HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Fourth 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. Edinburg Baptist Church, 416 Ricks St., 623-4437.

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 Springfield.

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.

Fourth of July Singalong Concert Jul 4, 3pm Mon. Annual singalong concert by Mark Gifford, Damien Kaplan, Debbie Ross and Elizabeth Jones. Free. markgiffordconcerts.com. 217-523-8609. Parkway Christian Church, 2700 Lindbergh Blvd.

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.

Loami Fourth of July Celebration Jul 2, 11am Sat. Parade plus infl atable obstacle course and bounce house, laser tag, video trailer, beer tent, food vendors, fl ea market and craft show, mud tug-of-war, car show, tractor games and kids activities. Loami.

Village of Jerome 4th July Parade Celebration Jul 4, 9-11am Mon. Village of Jerome, 2901 Leonard St., 546-2203.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Corndog Kickoff Jul 9, 6pm Sat. Proceeds benefi t the Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation. Fair food grazing, drinks, live music, more. $10 adults, $3 ages 6-12. 725- 8047. Commodities Pavillon, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Marbold Farmstead Summer Fest Jul 10, 10am-4pm Sun. 10th Cavalry Volunteer Civil War Troop encampment, period craftspeople, quilt display, trolley tours, food and drinks, live music by Stan Edwards and Friends. Wagon rides, face painting, art lessons, games for kids. $5 ages 14 and up, $3 ages 6-13. historic-marbold-farmstead.org. Historic Marbold Farmstead, 21722 State Hwy 29, Greenview, 968-5808.

Morgan County Fair Jul 6-10. Carnival, talent show, pageant, livestock, tractor pulls, live entertainment and more. themorgancountyfair. com. 217-245-6800. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

Paint The Street Festival Jul 9, 12-7pm Sat. More than 300 6x6-foot squares will be painted to create a gallery under the stars. Plus live music, food vendors and kids activities. $30 advance, $35 day of. springfi eldart.org. 217-523-2631. Downtown Springfield.

Pleasant Plains Market Days Jul 9, 8am-1pm Sat. Pleasant Plains Market Days, 408 E. State Highway 125, Pleasant Plains, 415-0731.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Coffee House Writing Rituals Jul 8, 9:30-11:30am Fri. Social hour meet and greet designed to cultivate inspiration for writers. Second and third Fridays of month. $5-10 donation. 217-899-5247. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 391-7628.

THEATER & COMEDY

Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Jun 30, Jul 1-2, 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 Jul 6-10, 7pm Wed-Thu, 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.

Sweeney Todd Jul 8-10, 13, 8:30pm Fri-Sun, 8:30pm Wed. Dark comedy about a barber who returns to London after an exile of many years. Tickets: $12- 14 reserved, $6-10 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

The Boys From Nantucket Jul 8-10, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Two-man musical by Ken Bradbury features John Love and Jim Yale. Music composed by Love. $12 adults, $10 seniors. centralillinoistickets.com. 217- 965-5042. Salem on Seventh Theater, 119 S. Seventh St., Petersburg, 632-7068.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

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.

David Tell Jul 12, 12-1pm Tue. Solo performance of Native American music. Presented as part of the Artist on the Plaza concert series by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfi eldartsco. org. 217-753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Levitt AMP Music Series Jul 1, 8, 5:30-9pm Fri, 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’ 1850 song books. Wine and dessert reception to follow. $30. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631. Springfield Municipal Band Jun 30, 7:30-9pm Thu. Annual concert. Free. 217-652-4371. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 544-1751.

Steve Hess and Southern Salvation Jul 2, 6pm Sat. Gospel concert. Public welcome. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

The Dandelion Pickers Jul 5, 12-1pm Tue. Part of biweekly “Artist on the Plaza” concert series presented by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfieldartsco.org. 217- 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Tom Irwin Jul 7, 12-1pm Thu. Presented by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council as part of its Artist on the Plaza concert series. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Two by Two Jul 10, 6pm Sun. Weekly Concert in the Park. Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

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.

FILM

You Are Not Alone Jul 2, 7pm, Sat. Fictional fi lm, set in Walnut centers on the night of terror that befell recent college graduate Natalie Wilner during her hometown’s annual Fourth of July celebration. $8. yanafi lm.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 523-2787

DANCE

BAM Jul 8, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

All About Arts & Crafts Jun 30, Jul 1, 9am-12pm Thu- Fri. 217-544-9846. Springfi eld YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Civil War Tech - Home or Hospital? Jul 10, 10-11am Sun. Ages 8-12 learn how Civil War heroes like Clara Burton changed the face of medicine forever. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558- 8844.

Read for the Win Jul 11, 10-11am Mon. Join the “Discovery Within” movement with Mishi’s Hula-Hoop Playshop. 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.

Zoofari Jul 9, 10am-6pm Sat. Kids of all ages learn how animals enjoy summer. Bring your favorite stuffed animal friend in for a checkup at the Teddy Bear Clinic. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

NATURE

Illustrated Trip to Antarctica Jul 13, 10-11am Wed. Dr. Charles Schweighauser’s slide tour includes Falkland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic animals, ice formations, glaciers and penguins. Free. 217-971- 0207. Prairie Skies Public Library, 555 Buckeye Road, Pleasant Plains, 626-1553.

The Magic of Summer Jul 8-9, 12-5pm Fri, 9am-12pm Sat. Standard fl ower show features fl oral arrangements, house plants and cacti inspired by various themes. Hosted by the Springfi eld Civic Garden Club. Free. Calvary Church, 501 West Hazel Dell Road, 546-9700.

ENVIRONMENT

Grow Springfield Garden Education Program Jul 10, 11am-12pm Sun. Family friendly program titled “Pollinators: Your Garden Needs Them.” Learn why and how to attract bees and butterfl ies. Free. growspringfi eld.org. 217-528- 1563. Project Southtown, 1301 S. 11th St., 553-2243.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

AARP Chapter 195 Jul 11, 1pm Mon. Featuring Tom Fitch from the Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation on the Illinois State Fair. Business meeting at 2pm. 679-6686. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Breakfast Optimist Club Jul 8, 7am Fri, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 217- 546-5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Camera Club Jul 7, 7pm Thu. First and third Thursdays, 7pm. Visitors always welcome. For more information, call 546-5021 or email [email protected]. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Capital City Toastmasters Jul 6, 12-1pm Wed. Weekly meeting. Develop communication and leadership skills to foster greater selfconfi dence. Visitors welcome.131-3356.toastmastersclubs. org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway.

Project Rachel Jul 5, 7pm Tue. Monthly safe, supportive, confi dential gathering of post-abortive women. 217-698-4456. Springfi eld Right To Life Center, 323 E. Monroe St., 523-2700.

Sertoma Club Jul 4, 12pm Mon. Noon, fi rst and third Monday of every month. More information, 546- 2782. 217-494-2099. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, 2309 S. MacArthur Blvd., 698-6033.

BULLETIN BOARD 58th Annual Morgan County Fair Pageant Jul 5, 7pm Tue. Queen contest, Junior Miss contest and Princess contest. $5 adults, free to ages 5 and under. Grandstand, Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

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

Run, Walk, Bike, Skate Club Jun 30, 5:45-6:45pm Thu. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Springfield Luncheon Optimist Club Jul 12, 5:30-8:30pm Tue. Free concert with desserts, ice cream and soft drinks to purchase in support of Camp Coco. Hosted by Springfi eld Luncheon Optimist Club. 217- 622-7118. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

FOOD

IL Products Farmers’ Market Jun 30, 4-7pm Thu. Illinois produce and products. Fourth of July/Veteran’s Night, Alto Vineyards & Lasata Winery, William Hart, USN (Ret.) Navy Band, IL Pork Producers. Free. agr.state.il.us/nightmarket. 217-524-3297. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Illinois Products Farmers’ Market Jun 30, 4-7pm Thu. Every Thursday. Shopping, health and wellness information, special focuses and more in a street-party atmosphere. SNAP cards accepted. Free. illinoisproductmarket.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 2, 6, 13, 8am-12:30pm Sat, 3-6:30pm Wed. Shop local produce, meats, cheeses, more. Enterainment 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.

Red White and Brews Jul 6, 6-10pm Wed. Enjoy wine, beer and cheese from central Illinois growers. $5 includes two samples, commemorative glass. 473-9304. 217-243-5678. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

HISTORY Parlor Pastimes with Lincoln Jul 1, 8, 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.

The Admiral’s Sea Stories Jul 7, 5:30-7pm Thu. Admiral Ron Thunman, who was in charge of the Atlantic submarine fl eet, tells The Admiral’s Sea Stories. Free.

Light supper for purchase. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

HEALTH DBSA Central Illinois Support Group Jul 12, 6:30-8pm Tue, 6:30- 8pm Tue. 217-816-8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

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. Lake Lou Yaeger, Picnic Area 3, 3 Primative Lane, Litchfi eld, 866-733-5833.

MMRD/CCH Fresh Meat Program Jul 5, 12, 7-9pm Tue, 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.

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

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