Food Collection for the benefit of The Jacksonville Salvation Army Food Pantry on Wednesday, June 19 from 6-7 p.m.:
The youth of Grace United Methodist Church’s Journey Student Ministries, a part of State Street Ministries, will be walking door to door on West State Streetcollecting nonperishable food items to be donated to our local food pantry. Please consider donating as you are led in support of the hearts of these children and the need of our community.
Sangamon County Fair, the official kickoff to Summer, begins June 12:
The Sangamon County Fair welcomes visitors beginning Wednesday, June 12, through Sunday, June 16, with great grandstand entertainment, family-friendly activities, carnival, delicious fair food and local, live music. General admission is only $5. Children 4 and under are free.
Highlights:
- Wednesday, June 12: Queen Pageant, sensory-friendly carnival hours
- Thursday, June 13: Priscilla Block with special guests Conner Smith and Marks Wills at the grandstand presented by Brandt and 104.5 WFMB
- Friday, June 14: Sangamon County Fair Rodeo presented by Schultz Collision, Lego competition sponsored by Scouting America
- Saturday, June 15: Talent Show, Demolition Derby presented by Sheppard Auto Sales and Salvage, Lego competition sponsored by Scouting America
- Sunday, June 16: Little Miss Pageant, new this year– Father’s Day car show
The fair is accepting entries for exhibits now! Departments range from livestock to agricultural products, floriculture, textiles, fine art, culinary and hobbies, with many classes available in each department for children and adults. Paper entries must be postmarked by May 24 and online entries are due by midnight May 29.
Connor Family Amusements provides this year’s carnival midway attractions in one session each day. All-day wristbands are $15 for unlimited rides.
The Warren Boynton State Bank Pavilion hosts a full lineup of local, live music Thursday through Saturday, including Lick Creek, Off the Wall, Gator Head, Unchained, The Shenanigans and Brushville. Pavilion entertainment is free with admission to the fair. This year, pavilion patrons will have a selection of Coors and Budweiser products.
All information about grandstand tickets, carnival hours and more is available at sangcofair.com.
The Sangamon County Fair, located in New Berlin, Illinois, is a nonprofit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors, serving visitors from Sangamon County and beyond. The
Board strives to provide the highest quality entertainment possible at an affordable price.
Healthy Jacksonville Summerfest 2024 Set for June 12:
Healthy Jacksonville will host Summerfest 2024 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, at Community Park (corner of Main and Morton) in Jacksonville.
For the first time this year, the annual event will be held in conjunction with the Be Aware Wellness Fair, sponsored by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Food Center and the Mia Ware Foundation.
While kids enjoy Ferris wheel rides and other fun activities, parents can browse opportunities for youth summer activities and camps offered by local organizations. The Prairieland United Way Food Drive and Dot Foods will hold a mass food distribution. The Salvation Army Food Canteen will also be on-site, in collaboration with Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, as well as the Central Illinois Food Bank Mobile Kitchen Cart with JMH Dietitian Karen Sibert.
Healthy Jacksonville, a program of Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, uses a community health model to increase access to healthcare for vulnerable and at-risk individuals.
“We are excited to once again partner with other organizations in the community for Summerfest and the Be Aware Wellness Fair,” said Erika Procarione, JMH community health worker. “We hope many local families will come out to Community Park to celebrate the summer with us and learn about resources available to help them live healthier lives.”
The West Central Illinois Council on World Affairs cordially invites the public to its first International Murder Mystery Play and Dinner:
The evening entertainment, combined with heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a cash bar will include fun for all. Tickets cost $50 per person and are available by calling Samantha Boston at 217-473-5099.
The event will take place in Hamilton’s South Ballroom in Jacksonville at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28. The title of the mystery is “Amdram is Murder,” directed by Shawn Smith.
The West Central Illinois Council of World Affairs has been providing programs and information to the Jacksonville community regularly since its organization in 1982. The Council is an Illinois not-for-profit tax-exempt corporation. Additional programs will be scheduled throughout the 2024-25 academic season.
