Let Charleston Tourism help spread the word about community events you are planning
in the Charleston area. Submit event details and contact information 
to tourism@co.coles.il.us for consideration.

2013 Calendar of Events

January

Jan 19 - "French Creole Fiddle & Tales from the Illinois Country"
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
1 pm Start Time
Dennis Stroughmatt will present a program on Illinois French Creole heritage.  He will talk about the importance of preserving the French language and music of the Illinois-Missouri French.  This program will take the audience on a fascinating trip through The Illinois Country from both a historical and modern perspective, highlighting the enduring French identity of places like Prairie du Rocher, IL and Old Mines, MO through ancient French folktales, haunting ballads, and foot stomping fiddle tunes.  
 
Jan 26 - SACIS ZUMBAfest!
Lifespan Center, Loxa Rd
1 – 4 pm
Fundraiser Donation: $10 for Adults, $5 for Children and Sr. Citizens. Be healthy from the inside out! Bring your family and friends - all ages! Water and healthy snacks available. Raffle and Silent Auction! To donate raffle prizes, silent auction items or to become a MAJOR SPONSOR (your name will be on T-shirts and in promotions) please call SACIS (217) 348-5033 or email: sacisch@consolidated.net

February

Feb 2 - 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 For information, call (217) 348-0430.
Register online at www.Active.com

Feb 2 - St. Vincent de Paul Society Trivia Night
Moriarty Hall, St. Charles Borromeo Church, 921 Madison Street
6:30 pm Start Time
All proceeds will help us to assist those in need in our Charleston community. Email ptcoulton@gmail.com to reserve a table.

Feb 8 - Bowls of HOPE
Moriarty Hall, St. Charles Borromeo Church, 921 Madison Street
5 – 7 pm
Soup supper and hand-crafted bowl $15; or just he soup for $5 plus a FAB-ulous Dessert Auction that is always loads of fun! Plus live music! This fundraiser benefits HOPE's mission to empower people to live independent, non-violent lives by providing HOUSING OUTREACH, PREVENTION & EDUCATION. For more info, call HOPE 348-5931 go to www.hope-ece.org  and "LIKE" us on Facebook!

Feb 9 - Health and Beauty Jamboree
POW! Ur Nutrition, 447 Lincoln Ave.
1 – 4 pm
Learn how living a healthy, active lifestyle can be fun, easy, and magical! Shop or just enjoy yourself with good food, drinks and great company!

Feb 9 - Lincoln’s Birthday Open House
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
10 – 4 pm
Visit with the Lincoln family as they celebrate the birthday of their illustrious relative Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln farm will be a buzz with activity as the many friends and relatives of the president gather to help family matriarch Sarah Lincoln celebrate Abraham’s special day.   While Sarah Lincoln is busy baking Abraham’s favorite cake, his friends and relatives will entertain you with their personal stories and anecdotes
about life with Lincoln

Feb 12 - Area 1^st Grade education program in honor of Lincoln’s birthday.
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Feb 14 - Singing Valentines for Hire
Charleston/Mattoon
All Day
Quartets from the Coles County Barbershop Chorus will deliver a box of chocolates and sing a romantic song for your loved one in the Charleston/Mattoon area!  Proceeds benefit area high school vocal music programs.  For details and to order, go to www.ColesCountyChorus.com.

Feb 23 - "Who Cooks? American Cookbooks and Changes in Gender Roles"
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Penelope Bingham is coming to Lincoln Log Cabin to talk food.  She will present her program about cookbooks as primary documents that give us insight into our culture and history.  She will relate her findings to the first-person interpretation program how gender roles have played a significant part in our social history.  In her words she states "talking about food, recipes, and cookbooks is a wonderful way to initiate conversations about American culture and history!"

March

Mar 2 - La Grande Soiree for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
Keller Convention Center, Effingham, IL
Further details about this event contact Kimberly Lockart at (217) 238-4765

Mar 6 - Little Black Dress Concert & Party: HOPE Fundraiser
Tarble Arts Center, 2010 9^th Street
7 – 9 pm
HOPE of East Central Illinois and EIU’s Women’s Studies are celebrating Women’s History & Awareness Month. There will be a wonderful array of live music, historical women ‘characters’, refreshments and domestic violence prevention exhibits. For details or to donate, call HOPE (217) 348-5931.

Mar 24 - Annual Lenten Benefit Concert 
First Baptist Church, Mattoon
4 pm
The Coles County Barbershop Chorus presents its 18th Annual Lenten Benefit Concert at First Baptist Church, 1804 S. 9th Street, Mattoon.  Admission is free; a freewill offering will be collected for homeless and food pantry needs in the area.

April

April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Blue Mondays
To support child abuse prevention.
Each Monday in April.
The National Exchange Club invites you to participate in Blue Mondays in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Wear the color BLUE every Monday in April! www.exchangeclubofcharleston.org

Apr 4 - Story of Babar, Music and Narration
Tarble Art Center Atrium
7:30 pm
Pianist John David Moore, violinist Sharilyn Spicknall, violist Elaine Fine, and narrator Kathryn Olsen wil give a concert that will feature Francis Poulenc's setting of Jean de Brunhoff's The Story of Babar, along with other works by Poulenc, and music by Jongen and Vierne. Brunhoff and Poulenc both intended their work with Babar to amuse children, but both the book and the music remain in our hearts through adulthood. The narration will be in English, and admission is free.The concert is sponsored by the Eastern Illinois Department of English and the Tarble Arts Center. We will have Babar books on hand for people to look at, and perhaps win in the raffle that will follow the performance.

Grand Ballroom at Eastern Illinois University-Entertainment TBA
(217) 345-1845

Apr 6 - We Sing Body Electric Poetry Walk

Charleston Town Square Sidewalks

12 – 4 pm

Celebrate National Poetry Month as selected poets and artists transfer their creations in chalk to the town square sidewalks. (217) 348-4570 

Apr 11- What Women Want
Unique Suites Hotel, 920 W Lincoln
4:30 - 7:30 pm
You are invited to this exciting event - for Women only! It's all about getting away from your everyday routine and having fun with your friends and other women. What to expect.....Wine, Chocolate, Food, Fashion, Prizes, Expo and Shopping! Thickets now on sale for $20 per person; $25 per person at the door. Event organized by the Charleston Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Bella Family Health & Wellness. www.charlestonchamber.com  (217) 345-7041

Apr 17 - HOPE's Children's Basket Binga
Charleston VFW
217-348-8815 - Camille Gordon
Come join us for food, fun, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and silent auction. Featuring Longaberger Baskets. $10 each for 10 games. Early bird Binga starts at 5:45pm, regular Binga starts at 6:00pm.

Apr 18 - Take Back the Night
LOCATION CHANGE! Meet in 7th Street Underground in MLK Union
Starts at 6pm
6pm - Music by Ethan Stephenson
6:45pm - Brief words from SACIS
7pm - Commence March through EIU campus
For more information call the SACIS office at 217-348-5033

Apr 19-21 - Celebration: A Festival of the Arts
Eastern Illinois University Campus Doudna Fine Arts Center S. 7th St.
A celebration of a multitude of arts ~ everything from blacksmithing to watercolor, accompanied by live performances and a variety of unique food vendors. There is no admission charge to the festival and the grounds are handicapped accessible.  www.eiu.edu/~festival (217) 581-2113

Apr 20 - Girls on the Run 5K
Trojan Hill (behind Charleston Middle School)
9 am Start Time
Calling all Superheroes! We welcome YOU to come walk, skip, or run your way to the finishline! Join in one of the most moving and unique 5k events in the state! This is a non competative 5k, with a family friendly celebration at afterwards. The 5k will start and finish on the track behind Charleston Middle School. Register online at www.girlsontheruneci.org or call Beth with questions: (217) 234-9494.

Apr 20 - Hearthside Cooking Classes
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Before your gas or electric range; before the coal or wood fired stove there was the hearth!  Have you ever wondered how your ancestors were able to prepare hearty and delicious meals for their family without all of our modern conveniences? Then this class is for you!  Our interpreters, in period correct dress, will explore the seasonality of cooking in the 19^th century, what foods were available at different times of the year and what were popular menu items for the table.  Then it’s time to get to work!  Our interpreters will guide you through all of the preparations for an authentic hearthside meal from the 19^th century.   Registration fees are $25 per person and are limited to 20 individuals.  Included with the fee are your meal and a one year membership in the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation. (217) 345-1845

Apr 25 - Citizens Against Child Abuse Author Sarah Burleton
Charleston Library
1-2 pm
In honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month, Citizens Against Child Abuse is sponsoring a free presentation from NY Times bestselling author, Sarah Burleton. The event is open to the public! 

Apr 25, 26, 27 - Yard Sale!
Cross County Mall - Mattoon
25th 6-9pm (Preview - $1.00 entry fee)
26th 7am - 7pm
27th 7am - 12pm ($2.00 bag, everything goes half price)
We are now accepting gently used household items (clothing, music, etc) for the sale. Donations can be dropped off at the Cross County Mall in the old Walgreens store on April 24th and 25th during the hours of 11am to 5pm or by arrangement. All proceeds go to HOPE Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Volunteers are always welcome, too. Volunteers needed from April 22 to 24 (10am - 5pm), April 25 and 26 (11am - 9pm), and April 27 from 7am - 2pm. For more information about volunteering or donating, please contact Angie Hunt at alhunt_hope@yahoo.com or call 348-8815.

Apr 27 - Medicine Collection Day!
Walgreens on 411 W. Lincoln
10 am - 2 pm
Do you have expired or unwanted medicine taking up space in your medicine cabinet? The Charleston Police Department and Walgreens will be hosting a medicine collection event as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines will be accepted, including pet medicines. No sharps or syringes please!

Apr 27 - Art and Antiques at Osage Farm
Osage Farm, 1344 E County Rd 720 N
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 Beechtree Rd. (Crestline Vet Clinic). Drive ¼ mi. to “T” and turn right on 720 N County Rd. Drive ½ mi. to 1320 E and turn left. Drive 1 mi.- Osage Farm is on the left. (217) 508-8812 www.artandantiquesatosagefarm.com

April 27 - Annual "Tour de Exchange"
Charleston High School, 18th and Lincoln Ave
Registration starts at 6 am, Staggered Starts from 6:30 am - 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. $20/adult & $10/child ($50 max per family) all registration includes a shirt. www.exchangeclubofcharleston.org 

Apr 27 - Heirloom Plant Sale

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

10 – 2 pm

The growing season begins at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site on Saturday April 27^th with an heirloom plant sale.  The Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation, Lincoln Log Cain's support group, is sponsoring the heirloom plant sale at the site's Visitor Center.  Proceeds from the sale directly support the educational programming of Lincoln Log Cabin. (217) 345-1845

May

May 10-11 - IHSA Girls Badminton Tournament
Eastern Illinois University, Lantz Gym
For more information, visit http://www.ihsa.org/sportsactivities/girlsbadminton.aspx.

May 16-18 - IHSA Girls State Track & Field
Eastern Illinois University, O'Brien Stadium
For more information, visit http://www.ihsa.org/sportsactivities/girlstrackfield.aspx

May 18 - Races for all the Paces
Sarah Bush Health Center
Get out your running shoes and bring the whole family to the seventh annual Races for all Paces at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. There's a race for everyone, regardless of your fitness level. Enter a half marathon or team up with friends or co-workers for a 10K Relay Challenge. For shorter tracks, try the new 10K Individual Race, 5K, One-mile Fun Run, Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash. Registration and Packet Pick-up on Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th at the Lumpkin Family Center for Education at Sarah Bush Lincoln. http://www.sarahbush.org/races

May 18-19 - Illinois Heritage Fair
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Bishop Hill and Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Sites along The Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation, Looking For Lincoln and the Illinois Historical Society present the 2^nd Illinois Heritage Fair at Bishop Hill State Historic Site (217) 345-1845

May 23-25 - IHSA Boys State Track & Field
Eastern Illinois University, O'Brien Stadium
For more information, visit http://www.ihsa.org/sportsactivitiesboystrackfield.aspx

May 25-27 - Memorial Day Week-end
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Kick off your summer with a trip to Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. 
Whether you enjoy hiking our trails, picnicking with family and friends in one of our
picnic shelters, fishing in the pond, meeting the farm animals  or exploring the Lincoln
story in the visitor center and on the historic farms, there’s always something to see and do here.  Remember for summertime fun it’s always a great day to visit Lincoln Log Cabin! (217) 345-1845

May 26- Open Hearth & Woodstove Cooking demonstrations. The Charleston Riot of 1864.
Five Mile House, 5 miles south of Charleston
Blugrass Music - Open Jam
For more information, visit http://fivemilehouse.org 

June

Jun 4 - Irish Music Circle
6-8 pm
Jackson Avenue Coffee, Charleston IL
Bring your ears and your instruments, share tunes, listen and learn. We are hoping to have regular play sessions through the summer. Come and let us know what dates work for you. We will learn together, and there will also be some opportunity for concerts and guest musicians. In advance, if you'd like to share a tune for others to learn, please send an mp3 or the sheet music as a jpg to GayeHarrison@gmail.com - She will distribute the request.

Jun 6 - Community Band Concert
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Charleston, IL
For more information, call 345-6897

Jun 7 - Jonah Fish Fry
Lifespan Center, 11021 ECR 800N
4:30 - 7:30 pm
The Jonah Fish Fry, sponsored by the Coles County RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), is fast approaching. This is a great community event – show your support for RSVP and get a wonderful meal as well! Please pass this on to anyone who may be interested. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children
ages 5-12.(217) 639-5165

Jun 7 - Introduction to Alcohol Inks
720 Jackson Ave, Charleston
Register by May 25, 217-549-8111
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Join us in this introductory one hour class to explore the medium of alcohol ink. Make 2 tile mug coasters in the process! We will use ceramic tiles to examine Alcohol Ink application, blending, and embellishing methods. Create one tile having organic shapes and one tile having an adorable frog, oil, ladybug, cat or dog. Class size is limited to 12 people and costs $15 per person. Ages 12 to adult.

Jun 8 - Introduction to Alcohol Inks
720 Jackson Ave, Charleston
Register by May 25, 217-549-8111
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Join us in this introductory one hour class to explore the medium of alcohol ink. Make 2 tile mug coasters in the process! We will use ceramic tiles to examine Alcohol Ink application, blending, and embellishing methods. Create one tile having organic shapes and one tile having an adorable frog, oil, ladybug, cat or dog. Class size is limited to 12 people and costs $15 per person. Ages 12 to adult.


Jun 8 - Antique Tractor Show
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
(217) 345-1845

Jun 12, 13 and 14 - Introduction to Hand-Building in Clay
720 Jackson Ave, Charleston
Register by May 11
217-549-8111
6:00 - 7:00 pm
This class is an introductory hand-building class. Participants will be learning pint-pot, and coiltechniques. While learning these techniques, participants will be building a zoo animal. Note: This class will be wet clay to bisque. It is a 2 part class. Participants will need to take Learning to Paint Bisque-ware to complete their animal. Participants will need to pick up their items after firing unless they will be taking the Learning to Paint Bisque-ware class. Class size is limited to 12 people. $20 per person, ages 10 to adult.

Jun 13 - Community Band Concert
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Charleston, IL
For more information, call 345-7790

Jun 14 Annual Sarah Busch Lincoln Golf Outing
Meadowview Golf Club, Mattoon
Further details about this event call Kimberly Lockart at (217) 238-4765.

Jun 9 - Summer Start Up! Community Festival
St Charles Church, 921 Madison
Noon - Sunset
St Charles Church will host their 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

Jun 9 - Quanah Parker and the Buffalo Hunters, Theorem Painting & The Big Blue Mountain Band

Jun 22 - Civil War Saturday
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
10 – 4 pm
Visit with the Lincoln family as they discuss the latest war news and find out where Abraham Lincoln’s many relatives are serving in the war then read their letters home.  You can also join family matriarch Sarah Lincoln as she puts together a package of items to be sent to her grandson Alfred Hall, of the 123^rd Illinois, Infantry. (217) 345-1845

Jun 23 - Memoirs of a local civil war veteran, Spinning & Weaving
Music by Gary Longcor & Friends 
Five Mile House, 5 miles South of Charleston
For more information, visit http://fivemilehouse.org

Jun 27 - Community Band Concert
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Charleston, IL
For more information, call 345-6897

Jun 2013 date to be determined - Corn Belt Shrine Club Truck & Tractor Pull
Coles County Fairgrounds
Come out and enjoy a day filled with Trucks and Tractors. For more information, contact Mike at mikem@itpapulling.com.

Jun 28 - 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 form available on www.charlestonchamber.com. (217) 345-7041

June 28 & 29 - 6th Annual Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival
Downtown Champaign, Walnut and Main Street
4pm - 12am Friday, 12pm - 12am Saturday
We are certain you will enjoy the festival, the nightlife and the excitement that this event will bring to downtown Champaign! This festival is designed to bring families and the community together in a fun and entertaining environment. With nearly 55,000 attendees last year, The Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival has continued to grow and is sure to be a fun filled family atmosphere that all ages can enjoy. This all day free event is filled with a variety of cooking expos, educational music sessions, restaurateurs, food vendors, national and local bands, and an ask the expert area! There is a Dinosores motorcycle show, the News Gazette Interview text and the Orpheum Children's Museum Stage as well as national touring artist on all 3 stages. So bring your friends and family and come enjoy yourself!

Jun 29 - Trials & Tribulations: The Story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial
Oakland
6 – 9 pm
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

Jun 30 - Red, White, and Blue Days Bingo
North Pavilion, Morton Park, Division and Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL
2 - 5 pm
www.charlestonredwhiteandblue.com (217) 345-7691 charlestonrwb@gmail.com

July
Jul 3-4 - Red, White, and Blue Days
Morton Park, Division and Lincoln Ave.
www.charlestonredwhiteandblue.com (217) 345-7691 charlestonrwb@gmail.com
July 3rd, Wednesday
1:00 pm Vendors and Activities begin
6:30 pm Music - THE LEMON BROTHERS - 6:30 PM
Farmer of the Year/Little Mr. and Miss
8:00 pm Tate Stevens

July 4th, Thursday
6:30 am Habitat for Humanity Run/Walk
9:30 am Chalk In - Coles County Arts Council
10:00 am Foam Pit & Inflatable’s
1:00 pm Parade
2:15 pm Bell Ringing
2:30 pm Music - FLAT MOUNTAIN BAND
*Vendors will be available all day. Foam pit and Inflatable’s end at 2 pm

Jul 4 - Independence Day
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
(217) 345-1845

Jul 4 - Fireworks at Coles County Airport
Dusk
Food vendors on site. Free admission. Handicapped parking available. Shuttle buses running from Charleston and Mattoon. Bring lawn chairs/blankets. No personal fireworks, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed. (217) 345-7120 www.colescountyairport.com

Jul 6 - Civil War Saturday
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
10 – 4 pm
Visit with the Lincoln family as they discuss the latest war news including the capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and the major battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  Follow Alfred Hall’s journey with the 123^rd Illinois Infantry through his letters home while his grandmother Sarah Lincoln and the other woman in the family knit socks for the war effort. (217) 345-1845

Jul 7 - Blacksmithing Demonstration Toys & Toymaking, Exhibit of period toys.
White Coopering, Spinning & Weaving, Hearth & Woodstove Cooking
Big Blue Mountain Band
Five Mile House, five miles South of Charleston
For more information, visit http://fivemilehouse.org

Jul 10 - Children’s Hearthside Cooking Classes
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Children aged 8-14 are invited to learn what kinds of foods were eaten and how it was prepared in the 19^th century.   Our interpreters will teach about foods from the past, where it came from and about safety in the 19^th century kitchen.  The youths will assist our interpreters in making a delicious meal and then at noon one parent or guardian is invited to return and join their child in the meal they helped to prepare.  Cost is 20.00 per participant and is limited to 12 children.  Included with the fee is the meal and a one year membership in the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation.  (217) 345-1845

Jul 11 - Community Band Concert
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Charleston, IL
For more information, call 345-6897

Jul 12 - Introduction to Paper Making
720 Jackson Ave, Charleston
Register by June 25
217-549-8111
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Join us in this introductory two hour class to explore paper making. Make 2 paper molds in the process! We will examine the use of recycled and purchased papers, shredding, blending and pressing paper into molds. Create one tile that is large and one that is small. Ages 10 to adult, class size is limited to 8 people..

Jul 13 - Introduction to Paper Making
720 Jackson Ave, Charleston
Register by June 25
217-549-8111
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Join us in this introductory two hour class to explore paper making. Make 2 paper molds in the process! We will examine the use of recycled and purchased papers, shredding, blending and pressing paper into molds. Create one tile that is large and one that is small. Ages 10 to adult, class size is limited to 8 people.

Jul 25 - Christmas in July Trivia Night - Fundraiser for Christmas in the Heart of Charleston
Charleston Public Library
6 pm
Gather your friends for a night of Christmas Trivia about music, movies and more! All the proceeds will go towards the Christmas in the Heart of Charleston in December! Teams of up to 6 individuals will compete in 10 categories to see who knows the most about Christmas. The team answering the most questions correctly, will win $100 CASH! Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase! For more information, call (217) 348-0430.

Jul 28 - Aug 4 160th Annual Coles County Fair
Coles County Fairgrounds
For more information call 345-2656 or visiting www.colescountyfair.com

Jul 30 - Concert In The Park
Summer Strings 7 - 9 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Division and Jackson Charleston, IL
For more information, call (217) 348-0430

August

Aug 4 - Rennels Family Visit; History of the Five Mile House It's Local Importance
(Program at 3 p.m.)
Spinning & Weaving
Five Mile House, 5 miles South of Charleston
For more information, visit http://fivemilehouse.org

Aug 11 - Annual Bluegrass Jam
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
10 – 5 pm
It’s bluegrass time again at Lincoln Log Cabin!  The annual bluegrass jam session will be held at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Bluegrass and traditional musicians from Illinois and Indiana will converge at the site for a day of jamming. Anyone with a love of this uniquely traditional style of music and who plays an instrument is welcome bring theirs along and join one of the many the groups playing in the park.    The sites volunteers will provide food concessions, which directly benefits the historical and interpretive programs produced at the site. (217) 345-1845

Aug 13 - Concert In The Park
Taylor Wagner 7 - 9 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Division and Jackson Charleston, IL
For more information, call (217) 348-0430

Aug 15 - 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 new school year! www.eiu.edu/~housing (217) 581-5111

Aug 17 - Civil War Saturday
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
10 – 4 pm
Catch up on the latest war news and find out how Abraham Lincoln’s nephew Alfred Hall and all the boys from the neighborhood are faring as they push further south with the army and find out what everyday life was like for the union soldiers as you interact with one of our boys from the Goosenest Prairie home on leave. (217) 345-1845

Aug 17 - Run for the Fallen
CHS Trojan Hill, Charleston, IL
7 AM - 1 PM
Come honor a Fallen Soldier! Walk a lap around the track in honor of a lost life. This is a FREE event and on-site registration is available. Contact Parks & Rec Dept at 345-6897 for registration form.

Aug 18 - Life of the Civil War Soldier. Firearms of the Civil War
Spinning and Weaving, Bluegrass and Gospel music by Mackville
Five Mile House, 5 miles South of Charleston
For more information, visit Http://fivemilehouse.org

Aug 21 - Happy Together Tour 2013
Effingham Performance Center, Effingham, IL
7:30 PM
Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, 1325 Outer Belt West, Effingham, IL during box office hours, Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ticket prices for 38 Special range from $44 to $59; tickets for The Happy Together Tour range from $39 to $57.

Aug 23-24 - Relay for Life Walk
Peterson Park, Mattoon
4 pm - 6 am
Who will you walk for? Whatever your reason for fighting cancer, you'll make a difference by joining the American Cancer Society Relay For Life! www.RelayForLife.org/colesil Contact Laura Hopping at (217) 356-9076

Aug 27 - Concert In The Park
Muddy Grove 7 - 9 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Division and Jackson, Charleston, IL
For more information, call (217) 348-0430

Aug 31 - Annual Coles County Air Show
Coles County Airport, Rt. 16
Gates open at 11 am, show starts at 1 pm
This year's show includes lots of planes, food vendors and much more! Free admission and plenty of free parking. No pets allowed. www.colescountyairport.com (217) 234-7120

September

Sept 1 - Floor Cloth Making, Spinning & Weaving, & Bluegrass music by Firebox
Five Mile House, 5 miles South of Charleston
For more information visit, Http://fivemilehouse.org

Sept 10 - Concert In The Park
Mackville Bluegrass 7 - 9 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Division and Jackson, Charleston, IL
For more information, call (217) 348-0430

Sept 21 - Barn Dance and Candlelight Tour
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
(217) 345-1845

Sept 20 - Trials & Tribulations: The Story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial
Oakland
6 – 9 pmEnjoy 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 21 - Charleston Challenge Duathlon
Carl Sandburg School, 1924 Reynolds Dr.
9:00 am
This event hosted by the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department features a 2 mile run, 19.2 mile bike ride, 2 mile run over a vigorous course. Team and individual divisions available. www.charlestonchallengeduathlon.com (217) 348-0430

Sept 21 - BBQ and Auction Fundraiser
Five Mile House, 5 miles South of Charleston
For more information, visit Http://fivemilehouse.org

Concert In The Park
Motherlode 7 - 9 pm
Kiwanis Park Amphitheater
Division and Jackson, Charleston, IL
For more information, call (217) 348-0430

Sept 27-29 - 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

Sept 28 - Art and Antiques at Osage Farm
Osage Farm, 1344 E County Rd 720 N
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 Beechtree Rd. (Crestline Vet Clinic). Drive ¼ mi. to “T” and turn right on 720 N County Rd. Drive ½ mi. to 1320 E and turn left. Drive 1 mi.- Osage Farm is on the left. (217) 508-8812 www.artandantiquesatosagefarm.com

Sept 28 - Charleston Riot Dinner Fundraiser
Charleston Moose Lodge
Join us for good food and a great time while helping raise money for the 150th Anniversary of the Charleston Riot. For information, visit www.charlestonillinoisriot.org or call Charleston Tourism at (217) 348-0430

October

Oct 5-6 - Harvest Frolic
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
(217) 345-1845

Oct 18-20 - Eastern Illinois University Homecoming
Eastern Illinois University campus and Charleston community
Weekend events include an "all-you-can-eat" sunrise breakfast, homecoming parade, EIU Panther football game, tailgating & MORE!

*** Parade Route - Sat 9:30!***
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/homecoming for further details.

Oct 13 - 5 Mile House Fall Festival
5 Mile House, South Rt 130
1 pm - 4 pm
The afternoon will feature demonstrations of open hearth (fireplace) baking and woodstove cooking, wool spinning, blacksmithing and cider pressing. Blacksmith, Lorelie Sims will burn your initials in a piece of barn wood for you. At 2:00 p.m., Tom Vance will present a program on music popular before the Civil War. Come sing along with many songs that are still popular today. Remaining items from the Five Mile House silent auction in September will also be for sale.

November

Nov TBD -  Yuletide Tunes & Treats ~ Dessert Buffet, Silent Auction & Music
5 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 $15 and are available in advance by calling (217) 348-0430, visiting City Hall or at the door.

Nov 9 - Charleston Challenge 40 Mile Relay
Carl Sandburg School, 1924 Reynolds Dr.
9:00 am
This event hosted by the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department features 40 miles of fun for up to 4 team members. Team and individual divisions available. www.charlestonchallengeduathlon.com
(217) 348-0430

Nov 8 - Charleston Chamber Lootery
Charleston Country Club
5 pm - 9 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) 345-7041 Chamber of Commerce.

Nov 22-23 - Festival of Trees
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System Health Education Center
Friday, November 22, 10 am - 8 pm; Saturday, November 23, 10 am - 2 pm
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and centerpieces will once again adorn the Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education. Net proceeds to benefit Healthy Kids program, Emergency Department renovation and the Surgery Center. www.sarahbush.org (217) 238-4765

Nov 23 - Thanksgiving at the Lincoln Farm
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Experience the Thanksgiving traditions of the past during a special event commemorating the Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation officially establishing Thanksgiving as the holiday that we know today. Discover the roots of this holiday and see how it is observed on our two historic farms while watching the traditional Thanksgiving foods prepared over the open hearth.  (217) 345-1845

December

Dec 1 - Coles County Barbershop Chorus Christmas Benefit Concert
Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 4th St, Charleston
3 pm
A one-hour program of sacred and secular music will be presented by the 35-man chorus, whose members come from 19 area communities. Four local quartets will perform as well as a mixed ensemble featuring six of the men from the chorus and their wives. Admission to the concerts is free. A freewill offering will be taken, all of which will be donated to area food pantry and homeless shelter programs.

Dec 1 - Coles County Barbershop Chorus Christmas Benefit Concert
First Presbyterian Church, 10 Charleston Ave, Mattoon
7 pm
A one-hour program of sacred and secular music will be presented by the 35-man chorus, whose members come from 19 area communities. Four local quartets will perform as well as a mixed ensemble featuring six of the men from the chorus and their wives. Admission to the concerts is free. A freewill offering will be taken, all of which will be donated to area food pantry and homeless shelter programs.

Dec 7 - Christmas in the Heart of Charleston
Courthouse Square
5 pm - 7 pm
Holiday parade, carriage rides, refreshments, window displays, entertainment, photos with Santa and much more. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa. Parade starts at 5 pm. Streets leading to the Square will be closed ~ please park 2-3 blocks off the Square and walk inward. Check out our event page on Facebook under "Christmas in the Heart of Charleston". (217) 348-0430

Dec 7 - An 1860s Christmas on the Prairie
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
(217) 345-1845



Looking Ahead to 150th Anniversery of the Charleston Riot
March 28, 1864

3 Day Celebration March 28-30, 2014
Courthouse Square
Join us for a weekend full of remembering. For complete listing of activities, visit www.charlestonillinoisriot.org or call Charleston Tourism at (217) 348-0430