Fairs & Festivals

Divernon Homecoming Jul 14-16, 6-11pm Thu, 6pm-12am Fri, 8am Sat, Carnival rides, food concessions, tournament games. Sat. morning car show and 5 p.m. parade. Bands each night. Divernon square, Divernon.

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.

Sweet Corn Festival Jul 15-16, 4:30pm-12am Fri, 10am-12am Sat, Features world famous sweet corn and cow chip throw, plus entertainment and more. chathamjaycees.net. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St, Chatham.

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.

Books & Authors

Book Signing and Presentation Jul 20, 7pm, Thomas V. Lerczak discusses writing and field journal process for his book, “Side Channels: A Collection of Nature Writing and Memoir.” Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544- 2473.

Lincoln in China Jul 09, 2pm, Dan Guillory, Millikin professor emeritus who gave lectures in China, recounts observations about Chinese culture and connections with our 16th president. Vachel Lindsay Home, 603 S. Fifth Street. 524-0901.

Theater & Comedy An Evening with Mark Twain Jul 08-10, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, 8-10, Journey through Twain’s remarkable life. Stars Cincinnati actor Bill Hartnett. Ellie Shepard directs. $16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Buttercup Girls Jul 15-17, 7pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun, Musical follows the antics of a struggling dance troop. Written and directed by Illinois playwright Bryon Garrison. Lincoln Square Theatre, 141 N. Main,

Decatur, 217-820-7943.

Comedian Jr Brow Jul 08-09, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri, 8:30pm Sat, San Francisco’s prestigious International Comedy Competition finalist and stand out in HBO’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 2937 W. White Oaks Dr, 391-joke.

Comedy Night Competition Jul 16, 8pm, Local talent competing for $100 prize. Three celebrity judges and MC Tim Laffey. Supports Riverton Riverfest 2001. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton.

Guys and Dolls Jul 07-10, 8:30pm, High energy, over-the-top dance show with a large cast of zany characters. $8-$12. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr.

Jimmy Pardo Jul 08-09, 8pm Fri, 8pm Sat, Top comedy podcast host of “Never Not Funny.”

Seen on Conan O’Brien. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Open Mic Comedy Jul 07, 14, 8pm, Every Thursday, Springfield’s best up-and-coming come-dians, as well as some brave first-timers. Hosted by Buddy Redman. Free. Chaser’s Iron Horse Saloon, 3036 N. Peoria Rd, 481- 4754.

Prairie Voices Jul 09, 16, 5pm, Every Saturday during summer, free performance of Illinois poetry and prairie music by Kevin Purcell and Aasne Vigesaa. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.

Shenandoah Jul 15, Full length, musical drama based on the film. $12, 800-710-9290. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.

The Lighter Side of Springfield History Jul 09, Multi-media presentation on the odd and comic parts of Springfield history by Tara McAndrew McClellan. $12. 1-800- 710-9290. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.

Music: General Events Artist on the Plaza Jul 07, 12, 14, 19, 12-1pm, Every Tuesday and Thursday, outdoor performance. 753- 3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza.

Crazy Horse Bluegrass Festival Jul 15-17, Performances Friday and Saturday, Sunday morning Gospel Show. 886-2089. Crazy Horse Campground, 2113 Crazy Horse Rd, Ashland.

KISS Jul 18, 7:30pm, Iconic and influential rock band. $49-$89. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Marina V in Concert Jul 09, 7pm, Singer/songwriter returns to central Illinois. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217 585-9550.

Music at the Museum Jul 07, 5:30-7:30pm, Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert featuring Greater Decatur Youth Band, Young Park Singers and Decatur Park Singers. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Rd, Decatur, 217-423-KIDS.

Springfield Municipal Band Concerts Jul 12, 19, 7:30pm, Free concerts every Tuesday in park bandshell with city’s official band. Bring a chair or blanket.

Douglas Park, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd, 789-2964.

Summer Concert in the Park Jul 10, 17, 6pm, Jacksonville Pilot Club sponsors free music at the bandstand every Sunday June through August. 478- 2015. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

The Sangamon Brass Summer Series Jul 20, 7:30-8:30pm, Also August 24, enjoy baroque, classical and contemporary music at the gazebo. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217- 793-9492.

Dance Ballroom Dance Jul 10, 4-7pm, Features Ronnie Scott and his Orchestra. $15. 309-452-4531. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton.

Central IL Singles/Couples Dance Jul 08, 8-11pm, Bobby Remack. 546- 9515. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road.

Open Dance Jul 12, 8:30-10:30pm, All types of dancing with lots of swing. Marilyn Loves to Dance lessons at 7:30 p.m. [email protected]. The Doghouse, 2937 W. White Oaks Drive, 217-836- 1438.

Springfield Youth Performance Group Jul 09, 2pm and 6:30pm, “Princess Journey” features different disciplines of dance, including musical theatre to bring to life classic and modern fairy tale princesses. $11-$7. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Art & Architecture Art Beat Jul 15, 18-20, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am- 3pm Sat, Works inspired by music by the Third Thursday Art Show Artists. Opening reception July 15, 5-8 p.m. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.

Major Opuses Jul 08-09, 12-16, 19-20, 10am-5pm Tues- Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Through Aug. 6, Barbara Rhoads, multiple media; Rebecca McVay, photography; Morgan Elser, sculpture. (Reception July 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres.) Free. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St, 544-2787.

Pastel Society Exhibit Jul 07-09, 11-16, 18-20, 7am-3:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm Sat, Through July. troutlilycafe.com. Trout Lily Cafe, 218 S. Sixth St.

Phobia in the Age of Anxiety Jul 07, 11-14, 18-20, 8am-4pm Mon-Thu, Through July 29, large-scale photography by Emily Thompson, art and photography instructor at LLCC and Benedictine. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall.

RMU 2011 Senior Exhibition Jul 07-08, 12-15, 19-20, 10am-2pm, Robert Morris Gallery, 607 E. Adams, 522- 8977.

SIU Med School Group Exhibit Jul 07-09, 11-16, 18-20, 9am-5pm Mon- Sat, Through July 30, Art by members of Community Support Network, a SIU Department of Psychiatry program. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 221-223 S. Sixth St, 217-545-7264.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Jul 09, 5:30-7:30pm, Featured is Doug Brackney and Linda Flesch. Dessert reception and exhibit free and open to public. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

The Urge to Embellish Exhibition Jul 07-20, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Eclectic array of new acquisitions and rarely-seen works from museum’s collections made predominantly by non-professional artists. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-7386.

Unique Creations: Rosalinda Post- Lucas Jul 07-09, 11-14, 10am-5:30pm Mon-Sat, Through July 14, fused glass designs, wire-wrapped jewelry and abstract paintings. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 South 6th St, 753-0262.

Film & Television Movies in the Park Jul 08, dusk, Free viewing of “Megamind.” Bring a chair or blanket. 544-1751. Rotary Park, Iles Ave. and Archer Elevator Rd.

Rochester Movies in the Park Jul 15, dusk, “Shrek Forever After.” Free. 498-7192. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

Children’s Corner Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 12-13, 10-10:30am and 2- 2:30pm, “The Magic School Bus Taking Flight.” Free. Recommended for kids 3-8. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Children’s Story Hour Jul 09, 16, 10-11am, Each

Saturday in July, local authors lead storytime. Craft, lemonade, sugar cookies and informal tours. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St.

Family Camp Out Jul 15, 5pm, “How well do you know Harry Potter.” Overnight with dinner, breakfast and activities. Reservations required. $18, $12 child. 753-6217. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Hands on the Land Jul 16, 11am-3pm, Old-fashioned outdoor fun for entire family, including lots of period activities, games, music and food. Free. Union Square Park, 212 N. Sixth St.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Jul 09, 10am-4pm, “Whimsical Art.” Free on-going activities recommended for children ages 4-8. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782- 6044.

They Lived Long Ago Jul 12, 10am, Discover animals that lived long ago with the Henson Robinson Zoo. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-5435.

Science Evening Science Series Lecture Jul 13, 7-8:30pm, Dr. Paul Gardner, Midwest Regional Director, The Archaeological Conservancy. “Saving the Past for the Future: The Archaeological Conservancy.”Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037.

Nature

Evening Hike- Marvelous Mammals Jul 13, 7-9pm, See the zoo in a new light at this after hours guided tour. Pre-registration required. $6, $4 child. 753-6217. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Ice Cream Safari Jul 17, 1-4pm, See how zookeepers help the animals stay cool, and find ice cream stations hidden throughout zoo. Zoo admission. Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd, Decatur, 217-421- 7435.

Southwind Park Tour and Community Service Jul 18, 10am, Meet at Erin’s Pavilion. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to work. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-206-6245.

Zoofari Jul 09, 10am-6pm, Free admission with activities throughout the day. 753-6217. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Lectures & Meetings Dana-Thomas House Foundation Program Jul 17, 2pm, Mike Jackson of IL Preservation Agency talks about house restoration after it was purchased by the State of Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St, 217-558-8844.

Illinois Womens Military and Civilian Memorial Jul 16, 1-3pm, Illinois’ Own registration day to establish registry of current and former Illinois women who served their country. Pictures of time in service encouraged. iwmcm.org. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 309-451-4896 .

Marvin J. And Thomas Leo Likes Memorial Lecture Series Jul 20, 7pm, Dr. James Davis, Illinois College emeritus professor. “Illinois Frontiers, New Philadelphia and the Challenges of National Landmark Status.”, Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037.

Q.U.I.L.T.S. Jul 11, 7pm, Second Monday of each month area quilt guild meets. All skill levelsnwelcome. springfieldquilts.com. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St, 217-546-7646.

What’s Fair: Am I My Brother’s Keeper Jul 20, 5:30-7:30pm, Role of individ- ual versus government in solving social and economic challenges. Citizens Club of Springfield and Illinois Humanities Council. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St, 217- 558-8844.

Bulletin Board American Legion Riders Run Jul 09, 10am-12pm, American Legion Post 32, 1120 Sangamon Ave, 217-415-6464.

CPE Dog Agility Trial Jul 09-10, 8am-5pm, Livestock Center - Upstairs Ring. Free. 585-0937. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Cruise-in The Park Jul 10, 2-5pm, Six annual gathering. $5. 652-7202. Cantrall.

Grant Application Workshops Jul 16 and 26. Attendance required at one non-profit workshop for funding. Register, 753- 3519. Springfield Area Arts Council, 420 S. Sixth St.

Ice Cream Social and Cook Book Premiere Jul 16, 2-4pm, 1860s crafts, dancing and more. $2, $5 family. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Mid-Season Go-Kart Race & Fireworks July 9, 6pm, Seven classes of kart racing, free for spectators. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Midstate Kart Club, 160 Kender Lane, off Mechanicsburg Rd.

Region XI Arabian Horse Show Jul 07-09, 8am-10pm, Free admission. Coliseum. (309)245- 2264. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Star Gazing July 14, 8pm, See the skies with the Sangamon Astronomical Society, Demos and info. Chatham Library, 600 E. Spruce St. 483-2713.

Tin Man Regatta Jul 09, 10am youth series, 1pm tin man, Register to set sail or be a virtual skipper. Awards ceremony at 6 p.m. cmnspringfield.org. Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Road, 217-544- 6464 ext. 45160.

Torn, Worn Books: Chatham’s Sweet Art Contest Jul 07-14, Deadline to submit an art or craft created using books is July 14 at 8 p.m. Enter at library or chatham.lib.il.us. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham.

Food IL Products Farmers Market Jul 07, 14, 4-7pm, Thursdays through Oct 20 (except during State Fair), fresh local food and entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 09, 13, 16, 20, 8am- 12:30pm Wed and Sat, Through Oct 29. Chef demos, artisans and entertainment on Saturdays. Adams between Fifth and Second. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Taylorville Farmers Market Jul 09, 16, 9am-1pm, July 9 Whistlin’ Dixie; July 23 Healthy Living, Jazz; Aug. 6 Taste of; Aug. 27 Ag Day. Taylorville square, Taylorville.

History Albanian Muslim Rescuers During the Holocaust Jul 10, 13, 17, 20, 12-1:30pm Wed, 1:30-3pm Sun, On exhibit through August, 30 black and white photographs by American photographer Norman Gershman. 525-1360 x2. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1008 S. Fourth St.

Amanda Foreman Book Discussion & Signing Jul 11, 6:30-8:30pm, Acclaimed historian and NY Times bestseller. Newest book “A World on Fire: Britain’s Crucial Role in the American Civil War.” Free. Reservations required, 558- 8934, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St.

Civil War Tea Jul 09, 2-3:30pm, Lives of Springfield’s Civil War-era ladies explored over delicious tea and treats. $25. Springfield

Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Coffee or Tea with Mr. Lincoln Jul 13, 20, 12-1:30pm, Join Mr. Lincoln and Helen Edwards for tea, coffee and treats at Edwards Place every Wednesday through Aug. 10. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 523-2631.

History Comes Alive Jul 07-20, Daily programs including Lincoln Troubadours singing Wed-Sat, Lincoln Parade to Old State Capitol on Saturdays and more. nps.gov/liho\n\n, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St.

Lincoln and Shakespeare Jul 13, 20, 5pm, Every Wednesday until August 10, theatrical program by Over the Moon Productions with scenes from Shakespeare’s plays alongside Lincoln’s words. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Sports & Fitness

Springfield Sliders Jul 10, 5:05pm, Springfield Sliders take on Dekalb County. Robin Roberts Stadium, Lanphier Park, N. Grand Ave and Michigan Ave.

The Womens Distance Festival Jul 09, 8am, The Springfield Roadrunner Club hosts a twomile run. Kids’ fun run at 8:40 a.m. Register womensdistance.com or getmeregistered.com. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225.

Ultimate Frisbee Pickup Game Jul 07, 10, 14, 17, 1:30pm Sun, 5:30pm Thu, Bring both white and dark shirt for making teams. Grant Middle School, 1800 W. Monroe St, 217-408- 0091.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

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