HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Abe’s Corn Maze Oct 20-21, 27-28, 10am-5:30pm Sat, 12-5:30pm Sun, Weekends in Oct. walk ten-acre maze, free hayrides, pumpkin painting, children’s maze and concessions. $6-$3. iWorship Center, 3200 Shaler Road, 217-522-5362. Adult Halloween Party and Hypnotist Show Oct 27, 8:30-10pm, Costume contest, cash bar and Dawn Slavings, certifi ed Hypnotist with National Guild of Hypnotist. $10. Magnuson Grand Hotel & Conference Center, 19067 W. Frontage Road, Raymond, 217-324- 2100. Auburn Haunted House Oct 27-28, 7-10pm Sat and 1-4pm Sun, Raising Spirits for St. Jude on Oct 27. $4. Lights on for kids on Oct. 28. $3. Haunted R Theater, 110 S. Fifth Street, Auburn, 438-6235.

Auburn Haunted House Oct 19-20, 26-27, 7pm Fri, 6pm Sat, Tortured souls. $8 admission. Auburn Masonic Lodge, 217 N. Fifth St, Auburn, 553-1848. Boo Crew Haunted House Oct 19-20, 26-27, 6:30pm, “The Attic 2: Greg.” (Kids - Oct. 20, 4-6 p.m. $6-$4.) $8-$6. boocrew.com. Cooper Township Facitlity, 6500 Jett Rd, Rochester.

Chatham Haunted House Oct 19-20, 26-27, 6-11pm, Oct. 19- 20, 26-27, 31, Amazing psychological scares in multi-sensory experience. $5-$3. 415-1879. Chatham Haunted House, 107 E. Spruce St, Chatham.

Chatham Jaycees Haunted Hayride Oct 27, 4-10pm, With frights and food. $3-$2. Benefi ts Shoes for kids project. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St, Chatham. Clayville Haunted House & Hay Ride Oct 19-20, 26-27, 7-10pm Fri-Sat, 5pm little kids, Oct. 12-27, Haunts for children from 5 until 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 481-4430.

Costume Dinner Concert Oct 30, 7pm, Hear violinists and pianists from Fleming Academy of Performing Arts. Advance tickets only, 787-6556. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 323-782-9000.

Extreme Haunted Hayrides Oct 19-20, 26-27, 7-11pm Fri-Sat, Travel along river, through woods, pulled by 1968 hearse. Weather permitting. Bonfi res. $8. 522-7702. Riverside Park, 4105 Sand Hill Rd.

Halloween Party Oct 27, Wear your one-of-a-kind costume and enjoy the party. Daddy’s Money entertains. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Rd, Oakford, 217-

635-9900.

Halloween at the Market Oct 27, 8am-12:30pm, Children’s (11 a.m.) and canine (12 p.m.)

costume contests, music, bingo trick-or-treat and more. Adams between Fifth and Second. 544-1723. Downtown Springfi eld. Haunted Nights of Civil War History Oct 26-27, 7-9pm Fri, 6:30-9:30pm Sat, See an amputation, embalming and more spooky surprises at this family-friendly event. $5-$3. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217- 523-2631.

Haunting Halloween Crafts Oct 18, 10am-12pm, For preschoolers and their grown-ups. $40, includes snack and supplies. Register online in advance. Urban Sassafras, 200 Broadway, 670-2391.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct 19-20, 6:30-9:30pm, Walk through display of 2012 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins. Food, Tree of Lights, spooky music. Free shuttle bus from Hobby Lobby. $7-$3. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Rd, 753-6219.

Light Up Wimmer Cemetery Oct 27, 4-9pm , Carved pumpkin contest 5 p.m. Tours begin 5:30 p.m. Cookies and wiener roast follow cemetery walk, bring sticks and fl ashlight. Wimmer Cemetery, Dixon and Dickey-John Roads, Auburn, 438-3063.

Lions Club Halloween Parade Oct 25, 7pm, At Chautauqua Pavilion. Kitchell Park, 411 E. Ninth St, Pana.

Monster Mash Oct 26, 7-9pm, Free Halloween costume party for people with disabilities. Register one week before event. 585-2941. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702. Owaneco Scare Haunted House Oct 19-20, 26-27, 7-11pm Fri, 6-11pm Sat, Fri. and Sat. in Oct, all new rooms with lots of twists and turns. $7. Owaneco Gym, Church Street, Owaneco, 217-827-1424.

Safe Trick or Treat Oct 26, 5:30-7:30pm, Staff in costumes and period dress hand out candy at historical homes. Children’s games, programs and more. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St, 391-3233.

Springfield Illinois Zombie Walk Oct 20, 6-8pm, Dress in your best undead attire and win prizes. Register at 5 p.m. Family event. Info on Facebook. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751.

Terror on the Square Oct 19-21, 26-28, 7-11pm, Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 19-21, 26-28, 31, Mystifying illusions and ghostly holograms in 1930s funeral home make this a terrifyingly good haunt. $9. West side of square. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg.

Trick or Treat Street Oct 28, 4-7pm, Games, llamas, bounce houses, The Amazing Dudley, cheering and Taekwon Do demos, music, clown, face painting, balloon animals, fi reworks. First 500 kids get free goodie bag. 12 and under. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702.

Witches Day Out Scavenger Hunt Oct 27, 10am-7pm, Merchants host scavenger hunt for customers dressed as witches. Prizes, refreshments. 632- 4392 or 632-4154. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg. Wright Fright Oct 27, 6-8pm, Wander freely, hear eerie music and listen to home’s spooky past from costumed volunteers. $5 donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS St. Joseph’s Home Fall Fest

Oct 20, 11am-4pm, Pumpkin patch, arts/crafts vendors, bounce house, petting zoo (11am-2pm), balloon artist (12pm-2pm), food and more. Free. St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 S. Sixth Street Road, 529-5596.

BOOKS & AUTHORS Book Signing Oct 19-21, 8am-8pm Fri-Sat, 12:30-6pm Sun, Local author Ruth Anne Meredith signs copies of her fantasy novel for ages 10 and up, “The Lands of Forever.” Walmart Supercenter, 1100 Lejune Drive.

Book Signing and Reading Oct 25, 4:30-8:30pm, Kay Klinkenborg and Deanna DeLong, “Crumb Quilt Poems.” 243-5433. Centrum Cafe, 1370 Toronto Road, 217-529-6010.

Contemporary Fiction Group Oct 24, 6-7pm, Group discusses popular fi ction and nonfi ction meets fourth Wednesday of month in Carnegie Room South. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900. Poetry Reading Oct 25, 7-9pm, Drs. David Gardiner and Dan Guillory. Sponsored by Irish literary group, The Back Row. Governor Oglesby Mansion, Decatur, 421 W. William, Decatur, 330-6614. PondicherryLodge/Sherlock Holmes Society Oct 20, 9am, Part II of “The Valley of Fear.” Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-8387.

SPOKEN WORD Poetry Open Mic Oct 17, 6-8pm, Bring poetry to read - or just sit back and listen. Springfi eld Poets & Writers. 725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 528-1901.

THEATER & COMEDY 9 to 5 Oct 19-21, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfi eld Theatre Centre production. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-2787.

Comedian Ms. Pat Oct 19-20, 7:30pm and 9:30pm, Atlanta mother on her way to becoming a household name in comedic world. $13- $15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-joke.

Comedian Tom Mabe Oct 19-20, 8pm Fri-Sat, Comic Superhero tackles topics that irk us all. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482- 5233.

Halloween Dreams Oct 19-21, 26-28, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Enchanting musical revue with festive songs. Come in costume if you would like. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838- 3006.

Leo Oct 19, 8pm, Mind-bending, funny, surreal interplay of live performance physical theater and video projection. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.

Melodies from A to Z Oct 19-21, 7pm Fri, 2pm Sat- Sun, Mature Mob presents. Reserve tickets Springfi eld Senior Center or phone 528- 4035, ext. 118. Sacred Heart Griffen Theater, 1200 W. Washington.

Rocky Horror Show Oct 26-27, 8pm and 12am, Dress in costume to see rock musical about a Transylvanian transvestite and a naive couple ensnared in his erotically evil web. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787. The Widows of Whitechapel Oct 31, 8pm, Original play for voices about fi ve Jack the Ripper victims. In Legacy Lounge with discussion following. $10-$15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

UIS Theatre - Tartuffe Oct 26-28, 7:30pm Thu- Sat, 2pm Sun, Comedy about religious fraud. $14- $6. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

Bluegrass in the Tallgrass Concert Oct 20, 6:30pm, Singer/ songwriter Wil Maring and virtuoso guitarist/fi ddler Robert Bowlin. Wine tasting. $25. Friends of the Sangamon Valley Fundraiser. Tickets, 525-1410. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000. Bossa Azul Oct 20, 27, 11:30am-12:30pm, Playing every Saturday. Golden Frog Cafe, 218 S. Sixth, 299- 6576. Derrick Streibig Oct 19, 6:30pm, An Evening of Music with singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist. Bogey’s at Centrum Cafe, 1370 Toronto Road, 217-529-6010.

Goosebumps Organ Concert /Electronic Light Show Oct 27, 7-8:15pm, Dress in black, white or as historical hero for free dramatic and evocative music, dance and electronic lighting. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St, 528- 4311.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Oct 20, 8pm, “Fantastic Friendships” welcomes new music director, features World-Premiere commission by David Patrick Clark and pianist William Wolfram. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Jackson Browne Oct 23, 7:30pm, Legendary singer/songwriter performs songs from his entire body of work.

Singer-songwriter and fi ddle player Sara Watkins opens. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Juvae Jazz Society Concert Oct 27, 5-8pm, Red Lehr’s Power House Five. $20. Reservations, 546-1363. Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave, Decatur, 217-429-4200.

Music for Manning Oct 20, 1-9:30pm, Josie Lowder Band, Tom Irwin, Jeff Williams, Chris Maxey Trio, 3-time Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Kathy Kelly, Dr. Richard Gilman-Opalsky, Greg Bishop of WMAY and more. manning.prairieasunder.com. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd. Ray Wylie Hubbard Oct 26, 8pm, WUIS’ Bedrock 66 Live concert series. $24. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Oct 26, 8pm, One-of-the-greatest percussion ensembles in the world. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960. Walden Chamber Players Oct 20, 22, 7:30pm Sat, 11am Mon, Boston-based exciting and versatile group. $15 concert on Sat. Free lecture and performance on Sunday. 245- 3069 or [email protected]. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 217- 245-3000.

DANCE A Country Dance Oct 19, 7-11pm, 25th anniversary with catered meal and dancing. $20. Regular door fee if not dining. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428-1560. A Country Dance Oct 20 & 24, 7-10pm, Lessons followed by open dancing at 8 p.m. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428-1560.

A Country Dancers Reunion Oct 27, 6-11pm, Potluck with dancing during and after dinner. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428-1560.

All About Country Dance Oct 19, 7-10pm, Line dancing, two step, waltz, swing, etc. Free lesson at start of dance w/ DJ Marilyn Ferry. $6. Decatur Moose Lodge, 3190 N Woodford Street, Decatur, 217-836-1438. All About Dance Oct 24, 7-10pm, Every Wed. open dance preceded with hour line dance lessons with DJ/instructor Marilyn Ferry. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438. Dance Oct 26, 8pm, Kevin Turner playing 50s, 60s and 70s. Dances every last Friday of each month. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

P.O.L.K. of A. Dance Oct 21, 2-5:30pm, Larry Hallar. $10-$9. illinoischapterpolkofa. org. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton. Salsa Nights Oct 27, 9pm-12:30am, Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St, 217-529-5511.

ART & ARCHITECTURE 3T: Art Spooktacular Oct 18, 6pm-1am, Local artists show and sell their works. Tarot reading, music. Costumes encouraged. Free. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 691-1301. Brown Bag Art Talk Oct 26, 12pm, Teacher Sheri Ramsey, “Robert Henri.” Free. Michael Victor II Art Library, SAA, 700 N. Fourth Street, 523-2631. Carpe Diem Art Show Oct 19-21, 26-28, 12-4pm Fri-Sun, Through Dec. 2, eclectic display of local art. Featured artist Kevin Atterberry,

Petersburg. Prairie Palette Art Gallery, on the square, Petersburg, 217-971-7431. Gallery Exhibit Oct 18-21, 23-28, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Michelle Schneider - watercolor illustrations; Richard Bilinsky - bronze sculptures. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390.

LPNA Artisans Fair Oct 20, 9am-3pm, Showcasing 43 local artisans. Concessions available. APL adoptions. Near Nelson Center. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-899- 6165. Meet the Artist Oct 25, 6pm, Chicago artist Leopold Segedin. One of octogenarian artists from Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories exhibition. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217- 782-7386.

Pharmacy Exhibit Oct 20, 6-9pm, Felicia Olin, “The Melancholy Masquerade.” The Pharmacy Warehouse, 1022 S. Pasfi eld, 217-652-3273. Roger Shimomura Oct 18, 22-25, 29-31, 10am- 6pm Mon-Thu, Through Dec.

1, “America Behind Barbed Wire,” prints by internationally renowned artist. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506. Sangamon Watercolor Society Meeting Oct 25, 7pm, Fourth Thursday of month in third fl oor boardroom. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

FILM & TELEVISION Central Illinois Film Commission Meeting Oct 18, 7pm, Third Thursdays in Highland room. “Marlboro Man” Mr. Bob Petit speaks about his 11 year career. 725-1187. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams.

Hot Coffee Oct 18, 7pm, Free Liberty Brew & View screening of hot new documentary about case of woman who sued McDonald’s after spilling hot coffee on herself. Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

CHILDREN’S CORNER A Spooktacular Evening with Abe Oct 18, 6-8pm, Kids’ costume contest, Ghost of Library showing, games, spooky stories, refreshments and more. $10 per family if not members. Must pre-register, 557-5589. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-557-6250. Halloween Storytime Oct 20, 12:30pm, Come dressed in costume and listen to Springfi eld Poets and Writers members in costume read Halloween books. Free. (Part of Springfi eld Public School Foundation Bookfair.) Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 3111 S. Veterans Parkway.

Nature Story Adventures Oct 18, 25, 9:30-11am, Children ages 3-5 years old and adult explore different topic each week. $5-$10. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111. Special Friends Halloween Party Oct 25, 6-7:30pm, For pediatric cancer patients and their siblings. Free, reservations requested to American Cancer Society. St. John’s Pavilion Atrium, 301 N. Eighth Street,

217-523-4503 x3. WJVO Safe Halloween for Kids Oct 25, 5-8pm, For more information phone 217-245- 5119. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville.

Where Are the Wild Things? Oct 28, 12-4pm, Educational games, crafts, displays, prizes. Costumes are encouraged. Admission. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Zoolie Ghoulie Oct 20-21, 27-28, 2-6pm Sat- Sun, Bring little ones dressed in costume for safe trick-ortreating. Contest at 5 p.m.

each night. $3-$2 each person. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

SCIENCE Friday Night Star Parties Oct 19, 26, 8-10pm, Fridays in Oct. weather permitting. Observatory, roof of Brookens Library. Free. uis.edu/astronomy. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206-6073.

NATURE Fall Bird Hikes Oct 20, 27, 8am, Birders of all skill levels. Free. Meets at Nature Center. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529- 1111.

Owl Prowl Oct 19, 6:30-9pm, Observe fascinating nocturnal creatures during indoor presentation by Illinois Raptor Center followed by hike on trails. $10. RSVP phone. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544- 2473.

Springfield Audubon Society Program Oct 18, 7-8pm, Guide to Understanding Illinois’ Historic Cemeteries. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473. Volunteer Work Day Oct 21, 1-3pm, Trail and perimeter maintenance, invasives cutting /removal. Tools provided. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473. Wed. Morning Pickup Party Oct 24, 9-10am, Weather permitting, help pick up trash. Garbage bags and long handled pickers provided. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

ENVIRONMENT Recycling Day & Food Drive Oct 20, 9am-1pm, Collecting electronics. $5 donation or small bag non-perishable groceries. (9-11 a.m. shred, 5 box max.) 525-1464. Springfi eld Township, 3298 Terminal Ave.

Speaker Series Oct 24, 7pm, ‘The Global Freshwater Crisis: Challenges & Solutions.’ Gary Lamberti, University of Notre Dame. Lobby, second fl oor. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.

LECTURES & MEETINGS Capital City Toastmasters Oct 24, 12pm, Every Wed. hone your speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. IDOT Hanley Building - Room 214, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, 524-4683.

Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Oct 24, 7:30am coffee, 8-9am program, “Economic Gardening - Entrepreneurial Approach to Regional Prosperity.” Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363. Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Oct 26, 7:30am coffee, 8am program, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787. IWIL Monthly Luncheon Oct 18, 11:30am-1pm, Author/local businesswoman, Sarah Petty, speaks about her book “The Game of Life.” $18-$23. iwil.biz. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St, 217-528-2323.

Mcbrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club 51 Oct 18, 25, 6-7:30pm, Thursdays in the conference room. Public invited. Guests, members welcome. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217- 546-4531. Sangamon Valley Group of Sierra Club Oct 23, 6:30pm, Inside Glacier National Park: Evidence of Climate Change. Free, open to public. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900. Springfield Social Club Oct 24, 5:30-8:30pm, Non-perishable food items for Catholic Charities. Indigo Restaurant, 3013 Lindbergh Blvd, 217- 726-8436. UIS Engaged Citizenship Oct 23, 10am, ‘Asian Americans Are (Not) Funny?: Comedy and Racialization,’ Caroline Kyungah Hong. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217- 206-6073.

BULLETIN BOARD A Night at the Mouse Races Oct 20, 6pm, Benefi ts Field of Dreams project in Riverton and Mission Outreach. $10-$15. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton, 217-629-7202. APL Pet Adoptions Oct 20, 11am-4pm, Dogs and cats available. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S.

Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091. Backgammon Club Oct 24, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622- 9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111 . Blanket and Coat Fair Oct 27, 10am-1pm, Need a coat or blanket? Non-profi t organization giving away to those less-fortunate. Must show ID for blanket. Freedom in Holiness Mission, 1430 Loveland Ave, 217-522- 2527. Chili Supper and Paw Paw Patch Bazaar Oct 28, tba, Chili, gifts and craft items, holiday greenery and APL apparel to order. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Rd.

Christmas In The Village Oct 20, 8am-3pm, Fall and holiday items, over 20 vendors selling great gift ideas. Williamsville Community Center, 141 West Main, Williamsville, 566-3357. David Bishop Memorial Harvest Ball Oct 20, 7-11pm, Catered appetizers, music, drawings to benefi t Over the Rainbow. $15. 494-1687. Prop Club, 264 Maple Grove Ln, 529-4901. Denim & Diamonds Oct 20, 6:30pm, For Simmons Cancer Institute. $125, phone 545-2955. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Dining with the Daughters...Again

Oct 29, 10:30am-2:30pm, Luncheon/ style show. (No tickets at door.) $25, 494- 4633. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Diversity Week Oct 22-25, 12-1pm Mon-Thu, Public activities and national speaker. South Auditorium. 545-7334. SIU School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, 545-2155. Family Fall Festival Oct 19, 5:30-8:30pm, Free for all ages. The Rock-A-Fella Music Service. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St.

Liz Edmonds: The Food Nanny Oct 18, 7pm, Guest lecture on family dining by author and reality TV show host. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville. Memorial’s Be Aware Women’s Fair Oct 20, 9am-2pm, Fun, informative day devoted to women’s physical, emotional and fi nancial health and fi tness. $4. Orr Building. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 757-7849. Mid-America Mane Event Horse Show Oct 18-21, Free, hosting Pleasure Olympic Finals and prestigious national Good Hands Equitation Finals. Coliseum. midamericahorseshow.org. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886. Operation Kidsafe Oct 20, 10am-4pm, Digital fi ngerprinting at all Green Family stores.

PechaKucha Night Oct 25, 7:20pm, 6:20 doors open, Local creatives make six-minute, 40-second presentations (20 slides, 20 seconds each) on creative topics. Tickets, pechakuchaspringfi [email protected]. 789-2377. City Nights Theater, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Pet Photography Contest Deadline Oct. 22. Amateur and professional photographers, ages-adults. Free. Details online. Decatur Area Arts Council, 125 N. Water St. Decatur, 217- 423-3189.

Pink and White Ball Oct 21, 3-6pm, Camelot Banquet Center, 1550 Recreation Drive, 217-726-5292.

Prerecorded Dyslexia Presentation Oct 18, 6-9pm, Leading dyslexia expert Susan Barton. Register 899-1492. Calvary Temple Church, 700 E. Main St, Arcola.

Pretty in Pink Ladies Night In Oct 20, 5-8pm, Fashion show, info, children’s halloween costume swap, demos, vendors, entertainment and more. $10 in advance. Springfi eld Boys & Girls Club, 300 S. 15th Street, 217-638-8989 or 217-816-1018.

Signature Embroidery Day Oct 20, 10am-2pm, Watch embroiderers stitch hundreds of names onto Centennial Quilt. Get your name added. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901. Trivia or Treat Oct 27, 6:30pm, Includes costume contest and Dawn Sterling as master of ceremonies. juniorwelfare.org. Sky Walker International Sports Complex, 400 E. Eldorado, Decatur.

FOOD Chili Supper and Silent Auction Oct 26, 4-7pm, $8 chili or vegetable soup, dessert, drink. Auction of handmade items for scholarship and Black Hawk School activities. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St. Chili/Soup Fundraiser Oct 19, 11am-7pm, Health fair (11.m. to 3 p.m.). Dine in, carry out, drive through. $8. Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, 2960 Stanton St, 217-529-1614.

Slow Food Springfield Halloween Party Oct 26, 6-9pm, Reservations required by Oct. 22, sunny_ [email protected]. $15. The Widow at Windsor Antiques, 711 S. Fifth St, 691-5035. Slow Food Springfield Heritage Pork Dinner Oct 27, 6:30-10pm, Four-course Italian dinner created by Chef Michael Higgins. $55-$65. Reservations required by Oct. 24. Maldaner’s , 222 S. Sixth St, 691-5035.

POLITICS 13th Congressional District Forum/Debate

Oct 24, 7-8pm, Co-hosted by Chamber and Citizens Club of Springfi eld. Theatre III (aired live on TV Channel 20). Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

SPORTS & FITNESS Kickball Tournament Oct 20, 10:30am, Co-ed teams. For more information call 638- 3522. Springfi eld Ski and Boat Club, 268 Maple Grove Ln, 217- 529-9090.

Sword Fighting Competition Oct 27, 10am-4pm, Full-contact armored combat by international fi ghters vying for positions on offi cial 2013 team. Livestock Center. $5, $20 family. www. usaknights.org. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

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

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