FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Great Neighbor Ceremony Aug 12, 2-2:30pm Sat. Ceremony honors the fi ve winners (out of 500 submissions) of Tractor Supply Company’s “Great Neighbor” Essay Contest for 4-H and FFA students. TractorSupply.com. 615-385-1100. Illinois State Fairgrounds Commodities Pavilion, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782- 6661.

Illinois State Fair Aug 10-20. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, midway, exhibits and more. Admission. illinois.gov/ statefair. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Litchfield Pickers Market Aug 13, 9am-3pm Sun. Open-air market specializes in vendors featuring items prior to 1980. Plus live music, food, more. Free admission. visitlitchfi eld.com. Downtown Litchfi eld, 400 North State St., Litchfi eld, 866-733-5833.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Poets in the Parlor Aug 13, 2-4pm Sun. Teen summer camp participants read new fi ction and poetry. Free. vachelindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

SPW Open Mic Aug 16, 6-8pm Wed. A Springfi eld Poets and Writers event. Hosted by Thea Chesley, third Wednesday of every month. Free. 544-3611. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 528-1901.

THEATER & COMEDY

ART Aug 11-13, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A staged reading of the Tony Award-winning play by Yasmina Reza. Translated by Christopher Hampton. $14, $16. hcfta.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Belly Laffs’ Joke Lab Aug 10, 7:30pm Thu. Featuring 10 performers. Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Grease Aug 11-13, 16-20, 8-11pm. 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey with additional songs written by John Farrar. Tickets: $15 and $17 reserved, $10 and $12 lawn. themuni. org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793- MUNI.

MUSIC:

GENERAL EVENTS

Alabama, Neal McCoy Aug 16, 7:30pm Wed. Country concert. Alabama has 42 #1 singles to their credit. Neil McCoy is a twotime entertainer of the year. $38-59.

illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782- 6661.

Brad Paisley, Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant, Lindsay Ell Aug 13, 7pm Sun. Country concert. $45- 65. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Chase Rice, Runaway June, Chris Cavanagh Aug 11, 7:30pm Fri. Country concert. $13-33. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Concerts in the Park Aug 13, 6pm Sun. Featuring Two by Two. Hosted by Pilot Club of Jacksonville. BYO blanket or lawn chairs. Free. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Dennis Darling Aug 10, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Artist on the Plaza outdoor concert series presented by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Fleming Academy of Performing Arts Aug 12, 12pm Sat. Familyfriendly concert featuring violin and piano performances. Free. fl emingacademy.com. 787- 6556. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Foghat Aug 10, 8pm Thu. Classic rock group known for “Slow Ride” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” Free. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Aug 14, 7:30pm Mon. British invasion group known for “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am.” Free. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Lincoln Troubadours Aug 11, 1-2pm Fri. Lincoln-era music by a talented young group of a capella singers. Free. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Messengers for Christ Aug 15, 12-1pm Tue. Part of the Artist on the Plaza outdoor concert series presented by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Music at the Museum Aug 10, 7-9pm Thu. Concert featuring blues and roots music duo Joe Filisko and Eric Noden. $10 adults, $8 museum members and children under 8. illinoisstatemuseum. org. 782-0061. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Pentatonix Aug 12, 7:30pm Sat. Fivemember American a cappella group known for pop-style arrangements. $32-52. illinois. gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Structural Art Unstructured Music Aug 12, 7pm Sat. Hosted by Jeff Williams. Event features the STRUCTURE art exhibition plus live jazz from End Times Trio. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Sublime with Rome, Blues Traveler Aug 15, 7:30pm Tue. Two American rock bands that draw from a wide variety of infl uences.

$17-37. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

DANCE

Dance for Hope Aug 11, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Ballroom dance every second Friday of the month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106. Sock Hop Aug 12, 6-8pm Sat. hickoryglenil. com. Hickory Glen Senior Living, 1700 W. Washington St., 793- 0431.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Inspired by the Gardens Aug 10-12, 15-19, 10am-5pm Tue-Wed, 12-7pm Thu-Sat. Exhibition celebrates the 75th year of Lincoln Memorial Gardens. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

My Abstract Life Aug 10-31. Art exhibition by Jan Sorenson Hill. On display through Aug 31. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793.

Opening Art Receptions Aug 11, 6-8:30pm Fri. Opening receptions for “Dominus,” “Exchange Between” and STNDRD. On display through Sep 2. demoprojectspace.com. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Speaking in Decay Opening Reception Aug 11, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Exhibition featuring 2D and 3D artworks that incorporate, manipulate, coax or synthesize the superfi cial or conceptual aspects of patina, corrosion and other forms of weathering. On display through Aug 26. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

FILM & TELEVISION

Short Films Aug 10, 6:30-8pm Thu. Award-winning and favorite short fi lms from past Route 66 Film Festivals. Free. route66fi lmfestival.net. 544- 3611. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 522-4049.

The Smallest Show on Earth Aug 13, 7-9pm Sun. 1957 British fi lm about a young couple who inherit a debt-ridden old movie theater and the three eccentric senior citizens who work there. BYO folding chair. $10. eventbrite.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Back to School Event Aug 10, 1-4pm Thu. Resource fair and kids learn-and-play event featuring giveaways of children’s backpacks, shoes and haircuts. Preregistration required. Free. Contact Ministries, 1100 E. Adams St., 753-3939.

Back to School Solutions Aug 14, 7pm Mon.

Interactive presentation designed to help families start the school year on the right foot. Free. blossomingchildren.com. Engrained Brewing Company, 1120 Lincolnshire Blvd., 546- 3054.

Make and Take Friendship Bracelets Aug 11, 7-9pm Fri. Create your own friendship bracelets with your tween. BYO snacks and drinks. $10 including materials. pagetwosixtyone.com. page261, 1340 State St. (Carriage House), 815-931-8841.

Make and Take Paper Flowers Aug 10-11, 10:30-11:30am Thu-Fri. Help your toddler create a beautiful paper fl ower bouquet. Materials provided. $10. pagetwosixtyone.com. page261, 1340 State St. (Carriage House), 815-931-8841.

Make and Take Potato Painting Aug 16-18, 10:30-11:30am Wed, 10:30-11:30am Thu, 1:30-2:30pm Fri. Create original paintings using paint, potatoes, and other tools. $10 includes materials. pagetwosixtyone. com. page261, 1340 State St. (Carriage House), 815-931- 8841.

Pizza and Splash Pad Aug 12. Enjoy a pizza lunch and splash pad fun. Bring your swimsuit and towel. $5 residents, $7 non. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

NATURE

Region 9 American Iris Society Plant Sale Aug 12, 9am-12pm Sat. Annual plant sale features beautiful iris at fabulous prices. Hosted by the Region 9 American Iris Society. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Tabletop Terrariums Aug 12, 10-11:30am Sat. Learn how to makes a healthy terrarium with hands-on guidance from experts. $20 per person; includes all supplies. Reservations. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

AARP Chapter 195 Aug 14, 11am Mon. Presentation by Sue Castles of the Illinois Assistive Technology Program at 1pm. Business meeting at 2pm. Lunch available for $6. 529- 9763. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Aug 15, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meeting. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo. com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Brown Bag Lecture Series Aug 16, 12-1pm Wed. Bring your lunch and enjoy a different speaker and topic each month. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 0061. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Program Aug 16, 6:30-8pm Wed. A 14- week program built around video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Cost of book. griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

ISM Brown Bag Lecture Aug 16, 12-1pm Wed. “Prelude to the Prairie” presented by Joe Wheeler, US Forest Service. BYO lunch. Free. illinoisstatemuseum. org. 782-0061. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785- 0037.

NAMI Springfield Aug 16, 7pm Wed. Meetings fi rst Saturday (1pm) and third Wednesday (7pm) of the month. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. Questions, 522-3571. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

BULLETIN BOARD

Academy for Lifelong Learning Summer Kickoff Aug 10, 1-3:30pm Thu. Showcase of learning opportunities for ages 50+. Featuring an ice cream social and music by Chris Vallillo. Free. llcc.edu. 786-2432. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

APL Pet Adoptions Aug 12, 11am-2pm Sat. Cats Aug 16, 4-7pm Wed. Every Wednesday May-Oct. Sponsored by Jacksonville Main Street. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. 245-6884. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Jacksonville Farmers Market Aug 10, 12, 15, 7am-12pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Oct. jaxfresh.org. Lincoln Square, Jacksonville.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Aug 12, 16, 8am-12:30pm. Shop local produce, meats, cheeses and more. Entertainment on Saturdays includes chef demonstrations, live performances, activities and more. Free admission. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544- 1723.

HEALTH

Alzheimer’s Association Scavenger Hunt Aug 12, 5:30-8pm Sat. Sponsored by Team GG Always on My Mind for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. $10 per person. alz. org. Taylor Springs Community Center, 626 E. Main St., Taylor Springs, 726-5184.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Global Leadership Summit Aug 10-11, 8am-5pm Thu-Fri. Learn how to maximize your infl uence. willowcreek.com. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Interfaith Devotional Service Aug 13, 12-1:30pm Sun. Second Sunday of every month. Light refreshments served. Free. 546- 9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Life After Death: Heaven? Hell? Purgatory? Aug 11, 7-8pm Fri. Short program followed by discussion. Public invited. Refreshments. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

My Irresponsible Search Aug 13, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Andy Grizzle, seminarian. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Bike and Hike Days Aug 13, 8am-3pm Sun. Enjoy safe recreation and minimized vehicular traffi c. Hosted by Springfi eld Park District. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.

TIP 5K Fun Run/Walk Aug 12, 8:30-11am Sat.

$25 adults, $10 children 12 and under. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440.

Yoga and Wine Aug 12, 5:30-7:30pm Sat. One hour of yoga led by Betsy Link followed by two glasses of wine and appetizers. BYO mat. Ages 21+ only. $25. westofwise.com. West of Wise Winery, 14096 State Highway 97, Petersburg, 632-6003.

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

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