Submit calendar listings at www.illinoistimes.com or e-mail to [email protected] or send them to: Calendar P.O. Box 5256 Springfield, IL 62705 Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending the event.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Hill Prairie BBQ Festival Jul 11-12, 12pm, Music under the pavilion, bring a lawn chair. BBQ provided by Hickory River Smokehouse. No coolers, food, drinks or pets allowed. $5. Hill Prairie Winery, Route 97. http://www.hillprairiewinery.com/
Capital City Bicentennial Celebration & Taste of Downtown Jul 3-4, Free family event features a variety of Lincoln-era and contemporary entertainment, interactive children’s activities, fireworks and more. Taste of Downtown features ethnic, regional and classic food and beverage items and the Miller Lite American Music Show. Downtown Springfield or visit www.downtownspringfield.org
Cruisin’ Downtown Jul 11, 11am-11pm, Celebrate nostalgia with over 500 cars at Decatur’s original classic and custom car show. 2 stages, a giant movie screen and an Arts & Crafts Fair. Central Park, Downtown Decatur
Fireworks Extravaganza Jul 4, 9:30-10:30pm, One of the area’s most popular fireworks displays. Free. Knight’s Action Park. For info, call 546- 8881.
Fourth of July Celebration Jul 4, 2pm, Family oriented event with games, face painting, dunk tank, food and drinks. Fireworks over Lake Springfield at dusk. Lori Frankie and the Miles Nation Band 7-11 p.m. Disabled American Veterans, Lake Area 25. For more info, call Eric Huckaby at 331-8842.
Lakeside Music & Arts Festival: Red, White and Blues Jul 4-5, Live music, art and cuisine, fireworks, children’s activities. Highlighted this year are red and white wines and blues music. Nelson Park, 200 Nelson Blvd, Decatur
Morgan County Fair Jul 7-12, Country star Billy Corrington, queen contest, entertainment, carnival, talent show, rodeo, truck and tractor pulls and more. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate
Rock the Dock Jul 3, 6pm-1am, Central Illinois largest fireworks display launched from barges over Lake Springfield. Music, food and refreshments. Springfield Lake Marina. For more info, call 483-3625.
Sparks in the Park Jul 3-5, Three day Fourth of July Celebration. Carnival, concessions, music, parade, contests. Rochester Community Park, West Main or visit www.rochesteril.gov
Springfield Jaycees Capital Street Celebration Jul 3, 5pm-12am and Jul 4, 11am-12am, Food vendors, rock climbing, giant mazes and inflatables. Recycled Records/Game Crazy Wii Rock Band Qualifications. Fri: Refuse Life 7pm, Rod Stewart tribute by Steve Bobbitt and XCrush 8pm. Sat: Wii Rock Band Winner performance, Groove Daddies 7pm and The Boat Drunks, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band at 8pm.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Historical Fiction Reading Group Jul 8, 12pm, Discuss reader’s choice, a historical fiction book that you enjoyed and would like to share with others. For more info, call 753-4900, ext 206. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St or visit http://www.lincolnlibrary.info/.
THEATER & COMEDY
Forever This Land Jul 3-5, 9-12, 8pm, A musical based on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. $12-$7. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem or visit www.theatreinthepark.net
Oklahoma Jul 10, 7:30-9:45pm, Musical, young ranch and farm hands struggle for the affections of the local girls. Cast entirely Decatur area high school students. $15. Decatur Civic Center Theatre. For info, call 422-7300.
The Producers Jun 26-Jul 5, No July 4 show. Musical comedy follows two producers who attempt to get rich quick by over selling interest in a broadway flop. $10. Directed by Doug Hahn and Gary Shull.
