art

Decatur Airport Exhibit – August 1-31
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. The works of Leta Burch exhibited, 6am-10pm, free, 422-1509.

Library Exhibit – August 1-31
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. The works of Jessica Disbrow exhibited, library hours, free, 422-1509.

After 5 Live – August 4
Blue Connection Art Gallery, Madden Arts Center, 117 N. Water St. Featuring Millikin alumna spotlight artist Katie Hinton, live music, refreshments, 5-7p, free, 428-0112.

Arts Council Exhibit – August 5-30
Opening Reception - August 4
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. John Hayes’ abstract paintings exhibited. Opening reception 8/4 5-7pm, meet the artist, hors d’oeuvres, free. General exhibit hours M-F 9am-4pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 423-3189.

First Friday – August 13
Gallery 510 Exhibit – August 13-31
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring Rae Nell Spencer’s watercolors, refreshments, 5:30-7:30pm, free. General exhibit viewing, Tu-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 422-1509.

21 Film Project Movie Screening & Awards – August 28
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Land of Lincoln Credit Union screens the Top 20 films from its 21 Film Project movie contest and announces winners, 4-8pm, $, 875-3823.

Decatur Airport Exhibit – September 1-30
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. Featuring Barbara Dove’s oil paintings, 6am-10pm, free, 422-1509.

Library Exhibit – September 1-30
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. The works of Sharon Zimmerman exhibited, library hours, free, 422-1509.

After 5 Live – September 3
Blue Connection Art Gallery, Madden Arts Center, 117 N. Water St. Featuring spotlight artist Tonya Greve, live music, refreshments, 5-7:30pm, 6:30pm artist talk, free, 428-0112.

First Friday – September 3
Gallery 510 Exhibit – September 3-30
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring Barbara Dove’s oil paintings, refreshments, 5:30-7:30pm, free. General exhibit viewing, Tu-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 422-1509.

Arts Council Exhibit – September 4-28
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. George Nichols: Then & Now Exhibit featuring photos from 1960-2010, M-F 9am-4pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 423-3189.

Arts in Central Park – September 17-19
Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Annual juried fine arts fair featuring over 70 artists’ works in varied media, live musical entertainment, Kids Art Shoppe, F 5-7pm, Sa 10am-5pm & Kids Art Activities 11am-4pm, Su 10am-4pm & Kids Art Activities 11am-3pm, free admission, 423-3189.

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concerts

Decatur Magazine’s Blues in Central Park – August 19
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. The Groove Hogs perform at the finale summer event for the Blues in Central Park concert series, sponsored by Decatur Magazine, BBQ and beer, bring a lawn chair, 6pm vendors open, 7-10pm concert, free, $ for vendors, 423-0422. For more about Decatur Magazine’s 10th Anniversary Blues in Central Park concert series, click here.

Decatur Municipal Band –August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Central Park, band shell, Downtown Decatur. The 153rd annual summer concert season for the Decatur Municipal Band continues in the park, bring lawn chairs, M’s 7-9pm, free, 358-5678.

Shape Note Singers – August 29
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. The Charleston-Mattoon Sacred Harp Singers perform their unique music, everyone invited to participate, 2-4pm, free, 423-7708.

September Sunset Saturdays – September
Long Creek Vineyards, 7185 E. Firehouse Rd. Sunset music by popular area bands, Sa’s 3pm, $, 571-0052.

Blues Band Competition - September 2
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. The Decatur Blues Society hosts the first local blues band competition to award the winner to compete in the Memphis Blues Jam next February. Food & beverage vendors open at 6pm, bands start playing at 7pm. 423-7000.

Labor Day Pops Concert – September 6
Nelson Park, Lakeside Amphitheatre, 200 Nelson Blvd. Celebrate summer’s end with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s 14th annual family concert on the lake, boaters welcome to listen from the water, 6pm, free, 424-6318.

Don’t Walk in My Shoes: A Daughter Remembers Her Mother’s Past – August 11
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Dorothy Allen’s intriguing memories and biography compiled by author and daughter Jeannie L. Rhodes, 6:30pm, free, 424-2900 ext. 7.

Fire on the Prairie – September 16
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Ed LeCrone presents this fictional book showcasing Central Illinois in an historical re-examination of the Civil War and its strong ties to Decatur, 7pm, free, 424-2900 ext. 7.

Robert Allerton: The Private Man and the Public Gifts – September 25
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Maureen Holtz, who co-authored the book with fellow Monticello resident Martha Burgin, presents the story of Chicago’s Richest Bachelor of 1906, Robert Allerton, well-known for Allerton Park, 7pm, free, 424-2900 ext. 7.

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nature & gardens

Prairie Celebration – September 11-12
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Family festival with wagon rides, nature and astronomy programs, hikes, blue grass music, 19th century artisans, and more, Sa 11am-5pm, Su 12-4pm, free admission, 423-7708.

Family Hikes – August & September
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln., free, 423-7708.
8/14 – Family Fun: Habitat Mania, 1:30pm
8/21 – Dances with Dragonflies, 2pm
8/28 – River Ramble, 10am
9/18 – Family Fun: Fungus Among Us, 1pm
9/25 – Prairie, Prairie Bright & Gold, 10am
9/26 – Owl Prowl, 7pm

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events for children, teens, & families

74th Annual Lantern Parade – August 4
Fairview Park, Dreamland Lake. Display and parade of handmade lanterns created by the children of the summer playground recreation programs, Decatur Park Singers concert and picnic, 7pm, free, 422-5911.

Little Theatre on the Square Children’s Theatre – August
16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, IL, 10:30am, $, (217) 728-7375.
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland – August 6-7, 10, 12-14

Stick With Your Kids – August 28
Decatur Civic Center, #1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Project Success’s 10th annual back to school showcase for children and their families, 65 booths, games, door prizes, entertainment, parade 10:30am starts at Ameren, Civic Center Showcase 11am-1pm, free, 421-8074.

Grandparents Day at Scovill Zoo – September 12
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. An old-fashioned fall festival with animal presentations, entertainment, cake walks, hula hoops, and Chicken Bingo, 1-4pm, $, 421-7435.

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sports, health & fitness

USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic – through August 8
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. USTA Men’s Futures event bringing tennis players from over 20 countries competing for ATP World Ranking Points and $10,000 in prize money, 8/1 Junior Pro Am, 8/2 Adult Pro Am, 8/6 Kids’ Day, hours vary based on matches, spectators free, 421-7020.

Family Golf Sundays – August 1, 8 & 15
Red Tail Run Golf Club, 520 W. Grove Rd. Families play 9 holes of golf with one cart at discounted rate, at least one adult must accompany juniors, after 2:30pm, $, 422-2211.

TEAM Soy Decatur Junior Open Golf championship – August 3-4
Scovill Golf Course, 3909 W. Main St. and Hickory Point Golf Course, 727 W. Weaver Rd., Forsyth. Golfers ages 4-21 showcase their skills in the annual Championship, free to spectators, 429-6243.

Tuesday Night Park Runs – August 3 & 10
Fairview Park Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Weekly family event includes a half-mile Tot Trot, one-mile fun run, or runs of various distances up to 7 miles, for all ages and skill levels, prize drawings, registration 5:30pm, runs 6pm, $, 429-3472.

Family Golf Night/Pro Tips – August 4 & 11
Red Tail Run Learning Center, 520 W. Grove Rd. Low-key golf instruction for all skill levels and ages, golf pros available for instruction, fee includes unlimited range balls, 6-8pm, $, 422-2211.

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festivals, food & fairs

25th Annual Decatur Celebration – August 5-8
Downtown Decatur, 22 blocks. Illinois’ largest free family street festival featuring 11 free show stages with national headliners, carnival, 100 arts and crafts vendors, 40 commercial vendors, 79 one-of-a-kind food items, street attractions, special activities just for kids, Razzle-Dazzle Good Times Parade Sa 10am, Th 4-11pm, F 5-11pm, Sa 10am-11pm, Su 11am-9:30pm, free admission, 423-4222.

Farmer’s Market - August & September
Central Park, downtown Decatur, Saturdays from 8am-Noon. Farm fresh produce grown by local farmers. Get there early!

Fresh Produce Market – August & September
Richland Community College, Shilling Parking Lot, 1 College Park. Richland Student Farms sells fresh fruits and vegetables grown by students and local farmers, Sa’s 7am-12pm, 875-7211 ext. 562.

Street Party Saturdays - August 28 and September 25
The fun starts at 5:30pm and downtown Decatur is the place to go for food, music and brews as Robbies, Katz and the Lincoln Lounge close down Merchant Street to host monthly themed parties. 423-0448.

Her Party in Style - September 23
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. Her Magazine celebrates the kick-off of Fashion Week in Decatur with an extravagant Runway Style Show, makeovers and tips on how to look good and feel good - both inside and out! 5:00-7:30pm. Get your free ticket at www.decaturmagazine.com/her/events.htm

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Mark your calendars for these charity events in the Decatur area.

Dog Days of Summer – August 28
Long Creek Vineyards, 7185 E. Firehouse Rd. Wine tasting, specialty beers, food, silent auction, music provided by Soul Purpose, proceeds benefit Homeward Bound Pet Shelter, a no-kill pet facility and job training program for people with disabilities, must be 21 to attend, 3-8pm, $, 875-1910 ext. 880.

Zoo-rific Evening at Scovill Zoo – August 28
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Decatur Parks Foundation’s safari-style event features specialty beverages and hors d’oeuvres located at stations throughout the zoo, fabulous music, animal demonstrations, auction of animal artwork and much more, proceeds used to fund future exhibits at Scovill Zoo, 6:30-9:30pm, $, 422-5911.

ARTini NIGHT and 30x30 Art Auction – August 31
Paco’s Sol Bistro, 237 N. Main St. Receive a hand-painted martini glass that includes a martini or other beverage, mashed potato bar, silent auction for 30 pieces of art, 50/50 raffle, proceeds benefit Gallery 510 Arts Guild, 5:30-7:30pm, $, 422-1509.

Cruise 11 – September 11
Nelson Park, 200 Nelson Blvd. Car and bike show and cruise, in memory of 9/11, Elvis tribute band, vendors, proceeds to the WWII Memorial & Operation Santa, 9am-10pm, free to spectators, 791-1385.

Mini Jazz Fest Allstars – September 19
Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, 4191 W. US Hwy 36. Juvae Jazz Society presents Bob Draga, Jeff Barnhart, Dave Tatrow, Danny Coots, Steve Woerner, Cody Henry, and Ed Clark’s Party of Five, food included in ticket price, proceeds benefit the Central Illinois Jazz Festival 2011, 2-7pm, advance tickets recommended, $, 546-1363 or 877-4527.

Rockin’ Back to School – September 24
Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St. Project Success’s annual casual and fun evening of rock and roll with the music of Rock of Ages, live and silent auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, Homecoming King and Queen coronation, proceeds support Project Success programs to help at-risk children succeed in school, 7-11pm, $, reservations required, 421-8074.

Banquet for Life – September 28
Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, 4191 W US Highway 36. New Life Pregnancy Center presents dinner and pro-life speaker, proceeds to New Life Pregnancy Center’s operating expenses, 6:30pm, business attire, reservations required, 872-5556.

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For information on how to include your fund-raising event in the Charity Datebook,
contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: potter@decaturmagazine.com or call 217-423-0422.