THE CALENDAR
Submit calendar listings at www.illinoistimes.com or e-mail to calendar@illinoistimes.com 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.
Capital City Celebration Jul 03-04, 5pm-12am Sat, 12pm- 12am Sun, Music, food and drinks. Fireworks Sun. Capitol and Second. 553-2082. springfieldjaycees.org.
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.
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 02-03, 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.
Latham Firefighters Ice Cream Social Jul 09, 12-9pm, Enjoy food and drinks. Antique Tractor and Vintage Car Show from 1-7 p.m. Flat Land Central Illinois Country Band from 5-8 p.m. Latham Firefighters, 271 N. Macon St, Latham.
Mt. Pulaski Founder’s Day Festival Jul 01-04, 8am, 25 free bands, free entertainment, concessions in a/c tent, wine tasting, parade, fireworks and more. mtpulaski175th.com.
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.
Taste of Downtown and American Music Show Jul 08-09, 5pm-12am Fri, 12pm-12am Sat, Over twenty downtown restaurants present ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine, the American Music Show and children’s entertainment. Between Fifth and Washington. $2. Downtown Springfield.
Books & Authors
Introduction to Poetry Program Jul 05, 6-8pm, Local poets Lisa Higgs and Tracy Zeman offer free four-week workshop every Tuesday in July. $25 donation to VLA. Register at VachelLindsayHome.org or 524-0901. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St.
Poets & Painters Poetry Reading
Jun 30, 6-9pm, Listen to Springfield Poets and Writers’ poems inspired by Prairie Art Alliance art. Meet the artists. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres. Free. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St, 544-2787.
Theater & Comedy
An Evening with Mark Twain Jul 08-10, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Journey through Twain’s remarkable life. Stars Cincinnati actor Bill Hartnett. Ellie Shepard directs. $16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.
Guys and Dolls Jul 01-03, 06-10, 8:30pm, High energy, over-the-top dance show with a large cast of zany characters. $8-$12. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr.
Jeremey Nunes Jul 01, 8pm, Dawson, Illinois native Jeremy Nunes’ clean and witty act landed him work at top comedy venues in the country. (July 6, 8pm, Comedy Open Mic.) Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.
