Visitors will have the opportunity to craft unique holiday gifts and decorations using natural materials at various creation stations. Children can make personalized treasures to share with family and friends, while families can come together to prepare treats to hang from trees as a special gift to local wildlife.

Guests are welcome to drop in anytime during program hours, and children must be accompanied by an adult. With activities suitable for all ages, the event aims to spread holiday spirit and promote environmentally friendly practices.

For more information, contact the Champaign County Forest Preserve District at (217) 896-2455 or cprahl@ccfpd.org.

So, mark your calendars and join in the fun—because there’s truly no place like Homer for the holidays!

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Hosted by the Museum of the Grand Prairie, the event invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the seasonal glow of beautifully illuminated gardens. This free community event also features a variety of special activities to enhance your Night Lights experience.

Special Events to Brighten Your Visit:

• Friday, December 6: Sips & Serenades with Gearl Grey Duo (5-7 PM)
  Enjoy the soothing melodies of live music while sipping on festive beverages in the serene garden setting.
• Saturday, December 7: To Grandmother’s House We Go! (4-7 PM)
  Step back in time with family-friendly activities and stories that celebrate holiday traditions of the past.
• Friday, December 13: Sip & Learn: Hot Cups of Culture (4-6 PM)
  Warm up with delightful drinks while exploring cultural traditions tied to the holiday season.
• Friday, December 20: Carolers and Hot Chocolate (5:30-7 PM)
  Revel in the holiday spirit as carolers fill the garden with classic tunes, accompanied by steaming cups of hot chocolate.

A Holiday Highlight

Night Lights is the perfect way to embrace the holiday season with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying the illuminated paths, singing along to carols, or sipping on hot cocoa, the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden promises a magical experience to cherish.

Mark your calendar and make Night Lights part of your holiday tradition. Admission is free, making it a must-visit event for creating joyful memories this season. For more details, visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie’s website or social media pages.

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What to Expect at Harvest Fest

Autumn is a time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin-flavored treats, and enjoying nature’s vibrant colors. At Harvest Fest, you can dive into the best parts of fall through a variety of activities perfect for all ages:

• Pumpkin Carving and Decorating: Channel your inner artist by carving or decorating a pumpkin! You can reserve your very own pumpkin for just $5 by registering before October 9. All other program activities are free, so don’t miss out on this iconic seasonal tradition.
• Hay-Rack Rides: Enjoy a relaxing hay-rack ride through the scenic forest preserve, taking in the crisp air and beautiful fall foliage. It’s a perfect way to unwind and savor the season with your loved ones.
• Apple Peeling: A simple yet satisfying activity, apple peeling has been a favorite autumn pastime for generations. Give it a try and experience the charm of this nostalgic tradition.
• And More! In addition to these highlights, Harvest Fest will have a variety of other activities for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon or some hands-on fall fun, there’s something for everyone.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve

Harvest Fest is a family-friendly event, so be sure to bring the kids! However, please note that children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the activities.

This event will take place rain or shine, though it may be canceled in the case of severe weather conditions. To stay informed, contact the event organizers at (217) 586-2612 or via email at cprahl@ccfpd.org.

Reserve Your Pumpkin Today

If you’d like to participate in the pumpkin carving or decorating activity, be sure to register by October 9 to reserve a pumpkin. For just $5, you’ll have your own pumpkin to craft into a masterpiece. It’s a small price to pay for a lot of fun!

With all other activities being free of charge, Harvest Fest offers an affordable and memorable way to enjoy the season with your family and friends.

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The Harlem Wizards are known for delivering awe-inspiring basketball performances that are as entertaining as they are impressive. With their unique mission to create engaging events across the country, the Wizards blend high-energy basketball with hilarious comedy, making this the perfect event for families of all ages. Whether you’re a kid, parent, or grandparent, this two-hour show is packed with jaw-dropping tricks, skillful ball handling, fancy passing, and show-stopping athleticism that will keep you laughing and cheering.

More than just a game, the Wizards involve the audience in every moment. Expect loads of audience participation, making fans a part of the fun! The combination of comedy, athleticism, and fan interaction promises an experience that can only be described as Awe-Inspiring!

Tickets are available online at www.harlemwizards.com or can be purchased at the door starting at 6 PM on the day of the event. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of the most exciting basketball performances around—an evening of family-friendly entertainment you won’t soon forget!

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The reenactment will feature historical demonstrations, military drills, and a live battle reenactment each day. Visitors are invited to tour the encampment, where reenactors will bring the Revolutionary War era to life with authentic clothing, weapons, and equipment displays.

On Sunday, the festivities will also include Pioneer Craft Day in the Homestead Cabin area. Guests can watch traditional activities such as cider pressing, rail splitting, and even try their hand at candle dipping, with children allowed to take their candles home. Period craftspeople will showcase their skills around the log cabin, and visitors can enjoy a taste of history by sampling fry bread.

Boy Scout Troop #224 from Oakwood will be on hand both days, offering concessions to keep visitors fueled as they explore the event.

Admission is free for all activities. For more information, call 662-2142. Forest Glen Preserve is located at 20301 E. 900 North Road, Westville, IL.

This event promises to be an educational and fun-filled weekend for all ages, with an immersive look into America’s past and the daily life of pioneers.

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This unique fundraising event allows participants to enjoy the beauty of Buffalo Trace while savoring some of the finest whiskeys, all in support of local preservation efforts. Set along a 1.5-mile paved path, whiskey stations will feature premium selections including Buffalo Trace, Bowman Bros, E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, and Blanton’s Bourbon. Each station provides an opportunity to learn about the Champaign County Forest Preserve’s natural restoration efforts from their knowledgeable staff.

Watson’s Shack & Rail, a local favorite, will not only be providing whiskey for the tasting stations but will also have their food truck on site. In addition to whiskey tastings, the event offers something for everyone—adult and kid-friendly scavenger hunts, a variety of activities, and swag bags for each ticket holder. Nonalcoholic beverages will also be available.

Ticket Information: Tickets are limited and available for $55 per person. One ticket includes access to the whiskey walk, food, activities, and a swag bag. Participants will also have the rare opportunity to purchase a bottle of the coveted Pappy Van Winkle Special Reserve 12-Year at a significantly discounted price—a special highlight of the event.

To secure your spot at the Buffalo Trace Whiskey Hike, visit the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation webpage or Watsonschicken.com. With limited availability, tickets are expected to sell out fast.

Don’t miss your chance to sip exceptional whiskeys, meet Watson’s Whiskey Czar, and support the continued preservation of one of Mahomet’s treasured outdoor spaces!

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, October 20
• Time: 2-4 PM
• Location: Buffalo Trace, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (East Entrance)
  775 North Lombard Street, Mahomet, IL 61853
• Ticket Price: $55

For more information and to purchase tickets, click [HERE].

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The lineup for Tunes & Blooms features three incredible bands that will keep you grooving throughout the evening:

• Haki N Dem | 6-7 p.m.
• Merry Travelers | 7-8 p.m.
• SweetMelk | 8-9 p.m.

With a mix of musical genres and styles, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into soulful tunes, upbeat rhythms, or folk-inspired melodies, these talented bands will have you tapping your feet and dancing the night away.

As you enjoy the music, don’t miss out on the tasty treats available from local food vendors Juanito’s Taco and Mama Duke’s, who will be on-site serving up their delicious specialties.

Bring your friends, family, and a cozy blanket to relax on the lawn while soaking in the beauty of the botanical garden. The best part? Entry and parking are completely free, making it the perfect way to kick off your weekend.

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The Tailgate Party with a Purpose promises something for everyone. Headlining the event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. will be special guest Dog the Bounty Hunter, known for his larger-than-life personality and dedication to helping others. Attendees will also enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, including:

• Fishing Tournament: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Bag (Corn Hole) Tournament: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• BBQ Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Ice Daddy’s Frozen Treats: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Sensory Museum: Time TBA
• Tailgate Games: Ongoing all day

In addition to these activities, attendees can participate in an amazing basket and silent auction, where a variety of items will be up for grabs. There’s also a chance to win big in the Bourbon Raffle, featuring an antique bourbon valued at $800 as the grand prize. The raffle will include 10 other bottles of bourbon, and winners who are present will have the option to choose their bottle. Raffle prizes will be announced at 5:00 p.m.

Admission to the event is just $15 per person, or attendees can bring one new toy per person for free admission. All tickets include lunch, making it a great deal for families and supporters alike. Proceeds from the event will benefit children facing learning, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, along with their families and communities.

In addition to the entertainment and games, the event will also host testimonials from families and present the 2nd annual “That Mom” award, celebrating a mother who has shown outstanding dedication to her children and community. Last year’s recipient will return to present the honor.

With tailgate games, food, and appearances from local Illini legends and surprise guests, the Tailgate Party with a Purpose is not just about having fun—it’s about making a difference for families navigating the challenges of disabilities and mental health.

Tickets for the event must be purchased in advance through the Family First Community Center website: www.familyfirstcommunity.org/events.

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Ingram has been a fixture in the local music scene, helping launch the careers of powerhouse local musicians and touring artists, while providing a space for others to continue honing their craft. Open mic nights have offered a platform for nearly every genre, and even served as one of the only outlets for local comedians to test new material.

“When you do this for so many years, very little still surprises you,” Ingram said. “‘Oh, you want to do a solo tuba set? Yeah, sure. Sounds fun.’ We’ve seen just about everything.” He added that over the years, only three steadfast rules have emerged: no crowdwork for comedians, rappers must avoid backing tracks with full vocals, and no dropping the mic.

Ingram’s journey as a host began in the early 2000s when he started picking up hosting gigs at Canopy Club’s $2 Tuesdays, while he was still a college performer. His first regular hosting role came in the fall of 2001 at Clybourne. “They literally paid me in drinks for me and my friends, and I thought it was the greatest thing in the world,” Ingram joked.

The open mic legacy continued in downtown Champaign at Cowboy Monkey, where Ingram and friend Brandon T. Washington co-hosted a weekly open mic for several years. After Cowboy Monkey, the event moved to Canopy Club in 2016, attracting a new generation of performers like Anika Emily and Jake Fava, who eventually became regular hosts.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ingram, Emily, and Fava transitioned to virtual open mic nights on Zoom. The events, streamed via Facebook, drew participants from across the country and world, keeping the local music community connected through tough times.

Following the easing of pandemic restrictions, Ingram, Emily, and Fava briefly hosted open mics at NOLA’s before finding a new home at The Space in 2023. With an in-house PA system and owners passionate about supporting the local music scene, The Space became the perfect venue for open mic nights, offering full-band slots with a house drum kit.

The videos of the virtual performances are still available on the @CUopenmic Facebook page, providing a lasting archive of the community’s creativity during the pandemic.

The Space’s anniversary event promises to be a reflection of the open mic’s rich history and the vibrant local talent it continues to nurture.

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In collaboration with the University of Illinois YMCA, this year’s Prairie Stories is part of Welcoming Week, an initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse cultures within the community.

Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily life of the 1800s through a variety of artisan demonstrations, including blacksmithing and outdoor cooking. The event will also feature hands-on activities such as candle dipping and butter churning, offering a taste of the skills that were essential to life on the prairie.

Participants can also step into an 18th-century schoolhouse for lessons reminiscent of a bygone era, explore different textile techniques, and much more. To ensure accessibility for all attendees, many of the event’s informational materials will be available in multiple languages.

This family-friendly event is free of charge and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, you can contact the Champaign County Forest Preserve District at 217-586-2612 or via email at cprahl@ccfpd.org.

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