FAIRS & FESTIVALS

4th of July Jul 04, 7pm, Decatur Park Singers and Young Park Singers. Spectacular fi reworks. (Car show 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), Nelson Park, Decatur. 4th of July Celebration Jul 04, Kids events, entertainment, parade, fi reworks at dusk in Nichols Park. Free. 217-243-5678. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Capital City Celebration Jul 04, 3pm, Bands, free kids infl atables and activities. Fireworks on the 4th. Second and Capitol. 553-2082. springfi eldjaycees.org. Downtown Springfi eld.

Christian County Fair Jul 09-14, Gate admission is free. Grandstand prices $8-$15. Christian County Fairgrounds, 700 W. Spresser St, Taylorville.

Clara Irwin’s Strawberry Party Jul 04, 5-8pm, Enjoy period activities and entertainment. Food and drinks at nominal charge. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217- 492-5929.

Corndog Kickoff Jul 13, 5:30pm, Fair food and

entertainment hosted by Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation. Orr Building. $40-$50. 415-4408. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-415-4408. Divernon Homecoming Jul 11-13, 6pm Thu and Fri, 8am Sat, Carnival, food, bands, craft vendors, tournament games and more. Divernon square, Divernon, 725-9566.

Fireworks Extravaganza Jul 04, 9:30pm, One of the area’s most popular fi reworks displays. Free. Knight’s Action Park and Caribbean Water Adventure, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr, 217-546-8881.

July 4th Celebration Jul 04, 8am-2pm, Town wide sales, dinner, fi reworks at dusk. Mt. Pulaski, 217-792-5217.

Menard County Fair Jul 16-17, www.menardcountyfair. com. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg, 217- 632-3848. Morgan County Fair Jul 09-15, Livestock shows, 4-H exhibits and grandstand entertainment. 245-6800. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

Taste of Downtown Jul 12-13, 5pm-12am Fri, 12pm-12am Sat, Downtown restaurants present ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine; music and children’s entertainment. Between Fifth and Washington. $5. Downtown Springfi eld.

SPOKEN WORD Expressions in the Dark Jul 05, 9:30pm-1am, Farewell to hiphop artist and District 186 teacher A.D. Carson. $10 includes wine. Nu Look Salon, 600 S. 11th St, 217-528- 3790.

Poetry Group Jul 17, 7pm, Informal gathering of poetry reading and appreciation. Our Town Books, 64 East Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435. Poetry Open Mic Jul 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 Dreamgirls Jul 12-14, 17, 8:30pm, July 12-14, 17-21, Young Chicago trio rises to stardom. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr, 793-MUNI.

Illinois Shakespeare Festival Jul 04-17, Outdoor theater with Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Failure: A Love Story and more. 866-IL-SHAKE. the festival.org. Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Rd, Bloomington, (309) 829-6333.

Sunset Boulevard the Musical Jul 05-07, 11-13, 8pm, 2pm Sun, The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

The Crucible Jul 04-06, 8pm, Arthur Miller classic in the outdoor theater. $13. Free preshow at 7 p.m. indoor. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217- 632-5440.

MUSIC:

GENERAL EVENTS

Anticipation with Danny Funderburk Jul 14, 7pm, www.hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523- 2787.

Artist on the Plaza Jul 04, 09, 11, 16, 12-1pm, Through Aug. 29, Tuesday and Thursday free outdoor performances. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363. Carillon Concerts Jul 04, 09-11, 16-17, 7pm Tue-Thu, Sun and 3pm Sun, Carillonneur Robin Austin plays wide variety of classical, folk and popular songs. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. 217-546-3853. Concerts in the Park Jul 07, 14, 6-7pm, Jacksonville Pilot Club sponsors free music at bandstand Sundays, June-Aug. Bring a lawn chair. 478-2015.

Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Eddy Flute Choir Jul 07, 14, 1pm, Classical, folk and sacred selections. 726- 6667. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782- 6776.

Eddy Flute Choir Jul 08, 15, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, Free Monday concerts throughout summer of classical, folk and sacred selections. 726-6667. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.

Made for Music Concert Jul 06, 10-10:45am, Enjoy the sounds of a clarinet ensemble. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 782-6776. Open Mic with a Mission Jul 13, 6-8:30pm, Song, poetry, short stories. Sign up on arrival. Some instruments available. $3 cover donation. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave, 546-6951.

Sing-a-long-a Grease Jul 05-06, 7pm, www.hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-2787. Sound Celebration and LLCC Chorus Jul 13, 7pm, Free concert. Ice cream social at 6:30 p.m. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

Sounds of Summer Concert Jul 12, 11:30am-1pm, Decatur Park Singers, Young Park Singers, B.O.S.S. preview of upcoming shows. Decatur Central Park, Decatur.

Springfield Municipal Band Jul 04, 6:30pm, Kicking off downtown fi reworks with a concert of lively American music. In front of the Lincoln statue. Illinois State Capitol, Capitol and Second St, 217- 789-2974.

Springfield Municipal Band Jul 09, 14, 7pm, Free concert. Bring a chair or blanket. (Also, July 9, 14, 21.), Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217- 753-0702. Springfield Municipal Band Concerts Jul 09, 16, 7:30pm, Playing every Tuesday, except July 2. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

DANCE Dance Jul 05, 8-11pm. BAM. $10. VFW Post 755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road. 546-9515.

Springfield Youth Performance Group Jul 13, 2pm and 6pm, Local young dance and music talent presents Fairytale Journey, featuring Peter and the Wolf. $12-$8. 217-494-8059. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523- 2787.

All About Dance Jul 10, 17, 6:30-10pm, Every Wed. dance lessons before dance at 8 p.m. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Charles Houska Jul 04-06, 08-13, 15-17, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10m-3pm Sat. St. Louis artist originally from Springfi eld. Reception June 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Springfi eld Art Association Gallery of Art, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631. Artrageous First Friday Jul 05, 5:30-8pm, Artist in Action, Pam Martin, working with resin. Drinks and appetizers. The Blue Door

Gallery, 214 S. Sixth St, 217- 753-0262.

First Friday Gallery Walk Jul 12, 5-8pm, Artist talks, music and hors d’oeuvres. Anne Lloyd Gallery, Blue Connection, Theatre 7 lobby and Gallery 510. Downtown Decatur, 160 E. Main St, Decatur, 423-4222.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Jul 04-06, 08-13, 15-17, Through July 27, Pastel: Painting with Pure Pigment by local artists on display. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483- 2713.

Norway: Marilynn and Dean Madden Collection Jul 04-06, 08-13, 15-17, Through July 31, exhibit highlights the art of rosemaling, Norway’s national folk painting. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Pharmacy Art Exhibition Jul 13, 6-9pm, With guest Peoria artists Josh Cox and Sarah Nesbit. Free. The Pharmacy Warehouse, 1022 S. Pasfi eld, 217-652-3273.

Political Cartoons Exhibit Jul 04-05, 07, 11-12, 14, 10am-3pm Fri, 10am-1:30pm Sun, “How Israel and U.S. are portrayed in Arab Media.” Opening July 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Also on display July 22- 25 by appointment. RSVP sjf@ shalomspringfi eld.org or 787- 7223 ext. 11.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 09-10, 10am and 2pm, “Reading Rainbow: Once There Was a Tree.” Ages 3-8. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993. Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 16-17, 10am and 2pm, “Kids Discover Bats.” For kids ages 3-8. , 782-5993. Children’s Program Jul 08, 15, 10am, Repeated at 1 p.m. at the Pleasant Plains location. Prairie Skies Public Library District, 125 W. Editor St, Ashland, 217-476-3417.

Holes - Movie Jul 15, 10am, Summer reading program. Free movie. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Jump Up Jul 16, 10am, Summer Reading Program special guests. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave,

Jacksonville, 217-243-5435. Story Time at the Museum Jul 08, 10am, Stories read by guests. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Jul 13, 11am-3pm, “At Home in the 1860s.” Ongoing activities for ages 4-8. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-6044.

SCIENCE Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Jul 10, 7-8:30pm, Claire Fuller Martin, ISM Research Associate, “New Philadelphia (Pike County, Ill.) and the Civil War.”, Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-7386.

NATURE Bike and Hike Days Jul 07, 14, 8am-5pm, Barricaded to promote biking, hiking, walking and running. Sundays through Sept. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753- 6225.

Earth Beneath Us: Local Geology Study Jul 06, 10-11:30am, Call to register. Input and fi eld trip around the farm. $5, $3. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217-787- 6927.

Geocaching Jul 04-17, Through summer, search for 10 caches hidden by Springfi eld Park District at its parks. 753-0700. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753- 6225.

Wed. Morning Pickup Party Jul 10, 17, 9-10am, Weather permitting, help pick up trash. Bags, long-handled trash grabbers, gloves available. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Zoofari Jul 06, 10am-6pm, Free admission with activities throughout the day. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

LGBTQ yOUTh Group Jul 05, 12, 6-10pm, Every Friday for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 13-17. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528-5253.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Jul 04, 08, 11, 15, 7:30pm

Mon and 6:30pm Thu, For those seeking freedom from addictive sexual behavior. Meeting info, springfi eldsaa@ gmail.com. Confi dentiality assured. Various locations.

The Rotary Club of Springfield Jul 08, 5:30-7pm, Scheels Events Coordinator Amy Beadle. Complimentary for prospective Rotarians. Maldaner’s , 222 S. Sixth St, 793-1710.

The Rotary Club of Springfield Jul 15, 5:30-7pm, Complimentary to prospective Rotarians. Valeda and Frank England, Sangamon County Rescue Squad. Maldaner’s , 222 S. Sixth St, 793-1710.

BULLETIN BOARD Backgammon Club Jul 10, 17, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack,

1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546- 2111.

Bootlegging Pub Crawl Tour Jul 06, 13, 8-10pm, $12, cash only. Reservations, 217-502- 8687. Begins at Lincoln family statues, Sixth and Adams St. Downtown Springfi eld.

Carillon Tours Jul 06-07, 10, 13-14, 17, 2-8pm Sat-Sun, 6:30pm Wed, Every tour includes live carillon performance. $3.25, $2.50 kids. .

Charity Quilt Show Jul 12-13, 10am-4pm, More than 100 quilts and quilt projects by local artists hosted by Peace & Applique quilt store. 498-6771. Donation at door. Masonic Hall, 121 E. Main St. Rochester.

First Fridays Downtown Jul 05, 5-8pm, Every fi rst Friday stroll, shop eat downtown. Exhibitions, live music, great deals and fun surprises. 544-1723. Downtown Springfi eld.

Fourth of July Celebration Jul 06, 1-11pm, Barbecue, chips, baked beans, pickle $7. Replay band from 7-11 p.m.

Eagles Club, Springfi eld, 2700 E. Ash St, 544-9849.

Jazz in Bloom Jul 06, 6-9pm, Cocktail Party. Admission and reservations required. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-788- 9452.

Red, White and Bruised Wrestling Jul 11, 7:30-10pm, Renegade Wrestling Organization presents your favorites in action. $8-$10. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525-2589.

Sewing Camps Jul 08, 15, 9:30-11:30am, Sandy’s Sewing Center, 1750 Wabash Ave, 217-726-5886.

FOOD Illinois Products Farmers Market Jul 04, 11, 4-7pm, Thursdays through Oct 19, local food, entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782- 1698. Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 06, 10, 13, 17, 8am-12:30pm Wed and Sat, May 15-Oct 26. Cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Third Saturdays include entertainment, cooking demos and more. Adams between Fifth and Second. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc. 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723. Taylorville Farmers Market Jul 06, 13, 9am-1pm, Saturdays through Oct. 27, Taylorville square, Taylorville.

HISTORY 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Flag Lowering Jul 09, 16, 7pm, One lucky visitor in attendance will receive the fl ag. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717. 50 Shades of History Jul 16, 12pm, Free bi-monthly lunchtime book discussions. Nov. 20, Jan. 15, Mar. 19, May 21, July 17, Sept. 17, Nov. 19. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St, 217-558-8844.

Civil War Ice Cream Social Jul 13, 2-4pm, Civil War dancing, tableaux vivant, tours of Edwards Place and free ice cream. Free. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631. Civil War Quilters: Loyal Hearts of Illinois Jul 04-17, 8:30am-5pm Mon- Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Through Sept. 8, exhibit featuring quilts and objects by Illinois women. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Home Tours Jul 07, 10, 14, 17, 10am- 4pm Sat, 12-4 Wed, Tour Springfi eld’s oldest home. Artisans demos (Lincoln impersonator 1-3 p.m.) Saturdays through June. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929. Lincoln’s Funeral: Distant Memories Jul 09, 16, 5:30-6:15pm, Every Tuesday night at Receiving Vault. Free. 217-782-271. www.lincolntomb.org. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717.

Literary Clubs of Early Springfield Jul 06, 2-4pm, Learn about these interesting organizations. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524- 0901.

Mary Lincoln Coterie Death Day Ceremony

Jul 16, 10am, Free. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717.

Meet John James Audubon Jul 05, 11am-2pm, Brian “Fox” Ellis brings John James Audubon alive, 11 a.m. auditorium then guided tour 1-2 p.m. “Birding in the Museum with Audubon.” Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Of Glass and Wood Tour Jul 06, 1:15pm, Two Saturdays a month April-July, led by veteran tour guide Frank Marchant. $15 suggested donation. Reservations encouraged. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217- 782-6776. Quilting in Red, White, and Blue Jul 04-05, 9am-5pm, Quilts interpreting the Civil War history of Illinois will be on display in several areas of the historic site. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785- 9363. Second Sunday at Marbold Farmstead Jul 14, 1-4pm, Dr. Charles Starling, “Education 1810- 1910.” Nature walks, mansion tours, vintage kids’s games, ongoing cartoons in kid’s tent, refreshments, homemade ice cream. $3 age 14 and older, $5 family. Marbold Farmstead, North Rt. 29, Greenview, 415- 5975.

HEALTH Connection Support Group Jul 06, 1-2:30pm, First Sat. each month. National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group for persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570. Connection Support Group Jul 17, 7-8:30pm, Third Wednesday. National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group for persons who have a mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891- 5570.

Free Testings Jul 04-05, 08-12, 15-17, 12-3pm Mon-Fri, Free HIV, hepatitis C, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Weekdays or by appointment. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528-5253.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jul 04, 11, 6:30pm, 12-step support program for emotional,

mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816- 1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W. NAMI Support Group Jul 17, 7-8:30pm, Third Wed. National Alliance on Mental Illness for family and friends of persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Fairview’s Family Day Jul 06, 2-8pm, Cookout with games followed by concert with several musical groups. Love offering. Fairview Baptist Church, 2001 N. 21st Street, 741-1817. Faiths of the Founding Fathers Jul 07, 10:30am, Rev. Martin Woulfe gives insights into unconventional faiths of nation’s founders. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Capital City Pickleball Classic Jul 13-14, 9am, Watch Springfi eld’s fi rst competitive Pickleball tournament with players from all over the Midwest. Iles Park, Sixth St and Ash St, 787-4193.

Laugh Yoga Jul 14, 4pm, First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217- 528-3407.

Scheels 5K/Kiddie Run Jul 06, 7am, 8am Kiddie Run, Benefi ts Children’s Miracle Network and Midtown Rotary Club of Springfi eld. scheels. com/events. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726- 6330.

Springfield Sliders Faith and Family Night Jul 14, 5:05pm, Pregame show with Calvary Temple Reach band. Post-game show with Christian Comedian Taylor Mason. $7-$5. Robin Roberts Stadium, Lanphier Park, N. Grand Ave and Michigan Ave, 217-679-3511.

Women’s Distance Festival and Kids’ Run Jul 13, 8am, Two-mile run/ walk followed by kids’ run for Ronald McDonald House. $25, $5 kids run. Deadline July 11. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-737- 9905.

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

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