Holiday Happenings

4th of July Celebration Jul 4, 11am-3pm Mon. Featuring gospel groups such as Saved by Grace, Solid Rock, The Peeks, Marlene Wiker, The Burchi’s, The Blairs, Living Proof Ministries, Ron Senters. Cookout features hamburgers and hot dogs. Free. 217- 971-6854. Edinburg Baptist Church, 416 Ricks St., 623-4437.

Clara Irwin’s Strawberry Party and Picnic Jul 4, 5-8pm Mon. Participate in reading of Declaration of Independence, sing patriotic songs, enjoy a picnic meal, homemade strawberry shortcake and sundaes, strawberry daquiris and more. Free admission. Food for purchase. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Fourth of July Celebration and Parade Jul 3-4, 6pm Sun, 10am Mon. Twoday celebration features parade, concessions, kids’ events, live entertainment, fi reworks, more. Free. jacksonvilleil.org. 217-243-5678. Nichols Park, 319 Holken Brink Dr., Jacksonville.

Independence Day Firework Display Jul 4, 9-10pm Mon. Firework display launches over Lake Lou Yaeger from Marina 1. Free. visitlitchfi eld.com. Lake Lou Yaeger Marina 1, 4313 Beach House Trail, Litchfi eld, 866-733-5833.

Rock the Dock Jun 24, 7pm Fri. Central Illinois’ largest fi reworks display on the water. Featuring live music, games for kids, mascots, food and drinks including the Titos vodka tour. Fireworks at 9:30pm. $10. Lake Springfi eld Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd, 483-3625.

Capital City Celebration Jul 2-3, 8am-12am Sat, 12pm-12am Sun. Children’s beauty pageant, giant infl atable obstacle course, CrossFit competition, live entertainment, fi reworks at dusk on Sunday and more. Hosted by the Springfi eld Jaycees. Downtown Springfi eld.

Fairs & Festivals

9th Annual Crazy Horse Bluegrass Festival Jun 24-26, 5pm Fri-Sat, 8am Sun. Friday and Saturday performances and a Sunday morning gospel show. jacksonvilleil.org. 217-243-5678. Crazy Horse Campground, 2113 Crazy Horse Road, Ashland, 886-2089.

Assumption Fest Jun 23-25, 6-11pm Thu, 5pm- 12am Fri, 11am-12am Sat. Three-day family-friendly fair. BBQ festival, car show, tractor pulls, pageants, live music, carnival, bags tournament, much more. Free admission, free parking. 217-820- 1690. Assumption.

Books & Authors

From Gannett to GateHouse Jun 26, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Bruce Rushton, Illinois Times reporter, explores why journalism matters more than ever and what we should do about it. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Inaugural Book Talk and Signing Jun 23, 6-7:30pm Thu. Author, former SHS soccer coach and son of Fred Miller, Phil Eck, gives a talk and signs copies of Remembering Fred Miller from Notre Dame to the High Life. senatorspublications.com. 217-691- 8803. Springfi eld High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 525-3100.

Theater & Comedy

Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Jun 24-26, 30, Jul 1-2, 8pm Fri-Sun, 8pm Thu-Sat. Musical comedy focuses on eight children during their Catholic elementary and high school education in the 1950s. Pre-show entertainment at 7pm nightly. $15 adults, $13 seniors, $10 children under 12. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440.

Sister Act Jun 24-26, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Broadway musical-comedy based off the hit fi lm starring Whoopi Goldberg. Score by Alan Menken features disco, Motown and Broadway. $23-30. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800- 838-3006.

South Pacific Jun 23-26, 8:30pm Thu-Sun. Two Americans fi nd love in the South Pacifi c during WWII. Directed by John Sivak. Tickets: $12-14 reserved, $6-10 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

Music: General Events

An Evening with Susan Werner Jun 25, 8pm Sat. Singersongwriter Susan Werner plays folk, jazz and pop music, delivered with sassy wit and Midwestern charm. $25+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Ben Bedford Jun 30, 12-1pm Thu. Free summer concert as part of the Artist on the Plaza series produced by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. springfi eldartsco. org. 217-753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Branson on the Road Jun 25-26, 7pm Sat, 2pm Sun. A traveling road show in the tradition of the glory days of the Grand Ole Opry, the Louisiana Hayride and the fi rst Branson music shows. $22-30. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Ed Clark Jun 28, 12-1pm Tue. Free piano concert produced by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s summer Artist on the Plaza series. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Levitt AMP Music Series Jun 24, Jul 1, 5:30-9pm Fri. Family-friendly live music, vendors and food every Friday in June and July and the fi rst Saturday in August. Bring blankets or chairs. Free. jacksonvilleil.org. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Lincoln Piano Concert Jul 1, 7-9pm Fri. “Mr. and Mrs. Edwards” host “Mr. Lincoln” and ticketed guests for an evening of Mr. Lincoln’s favorite songs plus music from Mrs. Edwards’s 1850 song books. Wine and dessert reception to follow. $30. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Music in the Park: Lady and the Sax Jun 26, 4-7pm Sun. Part of Springfi eld Park District’s 2016 Free Concert and Movie Series. Smooth jazz plus 70s, 80s and current music by Lady and the Sax. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Concessions for purchase. springfi eldparks.org. 217-544- 1751. Bergen Golf Course, 2900 E. Clear Lake Ave.

Rachel Rambach Jun 23, 12-1pm Thu. Free lunch hour concert offered by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council as part of its Artist on the Plaza series. springfi eldartsco.org. 217- 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Sisters of Glory Jun 26, 6pm Sun. Weekly Concert in the Park. Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Springfield Municipal Band Jun 26, 7-8:30pm Sun. Free concerts at the Selvaggio arches featuring contemporary and traditional wind ensemble music performed by local musicians. 217-652-4371. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Springfield Municipal Band Concert Jun 23, 30, 7:30-9pm Thu. Annual concert. Free. 217-652-4371. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 544-1751.

West Clan Band Jul 3, 6pm Sun. Weekly Concert in the Park. Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Williamson Branch Jun 25, 6pm Sat. Family band performs gospel and bluegrass music. Light meal 4:30pm, concert 6pm. Love offering. williamsonbranch.com. Salisbury Baptist Church, Byron Street, Pleasant Plains, 544-3207.

Dance

Salsa Nights Jun 25, 9-12:45pm Sat. Dance Salsa, a mixture of Rumba, Mambo, Latin Jazz and other genres. Also dance Merengue and Bachata. $3 cover. Omar’s Latin Fusion Restaraunt, 6901 Preston Dr., 415-5568.

Friday Night Dance Jun 24, 8-11pm Fri. Weekly Friday night dance features bands, DJ’s. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Illinois Chapter Po.L.K. of A. Dance Jun 26, 2-5:30pm Sun. Featuring BAM. $9 members, $10 non. illinoischapterpolkofa.org. Riverton Knights of Columbus, 335 S. 4th St., Riverton, 629-9018.

Art & Architecture

Natural Forms Opening Reception Jun 25, 5:30-7:30pm Sat. Exhibit showcases work inspired by the natural world. Featuring local artists Catherine C. Flynn and Rick Taylor. On display through Aug 11. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Film & Television

Third Annual Jewish Film Series Jun 23, 7pm Thu. Showings of award-winning fi lms from around the world designed to appeal to a multicultural, multigenerational audience. This week’s fi lm is drama Run Boy Run. $7 per ticket, $5 series pass. shalomspringfi eld. org. 217-787-7223. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Children’s Corner

All About Arts & Crafts Jun 28, Jul 1, 9am-12pm Tue-Fri. 217-544-9846. Springfi eld YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Baseball Fun Jun 27, 11am-2pm Mon. Kids play Wiffl e ball against Springfi eld Sliders players, test throwing and catching skills, meet Speedy the Turtle, play baseball trivia, more. Hosted by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Free admission; snacks available for purchase. Union Square Park, 212 N. Sixth St.

Family Circle Friendship Club Jun 28, 6-7:30pm Tue. Crafts and activities for special needs children. $10 per child. 217- 416-6407. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 544-1751.

Read for the Win Jun 27, 10-11am Mon. Rock and Rope Warrior performs rope tricks and stunts with extraordinary speed and record-breaking jumps. Free. pspld.com. 217-626- 1553. Prairie Skies Public Library District, 125 W. Editor St., Ashland, 476-3417.

Wild About Reading Jul 1, 6-7pm Fri. Theme: Pets. Ages 2+ enjoy a story, craft and animal visitor. $1 per child. Registration required. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Nature

Daylily Open House and Show Jun 25, 12-3pm Sat. See beautiful blooms on display, pick up informative literature and enjoy cake and drinks. Free. daylilycids. org. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Ice Cream Social Jun 26, 1-3pm Sun. Stewardship campaign kick-off includes cake and ice cream, live music, children’s games, guided nature walks, live birds of prey program by the Illinois Raptor Center. $5 per person, free ages 3 and under. illinoisaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473. Environment

Leadership in Sustainability Awards Reception Jun 29, 6-8pm. Sustainable Springfi eld, Inc presents a celebration of local leadership in sustainability. sustainablespringfi eld.org. 217- 652-7489. Inspire, 221 S. 6th St., 836-3247.

Lectures & Meetings

Retired State Employees Association Meeting Jun 29, 1:30pm. Monthly meeting provides information and updates on topics important to state retirees. Speaker Shayne Squires of Habitat for Humanity on the Habitat Restore. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793-3933.

Springfield ICON Monthly Meeting Jun 27, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Speakers are Lisa Clemmons Stott, Executive Director of Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., and Katie Davidson, Executive Director of Innovate Springfi eld. Springfi eldICON.org. 217- 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Bulletin Board

APL New Volunteer Orientation Jun 25, 29, 11am-12pm Sat, 6-7pm. Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cleaning, animal socialization, pet therapy, education, adoption events, fundraising, more. Must be at least 16 with parent or guardian. Registration, [email protected]. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544- 7387.

Heads Up Group Jun 26, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those with a traumatic head injury. Free. scil.org. 217- 523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

MOVE in the Park Jun 28-30, 6-7:30pm Tue- Thu. Family event features games, food, music, uplifting messages. Free. lakesidechristian.com. Lakeside Christian Church, 225 Toronto Road, 529-2513.

Personal Assistant Employers Group Jun 28, 3pm-4:30am Tue. Support group for those with a disability that hire personal assistants. Free. scil.org. 217-523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

Sangamon Valley Radio Club Family Field Day Jun 25, 11am-3pm Sat. SVRC members, high-tech experts and metereologists demonstrate Morse Code, 3-D printer, weather spotting and more via displays, mini-courses and workshops. Free. svrc.org. Riverton Middle School, 1014 E. Lincoln St., Riverton, 629-6002.

Food

Illinois Products Farmers’ Market Jun 23, 4-7pm Thu. Made-in- Illinois produce and products. Ronald McDonald House night, Illunois State Fair giveaways, Spirit Knob Winery, live music, Twyford’s BBQ. 217-524-3297. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

New Berlin Farmer’s Market Jun 23, 4-7pm Thu. Second and fourth Thursday of each month from May through Oct 13. Free admission. nbacdl.org. Wabash Park, New Berlin, 717-4408.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jun 29, Jul 6, 3-6:30pm. Shop local produce, meats, cheeses, more. Entertainment on Saturdays includes chef demonstrations, live performances, activities, more. Free admission. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

History

A Life Spent With Lincoln Jun 23, 5:30-7pm Thu. Porch chat features Lincoln authority Dr. Wayne Temple with moderator Dave Joens from the Illinois State Archives. Free. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Parlor Pastimes with Lincoln Jun 24, Jul 1, 1-2pm Fri. Discover etiquette and activities that 19th century families practiced in the parlor; learn how Mr. Lincoln adjusted to “parlor culture” from his upbringing in a one-room log cabin. Free. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Quilted Keepsakes Quilt Show Jun 23-26, 28-30, 10am- 5pm Tue-Sat, 1-5 Sun. See antique quilt examples from the museum’s collection plus vintage and contemporary loaned pieces from private collections. $5 adults, $3 ages 12-18, free ages 11 and under. chmoorehomestead.org. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn St., Clinton, 935-6066.

World War II Encampment Jun 25, 10am-4:30pm Sat. Living historians display World War II uniforms and equipment as well as discuss how servicemembers lived and fought the war. Free. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761- 3910.

Auditions

Forgotten Soldiers from Our Forgotten War Jun 25, 2-3pm Sat. Chicago actor Frank Farrell reads several letters from his new book, Forgotten Soldiers from Our Forgotten War: Letters from Korea from 1951- 1953. Audience discussion to follow. Free. kwnm.org. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 523-7230.

Health

DBSA Central Illinois Support Group Jun 28, Jul 5, 6:30-8pm Tue. 217- 816-8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Relax and Renew Jun 28, 12-12:30pm Tue. Gentle stretching, guided meditation and refl ections that highlight using the mind-body connection to enhance health and well-being. Free. st-johns.org. 217-814- 4308. Chapel Annex, St. John’s Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter St., 544-6464 x75537.

Faith & Philosophy

The Voice of the Martyrs Advance Conference Jun 25, 9am-4pm Sat. Speakers from around the world share personal stories about persecution and ways they are advancing God’s kingdom on the frontlines of ministry. Free. secure.persecution.com. Calvary Church, 1730 W. Jefferson St., 546-9700.

What to Do When You Don’t Know What Else to Do Jul 3, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Former congregant Rachell Anderson on her retirement in Mississippi. Free. aluuc. org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

5K Freedom Fun Run/Walk Jul 2, 7-11am Sat. Registration, visitlitchfi eld.com/events. 866- 733-5833. Lake Lou Yaeger, Picnic Area 3, 3 Primative Lane, Litchfi eld.

Jacksonville Passavant Team Rehab/ FCA Shootout Jun 28, 8am Tue. Illinois College, MacMurray College and JHS Bowl. Largest basketball tournament in the state of Illinois. jacksonvilleil.org. 217- 243-5678. Illinois College Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, Edgehill Road, Jacksonville, 245-3000.

MMRD/CCH Fresh Meat Program Jun 28, Jul 5, 7-9pm Tue. New skaters practice with Mayhem and Hooligan roller derby skaters every Tuesday night, allowing them to learn quickly about the sport plus roller derby culture and community. Bring mouthguard. MidStateMayhemRollerDerby. com. $5 admission; gear rental for $5. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 546-4543.

Sangamon Valley RC Flyers Fly-In Jun 25, 9am-4pm Sat. Remote control fl ying entire day with gas and electric remote control planes and helicopters. Free. svrcfl yers.com. Holmes Airport, 8113 N. Pawnee Road, Pawnee, 725-3585. Scheels 5K Jun 25, 7:30am Sat. Chiptimed race. Awards at 8:45am.

Proceeds support Girl Scouts of central Illinois. $10-30. Register, scheels.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.