Homeschool Nations - Illinois

Sep. 17, 2008

Fall Activities for Central and Southern IL

 

SEPTEMBER

 

Sept. 20-Oct. 13 Prairie Festival
Springfield Park District transforms the botanical garden into a prairie environment featuring animals found in the landscape courtesy of Henson Robinson Zoo. Washington Park Botanical Garden  www.springfieldparks.org

Sept. 20-Oct. 31 Robinson Family
Farms Pumpkin Patch

Open weekends. The farm opens its gates for an autumn season featuring a corn maze, wagon rides, pick-your-own-pumpkin patch, and bonfires among other activities. Robinson Family Farms Pumpkin Patch, 2212 County Line Rd., Murrayville  www.robinsonfamilyfarms.com

Sept. 20-Oct. 31 Didier Farms Pumpkinfest
Pick the perfect pumpkin and partake in seasonal activities including hayrides, a pumpkin jump, and the corn maze. Didier Farms, Prairie View  www.didierfarms.com

Sept. 21 K & T Llamas Annual
Fall Open Pasture

Walk to llamas along trails and spend a day on the farm. 533 Phillips Ferry Rd., Bluffs  www.llamafun.net

Sept. 21 Fall Equinox Sunrise Observance
Meet at the reconstructed Woodhenge and listen to the history and function of the ancient calendar. Cahokia Mounds, 30 Ramey St., Collinsville  www.cahokiamounds.com

Sept. 24 Multicultural Fest
Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community College  www.llcc.edu

Sept. 25 Harvest of Miracles Benefit
The evening event features live music, balloon tether rides, and children's activities to benefit Children's Miracle Network. Reservations requested by Sept. 19. Green View, 3000 W. Jefferson  www.greenview.com

Sept. 26 Springfield Art Association
Brown Bag Art Talk

Jonathan Perkins, associate professor of visual arts at UIS, presents a noontime lecture on the artist Francis Bacon. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.   217-523-2631 

Sept. 26 "Tudor to Beatles"
Chicago A Cappella

Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois College, Jacksonville   217-245-3069 

Sept. 26-28 Annual Prairieland Heritage Museum Steam Show and Fall Festival Days
Stroll around the festival and take in the old-time demonstrations, the large flea market, and plenty of fair food. Jacksonville  www.jacksonvilleil.org

Sept. 26-28 International Route 66 Festival
The festival, a tribute to the rambling road Route 66, features a car show, a cruise, and plenty of activities including live music. Downtown Springfield  www.route66fest.com

Sept. 27 Annual Fall Craft and Food Festival
At the festival, Robert's Seafood Market presents a healthy seafood demonstration, and crafts and bake goods will be up for grabs. U of I Extension Building #30, Illinois State Fairgrounds

Sept. 27 10th Annual Coal Country
Fall Festival

The family-oriented event features craft vendors, kids' activities, informational booths, a business expo, the Tour de Coal bike ride, and live music from Will Black Orchestra, Big Shake Daddies, and more. Benld City Park  ww.coalcountrychamber.com

Sept. 27 International Beer Tasting and Chili Cook-Off
Taste beers from around the world and wash it down with a spicy bowl of chili. Main and Broadway, Downtown Urbana  www.jaytv.com

Sept. 27 Walk on the Wild Side
Support conservation at this first — and soon to be annual — walk, which benefits the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Amphibian Fund. Advance registration required. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Dr.  www.hensonrobinsonzoo.com

Sept. 27 Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
The orchestra presents Aaron Copeland's "Lincoln Portrait." Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois College, Jacksonville   217-245-1181 

Sept. 27 Beardstown Fall Fun Festival
The autumn celebration features crafts, food vendors, carnival rides, a talent show, and more. Art Zeeck Park, Beardstown

Sept. 27-28 Wine and Cheese Festival
Sip on Illinois wine accompanied by an array of cheeses. Rockome Gardens, Arcola  www.rockome.com

Sept. 27-28 Peoria Art Guild's Fine Art Fair
Ranked in the top 100 art fairs nationally, Peoria's fest features artwork and music performances. Peoria Riverfront  www.peoriaartguild.org

Sept. 27-28 Annual Cruise Nite and Car Show
The classic antique car event, one of Illinois' largest cruises, features an array of vehicles for viewing. Jacksonville  www.jacksonvilleil.org

Sept. 28 Garden Party at Ginger Creek Foundation
Wear your favorite hat and enter the garden party hat contest, present your creation in a fashion show, or just look around at the Jeff P. Garland sculpture exhibit. 3400 Ginger Creek Dr.  www.gingercreekfdn.org

 

OCTOBER

 

Oct. 1 Pied Piper Architectural Tour
Take a tour through the historic downtown and observe the architectural styles and materials. Anthony Rubano from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency leads. Lincoln-Herndon Law Office  ww.downtownspringfield.org

Oct. 1 99 Questions
Actor, playwright, and associate professor Mark Cryer addresses stereotypes. Studio Theatre, UIS campus  www.uis.edu

Oct. 2 Comedian Alexandra McHale
Presented by the UIS Comedy Series. Brookens Auditorium, UIS campus  www.uis.edu

Oct. 2-4 & 9-11 Lincolnesque
John Strand's comedy drama looks at the chaotic world of election campaigns. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 112 N. Sixth St.  www.alplm.org

Oct. 3 Greens for Wishes Golf Outing
Tee off to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Illinois. The Rail Golf Course, 1400 S. Club House Dr.   217-415-7400 

Oct. 3 Downtown Gallery Hop
Imagine Foundation presents a monthly stroll along the downtown square featuring numerous galleries displaying artwork. Downtown Jacksonville   217-473-2726 

Oct. 3-4 Candlelight Tour
Trek through the historic town by candlelight with interpreters dressed in period clothing. Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site, Petersburg  www.lincolnsnewsalem.com

Oct. 3-5 Barry Apple Festival
Crunch into a juicy apple and spend the afternoon celebrating the healthy fruit. Barry  www.barryil.org

Oct. 4 Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway
Listen to the tunes of musical theater that have made Broadway a worldwide destination.
Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Oct. 4 Little Flower Parish Annual Auction
The annual auction features items up for grabs such as vacation packages, sports tickets, and more. Little Flower Parish Center, 900 E. Stevenson

Oct. 4 University of Illinois at Springfield Homecoming
Celebrate homecoming and bring the whole crew out for the parade, barbecue, a soccer game, and later, fireworks. UIS campus  www.uis.edu

Oct. 4 Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling
The festival features free admission, craft vendors, and puppet plays. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Dr.  www.hensonrobinsonzoo.com

Oct. 4-5 Harvest Festival and Fish Fry
Hill Prairie Winery presents a weekend of live music, fried fish sandwiches, and the winery's libations. Hill Prairie Winery, Oakford

Oct. 4-5 Historic Surveying
Join a 1830s surveying party and view the road through period instruments. Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site, Petersburg  www.lincolnsnewsalem.com

Oct. 4-5 Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show
Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society rocks this weekend with an exhibit of fossils, gemstones, minerals, demonstrations, and more. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds


Oct. 5 Saxton's Cornet Band
The Saxton's Cornet Band will transport you back to the days of stove top hats and Abraham Lincoln in their performance "Lincoln and Liberty, too! A Celebration of Lincoln." Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Decatur  www.millikin.edu/kirkland

Oct. 7 Kelly-Miller Circus
Featuring two performances. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, Michigan and Lincoln Avenues, Jacksonville  www.jacksonvilleil.org

Oct. 10 Morris Dees Lecture
Morris Dees, co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, discusses the future and a continued commitment to social justice. Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center  presidentlincoln.org

Oct. 10 William Ness Organ Concert
First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St.  www.lincolnschurch.org

Oct. 10 The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
Stanley lives a pretty normal life, that is, until him bulletin board falls from the wall and right on to Stanley making him flat. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Oct. 10-11, 17-19, 24-26 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Terror on the Square
Downtown Petersburg's entry into the spooky. This is a very scary haunted house, not recomended for small children.
 www.terrorontheweb.com

Oct. 10-11 Twelfth Annual Craft Show
Stock up with crafts for the holiday including scarecrows, pumpkins, snowmen, and more. 5889 Grigsby Ln., Salisbury

Oct. 10-11 Boo Crew Haunted House
A high-tech haunted house featuring the tale of a pilot lost in Mississippi swampland. 6500 Jett Rd., Rochester  www.boocrew.com

Oct. 10-11 Central Illinois Bragging Rights Competition BBQ
Grill masters test their skills with tangy BBQ. Arthur  www.illinoisamishcountry.com

Oct. 10-12 Youth Charity Horse Show
Proceeds benefit the Central Illinois Riding Therapy program. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds  www.youthcharityhorseshow.com

Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 30-31
Terror on Washington Street

One of Illinois' top 10 haunted houses.
513 E. Washington St. Clinton
 www.terroronwashingtonstreet.com

Oct. 11 Super Saturday
A themed event for children ages 4-8 years old to participate in hands-on activities in the museum. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.  www.museum.state.il.us

Oct. 11 Girard Pumpkin Festival
Watch pumpkins fly through the air, launched by air-powered, human-powered, and mechanical pumpkin shooters during the pumpkin chunkin' contest. The festival also features a costume contest, chili contest, and hayrides. On the Square, Girard  www.girardilusa.com

Oct. 11-12 Carve for the Carillon
Bring your favorite carving tools and help create 2000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins along with the Tree of Lights and food vendors. Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park  www.carillon-rees.org

Oct. 11-12 Broom's Orchard's Pumpkin Festival 2008
Trek through the five-acre pumpkin patch and munch on apples or play around in the corn and straw mazes. Broom's Orchard, 12803 Broom Rd., Carlinville

Oct. 11-12 Indian Summer Festival
Enjoy the fall colors at this outdoor festival that features music, guided walks, and children's activities. Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center, 2301 E. Lake Dr.  www.lmgnc.org

Oct. 11-12 Log Cabin Days Fall Festival
Take a walk into history when you enter the historic cabins and watch old-time demonstrations. Illinois Route 78, Virginia  www.seecass.com

Oct. 11 & 18 Green View's Fall Fest
Learn about trees, shrubs, and other plants for the fall season. Reservations requested. Green View, 3000 W. Jefferson  www.greenview.com

Oct. 11-12 Fall Color Festival
Watch the leaves change color for the fall season and listen to music from Robbie Stokes and the Stokers  Sat.  and Lew Jetton and Highway 61 South  Sun. . Alto Vineyards, Highway 127, Alto Pass  www.altovineyards.net

Oct. 12 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Step off at a non-competitive walk to help fight breast cancer. White Oaks Mall  www.cancer.org/stridesonline

Oct. 16 Compania Flamenco Jose Porcel
Traveling from Spain, a company of dancers presents traditional flamenco. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Oct. 17 Dave Rudolf Family Halloween Party
Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community College  www.llcc.edu

Oct. 17 African Children's Choir Concert
The free concert benefit supports the African Children's Choir Ministry, which supports education programs for orphaned and impoverished children. Donations accepted. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St.  www.lincolnschurch.org

Oct. 17-18 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
View the 2000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins created the weekend before at Carve for the Carillon. Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park  www.carillon-rees.org

Oct. 17-19 Boo Crew Haunted House
A high-tech haunted house featuring the tale of a pilot lost in Mississippi swampland. 6500 Jett Rd., Rochester  www.boocrew.com

Oct. 18 MacMurray College Homecoming Weekend
Parade begins at 10 a.m. Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville  www.jacksonvilleil.org

Oct. 18 Sound Celebration Chorus
The chorus presents a musical revue dubbed "You Can't Stop the Beat." Springfield High School Auditorium   217-787-6110 

Oct. 18 Point of Grace
The Christian music group presents songs from the new album How You Live. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Oct. 18 Heart of Jacksonville — Pork Days & Applefest
Celebrate two very different foods at this annual festival where you shouldn't leave hungry. Jacksonville  www.jacksonvilleil.org

Oct. 18-19 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest
Sample the tasty chili and check out the baby contest, track show, and more. Taylorville  www.chillifest.info

Oct. 18-19 Pike County Fall Color Drive
Take the scenic route through the leafy roads of Pike County and visit the towns along the way for crafts and demonstrations among other activities. Pike County  www.pikeil.org

Oct. 18-19 Autumn Historic Folklife Festival
Roam the streets of Hannibal and watch historic craft demonstrations, street musicians, and food cooking in wood stoves. Historic Main Street, Hannibal, Mo.  www.hannibalarts.com

Oct. 22 Comedian Jasper Redd
Presented by UIS Comedy Series. Brookens Auditorium, UIS campus  www.uis.edu

Oct. 23 Paula Giddings Book
Discussion and Signing

Paula Gidding, author of Ida: A Sword Among Lions: Ida B. Wells and the Campaign Against Lynching, discusses her book. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St.  www.alplm.org

Oct. 23-26 Mid-America Mane
Event Horse Show

The show features horses from across the Midwest region. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Oct. 24 Movie in the Park
Unfold your lawn chairs and sit back for a showing of the movie Monster House. Riverside Park  www.springfieldparks.org

Oct. 24 Montgomery Gentry in concert.
Prairie Capital Convention Center.
 www.springfieldpccc.com

Oct. 24 Springfield Art Association
Brown Bag Art Talk

Rosina Neginsky, associate professor of interdisciplinary studies at UIS, presents a noontime discussion about European abstract art. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.   217-523-2631 

Oct. 24-26 Boo Crew Haunted House
A high-tech haunted house featuring the tale of a pilot lost in Mississippi swampland. 6500 Jett Rd., Rochester  www.boocrew.com

Oct. 24-26 & Nov. 1-2 Pump Boys and Dinettes
Gordon Productions presents the musical about the world of country music. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.  www.scfta.org

Oct. 25 SpringfieldMoms.org
Kids Costume Contest

Dress your little ghouls and ghosts up and parade them around the Old Capitol Farmer's Market. Adams Street between Fourth and Fifth streets.  www.springfieldmoms.org

Oct. 25 Halloween in Nauvoo
The Halloween event features a parade and costume contest. Taylorvile Post Office, Taylorville.

Oct. 25 Taylorville Sertoma
Halloween Spooktacular

The Halloween event features a parade and costume contest. Taylorville Post Office, Taylorville.

Oct. 25 Springfield Classical Guitar Society
The society's concert features Michael Hull, a faculty member at Bradley University. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St.

Oct. 25 Prairie Grapevine Society
Storyteller Dan Keding tells ghost stories for Halloween. Edwards Place, 700 N. Fourth St.  www.prairiegrapevine.org

Oct. 25-26 Zoolie Ghoulie
The zoo hosts its popular, safe trick or treating event. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Dr.  www.hensonrobinsonzoo.com

Oct. 26 An Evening with David Crosby
and Graham Nash

Two of the four that made up Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Crosby and Nash hit the boards for a performance featuring tunes from their repertories as solo artists and as members of the 1960s rock band. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Oct. 26 Prairie Mills Windmill Oktoberfest
Gather at Prairie Mills Windmill and eat traditional German fare including brats, red cabbage, and potatoes and gravy. Prairie Mills Windmill, Golden  www.goldenwindmill.org

Oct. 26 "Where Are the Wild Things?" Halloween Event
Bring your tiny ghosts and goblins to explore bat cave, learn about nighttime creatures, and have your picture taken with a friendly witch among other activities. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.  www.museum.state.il.us

Oct. 30 War of the World — Live Radio Show
A live recreation of the famous Mercury Theatre radio show that panicked the country. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.  www.scfta.org

Oct. 30 Monster Mash
The Halloween costume party for people with developmental disabilities featuring a DJ, dancing, and a costume contest. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park  www.springfieldparks.org

Oct. 30-31 Conference on Illinois History
History buffs and Abe experts get together for a conference on politics, geography, community studies, Abraham Lincoln, African-American history, and the Civil War. Prairie Capital Convention Center   217-785-7933 

Oct. 31 Capitol Steps
The group of former Senate staffers returns to  our  capital to poke fun at the headlines, and Republicans and Democrats alike. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Oct. 31 Mall-o-ween
Come to the mall dressed in your ghoulish best to trick or treat. White Oaks Mall

Oct. 31-Nov. 2 Holiday Open House
Prairie Art Alliance hosts an open house to view works from artist members. H.D. Smith Gallery, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.  www.prairieart.org

Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Boo Crew Haunted House
A high-tech haunted house featuring the tale of a pilot lost in Mississippi swampland. 6500 Jett Rd., Rochester  www.boocrew.com

Oct. 31-Nov. 2 175th Annual Celebration Homecoming Weekend
The weekend's scheduled events include a Friend's Fair and an organ concert.
Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 520 W. College Ave., Jacksonville   217-245-8213 

Oct. 31-Dec. 20 Flights of Fantasy
Prairie Art Alliance hosts their end of the year exhibit featuring work from member artists Ed Fraase, Joan Burmeister, Janet Seitz Carlson, and Nan Pervinich. H.D. Smith Gallery, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.  www.prairieart.org

 

NOVEMBER

 

Nov. 1 Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois College, Jacksonville   217-245-1181 

Nov. 1 Halloween/All Saints' Organ Concert and Electronic Light Show
Dress in costume, or all black or white, and sit back and enjoy the light show accompanied by music. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St.  www.lincolnschurch.org

Nov. 1 Douglas Blue Feather Flute Concert
Songwriter Douglas Blue Feather of Cherokee heritage performs Native American flute music. Unity of Springfield  www.unityofspringfield.com

Nov. 6 Jim Edgar Lecture Series and Book Signing
William Miller, professor at University of Virginia, presents a lecture on Lincoln's duties as a statesman. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St.  www.alplm.org

Nov. 7 Direct from West Africa: The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa
From various countries throughout West Africa, the ensemble performs the rich music from their shared histories. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Nov. 7 Flyleaf and Family Force 5 in concert
In conjunction with the Illinois Christian Teens Convention. Prairie Capital Convention Center.  www.springfieldpccc.com

Nov. 7 Downtown Gallery Hop
Stroll down the square and take in the art adorning the walls of galleries in downtown Jacksonville. Imagine Foundation hosts. Downtown Jacksonville   217-473-2726 

Nov. 7-9 16th Annual Holiday in the Village Fine Crafts Sale
The annual event features artwork from more than 30 artists including jewelry, baskets, photography, paintings, paper cutting, handmade soaps, and more. Knights of Columbus Hall, 2200 Meadowbrook Rd.  www.pieintheskyinc.com

Nov. 7-9 Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Festival
This year, the festival lineup includes The Grascals, Rhonda Vincent and Rage, Nothin' Fancy, Bobby Osborne and Rocky Top X-press, among others. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.  www.bluegrassmidwest.com

Nov. 8 Super Saturday
A themed event for children ages 4-8 years to explore the museum. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.  www.museum.state.il.us

Nov. 9 Chapter 6
The Illinois-based a cappella ensemble features pop/jazz harmonies. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.  www.scfta.org

Nov. 10 The Pajama Game
Sink down in theater seats for a quick-witted comedy straight from Broadway. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Nov. 14-16 Shrine Circus
Popular family attraction brings the big top back to town. Prairie Capital Convention Center.

 www.springfieldpccc.com

Nov. 15 Masterworks II — The Butterfly Lovers Concerto
Illinois Symphony Orchestra performs the music of classic tales such as Tom Thumb, The Fairy Princess, and Mother Goose tales. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus
 www.sangamonauditorium.org

Nov. 15 Beautiful Hats Presented
by The Tea Ladies Inc.


The presentation of the history of lady and men's hats through time. Wearing your hat is encouraged, but not required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library   217-558-8934 

Nov. 15 Collector's Day 2008
During this one-day event, private collectors display their unique collections including antique doorknobs, fossils, and coins among other items. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.  www.museum.state.il.us

Nov. 15-Dec. 3 Fourth Annual Holiday Hall
The annual holiday hall showcases artwork from Illinois artists, and holiday shoppers can purchase gifts. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.   217-523-2631 

Nov. 17 Breakfast with Santa
Eat breakfast with Ole Saint Nick and watch the holiday lights parade as Amish Country kicks off the holiday season. Arthur  www.illinoisamishcountry.com

Nov. 19-Jan. Sam Fink's Gettysburg Address
To celebrate the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, the library hosts an exhibit of the original art created for the book The Gettysburg Address. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St.  www.alplm.org

Nov. 21 Springfield Art Association Brown Bag Art Talk
Larry Shiner, emeritus professor of philosophy, history, and visual arts at UIS, presents "Art and Architecture in Freud's Vienna"  1890-1914 . Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.   217-523-2631 

Nov. 21-22 Annual Christmas in the Park Holiday Craft Bazaar
Pick up holiday gifts at this weekend bazaar that features hand-made fabrics, wood and floral items, and more. Country Place Condos Clubhouse, North Cotton Hill   217-585-1219 

Nov. 21-23 Annual Woodhaven Hospice Festival of Trees
More than 50 designer and children's trees on will be on display along with a selection of designer wreaths for Woodhaven's Hospice's annual fundraiser. Jacksonville

Nov. 22 Cherryholmes Christmas
The Nashville-based bluegrass band performs a holiday concert. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus  www.sangamonauditorium.org

Nov. 22 Dancing with the Starz
Trip the light fantastic with Springfield notables to help raise funds from Prairie Art Alliance. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.  www.prairieart.org

Nov. 22-30 Memorial Medical Center Foundation Festival of Trees
The popular festival features holiday trees and wreaths decorated by local designers and volunteers. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds  www.memorialmedicalfoundation.com

Nov. 28-30 & Dec. 5-8 The Christmas Schooner
Jacksonville Theatre Guide presents the holiday musical. Sophie Leschin Theatre, Jacksonville   217-245-1402 

Nov. 28-30 Sixth Annual Indian Market Days
Native American artists display and sell jewelry, paintings, crafts, clothing, weavings, and more. Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville  www.cahokiamounds.com

Nov. 29 77th Annual Beaux Arts Ball
The evening ball celebrates Springfield Art Association's supporters. Proceeds benefit the SAA. Crowne Plaza Hotel   217-523-2631 

 

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Aug. 20, 2008

ICHE Family Camp

 

You are invited to:

 

The September 5-7, 2008 ICHE Family Camp at Timber-Lee in East Troy, Wisconsin.

 

Tenting and RV spots are still available.  Register now and attend a fun filled weekend with your entire family, teens and twenties too.  Enjoy the beautiful surroundings  of southern Wisconsin while building relationships with other home school families heading in the same direction.

 

Don't miss the ICHE Saturday Picnic Dinner included in your registration fees followed by – History Night; Remembering Heroes of the Faith.  You may come as you are or dress up like your favorite historical hero/heroine. 

 

Activities are multi-generational and families attend events together.  Activities include:  Camp fires – Games – Hands-on Science Workshops – Chalk Talk Presentation – Canoeing – Swimming – Volleyball – Music – Hayrides and more.   

 

We hope you'll join us and the many other kindred hearts at this delightful and relaxing family retreat.

 

For more information go to www.iche.org and click on events.  The registration form and workshop choices are available there.  If you have a question you can email the office at info@iche.org

 

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Aug. 20, 2008

Corn Maze and Festival Coming in September!

 

What: 3rd annual A-Maze-ing Corn Maze and Festival with this year’s theme of “Down on the Farm” cut out of a 4 acre cornfield.

           

Who: Auburn United Methodist Church – A-Maze-ing Corn Maze and Festival

 

When: Corn Maze only on weekends of Sept. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, Oct. 4-5, 11-12 with the hours of Saturdays: 10-6, Sundays: 12-6 and Monday, Oct. 13th, Columbus Day: 10-2. Cost of admission is only required for the corn maze, $5 per person (5 and under free) which includes free onsite parking. $1 Coupon for Maze only to be found on web-site. Other activities may have a fee.

 

Where: Located on the property of the Auburn United Methodist Church, 14100 State Route 4, Auburn, IL

 

Festival Dates: Sept. 20-21 and 27-28

Special Events added for one day or more of the festival includes: Garage Sale, Trivia Night, After Dark Maze hours, Free Children’s Area, Straw Maze, Food, Pumpkin Painting, Hayrides, Jacob’s ladder, Double Dunk Tank, Silent Auction, Ice Cream Social, Health Fair, Pedal Tractor Pull plus other events still in the planning stages!

 

 

Please visit our church’s website at www.auburn-umc.org for updated information, printable flyers, and the corn maze e-mail address for all questions.

 

 

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Aug. 20, 2008

School Days “Down on the Farm”

 

2008 Auburn United Methodist Church’s  3rd

A-MAZE-ing  Corn Maze

School Days “Down on the Farm”

Sept. 16-17-18

 

   

Teachers:

Explore the corn field maze, and learn about the many uses of corn in our lives! (A small hay maze is also available for the children’s entertainment.)

 

Speaker: Carrie Winkelmann, “Ag in the Classroom” Coordinator from the Sangamon/Menard County Farm Bureau

 

Tues: Sept. 16     Weds: Sept. 17     Thurs: Sept. 18

Choose your day, choose your start time.

 

Programs begin every 20 minutes from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm each day. Program and corn maze time is about 1½ hours per class. Each class will take home classroom “corn” lesson plans (information taken from the National Corn Growers Association web-site) to extend the learning and the fun!

 

Cost is $2 per child (which includes a small snack and drink) and teachers, bus drivers, and your chaperones will also be admitted for the same $2 admission.

 

Teachers: Please collect the fees

and present a total amount upon arrival at the maze.

Bus parking available on site.

 

For more information or to reserve your time, please call Donna Goodroe at 1-217-438-6767

 

 

14100 State Route 4, Auburn, IL

 

 

 

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Jul. 9, 2008

TOS Contest Central For the month of July

 

Beautiful Words: Letters of Love from Mothers to Daughters

From our reviewer:

I so desire to communicate to my daughters (and sons, for that matter) that I love them extraordinarily. But as a homeschooling mother of six, I often feel my days have pressed me out of the opportunity. I had been praying about this recently, and God in His gentle providence saw to it that I would be reviewing Beautiful Words: Letters of Love from Mothers to Daughters, written by two homeschooling moms like me, Lorrie Flem and Wanda Gibert. Lorrie Flem is the mother of eight children, and Wanda the mother of six. They are busy doing the job of homeschooling, but they have both learned the art of communicating through meaningful letters written to their children and have endeavored to share the process through this helpful little book. Beautiful Words: Letters of Love from Mothers to Daughters is a lovely primer on writing meaningful letters of love to our daughters. (. . .)

The greatest portion of the book contains letters written not only by the authors but also by other mothers and grandmothers across time. If you feel you need inspiration, it's hard to imagine you wouldn't be able to find it in the appealing letters included here. I did find that the ornamental font used to print the letters was difficult to read, and I gave up halfway through several because I found it strained my eyes to read them. The remainder of the book, however, is printed in an easy-to-read script.

Read the complete review online and enter for a chance to win Beautiful Words: Letters of Love from Mothers to Daughters.

TO ENTER:
Email Deb with your name and mailing address and the subject, "Beautiful Words" for a chance to win*.

 

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Jun. 4, 2008

Illinois Christian Home Educators Blog and Today's Contest

 

Are you ready for another contest? This time the prize will be the beautiful hardback book Footprints in the Ash: The Explosive Story of Mount St. Helens by John Morris and Steven A. Austin.

I think our last contest was too hard. After all, it’s summertime now, so let’s make it fun. The 14th person to email and tell me who they want for the next United States president wins the book. Email me at bluedorn AT triviumpursuit DOT com. Don’t leave your message in the comments this time, but email me.

Laurie Bluedorn

P.S. don’t forget to check out new ICHE blog!

 

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May. 31, 2008

New Science Reference Guide: Solar Ovens and Solar Cooking from The Library of Congress

 

Cooking with the sun's power is a fun way to use a renewable resource, and with excellent results. This guide lists books on solar oven design, solar cookbooks and Internet resources for the solar chef.

http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/SciRefGuides/solarovens.html

 

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May. 25, 2008

Illinois Christian Home Educators New Blog and Contest #1

 

Dear Illinois Homeschooling Families,

 

We'll be running a few contests over the next couple of weeks -- all in anticipation of the Illinois Christian Home Educators state convention on June 5-7 and to introduce the new ICHE blog. We’ll also be running several contests during the convention, so check the blog throughout the convention weekend.

 

Here's Contest #1

 

To enter this contest, leave a comment here on the blog telling us why you like homeschooling in Illinois. We’ll pick a winner later today.

 

The winner gets a copy of Ginger Plowman’s No More Whining: Three Easy Steps to Whine-Free Living. Ginger will be one to the speakers at the convention.

 

Happy springtime to you and your family.

 

Laurie Bluedorn

 

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May. 16, 2008

BARNES & NOBLE SUMMER READING PROGRAM

 

Fostering a love of reading and its rewards, the Barnes & Noble
Summer Reading Program is popular with students in the first through
sixth grades and educators throughout America.


Participation is fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They
simply read any eight books — library books, books borrowed from
friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble — write about their
favorite part, and bring a completed tear page to a Barnes & Noble
bookstore. Children then choose their free book from a list of
paperback titles.


In the summer of 2007, Barnes & Noble gave away more books than ever
before, 10% more than those given away in the summer of 2006. The
theme of the 2008 Summer Reading program is based on books by the
popular children's author, Andrew Clements.

 

http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our_company/community/Summer_Reading/Summer_Reading_Program.html

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May. 9, 2008

Fun and Games!

 

This is the last two weeks of the Win a Jan Brett Visit to your
School or Library contest. You can enter at:
http://janbrett.com/contest_2008/free_school_visit_contest_2008.html



On Screen Computer Games

~ Interactive Coloring Pages
http://www.janbrett.com/coloring_aplet_new/Color.html

~ Hedgie's Alphabet Game
http://www.janbrett.com/games/hedgies_alphabet_game/intro.html

~ Mouse Concentration
http://janbrett.com/piggybacks/mouse_concentration.htm

~ Hedgie Scrambler Game
http://janbrett.com/games/hedgie_and_henny_puzzle.htm

~ Is Hedgie the Most Handsome Animal in the Forest Game?
http://www.janbrett.com/hedgies_the_best.htm

~ Hedgie's Book a Matic
http://janbrett.com/bookamatic/hedgies_book_a_matic.htm

~ Decorate a Jan Brett Gingerbread House
http://www.janbrett.com/trim_a_jan_brett_gingerbread_baby_house.htm

~ Hedgie Loves to Read
http://janbrett.com/hltr/hltr_main.htm


Printable Games

~ Flash Card Sight Words
http://janbrett.com/games/flash_card_dolch_word_list_main.htm

~ Flash Card Colors
http://janbrett.com/games/colors_main.htm

~ Flash Card Shapes
http://janbrett.com/games/geometric_shapes_main.htm

~ Flash Card Phonograpms
http://janbrett.com/phonograms/phonogram_fc_main.htm

~ Addition Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/addition_flash_cards_main.htm

~ Subtraction Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/subtraction_flash_cards_main.htm

~ Multiplication Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/multiplication_flash_cards_main.htm

~ Division Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/division_flash_cards_main.htm

~ Matching Numbers Game
http://janbrett.com/games/matching_numbers_game_main_page.htm

~ Matching Animals Game
http://janbrett.com/games/matching_animals_game_main.htm

~ Gingerbread Baby Board Game
http://janbrett.com/games/gingerbread_baby_board_game.htm

It's a pleasure to be in touch.

Sincerely,

Jan Brett



View all Jan Brett's Free How to Draw Videos
http://janbrett.com/video/video_main_page.htm

Read all about Jan Brett's books and get the best bookstore prices -
http://www.janbrett.com/bookstores/hedgies_lets_go_shopping.htm

 

 

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