Kelly Miller Circus Monday, Oct. 4, 4:30pm and 7:30pm Athens Community Park Athens-Petersburg Blacktop 636-8429, 891-3623 $14 adults, $7 children

CIRCUS | Big top show

The big top comes to Athens with trapeze artists, elephants, tigers and more. Tickets purchased in advance at Athens City Hall, Boar’s Nest or Athens State Bank are eligible for giveaways of two children’s 20-inch bicycles and two $50 bills for adults. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Organizers also encourage the public to view for no charge circus workers and animals setting up on Oct 4. At approximately 7:30 a.m. the four poles will be set, the animals unloaded, the tent spread, and around 8:30 a.m. the elephants will raise the big top. Tour guides will be on hand to answer questions. The circus is a fundraiser for the 2011 Athens Fall Festival.

THE CALENDAR

Make-A-Wish Ice Cream Social Sep 30, 5-8pm, Free threeounce serving of caramel apple ice cream to encourage guests to make a donation to Make-A- Wish. Cold Stone Creamery, 124 S. Sixth St, 217-523-6666.

Southwind Park Trivia Night Oct 02, 7pm, Phone to reserve a table at the 4th annual HDR Engineering sponsored Trivia Night to raise funds for the park. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 585-8300.

St. Joseph Parish Auction Dinner Oct 08, 5:30pm, Hundreds of live and silent auction items, dinner and entertainment. $35. 523- 6597. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Toys for Tots Dart Tourney Oct 09, 1pm, Aim right and register starting at 11 a.m. for this tournament. All proceeds go for Toys for Tots. Concessions available. 306-5036. Lincoln VFW, 915 Fifth St, Lincoln.

Youth Charity Horse Show Oct 08-10, 8am-10pm, Riders aged 18 and under together for a fun-filled weekend of competitive showmanship and comradery. Free and open to public. Coliseum. youthcharityhorseshow.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Youth Night Oct 08, 6-9pm, Second and fourth Friday of each month open mic, table games and a variety of other fun stuff. Holy Ground Coffeehouse, 304 W. Allen, (217) 306-2592.

FOOD

Healthy Food Drive Sep 30, Oct 01, Help join in an effort to fight hunger and obesity by donating food to WPBG’s food drive to support the Central Illinois Food Bank. Suggestions are canned tuna, canned fruit in its own juice, raisins and dried fruit, whole grain rice or pasta and granola bars. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Sep 30, Oct 07, 4-7pm, Every Thursday, Fresh local food and entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Oct 02, 06, 09, 13, 8am-

12:30pm, Every Wed and Sat through Oct 30, Features fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, plants, flowers and bakery items. Chef demonstrations, artisan area and live entertainment on Saturdays. Adams St between Fifth and Second. 544- 1723. Downtown Springfield.

HISTORY

12th Annual Conference On Illinois History Sep 30, Oct 01, 8am-5pm, Over 30 sessions include scholarly papers, panel discussions and workshops. Exhibitors both days include university press publishers, new and used book dealers, and Illinois State Archives. presidentlincoln.org. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-557-6251.

Enos Park Historic Home Tour Oct 02, 12-5pm, Six featured homes all potentially eligible for the National Register. Includes the Edwards Place. 494-6668. Enos Park, Seventh and Enterprise.

Fireside Chats Oct 06, 5:30-7pm, “The Illinois Watch Company” with speaker Farrell Gay who recounts the beginnings of Springfield’s own Illinois Watch Company. He will talk about the evolution of time pieces and watches and show examples from his personal collection. Reservation required. Donations encouraged. 652- 7302. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St.