• Granny Smith Apple Pie Recipe from About.com Guide to Baking Carroll Pellegrinelli. I've never met Carroll, but I'm so with her when she says she prefers apple pies made with tart apples better than those made with sweet ones.

Image of fireworks for sale at a Chicago K-Mart by Scott Olson/Getty Images.

Chicago Free Press's Out at the Cubs Game charity event for the LGBT community will take place on Sunday, July 27, 2008 when the Cubs face the Florida Marlins. It's a 1:20 pm start.

What the Free Press doesn't mention is that it's free floppy hat day for the first 6,000 fans. So, plan to arrive early or late depending on your fashion sense.


Related Reading: Where to Buy Tickets to See the Chicago Cubs Play at Wrigley Field

Chicago is freaking out about the Supreme Court's decision that will put our local gun ban in jeopardy. Mayor Daley called the potential repeal "frightening." In a school year that saw more than twenty Chicago Public School children killed, many by guns, I'm with the Mayor on this one.