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Calendar of Events
Let Charleston Tourism help spread the word about community events you are planning
in the Charleston area. Submit event details and contact information
to tourismdirector@co.coles.il.us for consideration.
FebruaryFeb 6 Charleston Challenge Mid-Winter Classic
Carl Sandburg School, 1924 Reynolds Dr.
Registration begins at 8 am
Get ready to run a 5 k - 10 K - 15 K race. Be prepared for all weather condition ~ sun, rain or snow! www.charlestonchallangeduathlon.com (217) 345-8499
Feb 19 Second Annual Shake It for SACIS
EIU Campus, MLK Jr. University Union, 7th St. & Grant Ave.
6 pm - 10 pm
Participants will be able to choose 3 different types of dance to learn throughout the evening and then gather with others to dance during the last hour. The evening's activities also include giveaways and spectacular performances by local dances. $5 at the door. All proceeds go to support services provided by SACIS, Sexual Assault Counseling & Information Services. www.sacis.org (217) 348-5033
Feb 20 There is No Place Like Home - Habitat for Humanity Annual Dinner/Dance & Silent Auction
7th St Underground, MLK Jr. Student Union, EIU Campus, 7th St. and Grant Ave.
6:30 pm
Support the local Habitat for Humanity. The annual dinner will feature a social hour, string quartet and wonderful silent auction items. Dinner served at 7:30 pm and features a menu of pot roast, chicken cordon blue, fettuccine alfredo, salads and delicious desserts. Proceeds are shared by Coles County and EIU Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing for deserving families. www.colescountyhabitat.net (217) 348-7063
March
March 27 Prairie Grass to Corn Stalks: A History of Farming in Central Illinois Exhibit Debut
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
The new exhibit explores how central Illinois became the corn belt of America through farmers' transformation of the landscape from 1820 to 1920. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
April
April 11 Brunch/Style Show ~ Relay for Life Fundraiser
Worthington Inn, 920 W. Lincoln Ave.
Doors open at 11:30 am, Brunch at noon, Style Show begins at 1 pm
Vendor displays by lia sophia Jewelry, Purse Lady Kim and the Doncaster clothing line. Style Show will feature fashions from Dress Barn in Tuscola and Sears in Mattoon. 50/50 raffle tickets available with drawing to be held on April 30th. All proceeds to benefit Relay for Life of Cumberland County. Event tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling Sue Sutton at (217) 549-4416 or Kaye Woodward at (217) 549-4241.
April 22 Spring Wine Tasting Event
Worthington Inn
4:30 pm - 7 pm
Tantalize your taste buds at the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Spring Wine Tasting Event. Niemann Foods will be on hand with a large assortment of wines, including Illinois and Missouri wineries. Door prizes given away throughout the evening. Call (217) 345-7041 to reserve tickets or pick up at the Charleston Chamber Office. www.charlestonchamber.com
April 23-25 Celebration: A Festival of the Arts
Eastern Illinois University Campus Quad, 4th St. and Grant Ave.
A celebration of a multitude of arts ~ everything from blacksmithing to watercolor, accompanied by live performances and a variety of unique food vendors. www.eiu.edu/~festival (217) 581-2113
April 23 Small Town Heritage
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
2 pm - 3:30 pm
A fascinating look at the Illinois small town from post-Civil War period through World War I; when most of Illinois' 1,000 small communities flourished. John Hall discusses prairie, woodland and river environments, townscapes and transportation, business activities and social life. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
April 24 Fourth Annual "Tour de Exchange"
Charleston High School, 1615 Lincoln Ave.
Registration starts at 6 am, Staggered Starts from 6:30 am to 9:30 am
Grab your bikes and head out of this annual ride hosted by the Exchange Club of Charleston. 10, 25 and 50 mile routes on paved roads and SAG support. www.exchangeclubofcharleston.org
April 24 Art and Antiques at Osage Farm
1320 E. County Rd.
8 am - 3 pm
A unique shopping experience, Art and Antiques at Osage Farm showcases the area's finest country and Americana antique dealers. This year features fourteen high quality antique dealers and eight folk artists, pork chop sandwiches and local band, Big Blue Mountain. Rain or shine, event under cover. Free Admission. Directions: Take Rt. 16 west 1½ mi., turn left on
May
May 1 Sheep to Clothing
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
10 am - 4 pm
Site volunteers will demonstrate all of the steps involved in the processing of wool. Activities include shearing, sorting and washing the wool, teasing and carding the wool for spinning. Interpreters and volunteers will also demonstrate dying, felting and weaving. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
May 7 Folk Songs of Illinois
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
2 pm - 3:30 pm
Bucky Halker will present a program about the rich and diverse folk music traditions. From the beginning of the 19th century through the folk revival of the 1950s, many Illinois residents produced a huge body of folk music, including historical ballads, labor anthems, early country songs and dance tunes. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
May 8 Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System's 4th Annual Races for All Paces
Sarah Bush Lincoln Heath System, Route 16
Staggered start times between 7 am and 9:15 am, registration begins at 6:15 am
Half marathon, 10K Relay Challenge, 5K Fun Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Run with a Hero, Toddler Trot, Diaper Dash. Pre-registration ends April 15th. To register and get pricing, course and training information, visit www.sarahbush.org.
May 15 Champions for Children Walk 5K
EIU's O'Brien Stadium
Registration begins at 9 am, Opening Ceremony at 9:30 am, Walk at 10 am
Lace up for children and for fun! You can walk, run or pedal your way to being a champion for children. Proceeds benefit the local Children's Advocacy Center which works with over 200 children and families each year. For every 75 EIU employees, students, alum, a private donor will give $250 to the local CAC. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. $15 registration. Pre-register at www.cacionline.org. (217) 345-8250
May 15-16 2010 Illinois Heritage Expo
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
10 am - 4 pm
Spend the day exploring the gathering of state-wide historic artisans, reenactment groups, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Sites and other societies, museums and institutions. Explore Illinois' collective history displayed through the use of presentations, exhibits, historic crafts and demonstrations, period music and clothing, family-friendly hands-on activities, food and much more. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
May 29-30 22nd
Rt 16, 1.5 miles east of
Noon - 5 pm
Stroll Wes Whiteside’s 5-acre exotic garden and view rare and familiar species, well loved flowers, shrubs and trees. Plant guide and refreshments available. Vendors and speakers on plants and garden-related subjects. $, Children under 12 free. Coles Co. Historical Society (217) 235-6744 www.coleshistory.net
June
June 3 - Oct 14 Farmer's Market on the Square
Downtown Square
Every Wednesday, 6 am to 11 am
Home-grown produce, baked goods, hand-made items, plants and flowers. (217) 348-8018
June 5 3rd Annual Catfish Tournament
Lake Charleston
4:30 pm - 12 am
Get in some quality fishing time and help support the local Children's Advocacy Center. Registration runs from 4:30 to 5:30 pm and is $30 per boat with a limit of 2 people per team. Door prizes given from 5:30 pm and trophies and awards presented at 12:30 am. Contact Gary Stevens for more information. (217) 246-5156
June 6 Goose Nest Prairie Players Concert
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
2 pm - 3:30 pm
The Goose Nest Prairie Players will be presenting a concert featuring the traditional 19th century music in the auditorium of the Visitor Center. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
June 13 1st Annual St. Charles Summer Fest
St. Charles Borrommeo Church, 921 Madison Ave.
Noon - Dusk
St Charles Church will host its first annual summer festival for community members of the Greater Charleston area. Activities for the whole family will be featured, including bingo, live music, games, raffles, crafts, auctions, pork chop dinner, a beer garden, races and much more! www.saintcharleschurch.org (217) 345-3332
June 19 Soap Making
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
10 am - 4 pm
Learn the process of soap making in the 19th century from processing lye and lard to achieve the final product. Interpreters will demonstrate the methods of cloths washing and spring house cleaning employed by our 19th century ancestors. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
June 25 Charleston Chamber of Commerce 35th Annual Golf Outing - "Buy Local-Play Local"
Charleston Country Club
Registration 10:30-11:30 am, Lunch 11 am-Noon, Shotgun Start 12 Noon
Dust off those clubs and get ready for a day of fun in the "Buy Local - Play Local" Charleston Chamber Golf Outing. $100 all-inclusive fee per player includes driving range, putting contest for $5000, 18 holes of golf & cart, mulligans, lunch, give-aways, snacks and beverages on the course, "Beat the Mayor" contest, Par 3 poker, dinner and prizes. Foursomes and individuals are welcomed! Registration deadline - June 18. Registration form available on www.charlestonchamber.com. (217) 345-7041
June 27 Red, White & Blue Days Bingo
Morton Park, East Pavilion
2 pm - 5 pm
25 cents per game. Great Prizes.
July
July 1 Charleston Community Band Patriotic Concert
Kiwanis Park Amphitheatre, Division and Jackson Ave.
7:30 pm
Come out and enjoy a star spangled tribute. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
July 3 1st Annual 2010 Sprint Triathlon "Redhawk Rampage at EIU"
Lantz Arena, Eastern Illinois University
5:30 Packet pickup, 8 am Race begins
Gather your suit, helmet and running shoes to support the Lincoln Trails Council - Boy Scouts of America. 300 Meter Pool swim, 12.4 mile bike, 5 K run. Individual or team categories. (217) 620-7205
July 3-4 Red, White and Blue Days
Morton Park, Division and Lincoln Ave.
www.charlestonredwhiteandblue.com (217) 345-7691
July 3rd, Saturday
7:30 am 4 Miles on the 4th Race to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Registration begins at 6:30 am (217)348-7063.
9 am Fire Safety - Foam Fun, Water Fun and food vendors open
9 am Great Chalk-In 
11 am Inflatable Games for Kids open
4 pm Carole Peterson – Macaroni Soup Concert for Kids www.macaronisoup.com
6:30 pm The Henningsen’s concert
7:30 pm Little Mr & Miss Firecracker and Farmer of the Year Recognition
8 pm Country music star Joe Nichols in concert. Free admission. Bring lawn chairs.
July 4th, Sunday
Food vendors All Day, AYCE Ice Cream $2
10 am Community Church Service
1 pm Parade begins on the Square, south on 6th St, west on Polk, south on Division to Morton Park
2 pm Bell ringing ceremony
2:30 pm Country singing sensation Clay Underwood concert
July 4th Fireworks at Coles County Airport
Dusk
Food vendors on site. Free admission. Handicapped parking available. Shuttle buses running from
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historical Site
10 am - 4 pm
Visitors will receive a guide booklet to help them explore the gardens at the Lincoln and Sargent Farms. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate gardening methods and food preparation. The site will also be hosting an Antique Tractor Show featuring Oliver tractors from the early 20th century. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
July 16 Women's Wine Tour
O'Brien Stadium Parking Lot
Buses depart at 8am and return at 9 pm
Join the Panther Club and the SBL Volunteer Guild for a wine tour in the heart of Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. The tour will visit four unique wineries located among the rolling hills and sandstone bluffs. Lunch and light dinner included. $50 per person, space is limited. Register online at www.eiupanthers.com or call 581-2310 for more information.
July 16-18 Annual East Central Illinois Antique Farm Equipment Show
Coles County Fairgrounds, E Street and Madison Ave.
8 am - Dusk Daily
All makes and models, restored or unrestored welcome. Garden tractor pull, threshing, kids' tractor pull, parade, antique pull, music and more. Ivan Campbell and the Country Boys perform friday night at 7 pm and The Original Hootenanny Band perform Saturday night at 7 pm. www.terrydalefarms.com/show
July 24 Hammer In
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
10 am - 4 pm
Join along the creek in front of the site's Visitor Center to see the blacksmiths in action and learn what it takes to forge functional and decorative items from iron and steel rods. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
July 25 Living History Open House - Early Settlement Patterns in Coles County, Frontier Herb Gardens and Spinning Demostrations
Five Mile House, 3.7 miles south of IL Route 130
1 - 4 pm
Experience life in the 1840s-60s. Early Settlement Patterns in Coles County program presented at 1 pm and Frontier Herb Gardens presented at 2 pm. Spinning demonstrations throughout the afternoon. www.fivemilehouse.com (217) 345-4773
August
Aug 8 34th Annual Bluegrass Jam
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
10 am - 4 pm
The annual Bluegrass Jam features musicians from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and other surrounding states. The informal musical gathering provides the perfect opportunity to bring a picnic lunch, sit in the shade and enjoy the tunes. If you play, bring your own instrument and join in. Food concessions will be offered by the Volunteer Pioneers www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
Aug 15 Living History Open House - Westfield College and Spinning Demostrations
Five Mile House, 3.7 miles south of IL Route 130
1 - 4 pm
Experience life in the 1840s-60s. Featured program "Westfield College - Come & Gone" presented at 2 pm. Spinning demonstrations throughout the afternoon. www.fivemilehouse.com (217) 348-8603
Aug 19 EIU Move-In Day
Campus Housing Dorms
Welcome back students! EIU's dorms officially open the doors for the newest group of students to arrive for the 2011 school year!
www.eiu.edu/~housing (217) 581-5111
Aug 21 2nd Annual Horse Pull
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
1 pm
Before tractors dominated the rural landscape, the humble draft horse was the work engine of the farm. The hauling competition will test individual animals and teams strength. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
Aug 22 CAC's 3rd Annual All Vehicle Show
Coles County Fairgrounds, E Street and Madison Ave.
Registration 10 am - 12 pm, Voting 1-3 pm, Presentation 3 pm
Entry fee of $15 per vehicle. First 50 to register receive a dash plaque. All registered participants will vote for the top 25 cars/trucks/motorcycles and top 8 tractors. Proceeds to support the Children's Advocacy Center. (217) 345-8250
Aug 26 7th Annual Longaberger Basket Binga Night - Hosted by Coles County Council on Aging
Mattoon American Legion, 1203 Maple St., Mattoon
Doors open at 5 pm; games begin at 6 pm
The night will feature door prizes, raffles, specialty-themed baskets available for silent auction and tons of fun! Food available for purchase. Tickets for Binga Night available at the LifeSpan Center, 11021 E CR 800 N, Charleston or at the door. (217) 639-5150
Aug 28 Annual Coles County Air ShowColes County Airport, Rt. 16
Gates open at 11 am, show starts at 1 pm
This year's show includes a jet-powered school bus, food vendors and much more! Free admission and plenty of free parking. No pets allowed. www.colescountyairport.com (217) 234-7120
Aug 29 Living History Open House - Visit by Abraham Lincoln, Spinning, Open Hearth Cooking, Cider Pressing and Bluegrass Jam Session
Five Mile House, 3.7 mi. south of Charleston on Route 130
1 pm - 4 pm
Bring the kids for a view of the 1840-1860s pioneer family living. Visit with Abraham Lincoln on the campaign trail and see living history volunteers demonstrate spinning, open hearth cooking and cider pressing while local musicians hold a bluegrass jam session. www.fivemilehouse.org (217) 348-8603
September
Sept 12 Goose Nest Prairie Players Concert
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
2 pm - 3:30 pm
The Goose Nest Prairie Players will be presenting a concert featuring the traditional 19th century music in the auditorium of the Visitor Center. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
Sept 16, 17, 18 Trials & Tribulations: The Story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial
Oakland
Enjoy a unique combination of living history, dramatic theatre and an 1847 meal to learn this story of the courageous Bryant family who sought freedom in Coles County. This is the only time that Abraham Lincoln represented the slave owner. www.matsontrial1847.org (217) 508-9113
Sept 25 Charleston Challenge Duathlon
Carl Sandburg School, 1924 Reynolds Dr.
8:30 am
This event hosted by the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department features a 2 mile run, 20 mile bike ride, 2 mile run over a vigorous course. Team and individual divisions available. www.charlestonchallengeduathlon.com (217) 345-6897
October
Oct 1-3 Eastern Illinois University Family Weekend
Eastern Illinois University campus
Pack up the family and check out the family weekend activities, including the EIU Panthers football game. www.eiu.edu
Oct 2-3 Volunteer Pioneers' Fall Festival
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
10 am - 4 pm
The weekend's activities include period craftsmen and vendors, pie-eating contests, rail splitting and two-man saw contests. Visitors are encouraged to take part in period games and activities. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
Oct 22-24 Eastern Illinois University Homecoming
Eastern Illinois University campus and Charleston community
Weekend events include an "all-you-can-eat" sunrise breakfast, EIU/Charleston 2.5 k homecoming race, homecoming parade, EIU Panther football game and tailgating.
*** New Homecoming Parade Route this year!***
Starts at 7th and Lincoln Ave.
North on 7th St.; West on Monroe Ave.
South on 6th St.; West on Polk Ave.
South on Division St.
Ends at O'Brien Stadium
Check out www.eiu.edu/~hcevent/ for further details.
Oct 31 Charleston Trick or Treat Hours
5 pm - 8 pm
City-wide are for Halloween Trick or Treating are set for 5 pm - 8 pm. Have fun and be safe!
November
Nov 6 Yuletide Tunes & Treats ~ Dessert Buffet, Silent Auction & Music
What's Cookin' Restaurant, 409 7th St.
6 pm - 8 pm, auction ends at 7:40 pm
Start your shopping and satisfy your sweet tooth while raising money for the Christmas in the Heart of Charleston Celebration. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or in advance by calling (217) 348-0430.
Nov 4 Gateway Liquors' 8th Annual Wine Tasting
Charleston Country Club
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Come out and sample the largest selection of wines and hors d'oeuvres and raise money for Charleston Police Department's "Shop with a Cop" program. Tickets available at Gateway Liquors or at the door. $10 (217) 345-8406
Nov 12-14 Embarras Valley Film Festival
EIU Campus and Will Rogers Theatre
This year's festival honors a local celebrity with a film making workshop, film screenings, presentations, a writer's workshop, symposium and reception. www.eiu.edu/~evff (217) 581-2787
Nov 12 Annual "Shop with a Cop" Pork Chop Dinner
Moose Lodge, 615 7th St.
5 pm - 8 pm
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 annual fundraiser for raiser funds to provide over 100 area children with Christmas gifts and clothes. $10 dinner includes pork chops, baked potato, salad, roll and dessert. Carry out available. (217) 345-8406
Nov 12 Charleston Chamber Lootery 2010
Charleston Country Club
5 pm
Each ticket admits 2 people for fun, food and fabulous cash giveaways. Every tenth ticket wins a cash prize with a Grand Prize of $2,000. For tickets, call (217) 348-0430 Charleston Tourism or (217) 345-7041 Chamber of Commerce.
Nov 26 A Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
10 am - 4 pm
By 1845, governors of many states outside New England were issuing proclamations for official Days of Thanksgiving. Join us as we explore the Thanksgiving traditions familiar to Illinois' Yankee settlers at the Stephen Sargent farm. Sargent's New Hampshire roots and childhood Thanksgiving celebrations will be the basis for the day's interpretation. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
December
Dec 3 Christmas Candlelight Tours
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
10 am - 4 pm
Visitors are welcome to tour the Lincoln and Sargent Farms by candle lit paths to see how Christmas may have been observed by 19th century Americans. At the Lincoln Farm, the family will gather around the hearth and share the evening socializing, while at the Sargent farm, members of the family will celebrate the holiday with good food and simple decorations. www.lincolnlogcabin.org (217) 345-1845
Dec 4 Good Measure International's "Crafts for A Cause" Holiday Bazaar
Corner of 7th St. and Harrison Ave.
10 am - 6 pm
Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts from artisans both locally and around the world! All proceeds will benefit work to help the poor in India, Africa and Mexico. In addition to crafts, holiday decor, antiques and baked goods will be available for sale. Stop in for hot drink and shop! (217) 348-8820
Dec 4 Christmas in the Heart Shopping Expo
Miller's Banquet Facility, 307 6th St.
3 pm - 6 pm
Christmas shopping made easy! Featuring over 25 vendors in one location. Check out gift ideas from Tastefully Simple, mark., Celebrating Home, Lia Sophia, Party Lite, Longaberger Baskets, Creative Memories, Sugar Mtn. Farms and many, many more vendors. (217) 549-0311
Dec 4 Christmas in the Heart of Charleston
Courthouse Square
4 pm - 6 pm
Holiday parade, carriage rides, live reindeer, refreshments, live window displays, entertainment, photos with Santa and much more. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa. Parade starts at 4 pm. Streets leading to the Square will be closed ~ please park 2-3 blocks off the Square and walk inward. Check out event page on Facebook under "Christmas in the Heart of Charleston". (217) 348-0430
Dec 11 Big Brothers Big Sisters Country Christmas Auction
Cross County Mall
9 am doors open, 10:30 live auction begins ~
Silent auction tables opening and closing throughout event
Get a jump on your Christmas shopping and support the local mentoring program. Silent and live auction featuring gift certificates, art and craft items, sports memorabilia and much more. www.joinsomethingbig.org (217) 348-8741
