Holiday Happenings

21st Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Expo Nov 19, 10am-4pm Sat. Holiday shopping with local vendors. 217-494- 4151. Springfi eld Boys and Girls Club, 300 S. 15th St., 544-0548.

Christmas in the Park

Nov 18-19, 4-8pm Fri, 9-3pm Sat. Featuring Christmas decorations, ornaments, small themed trees, santas, snowmen, angels and more. Free. 217-626-1738. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2-mile east of Toronto Road and 1/2-mile north of North Cotton Hill Road.

Christmas Parade of Lights

Nov 26, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Parade begins in Horace Mann parking lot and loops around the Old State Capitol on Fifth and Sixth Streets. Hosted by the Springfi eld Jaycees. Free. 217-341-2969. Downtown Springfi eld.

Fun Frosty Friday

Nov 25, 10am-1pm Sat. Life-size Candyland activities include crafts, games, balloon art, face painting, photos with a real-life princess and more. Free. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

LGBT Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov 19, 5:30-9pm Sat. Bring side dish to share. Main dish provided by C.O.R.A.L. Meal at 6pm. 741-7739. Lincoln Park Pavilion, Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 544-1751.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees

Nov 19-25, 27-26, 10am-8pm Mon- Sat, 10am-5pm Sat. Open 4-8pm Thanksgiving Day. More than 200 artistically decorated trees and wreaths, hand-crafted Gingerbread Village, Little Elves’ Workshop craft area, Snapshots with Santa, entertainment, more. $5 adults, $3 ages 3-12, free to ages 2 and under. memorialsfestivaloftrees.com. 788- 4301. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Remembering Our Veterans

Nov 19, 9am-5pm Sat. Wreathlaying ceremony, eternal fl ame from Nov 11-19, “Portrait of a Soldier” showings, dedicate luminaries, more. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. 217-558- 8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Springfield Holiday Farmers Market

Nov 19, 9am-1pm Sat. At least 35 central Illinois vendors selling a wide variety of meats, fresh produce, cheese, craft beer, wine and more.

Plus kids’ activities and lunch items for purchase. Free. ilstewards.org. 217- 528-1563. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

The Polar Express Pajama Party

Nov 25-27, 5:30 Fri; 1pm, 5:30pm Sat; 3pm Sat. Pre-show party features crafts and cocoa followed by screening of The Polar Express, with a special North Pole visitor afterward. Sensoryfriendly party and showing Nov 26 at 1pm. $15 advance, $20 day of. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Fairs & Festivals

Christmas at Sugar Creek

Nov 26, 10am-3pm Sat. 60 vendors, bake sale, lunch. Free. sugarcreek. org. 483-2270. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953.

Woodhaven Hospice Festival of Trees

Nov 18-20, 5-8pm Fri, 9am-1pm Sat, 12-2:30pm Sat. Decorated trees, designer wreaths and swags, centerpieces, food and baked goods, music, entertainment, kids craft corner, more. $4 adults, $2 students, $1 ages 6 and under. jacksonvilleil. org. Masonic Temple, 345 West College, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Books & Authors

ArtLiterations

Nov 17, 5:30-7pm Sat. Courtney Wick reads an excerpt from Ted Morrissey’s novelin-progress, Mrs. Saville. Plus featured artist Bob Leffl er, music by Ocean State, more. Free. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544- 2787.

Coffee House Writing Rituals

Nov 18, 9:30-11:30am Sat. 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.

Pondicherry Lodge

Nov 19, 9am Sat. Meeting of the Sherlock Holmes Society of Springfi eld and west central Illinois. Discussion of Silver Blaze. Public welcome. sherlock.

lolopop.org. 217-546-8387. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Theater & Comedy

A Swashbuckling Sampler: Three Musketeers

Nov 19, 2pm Sat. Participants learn swashbuckling techniques and take a look at complex stage combat techniques used by LLCC Theatre. $5. Registration required. More information, 899- 9732. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Belly Laffs’ Comedy

Nov 17, 7:30pm Sat. Stand-up comedy by Chris Speyrer, Jeff Govednik, Tim Laffey and host Buddah Eskew. $5 at door. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Comedian Gonzo

Nov 25-26, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 9:30pm Sat. Relatable comic has been featured on the “Bob and Tom Show.” $14, $16. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian James Yon

Nov 19, 7:30pm Sat, 9:30pm Sat. Up-and-coming comic has been heard on satellite radio and seen on late night TV. $14, $16. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian James Yon

Nov 18-19, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 9:30pm Sat. Up-and-coming comic has been heard on satellite radio and seen on late night TV. $14, $16. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Pat Godwin

Nov 18-19, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Improvisational skills lend to quirky musings and off-thecuff remarks, performed in an endless array of musical styles. Has appeared on all top morning radio shows nationwide. $15 cash at club or prepay online. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Crimes of the Heart

Nov 18-20, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sat. Play follows three sisters awaiting news of their grandfather who is living out his last hours in the local hospital. Presented by the Springfi eld Theatre Centre. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters

Nov 22, 7pm Sat. A celebration of the mystery and splendor of Africa. Tale of Mufaro’s two daughters and the trials and tribulations the girls undergo on their journey to meet a great African king. Tickets. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Todd Yohn’s Jokes and Jams

Nov 25, 8-10:45pm Sat. Offthe-cuff remarks coupled with fresh, clever and original comedy tunes. $15. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Music: General Events

Opus 24 Presents Joy, Peace and Love

Nov 22, 7:30-8:30pm Sat. Fall concert features a variety of musical styles. Special guest Bruce Gibbons, the Heritage String Quartet and solos from recipients of Decatur Choral Society’s vocal music scholarships. $10 adults, $5 students. decaturopus.com. St. Patrick Catholic Church, 407 E. Eldorado St., Decatur, 429-5363.

Pops in the Heartland

Nov 19, 7:30pm Sat. Concert by Illinois Symphony Orchestra along with guest conductor Andrew Sewell and others special guests. Concert comments with Andrew Sewell and Sarah Lawrence at 6:30pm. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

The Mark Trammell Quartet

Nov 20, 2pm Sat. $15 advance, $17 at door. For tickets, call 697- 9889. Chatham Baptist Church, 1500 E. Walnut St., Chatham, 483-2471.

UIS Music Fall Showcase

Nov 18, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Featuring the UIS Chorus, UIS Chamber Orchestra and UIS Band. Free. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

Dance

Illinois Chapter Po.L.K. of A. Dance

Nov 20, 2-5:30pm Sat. Music by Larry Hallar. $9 members, $10 non. illinoischapterpolkofa.org. 726-0181. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St., Riverton.

Kevin Turner

Nov 18, 8-11pm Sat. Playing the Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Art & Architecture

Brown Bag Lecture

Nov 18, 12pm Sat. SAA Collective Gallery Director Corrin Smithson McWhirter on site-responsive art. Complimentary treats and coffee. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Craft Bazaar

Nov 19, 8am-2pm Sat. Hosted by the Pleasant Plains Community Club. Homemade artists, upcyclers, antiques and crafts. Plus bake sale and concessions for purchase. No admission fee. plplainscommunityclub@ gmail.com. Pleasant Plains High School, 500 N. Cartwright St., Pleasant Plains, 626-1044.

Cute Creep Exhibit

Nov 18-19, 12-6pm Fri-Sat. On display through Dec 3. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810-9278.

Paint Nite

Nov 21, 7-9pm Sat. No experience necessary. All supplies provided. $25-45. paintnite.com. Omar’s Latin Fusion Restaraunt, 6901 Preston Dr., 415-5568.

Paint Nite

Nov 17, 7pm Sat. No experience necessary. Ages 21+ only. All supplies provided. $25-45. Registration required, paintnite. com. Arlington’s, 210 Broadway St., 528-1563.

Testimony

Nov 17-19, 22-23, 29-30, 10am-5pm Tue-Wed,12- 7pm Thu-Sat. Exhibition is a testament and response to nature featuring oil and acrylic paintings by Jane Frey and inspirational photography by Bob Leffl er. On display through Dec 1. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Film & Television

Babette’s Feast

Nov 18, 7-8:45pm Sat. Part of Fall 2016 Foreign and Independent Film Series. Free. uis.edu/studentlife. 217-206- 4703. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Through a Different Lens Film Series

Nov 17, 6-9pm Sat. Unique fi lms and discussion. Free. llccfoundation.org. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200. Children’s Corner

An American Ice Princess and Her Doll

Nov 20, 12-2pm Sat. Fall skating event and tea party featuring tea, hot chocolate and elegant desserts. $15. sfsc4u. com. 217-753-2800. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Remarkable Raptors Family Event

Nov 19, 11am-3pm Sat. Educational games, activities and crafts for children in celebration of birds of prey. Live bird programs at 11:30am and 1:30pm. $5 adults, free to museum members and others. museum.state.il.us. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Nature

Let’s Talk Turkey

Nov 17, 7-8pm Sat. PhD student at the University of Illinois Christine Parker discusses current turkey research in Illinois. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings

Chatham VFW Dinner & Meeting

Nov 21, 5-8pm Sat. 217-414- 9637. Chatham VFW, 501 W. Mulberry St., Chatham, 483- 4613.

Church Women United

Nov 22, 9:30am Sat. Speaker Sharon Brown discusses the Kumler United Methodist Church Pantry. CWU is a racially-diverse ecumenical women’s movement open to all women seeking to promote fellowship, prayer, justice and world peace. 217-629-8881. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

GriefShare

Nov 23, 6:30pm Sat. 13-week grief recovery program utilizes video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Registration, 414-0126 or griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Roundtable

Nov 17, 6pm Sat. Civil War storyteller Don Chamberlain on “How Railroads Cost the Confederacy the Civil War.” Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Overeaters Anonymous

Nov 21, 5:30pm Sat. 12-step meeting. Mondays. 217-369- 0386. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Overeaters Anonymous

Nov 19, 10am Sat. 12-step meeting. Saturdays. 217-369- 0386. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Sertoma Club

Nov 21, 12pm Sat. 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.

Springfield ICON Monthly Meeting

Nov 21, 6:30-8:30pm Sat. Topics to be announced. Springfi eldICON.org. 217- 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Bulletin Board

Annual Cookie Walk and Craft Sale

Nov 19, 8am-3pm Sat. Homemade cookies and candies along with fi ne art and handcrafted items will be for sale. Free. springfi eldceramicsandcraftsclub.org. Springfi eld Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfi eld St.

APL Pet Adoption

Nov 25, Cats and dogs 11am- 4pm. apl-shelter.org. 217-544- 7387. Farm and Home Supply, 3030 Wabash Ave.

Business After Hours

Nov 17, 4:30-7pm Sat. Connect with other area professionals and gain exposure for your business in a casual atmosphere. $5 chamber members, $15 non. 217-525- 1173. Central Counties Health Centers, Inc., 2239 E. Cook St., 788-2311.

PFLAG Monthly Meeting

Nov 21, 7pm Sat. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Share the Love Nov 19, 10am-2:30pm Sat. Meet and greet homeless pets during this adoption event featuring Sangamon County Animal Control animals. Free. friendsofac.org. 217-725-5788. Green Subaru, 3801 Wabash Ave.

Small Business Saturday

Nov 26, 9am-2pm Sat. Visit with Santa and elf, enjoy snacks, specials, singalong with carolers, more. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Springfield Railroad Society, Inc.

Nov 19, 4pm Sat. Watch passenger and freight trains travel around a 4-scale mile layout representing the Joliet to Brooklyn route. Free. Washington Park Pavilion, 1400 Williams Blvd, 544-1751.

Food

Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Nov 17, 5:45-7:30pm Sat. 618- 525-0975. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth St., 522-4313.

History

Civil War Saturdays

Nov 19, 1pm, 3pm Sat. Living history re-enactor Dave Eisle portrays George Meade, who led Union forces to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg. Free, but $5 per person donation suggested. illinois.gov/ihpa. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Civil War Saturdays

Nov 26, 1pm, 3pm Sat. Reenactor Troy Gilmore portrays a Union soldier during the Civil War. Free, but $5 per person donation suggested. illinois. gov/ihpa. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785- 9363.

Auditions

Capital City Men’s Chorus

Nov 20, 5:30-7pm Sat. Open fall rehearsals for men’s chorus. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

Health

Cancer Companions

Nov 21, 6:30-8pm Sat. Nineweek session hosted by Bringing Hope to the Journey, a ministry to current or former cancer patients, their loved ones, friends and co-workers. oursaviors-church.org. Our Savior’s Church and School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

DBSA Central Illinois Support Group

Nov 22, 6:30-8pm Sat. 217- 816-8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528- 3407.

Faith & Philosophy

A Course in Miracles

Nov 22, 6pm Sat. 217-415- 5823. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Expressing Gratitude, Great Small

Nov 20, 10:30-11:30am Sat. Presentation along with refl ections by Rev. Martin Woulfe and Paula Brayden. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Labyrinth Walk

Nov 18, 7-9pm Sat. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

Springfield Jr. Blues

Nov 25, 6:05-9:05pm Sat. Springfi eld Junior Blues vs. Topeka RoadRunners. $6 adults, $5 students with ID, $4 ages 12 and under. 702-985- 5270. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Cookies and Cocoa Dash

Nov 26, 9-11am Sat. Enjoy two cocoa and cookie stops along the 5K race route. Hosted by Nestle, Triple Threat Training and Jacksonville Main Street. $25 for ages 10 and up, free for ages 9 and under. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Gobble Wobble

Nov 24, 7am Sat. Zumba workout. $5 donation. Springfi eld YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Gobble Wobble

Nov 24, 7am Sat. Ultimate workout. $5 donation. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

MMRD/CCH Fresh Meat Program

Nov 22, 7-9pm Sat. 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.

Tradition Night

Nov 26, 5:05-8:05pm Sat. Celebration of local food traditions along with ice hockey game featuring the Springfi eld Junior Blues vs. Topeka RoadRunners. Tickets at door: $12 adult, $8 for ages 12 and under. 702-985-5270. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

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

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