art

Decatur Airport Exhibit – June 1-30
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring works of Nicole Christison, 6am-10pm, free, 422-1509.

Library Exhibit – June 1-30
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring paintings by the late Marge Pettypool, library hours, free, 422-1509.

Arts Council Exhibit – June 5-July 31
Opening Reception – June 5
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Aquarela do Brasil: Brasil from North to South, featuring paintings by Brazilian painter Totonho, artist’s reception 6/5 7-10pm with live music of Brazilian musician Zeu Lobo and sample native cuisine and drink, free.ÊGeneral exhibit hours M-W & F 9am-4pm, Th 9am-7pm, Sa 10am-4pm, free, 423-3189.

First Friday – June 5
Gallery 510 Exhibit – June 5-27
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring Sharon Zimmerman’s oil paintings, and a mix of original African art, refreshments, 5:30-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours, Tu-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 422-1509.

Decatur Airport Exhibit – July 1-31
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring the works of Brenda Bunch, 6am-10pm, free, 422-1509.

Library Exhibit – July 1-31
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Richard Colbeck’s drawings, library hours, free, 422-1509.

Arts Council Exhibit – July 3-July 31
Opening Reception – July 3
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. A mix of original art from Spain and Portugal, and Mary Cleave’s oil paintings, artists reception 7/3, 5-8pm, refreshments, artist talk 6:30pm, free (regular exhibit hours M-W & F 9am-4pm, Th 9am-7pm, Sa 10am-4pm, free, 423-3189.)

First Friday – July 10
Gallery 510 Exhibit – July 3-25
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. & Downtown Decatur. First Friday opening reception during the Gallery Walk, featuring Mary Cleave’s art, refreshments, 5-8pm, artist talks at 5:45 & 7:15pm, free. General exhibit viewing, Tu-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 422-1509.

Totonho Live – July 30
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Internationally known Brazilian artist Totonho paints in the gallery where his works are on exhibit, refreshments, 5-7:30pm, free, 423-3189.

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concerts

Decatur Magazine’s Blues in Central Park – June 18 & July 16
Central Park in Downtown Decatur. Kenny Neal performs June 18, and Nick Moss and the Fliptops headline on July 16. BBQ and beer, vendors open at 6pm, concert 7-10pm, free, $ for vendors, 423-3475.
Blues in Central Park Summer '09 special section, click here.

Decatur Municipal Band Concerts – June and July
Downtown Decatur, Central Park Bandstand - Mondays 7-9pm
Fairview Park Large Pavilion - Sundays 6-7pm
free, 358-5678.

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comedy, musical theatre & dance

Showcase 2009 – June 6
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St.,Sullivan. Meet the cast and crew of The 2009 Little Theatre On The Square summer season, $, (217) 728-7375.

Singin’ in the Rain – June 10-2
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St.,Sullivan, $, (217) 728-7375.

Leaving Iowa – June 11-13 & 18-20
Civic Center Theatre, #1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. A heart-warming comedy, presented by Jedemi Productions, 7:30pm, $, 422-6161.

Cinderella – June 12-20
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, $, (217) 728-7375.

The Wedding Singer – June 24-July 5
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, $, (217) 728-7375.

Funny Girl – July 8-19
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, $, (217) 728-7375.

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians – July 10-18
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, $, (217) 728-7375.

Oklahoma – July 10-12
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, #1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Featuring local high school talent and presented by Jedemi/Triple Threat Productions, F & Sa 7:30pm, Su 2pm, $, 422-6161.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas – July 22-August 2
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, $, (217) 728-7375.

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youth performing arts

Decatur Park Singers Concerts
Free, check for times and schedule changes 422-8535 or www.decatur-parks.org
June 9 – Rotary Park
June 7 – Keystone Meadows
June 13 – Knights of Columbus
June 19 – Millikin Homestead
June 20 – Northwest Christian Church
June 24 – South Shores
June 30 – Sinawik Park
July 4 – Nelson Park
July 8 – Children’s Museum of Illinois
July 10 – Monroe Park
July 12 – Hess Park
July 14 – Cresthaven Park
July 19 – Scovill Zoo
July 20 – Oak Grove Park
July 22 – Kiwanis Park
July 29 – Mueller Park
August 5 – Fairview Park

B.O.S.S. in Central Park – July 17
Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 170 N. Merchant St. Preview performance of the Best of Summer Stock, 12pm, free, 422-5911.

B.O.S.S. Performances – July 24-26
Civic Center Theatre, #1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. First through eighth-graders perform their finale revue, 7/24 & 7/25 7pm, 7/25 & 7/26 2pm, $, 422-5911.

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history & museums

Bethel School Open House – June 6 & July 4
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13723 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco, 1-4pm, free, 423-7708.

Shadows of Lincoln Festival – June 6
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. Walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, 10am-4pm, free, 423-3475.

Mills, Merrills, or Nine Men’s Morris – June 7
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn to play this old time game, 2-4pm, free, 423-7708.

Disease, Wounds and Hygiene: The Medical Side of the Civil War – June 13
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St. Presented by historian Glenna R. Schroeder-Lein, 2pm, $, free to Oglesby members, 423-7708.

Dulcimer Music – June 13, 27 & July 11, 25
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln., 10am, free, 423-7708.

Rendezvous at Rock Springs – June 13-14
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Visit a fur traders’ encampment and see demonstrations of pioneer crafts and activities, 10am-4pm, free, 423-7708.

Old Time Music Jams – June 14 & July 12
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln., 1-4pm free, 423-7708.

Vintage Baseball – June 20, 25, 27 & July 18
Rock Springs Nature Center, Trobaugh Field, 3939 Nearing Ln. or otherwise noted. Watch the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels challenge their opponents during home baseball matches, around/about 1pm on 6/20 & 7/18, 6pm 6/25 at South Shores Park, around 3pm on 6/27, free, 423-7708.

Marbles: A Timeless Toy – June 21
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Presented by local collector Ed Brewer, 2-4pm, free, 423-7708.

Independence Day 1860 – June 27
Rock Springs Nature Center, Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Ln. Old-fashioned celebration of our nation’s birthday, 12-4pm, free, 423-7708.

19th Century Wedding Dresses – June 28
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St. Display and presentation by Nancy Torgerson, 2-4pm, 423-7708.

Old Time Chores: Knots for Kids – July 5
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn how to make some common rope knots, 2-4pm, free, 423-7708.

Illinois Springs: A Historic Perspective – July 19
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Presented by geologist and author Philip Reed, book signing follows, 2pm, free, 423-7708.

Ice Cream Social – July 25
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St. Celebrate Governor Oglesby’s 185th birthday with an old fashioned ice cream social, 2pm, $, free to Oglesby members, 423-7708.

Native Peoples in Illinois – July 25-Sept. 18
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Traveling exhibit, Nature Center hours, free, 423-7708.

19th Century Coins – July 26
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St. View the 19th century coin collection of Bill Walters during the Mansion’s Open House, 2-4pm, 423-7708.

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nature & gardens

Family Hikes and Nature Programs – June & July
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln., free, 423-7708.
June 20 – Picnic in the Pines, bring lunch, 12pm
June 21 – Family Walkabout, 3pm
June 28 – Creek Walk, wear long pants & old shoes, 2pm
July 18 – Bats in the Barn, 7pm
July 19 – Going In Seining, bring change of clothes, 2pm
July 25 – Morning Meander, 10am
July 26 – Sea of Grass Hike, 2pm

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events for children & families

Fishing Clinics – June 7
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. For kids ages 6-10, bring your own pole or use one of Rock Springs’, 1pm, free, reservations required 423-7708.

IDNR Fishing Clinics – June 8-August 7
Fairview Park Pavilion. Free fishing clinics for youth ages 15 and under, fishing license not required, children must be accompanied by an adult, M’s-F’s (except 7/4) 9-11:30am or 1-3:30pm, free, registration, 422-5911.

Big Hats & Breakfast Bites – June 13
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Decorate your hat and enjoy a tea party, young ladies ages 3-7 must be accompanied by a paying adult, 8:30-10am, $, 423-5437.

Children’s Workshop: The Fox Behind the Chatterbox: A Cautionary Tale About Internet Safety – June 13
Decatur Public Library, Library Annex, 130 N. Franklin St. Educational program presented by author Anne Matalonis,, 2pm, free, 424-2900 x.7.

A Pirate Life for Me – June 16
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Parents and children ages 3-11 come dressed in pirate gear, children under age 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult, 6-8pm, $, 423-5437.

Build it Breakfast – June 20
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. For boys ages 3-7, must be accompanied by a paying adult, 8:30-10am, $, 423-5437.

Scovill Zoo’s Family Fun Day with Dad – June 21
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Celebrate Father’s Day with family activities, 11am-4pm, children $ with dads free, 421-7435.

Music at the Museum Ice Cream Social – July 8
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Featuring the Greater Decatur Youth Band, Young Park Singers, and Decatur Park Singers, 5-8pm, 6pm concert, free, $ for concessions, 423-5437.

Ice Cream Safari – July 19
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Search for ice cream stations, and learn how zoo animals stay cool, 1-4pm, $, 421-7435.

Kidstock – July 25
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Create international themed art, 11am-3pm, $, 423-5437.

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sports, health & fitness

Adult Tennis Open – June 6-7
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. 88th annual USTA-sanctioned event, spectators free, 421-7432.

Tuesday Night Park Runs – June 16-August 11
Fairview Park Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Weekly family event includes a 1 mile fun run, or runs of various distances up to 7 miles, Tu’s, 5:30pm registration, 6pm runs, $, 429-3472.

Decatur City Junior Tennis Tournament – June 26
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. Spectators free, 421-7432.

Staley Firecracker Road Run/Walk – July 4
Nelson Park, Pavilion #2, 2545 E. Pavilion Dr. Annual 4-mile or 8-mile run, or 2-mile walk, registration 7:30am, 8:30 race/walk start, spectators free, 429-3472.

Team Soy Annual Junior Golf Open – July 6-8
Scovill Golf club, 3909 W. Main St. & Hickory Point Golf Club, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Spectators free, 429-6243.

Central Illinois Junior Tennis Open – July 11-12
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. USTA-sanctioned tournament, spectators free, 421-7432.

USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic – July 30-August 9
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. Spectators free, 421-7020.

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festivals, food & fairs

Macon County Fair – June 9-14
Macon County Fair Grounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave., 875-0135.

Juneteenth Celebration – June 19-20
Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 170 N. Merchant St. Legacy of Freedom celebrating African American heritage, F 6-10pm & Sa 12-11pm.

Brazilian Bash – June 26
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Brazilian barbecue, plus music, drinks and fireworks, 6-9:30pm, $, reservations recommended, 423-3189.

Blue Ribbon Night – July 3
Lions Club Pony Express Grounds, 1595 W. Main St., Mt. Zion. Fireworks and live musical entertainment, 6pm gates open, 7pm music, fireworks at dusk, free, 864-5424.

Red, White and Blues – July 4-5
Nelson Park, Waterfront. Lakeside Music & Arts Festival hosted by Gallery 510 spotlighting art, music and culinary delights, with red and white wines and blues music highlighted, vendors and demonstrations, Sa 11am-8pm & Su 11am-7pm, free, $ for vendors, 422-1509.

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special events

Exorna – June 13
Doherty’s Pub & Pins, 242 E. William St. Live Irish music, food, 8-10pm, free, $ for food and drink, 428-5612.

Cruisin’ Eldorado – June 20
Eldorado St./U.S. Route 36. Classic and hotrod cars cruise Eldorado St. with the great Elvis on Eldo concert, food and beverage available, 12-5pm Car Show, 5-6pm Great Cruise, 7-10pm Concert and Sock Hop, $, 422-7191.

Farmers Market – June 20 – October 17
Downtown Decatur, Central Park, Sa’s 8am-1pm, 423-3475.

Independence Day Fireworks – July 4
Nelson Park. Fireworks display at dusk, free, 422-5911.

Cruisin’ Downtown – July 11
Downtown Decatur. Featuring more than 550 cars, live music, street attractions, food and beverages, 9am-11pm, free, $ for vendors and car registration, 423-3475.

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Second Saturday Book Sale – June 13 & July 11
Decatur Public Library, Library Annex, 130 N. Franklin St. Monthly used book sale with proceeds going to Friends of the Decatur Public Library, which supports the library’s services and facilities, 9:30am-12:30pm, 424-2900.

How Our Gardens Grow Garden Walk – June 14
Select gardens throughout the Decatur area. The 13th annual self-guided Garden Walk showcases local residences’ gardens with varying styles and features, proceeds to benefit various community programs of the University of Illinois Extension Macon County Master Gardeners, 11am-4pm, $, 877-6042.

Jazz in June Brunch – June 14
The Beach House, Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. The Millikin University Jazz Quartet provides the music during brunch by the lake, presented by, and proceeds go towards, the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, 11am-2pm, $, 877-2963.

A CHAIR-ity Event Painting Party – June 20
Debbie’s Diner, 1404 N. 22nd St. In preparation for Gallery 510’s fall Celebrities Create event, the public is invited to paint a chair and enjoy a burger and shake at the car hop diner, 1:30-4:30pm, $, 422-1509.

Juvae Jazz Society Concert – June 23
Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Bill Allreds Classic Jazz Band in concert, proceeds benefit the upcoming 2010 Central Illinois Jazz Festival, food available, 4-7pm, $, 546-1363.

Downtown Doggie Walk – June 27
Downtown Decatur, Business District & Central Park. Come with or without your favorite furry friend to enjoy family activities, proceeds benefit the Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation and Macon Resources Homeward Bound, dog collars, leashes, and tags required, 11am-2pm, 433-0834.

Komen Decatur Race for the Cure® - June 27
Fairview Park. Race/Walk event to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer education, screening and research programs in our 13-county area, 7am, $ for participation, 876-2140.

Rodney T. Miller Lakeside Triathlon – July 4-5
Fairview Park & Nelson Park. USAT sanctioned triathlon, commemorating the life and spirit of Rodney T. Miller, Millikin University graduate and State Police officer killed in the line of duty, proceeds to the Rodney T. Miller Memorial Fund, kids Sa 9am Fairview Park, adults Su 8am Nelson Park, relays welcome, $ to participate, 423-7000.

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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.