CHARITY DATEBOOK
Culinary Cook-off – August 10
Hickory Point Golf Pavilion, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Food, fun and friendly competition, taste dishes from GSI’s Chef Rachel Wear and Richland Community College’s Culinary Institute and vote for your favorite, games, silent and live auctions, proceeds benefit The Good Samaritan Inn’s noon meal and Mercy Gardens Programs, must be age 21 or older, 5:30-9:30pm, $, reservations required, www.goodsamaritaninn.org or 217-429-1455.
Ripple Motor Show 2023 – August 12
Richland Community College, 1 College Pk. Judged motor show in memory of Christopher Ripple, food, vendors, music and more, all motorized vehicles welcome to enter, registration 11am-3pm, show 12-5pm, awards and van donation presented to a family in need, 4pm, free admission, $ to register vehicles, www.changeinmotion.community .
Bowl for Kids’ Sake – August 19 & 26
Spare Time Lanes, 2870 N. Jasper St. Raise $100 to support BBBS and receive 2 games of bowling, shoe rental, t-shirt, pizza, drinks and great fun, wear your best superhero costume, 2-4pm, $, 217-428-4240.
Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11 – September 10
Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 265 S. Park St. 15th annual car and motorcycle show with memorial cruise, food and vendors, all to remember the events of 9-11, proceeds benefit Doug Hagen Scholarship Fund, 8am-3pm, car & bike registration 8am, judging and Gage McCoy performs 12pm, First Responder Thank You & Show Awards 2:30pm, 11 Mile B G Nevitt Memorial Yellow Ribbon Cruise 3pm, free admission, $ to register vehicles, 217-791-1385.
Farm to Fund Dinner – September 23
Downtown Decatur, 100 N. Merchant St. Sundown dinner served family style on a never-ending tablescape, proceeds benefit the Northeast Community Fund Food Pantry, for ages 21 and older, downtown chic attire, 6:30-11:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-429-5846.
Party 4 The Paws – September 24
Golden Fox Brewing, 2874 N. Dinneen St. 9th annual family friendly fundraiser featuring the Comfort Dogs of PawPrint Ministries on site, auction items, dog skills demo, music, food and more, proceeds benefit PawPrint Ministries, 1-4pm, free admission, 217-855-6340
Prairie Pedal – September 24
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Fundraiser includes choice of 20, 40, or 62 mile bicycle ride along quiet country roads, registration incudes a gift and well stocked rest stops along the routes, food served at the finish line, helmets required, proceeds benefit the Macon County Conservation Foundation, local wildlife and the natural areas in Macon County, 6:30am-2pm, $, registration required, 217-423-7708.
ART
Decatur Airport Exhibits – August & September
Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd., airport open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
August – Barn Colony Artists/September – Michael Delaney
Cancer Care Art Exhibits – August & September
210 W. McKinley Ave., center open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
August – Jessica Disbrow/September – Phil Murillo
Decatur Public Library Exhibits – August & September
130 N. Franklin St., library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
August – Jim Hill/September – Donald Boseman
Rock Springs Exhibits – August & September
3939 Nearing Ln., Curt Knapp exhibit in North Gallery and Dave Castor in South Gallery, M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 9am-5pm, Su 1-5pm, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday Gallery Walks – August 4 & September 1
3 Downtown Art Galleries: Madden Arts Center’s Anne Lloyd Gallery and Blue Connection Gallery, 125 N. Water St.; Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. Walk around the block for a variety of art experiences, unique art and socializing, 5-7pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Gallery 510 Exhibits – August & September
160 E. Main St. General monthly exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
August – Laura Klink/September – Anthony Collins
Decatur Area Arts Council Exhibits – August & September
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Monthly exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189. August – Bloomington-Normal Modern Quilt Guild Showcase /September – Terry Rathje Exhibit
Arts in Central Park – September 15-17
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. Annual juried fine arts fair featuring 50 Midwest artists, various mediums including jewelry, pottery, metal sculptures, glass, paintings, fiber arts and more. VIP Preview Party Fri 5-7pm, $, reservations required. Arts Fair Sa 10am-5pm, Su 10am-4pm, free admission, 217-423-3189.
“Re:flect” Exhibit – August 26-October 26
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1215 N. Kirkland Dr. Exhibition of abstract impressionist paintings by Millikin University’s Lyle Salmi. Reception 9/30, 11am-2pm, free. Exhibit M-F 12-5pm when school is in session, free, 217-424-6227.
CONCERTS & LIVE MUSIC
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater Shows, Movies & Yoga – August & September
2686 E. Cantrell St., doors open 6pm, shows 7pm unless otherwise noted, $ unless otherwise noted, 217-422-5911.
8/4 – Stayin Alive: A Bee Gees Tribute
8/5 – Smashmouth & Fastball
8/9 – Moonlight Yoga, 8-9:15pm, free
8/11 – The Village People & The Family Stone
8/12 – Rumors: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
8/13 – Puppy Pals: Comedic Stunt Dog Show, 5pm
8/16 – Decatur Municipal Band, 6:30pm, free
8/17 – The Beach Boys
8/18 – I Wanna Dance with Somebody, free movie night, dusk
8/19 – Artimus Pyle Band
8/26 – Tennessee Whiskey: Chris Stapleton Tribute
8/27 – Rick Springfield
9/2 – Hairball
9/3 – Trippin Billies
9/4 – Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Pops, free, 6pm
9/6 – Moonlight Yoga, 8-9:15pm, free
9/8 – Josh Turner
9/9 – Fool House: The Ultimate Dance Party
9/16 – Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC Tribute
9/17 – Ramon Ayala
9/23 – Super Mario Bros., free movie night, dusk
9/24 – Goo Goo Dolls
9/30 – Platinum Rock Legends
Decatur Municipal Band Concerts – August
Fairview Park, 2095 W. Eldorado St.; Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 265 S. Park St.; Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 2686 E. Cantrell St. Annual family friendly summer band concerts since 1857, featuring traditional and contemporary band music directed by Jim Culbertson, bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, free, 217-422-2316.
8/6-13 – Sundays, Fairview Park, 6pm
8/7-8/14 – Mondays, Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 7pm
8/16 – Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 6:30pm
Acoustic Music Jam – August 13 & September 10
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Tunes played by local musicians, listen or bring your instrument and play along, 2-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Outdoor Summer Concert Series – August 13
Rock Springs Nature Center, West Lawn, 3939 Nearing Ln. Hood Family Band performs on the east lawn, bring lawn chairs, 7-8pm, free admission, 217-423-7708.
The Reunion Beatles “Get Back Tour” – August 20
Lincoln Square Theater, 141 N. Main St. Relive the music of the Beatles, doors open 6pm, concert 7pm, $, tickets available at the door or 217-454-4583.
Show Time 217 – August 26
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. Night of regional Hip Hop/Rap collaboration, presented by Dead End City Music, doors open 6:30pm, show 8-10pm, $, 217-422-7300.
Party on the Patio – August 31
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. Music by The Stand Alone Steves playing Country and Rock hits, food and cold beer on the front patio, bring lawn chairs and your dancing shoes, 7-9pm, free, $ to purchase food & beverages, 217-422-7300.
Leonid & Friends – September 14
Lincoln Square Theater, 141 N. Main St. Music from the band Chicago performed by this very talented Ukraine and Russian group, you won’t be disappointed!, doors open 6pm, concert 7pm, $, tickets available at the door or 217-454-4583.
The Linda Ronstadt Experience – September 24
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. Tristan McIntosh takes you on a musical journey of Linda’s chart-topping smash hits, doors open 6pm, show 7pm, $, 217-422-7300.
COMEDY & THEATRE
Drop Dead Disco Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – August 17-18
The Wagon, 3190 N. Woodford St. Murder mystery transporting you back to the 70s with dinner, disco dance off, 70s costume contest, and a chance to guess whodunit, presented by Theatre 7, doors open 5:30pm, dinner and entertainment 6pm, $, reservations required, www.theatre7.org or 217-362-2008.
Tyrus Live – August 24
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. A night of a no-nonsense approach to life in Tyrus’s own heartfelt and comical way, 7:30pm, $, 217-422-7300.
What the Constitution Means to Me – September 14-17
Richland Community College, Shilling Salons, 1 College Pk. Autobiographical narrative play exploring what makes the Constitution great and what makes it not-so-great, part lecture, part storytelling, part performance art piece incorporating a great deal of humor, Th-Sa 7pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-875-7211.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Rock Springs Ground Squirrels Vintage Baseball – August 5 & 26
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Trobaugh Field, 3939 Nearing Ln. Cheer for your home team as they play baseball games in vintage uniforms with authentic 1858 rules, 12pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Antique Photographs of the 1800s – September 9
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Common photograph types are discussed, all welcome to bring an antique 1800s photograph for the guest speaker to determine its approximate age, 2pm, free, 217-42-7708.
“Fields of Gold” Movie Premier – September 16
Lincoln Square Theatre, 141 N. Main St. Local feature documentary premier of the rags to riches story of A. E. Staley, the journey from barefoot farmer to the founder and leader of Decatur’s agricultural empire plus his ownership of turn-of-twentieth-century baseball and football teams called the Decatur Staleys which then became the Chicago Bears, 7pm, 217-454-4583.
NATURE & GARDENS
A Day in the Life of a Zooarchaeologist – August 6
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover what zooarchaeology is (the study of animal remains recovered from archaeological sites) through a presentation and hands-on activities, 2pm, free, registration required by 8/4, 217-423-7708.
Astronomy Jamboree – August 12
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Argenta, IL. Jamboree coincides with the Perseid Meteor Shower this year, concert, meteors, stars and planets viewing, craft to take home, enter for a giveaway, snacks and water provided, bring your telescope and share your knowledge, Jamboree 8-11pm, concert 8-8:45pm, free, registration required, 217-423-7708.
Hummingbird Festival – August 24
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Watch the capture, banding and release of hummingbirds back into the wild, bring a blanket or lawn chair, 3-6pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Intro to Foraging – August 27
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Venture into the woods to discover the basics of foraging, identify a variety of species, 2pm, $, registration required, 217-423-7708.
Canoe Big Creek – September 16
Cannon Park, 3125 S. Baltimore Ave. Leisurely explore Big Creek, all equipment provided, at least one adult required per canoe, 10am-12pm, $, registration required by 9/15, 217-423-7708.
Monarch Madness – September 23
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Help to capture and tag live Monarch butterflies, crafts, face painting, balloon animals and more, 2-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Pack Your Backpack – August 6
Overlook Adventure Park, 2501 E. Nelson Park Rd. Family event with mini golf specials, school supplies for first 150 kids ages 12 and under, drawings for 4 fully packed backpacks, 12-6pm, free admission, $ for mini golf, 217-422-2316.
Glow Golf – August 26 & September 16
Overlook Adventure Park, 2501 E. Nelson Park Rd. Play an 18-hole round of mini golf in the dark during the Lights Out event, includes glow accessories and special glow golf ball, wear your brightest colors and bring a flashlight if you wish, 8:30-10:30pm, $, 217-422-2316.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
25th Anniversary USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic – July 31-August 6
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. 25th annual tournament for professional male tennis players from 20 countries, competition for ATP World Ranking Points and $25,000 in prize money, proceeds support tennis in the Decatur area community, 10am-7pm, free admission, 217-421-7432 after June 1.
Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling – August 3
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. Bringing all the dwarf wrestlers to one place winning the hearts of everyone, 8pm, $, 217-422-7300.
Moonlight Yoga at the Devon – August 9 & September 6
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 2686 E. Cantrell St. Public community yoga sessions outdoors, led by licensed area instructors, bring a mat, towel and drinking water, all ages and skill levels welcome, 8-9:15pm, free, 217-422-5911.
USA Softball Coed Open & E National – September 7-10
Rotary Park, 2450 S. Business Rt. 51. Coed softball tournament, free, 217-422-2854.
FESTIVALS & EXPOSITIONS
Seniorama – August 10
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. 34th annual expo showcases services and products for seniors and caregivers, vendors and entertainment, 10am-1pm, free admission, 217-422-7300.
Farm Progress Show 2023 – August 29-31
Progress City USA, 4275 E. Mound Rd. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the nation’s largest outdoor farm show with hundreds of exhibitors, attracting more than 300,000 people from all over the world, featuring the most extensive state-of-the-art information and technology available for today’s agricultural producers, Tu & W 8am-5pm, Th 8am-4pm, $, 630-524-4723.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Farmers Market – August & September
Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Illinois’ oldest farmers market dating back to the late 1800s with sales of farm fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, chocolates, flowers, and more, Sa’s 8am-12pm, 217-520-5098.
Mercy Market – August & September
Preston Jackson Park, downtown Decatur, fresh produce, local goods and entertainment hosted by The Good Samaritan Inn, cash, credit and LINK accepted. Every Sat, 8am-12pm, 217-429-1455.
Richland Farmers Market – August & September
Richland Community College, west side of campus, 1 College Park. Farm to table products market held in collaboration with Richland’s Culinary Arts Institute students’ Bistro Five Thirty Seven restaurant coinciding with Tuesday’s restaurant dinner hours, rain or shine, Tu’s 3-6:30pm, free admission, $ to purchase goods, 217-875-7211 ext. 6442.
Forsyth First Friday – August 4 & September 1
701 Forsyth Pkwy., Forsyth, IL. Food, crafts, produce, live music 8/4 by Polly Launay, 9/1 by Seth Jackson, 4-8pm, free admission, 217-519-3137.
W.I.N.O.S.- Women In Need Of Shopping – September 7
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Pkwy, Mt. Zion, IL. Social event with food, drinks, entertainment and lots of shopping, purses, jewelry, clothes, skincare and more, 4-8pm, $, 217-620-8126.
Patricia Griffin, Psychic Medium – September 30-October 1
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. Watch, enjoy and participate as Patricia Griffin plays the role of intermediary between the living and spirit worlds, Sa 7pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-422-7300.
For information on how to include your event on the calendar, contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: ArtsEdit@aol.com or call 217-423-0422.