Submit calendar listings at www.illinoistimes.com or e-mail to [email protected] or send them to:

Calendar P.O. Box 5256 Springfield, IL 62705 Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending the event.

Fairs & Festivals

4th of July Celebration Jul 01-03, All weekend, concessions, kids events, entertainment, parade through downtown, fireworks at dusk in Nichols Park. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Adams Street Shrimp Boil Jun 25, 4-10pm, Adams Street between Fourth and Fifth, Coors Light, Sebastian’s, Stella Blue and Catch 22 present four bands and Louisiana-style shrimp boil with corn-on-the-cob, andouille sausage, potatoes and cornbread. $18. Food tickets must be purchased in advance, 789-8988. Bring chair. $8 for bands only. Downtown Springfield.

Ashland Summer Days Jun 24-26, 7pm Fri, 9:30am Sat, Children’s games, food, parade (Sat), pony rides, tractor pull, beer tent and bands and more. 652-3499. Ashland.

Chatham American Legion Homecoming Jun 23-25, 5pm-12am Thu-Fri, 12pm- 12am Sat, Old-fashioned street festival with food, entertainment, games and rides. Parade Sat, 2 p.m. chathamlegion759.com. Chatham town square, 101 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 483-4084.

Clara Irwin’s Strawberry Party

Jul 01, 5:30-8:30pm, Enjoy fresh strawberry desserts and other food for purchase, music, tour, storytelling, games and more. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929.

Fireworks Jul 04, Decatur Park Singers and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk. Free. 422-5911. Nelson Park, Decatur.

Fireworks Jul 03, at dark, Enjoy a grand display. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St, Chatham.

Fireworks Extravaganza Jul 04, 9:30pm, One of the area’s most popular fireworks displays. Free. Knight’s Action Park and Caribbean Water Adventure, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr.

GOTV Fest Jun 25, 12-4pm, Food and entertainment for families. Sign up to vote. Speaker Alderman Cory Jobe. Live music: Joe Frew, Rachel Rambach and more. Fulgenzis Pizza & Pasta, 1168 Sangamon Ave, 217-544-8520.

Independence Day Celebration Jul 04, 10am-2pm, Join New Salem residents with parade, period music, games, speeches and hymns. Bring a blanket. Free, donation requested. New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.

Lakeside Music and Arts Festival Jul 02, Family-oriented festival with juried art show, craft beers, BBQ tasting, movie in the park (Sunday night), multiple stages for music, and lighted boat parade. 422-5911. Nelson Park, Decatur.

Rock the Dock Jul 01, 12pm-1am, Large fireworks display launched from barges over Lake Springfield. Music, food, refreshments. Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd, 217-483-3625.

Sangamon Valley RC Flyers’ Fly In Open House Jun 25, 9am-4pm, Aerobatic flying, static displays, beginner training, raffle prizes. See gas and electric planes and helicopters. Fly a computer simulator and more. Benefits Autism Society of America. Holmes Airstrip, Pawnee Rd.

Sparks in the Park Jul 01-03, Carnival and marketplace each day. Battle of the Bands and parade on Jul 2. Community talent show contest and fireworks on July 3. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

Books & Authors Book Signing Jun 23, 1-2pm, George A.M. Heroux,