A guide to the fall guide
After the long, hot summer we’ve endured, we suspect everyone is ready for our annual Fall Guide and the chance to get outside in what many would say is by far the best season here in central Illinois.
Each year for the last 25 or so we’ve compiled the area’s most comprehensive calendar of events – including fairs, festivals, historic events, concerts and theater – and packaged it in our Fall Guide. The calendar starts here and continues through page 28, organized chronologically to make it easier to plan for dates when you have free time.
We’ve highlighted several weekend excursions – from ghost walks and skydiving to tractors and a drive along the Spoon River. And we’ve mixed in detailed previews of area festivals, theater and music events.
We recommend you look through the entire section and then pull out your post it notes or highlighter and start planning to make the very most of fall. And don’t forget to notice all the great local places advertising throughout the section. They are eager to have you come and shop, eat, have fun. Without them there would be no IT – and that would be no fun at all.
Enjoy.
Sharon Whalen, publisher
ONGOING
Artist on the Plaza Through Sep 15, 12-1pm, Tuesday and Thursday outdoor instrumental, vocal, dance or musical theater performance. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza. 753-3519.
John Scarborough Through Sep 16, 10am-2pm, Exhibition of award-winning paintings based on magnified views of assembled toy models and parts. Robert Morris Gallery, 607 E. Adams, 522-8977.
Marching to Different Beats Art Exhibit Through Sep 17, 10am-5pm Tues-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Cornelia Powell, pen and ink; Barbara Stevens, oil/pastel. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth Street, 544-2787.
Uptown Friday Night Through Sep 30, 5:30-7:30pm, Fridays, Springfield Area Arts Council presents a free weekly jazz and blues performance. Robbie’s Restaurant, Old State Capitol Plaza South.
Illinois Products Farmers Market Through Oct 20, 4-7pm Thursdays, Local food, entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Jacksonville Farmers Market on the Square Through Oct 27, 4-6pm Wednesdays, Sponsored by Jacksonville Main Street. Southeast corner of the square, downtown Jacksonville. 245- 6884.
Old Capitol Farmers Market Through Oct 29, 8am-12:30pm Wednesdays and Saturdays, Chef demos, artisans and entertainment on Saturdays. Adams between Fifth and Second. 544- 1723.
Lincoln Corn Maze Through Oct 31, 4-10pm Fri, 1- 10pm Sat/Labor Day, Navigate by day or night through amazing 9-acre maze. Free hayride and activities. 309- 242-4736. Lincoln Corn Maze, 1376 1800th Street, Lincoln.
First Fridays Downtown Sep 02, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2, 5- 8pm, Stroll, shop and eat downtown. Exhibitions, live music, great deals and fun surprises. Every first Friday. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.
Life in the Counter-Form Sep 19-Oct 28, 10am-2pm Tue- Fri, Cut paper art of the artist Richard Shipps. Robert Morris Gallery, 607 E. Adams Street.
Mike Manning Nov 1-Dec 23, 10am-2pm Tue- Fri, Manning’s art will be on display. Opening Reception is Nov.
4, 5-7 p.m. Robert Morris Gallery, 607 E. Adams.
Ovations - Art Exhibit Nov 04-Dec 10, 10am-5pm Tues-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Beth Summer, photography; Colleen Ferratier, pastel/watercolor; Hugh Henderson, ceramics. Reception Nov. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Music, beverages, hors d’oeuvres. Free. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth Street, 544- 2787.
AUGUST
Athens Fall Festival Aug 25-27, 7pm Thu, 5pm Fri, 10am-12am Sat, Parade, carnival, bands, car show, entertainment and more. 636-8429. Athens Community Park, W Jackson St. at N Main St, Athens.
Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival Aug 26-28, Hot air balloon launch and glow, tethered balloon rides, music, food, carnival games, fine art fair, the art of wine, children’s art activities, flea market, craft fair, car show and more. Logan County Airport and downtown square, Lincoln, 217-735-2385.
continued on page 14
