UIS Homecoming Week Aug 28-Oct 3, Special events and activites for students, alumni and community. Fireworks Oct 2. Parade and basketball game Oct 3. For more information, call 206- 6665. UIS campus.
Guys and Dolls in Concert Aug 29 and Aug 30 (See “Autumn is showtime,” p. 34)
Old Capitol Blues & BBQ Aug 29, 12pm-12am, Features local and nationally known blues talent, BBQ competition and vending. $5 admission. For more info, call 544-1723 or visit www.downtownspringfield.org. Fifth & Washington.
Fall Garden & Landscape Seminar Aug 29, 11am, “Designer Style for Home & Garden.” Inspiring fall decorating ideas for your home & garden. Green View Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St. Free and open to public. To reserve seating, call 787- 4700.
Annual Orchid Seminar Aug 29, 10am-3pm, Presents a great opportunity to learn about orchids. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall.
Paint and Patchwork: Rod Buffington Retrospective Aug 29-Oct 31, Exhibition featuring watercolor quilts of Springfield artist Rod Buffington. Opening reception Aug. 29 5-7:30pm. For more info, call 523-2631 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St. (See art feature this issue.)
1840s Craft Fair Aug 30 (See “Fall festival fun,” p. 30)
Music in the Park: In Town Ho Down Aug 30, 4-7pm, The Reel Channel Cats and Bourbon Bluegrass Band. Bring your lawn chair. Concessions available. Free. For more info, call 544-1751. Iles Park, Sixth and Ash.
SEPTEMBER
Farm Progress Show Sep 1-3, 8am-4pm, 500 exhibitors displaying latest seed and crop protection technologies and equipment. $10- $5. Northeast Decatur. For info visit www.farmprogress show.com or call 630-462- 2230.
Pied Piper Architectural Tour Sep 2, 5:30pm, Free tour begins in front of the Lincoln- Herndon Law Office and lasts about 1½ hours. For more info, please call the DSI office at 544-1723. Visit www.downtownspringfield.org.
Pittsfield Fall Festival Sep 3-5, Parade Saturday at 1pm. Pittsfield Courthouse Square. For more info, call Morgan Hill at 370-9846.
IMDA Springfield Short Track Motorcycle Races Sep 4-5, Amateurs on Friday 5pm. Pros on Saturday 7pm. Multi-purpose Arena, IL State Fairgrounds. $30-$5. For info, call Tommra Kiesow at 753- 8866.
Ethnic Festival Sep 4-6, 5-11pm Friday, 12- 11pm Sat and Sun, Local ethnic groups provide ethnic foods, music and cultural activities. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds bandstand. For info, call Charlie Palazzolo at 629-7871.
Pioneering Scientists and Inventors Sep 4-7, 11th Prairieland Chautauqua’s reenactments and stories of John James Audubon, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Alva Edison, George Washington Carver, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, John Roebling and more. Under the big tent, Jacksonville’s Community Park, W. Morton 155 Avenue. For more info, call 243-2323.
Taking Leave Sep 5, 11am and 2pm, Dramatization of what Mary Lincoln (Pam Brown) did on the day she moved from White House without her husband. Written and directed by central Illinois playwright Ken Bradbury. Free. Old State Capitol Historic Site. For info, call 785-7960.
Clayville Cruise In Sep 5, 10am-3pm, Show features classic cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles. Illinois State Road 125. Road Tour, New Salem Site to Clayville 9 a.m. For more info, call 502- 4698.
UIS Acoustic Concert Series: Zack Nichols Sept 5, 8pm, Singer/songwriter Nichols is a mix of Josh Kelley and Jonny Lang with the lyrical insight of Damien Rice. Nominated as Denver’s best singer/songwriter 2006 & 2007. Free. Student Center UIS Campus. For info visit www.uis.edu/studentlife.
Fall Garden & Landscape Seminar Sep 5, 11am, “Movement & Texture: Designing with Ornamental Grasses” seminar by Green View Design Group. Discover grandeur ornamental grasses. Green View Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St. Free and open to public. Reservations, call 787-4700.
Havana Oktoberfest Sep 5-6, 4-12pm Sat and 8am-12pm Sun, Parade, music, food, craft booths, art show and much more. For more info, call Havana Chamber of Commerce at 309- 543-3528 or e-mail to [email protected].
Woodcarvers Show Sep 5-6, 10am-4pm, Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers presents an exhibition of carvers from across the country. Carvings, wood burnings, wood, tools and books for sale. How-to seminars. Door prizes. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Illinois Building. $2. For info, call 546-8792 or e-mail [email protected]. svwoodcarvers.org.
Springfield Mile Sep 5-6, The best flat track racers descend on Springfield for a weekend of motorcycles on a one mile dirt track. $25- $5. For more info, call 753- 8866. Commodity Pavilion Grandstand, Illinois State Fairground.
Casey Popcorn Festival Sep 5-7, All the free popcorn you can eat, plus carnival, clowns, craft vendors, karaoke, food, music, car show. Fairview Park, Casey. For more info, call 217-232-CORN.
Annual Amish Country Cheese Festival Sep 5-7, Free cheese giveaways, entertainment, contests, car show, craft, flea market, food, booths, rides and free entertainment. For more info, call 543-2242 or visit www.amishcountryofcentralil.com. Downtown Arthur.
Pops in the Park Sep 6, 6pm, Hear the sounds of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Douglas Park. For more info visit www.ilsymphony.org.
Rochester Movies in the Park Sep 6, Dusk, Monsters vs.
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