THE CALENDAR

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Calendar P.O. Box 5256 Springfield, IL 62705

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending events.

Fairs & Festivals

3rd Annual Paint the Street Festival Jul 18, 2-10pm Sat. Paint a square of Washington Street. Live music, food vendors, kids activities. Over 300 6x6 foot squares will be painted to create a gallery under the stars. Free admission. $30 per square, supplies provided. springfi eldart.org. 217-523-2631. Downtown Springfi eld.

Chatham Sweet Corn Festival Jul 17, 4:30pm-12am Fri, 10am-12am Sat. Features world famous sweet corn and cow chip throw, Miss Sweet Corn Pageant, live entertainment, Crossfi t XLT competition, Zumba and more. chathamjaycees.net. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham.

Corndog Kickoff Jul 11, 6-9pm Sat. Fair food grazing, drinks, music, entertainment, live and silent auctions. Advance tickets, $25 each or $175 for table of 8; $30 at door. Kids 12 and under free with paying adult. illinoisstatefairmuseum. org 217-414-0727. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.

Downtown Bacon Throwdown and Music Fest Jul 10-11, 5pm-12am Fri, 3pm-12am Sat. 20 food vendors, Bacon Battle Royale, live music, Kids’ Zone with Touch-A-Truck, petting zoo and more. $5 adults, children 12 and under free. $1 per food/beverage ticket. Advance tickets at downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

Grace UMC Block Party Jul 18, 10am-6pm Sat. BBQ demonstations, free health screening, bake sale, dunk tank, basketball games, golf games, free bounce houses and more. Open to public. Grace United Methodist Church, 1612 E. Capitol Ave., (217) 523-3335.

Books & Authors

Minion Fun Jul 17, 7pm Fri. Become a certifi ed Minion, attend Villain-Con, search for the most despicable villain, activities and giveaways. Free. Pre-register in store. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veterans Pkwy, 546-9440. Poets in the Parlor: Sandra Marchetti Jul 19, 2-3pm Sun. Author of Confl uence, A Detail in the Landscape, The Canopy and more. Free, open to public. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Star Wars Saturday Jul 18, 9am-10pm Sat. Activities, cosplay, trivia, products and a chance to win a Star Wars character standee. For fans of all ages. Free. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veterans Pkwy, 546-9440.

To Kill a Mockingbird Read-A-Thon Jul 13, 9am-9pm Mon. All stores nationwide read the acclaimed novel from start to fi nish with a variety of special guest readers. Free. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veterans Pkwy, 546-9440. Spoken Word SPW Poetry/Open Mic Jul 15, 6-8pm Wed. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

Theater & Comedy

Children of Eden Jul 17-19, 8pm Fri-Sun. A joyous, inspirational musical about parents, children and faith. $8-13. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217- 632-5440.

CLUE: The Musical Jul 10-12, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. $10. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Disney’s Mary Poppins Jul 10-12, 15-19, 22, 8pm Wed- Sat, 2pm Sun. Based on the stories by P.L. Travers and Walt Disney fi lm. Spectacular fl ying and dazzling special effects. Advance: $25 adults, $22 seniors and children. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Distant Memories Jul 14, 21, 5:30-6:30pm Tue. Every Tuesday June-Aug, a historical reenactor describes Springfi eld’s reaction to Lincoln’s assassination and his funeral. Free. lincolntomb.org. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717.

Muni’s West Side Story Selections Jul 9, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams.

Seussical Jul 10-11, 16-18, 8:30pm Fri, 8:30pm Thu-Sat. Musical for all ages featuring Dr. Seuss’ most loved character, led by The Cat in the Hat. Tickets: $12-14 reserved, $6-10 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

Music: General Events

Amy Benton Jul 16, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams.

Bobby Messano Jul 16, 7pm Thu. Blues Hall of Fame Legend Bobby Messano. Presented by Illinois Coalition of the Blind. $25 at door. bobbymessano.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Messengers for Christ Jul 14, 12-1pm Tue. Contemporary Christian musicians presented as part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams.

Music in the Park Jul 19, 4-7pm. Rhythm and grooves featuring Kapitol Sound. Free. Bring a chair or blanket. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr Dr., 544-1751.

Rod Nicholson & Robert Sampson Jul 19, 6pm Sun. Part of the “Concerts in the Park” series hosted by Jacksonville Pilot Club. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Saved By Grace, Jill Layne & Jonah Layne Jul 12, 6pm Sun. Part of the “Concerts in the Park” series hosted by Jacksonville Pilot Club. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Springfield GospelFest Jul 18, 12-6pm Sat. Music from talented community gospel groups, food for purchase, kids games and activities, 500 bookbags fi lled with school supplies to be given away. Free. 217-638- 1906. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr Drive, 544-1751.

Springfield Municipal Band Sunset Concert Jul 12, 7-8:30pm Sun. 1 of 4 free outdoor concerts. Bring lawn chair, blankets, refreshments (non-alcoholic). Free. 217-652- 4371. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Dance

BAM (Mike Lewis) Jul 10, 8pm Fri. Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515. Art & Architecture

Allons-y Opening Reception Jul 10, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Ceramic exhibition from Illinois artists and winners from winners from last year’s Shapes of Infl uence show, CJ Niehaus and Rob Boryk. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Exhibit #19 Jul 12, 8pm-1am Sun. Pop-up art gallery compliments live music by Tom Irwin. Free to public. 904-3050. Brewhaus, 617 E. Washington St., 217-525-6399.

Free Downtown Artisan Walk Jul 11, 11:30am-1pm Sat. Free artisan walk to 12 specialty stores featuring a taste of art. Free. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522- 8006. Varied Visions Exhibit Through Aug. 13, 12-7pm Tue- Sat, Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787. Film & Television

Enemy of Mine Jul 16, 6pm Thu. Screening and discussion with author Ed Myers. Free. uis.edu/speakerseries. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073. Free Films: Route 66’s Best Jul 9, 6:30-8pm Thu. 217-725- 9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4049.

The Overnighters Jul 14, 7-9pm Tue. Modern-day Grapes of Wrath. An intimate portrait of job seekers desperately chasing the broken American Dream to a tiny oil town in North Dakota. Hosted by Liberty Brew & View. Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Children’s Corner

“Spineless” Super Saturday Jul 11, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn about spineless creatures and the role they play in the animal kingdom. Thematic activities for ages 3-8. Free, open to public. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386. Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 14-15, 10-10:30am Tue-Wed. “Back Yard Safari: Butterfl ies”. Films shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July at 10am and 2pm. Free, open to public. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. 

Bugs! Family Event Jul 18, 11am-3pm Sat. Celebrate all things creepy and crawly with crafts, games, live insects. Live butterfl y releases at 11am and 1pm. Free, open to public. museum.state.il.us. 217-782- 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Mystery Family Camp Out Jul 17-18, 5:30pm-9:30am, Fri- Sat. Fun, family activities, cookout style dinner and pancake breakfast. Bring tent and sleeping bags. Residents: $18 adult, $13 child. Non: $20.50 adult, $15.50 child. hensonrobinsonzoo.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Satur-Play! - Bugs! Jul 18, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn and play with bugs. Recommended for ages 3-10 and families. Free to public. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. Satur-Play! - Worm Races Jul 11, 11am-3pm Sat. Slide headfi rst into a sleeping bag and squirm your way to the fi nish. Recommended for ages 3-10 and families. Free. museum.state. il.us. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Story Time at the Museum Jul 13, 10-10:30am Mon. Listen to stories and sing songs about insects, arachnids, and more. For ages 3-8 and their caregivers. Free, open to public. 217-782- 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Lectures & Meetings

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Monthly Meeting Jul 9, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Public welcome. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Program Jul 14, 21, 6:30pm Tue. 13-week program utilizes video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Register, 414-0126 or griefshare. org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217- 636-8463.

Post Polio Group Jul 18, 10am-12pm Sat. Support group for those that have had Polio. 217-523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523- 0427. Sherlock Holmes Society Meeting Jul 18, 9am Sat. Discussion of The Greek Interpreter. Open to public. sherlock.lolopop.org. 217-546-8387. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

The Illinois Renewable Energy Conference Jul 16, 8am-4:30pm Thu. Conference on all areas of renewable energy. Breakout sessions on policy, technical information and case studies for: wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and energy effi ciency. $70. 309- 438-7919. Bone Student Center, ISU, 100 N. University St., Normal, 309-438-2222.

Victim/Survivor Support Group Jul 16, 6-7pm Thu. Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 217-523-6233 x7760. MADD Illinois, 2070 W. Monroe St. #B.

Bulletin Board

APL Christmas In July Carnival Jul 11, 12-4pm Sat. Fun carnival games with prizes, celebrity dunk tank, photos with Santa, meet shelter pets, tour facilities, shopping, food, more. apl-shelter. org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387. APL Pet Adoptions Jul 11, Dogs available 10am-1pm at Zoofari at the Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Dr. Cats and dogs available 10am-1pm at Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway.

Public Hearing on ISM Closure Jul 13, 4pm. Held by Commission of Government Forecasting and Accountability. Features testimony from the Department of Natural Resources, local stakeholders and concerned citizens. To give oral testimony or submit written testimony, call 785-3208 or [email protected]. Free. cgfa.ilga.gov. Room 212, Illinois State Capitol.

APL Pet Adoptions Jul 12, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available. apl-shelter.org. 217- 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091. APL Pet Adoptions Jul 18, 10am-1pm Sat. Cats and dogs available. apl-shelter.org. 217-544-7387. Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway, 217-535-4540.

Dog Park Party Jul 18, 11am-5pm Sat. Food and drinks for you and your dog plus bouncy toys for the kids. Final push for Jacksonville’s entry into Bark for Your Park contest. Free. jaxbark.com. Pet Supplies Plus, 1805 W. Morton, Jacksonville, 245-2694.

Starting Your Business in Illinois Jul 15, 1:30-3:30pm Wed. Illinois Small Business Development Center workshop on preparing a business plan, fi nancing, legal forms, registering a business name and taxes. Free. Registration, 544-7232. LLCC Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason, 217-786-2200.

The ATHENA Award Presentation Jul 15, 5pm Wed. Illinois Women in Leadership hosts ceremony for recipents of the 2015 ATHENA award, which honors female leaders in Springfi eld who support and mentor women. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782- 5764. Food

Illinois Products Farmers’ Market Jul 9, 16, 4-7pm Thu. Every Thursday. Shopping, health and wellness information, special focuses and more. Free. illinoisproductmarket.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Local Flavors Dinner at Driftwood Jul 16, 5-9:30pm Thu. Participating restaurants prepare a fresh, seasonal meal with produce sourced from local farmers. buyfreshbuylocalcentralillinois. org. 217-528-1563. Driftwood, 11 Old Capitol Plaza West, 217- 572-1906. Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 11, 15, 18, 22, 8am-12:30pm Wed and Sat. Cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Third Saturdays feature entertainment, cooking demos and more. Adams between Fifth and Second. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544- 1723.

History It’s a Sweet Affair Jul 16, 6:30pm Thu. Enjoy delicious desserts, a visit from Abraham and Mary, plus original letters and artifacts. Period clothing welcome. Hosted by Erika Holst. $31.50 members, $35 non. Reservations, 558- 8934 or PresidentLincoln. Illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Lincoln’s Springfield In- Laws Jul 9, 7-8pm Thu. The full story of the lively Todd sisters and their cousin Lizzie Grimsley, as told by Erika Holst, curator of Historic Edwards Place. Free. edwardsplace.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Meet Mr. Lincoln Jul 17, 1-2pm Fri. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631.

Music with Mr. Lincoln Jul 10, 1-2pm Fri. Join Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Edwards at Edwards Place for a parlor concert of Mr. Lincoln’s favorite songs from the 1850s. Free. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631.

Health

Nutrition Basics Jul 11, 9:15am. Learn how to properly fuel your body for performance, fat loss, muscle gain and recovery. Bring pen and paper to work on individual meal plan. $20. Questions to crossfi tinstinctmolly@gmail. com. crossfi tinstinct.com. CrossFit Instinct Central, 1931 W. Monroe (Fairhills Mall). Depression/Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Jul 14, 21, 6:30-8pm Tue. Support for those affected by a mood disorder, including friends and family. Free. 217-761- 4710. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jul 9, 16, 6:30pm Thu. 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816- 1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866. Faith & Philosophy Can We End Racial Animosity? Jul 10, 7:30-9pm Fri. How to end racial animosity from a Baha’i perspective. Refreshments to follow. Free. 217-546-9171. Springfi eld Bah·’Ì Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Is Microagression the New Racism?

Jul 12, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Guest speaker Yvonne Singley on microaggression plus examples and suggestions for intercultural communication. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550. Sports & Fitness

17th Annual Tour Du Corn Metric Century Jul 12, 8am Sun. Annual bicycle ride features 62-, 41- and 21- mile route options. Sag service, rest stops, post-ride lunch. $20. wheelfast.com. 217-483-7807. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham. Big Dawg Dare Jul 18, 8am-3pm Sat. 5k race (3.1 miles) featuring more than 17 obstacles. Heats on the hour. Plus, a 2K “Puppy Dawg Dare” at noon. Big Dawg Dare: $55-65, Puppy Dawg Dare: $35. bigdawgdare.com. Big

Dawg Dare, 1112 N. Franklin, Litchfi eld.

Capital City Pickleball Tournament Jul 10, 9am-6:30pm Fri. Third annual pickleball tournament in Iles Park. Hosted by Scheels. Free. 217-415-9174. Iles Park, Sixth St and Ash St. Roller Derby Fresh Meat Bootcamp Jul 9, 7-9:30pm Thu. Richland Community College, The Punisher Palace (The Lester Building), E. 2nd Progress St., Decatur, 883-3511.

Roller Derby Fresh Meat Program Jul 14, 21, 7-9pm Tue. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 546-4543. Springfield Sliders Baseball Jul 11, 16-17, 22, 6:35pm Wed-Sat. 5:05pm Sun. 217- 679-3511. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 753-0700.