THURSDAY, AUG. 15 — SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Cissna Park’s annual Old Settlers Reunion Cissna Park’s annual Old Settlers Reunion is set for Thursday, Aug. 15, through Saturday, Aug. 17. On Thursday, Aug. 15, activities include an American Legion food stand (5-10 p.m.), arm band special (6-10 p.m.), junior and senior talent shows (7:30 p.m.), bingo (6-10 p.m.), paddle wheel (6-10 p.m.), drawings (10 p.m.) and a beer tent (6 p.m. to midnight). On Friday, Aug. 16, activities include an American Legion food stand (5-10 p.m.), $25 arm band special (6-10 p.m.), CPCI Hall of Fame induction (6:30 p.m.), Dennis Stroughmatt performing (8 p.m.), bingo (6-10 p.m.), paddle wheel (6- 10 p.m.), drawings (10:30 p.m.), the Ridgeland band performing (8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.) and a beer tent (6 p.m. to 1 a.m.). On Saturday, Aug. 17, activities include an American Legion food stand (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.), a 5K walk/run (7:30 a.m.), a parade (noon), kiddie fire hose waterball (2 p.m.), kiddie tractor pull (3 p.m.), first wristband special (1-5 p.m.), paddle wheel (6-10:30 p.m.), Sons of the American Legion dinner (4-7 p.m.), second wristband special (6-10 p.m.), the Lanterns Road band performing (8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.), bingo (6-10 p.m.), drawings (11 p.m.) and a beer tent (6 p.m. to midnight).
FRIDAY, AUG. 16
Downtown car cruise in Gibson City A downtown car cruise is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 16, in Gibson City, with the event featuring food vendors, vehicles of all types cruising Main Street and live music.
SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Summer Bash in Gibson City Rock-and-roll artist Bret Michaels will be the headliner for Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services’ fourth annual Summer Bash on Saturday, Aug. 17, in downtown Gibson City. Michaels, whose career has spanned more than 30 years, has sold more than 100 million digital records and streams worldwide and is known for hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn, “Talk Dirty to Me,” “All I Ever Needed” and “Something to Believe In.” Opening for Michaels is the iconic 1970s rock band Jefferson Starship, with hits like “We Built This City” and “Nothing is Going to Stop Us Now.” General admission to the show is free. Party-pit tickets — for access to the section closest to the stage — are available for purchase starting at 8 a.m. Friday, March 15, at www.gahhssummerbash.com.
SUNDAY, AUG. 18
Corn Belt Shrine Club’s Kids Day The Corn Belt Shrine Club will hold its annual Kids Day in Gibson City’s North Park from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, preceded by a parade at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Gibson City. The event includes gokart rides, drinks, hot dogs, games, face painting, a jump house and more for 25 cents. Gibson Area Hospital is the event’s sponsor.
Ice cream social in Buckley The Ladies Aid society of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buckley will host an ice cream social from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, in the school lunchroom. The menu includes hot beef, ham, openface cheese sandwiches, pie, cake and ice cream.
SATURDAY, AUG. 24
Gibson City SHP chapter’s ‘public build’ day The Gibson City chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) has scheduled its next “public build” day for Saturday, Aug. 24, in the Doctors Park parking lot, where volunteers will join the chapter’s core team in building 30 beds for area children in need. Volunteer signups will be taken. The chapter delivered eight beds to children on Saturday, June 15, following its first public build day this spring.
SUNDAY, AUG. 25
Annual Hymn Festival The Gibson Area Music Foundation is hosting its annual Hymn Festival on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Gibson City. This year’s theme is “Make a Joyful Noise,” and all are invited to join in the singing of favorite hymns accompanied on the church organ by Nick Ream. This year’s director is the Rev. Wayne Giermann, pastor of the Saybrook Methodist Church. An offering will
be taken during the program to support Gibson Area Music Foundation activities, including scholarships for local students to attend summer youth music camps. A free ice cream social will follow the program.
TUESDAY, AUG. 27
Business After Hours at Hudson Drug & Hallmark Shop The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding monthly Business After Hours events at its member businesses, with the next one set for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Hudson Drug & Hallmark Shop, 108 N. Market St. Appetizers, soda, beer and wine will be available for chamber members attending. There is no charge for chamber members to attend. They can stay as long as they would like to network and socialize. Business After Hours events are held on the last Tuesday of each month. A complete schedule of businesses hosting the events for the remainder of 2024 will be released. To get on the schedule for 2025, businesses can contact the chamber via email at info@paxtonchamber.com.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
Dennis Stroughmatt in Melvin Dennis Stroughmatt will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Melvin Community Hall. Food will be available for purchase from local nonprofit groups starting at 5:30 p.m. prior to the show. For more information, people can contact Norman Schall at 217-388-2853.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14
Gibson City Harvest Fest Gibson City’s 10th annual Harvest Fest will be Saturday, Sept. 14, in downtown Gibson City. The family friendly event — which runs from from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. — features an array of activities, including food vendors (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), retail vendors (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), a bags tournament (3 p.m., with registration starting at 2 p.m.), a beer tent (11 a.m. to 1 a.m.), touch-a-truck (noon to 4 p.m.) and a kids’ zone (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) that includes a rock-climbing wall, gaming trailer, inflatables, face painting, a foam cannon, carnival games with prizes, reptile exhibits and axe throwing. Also, the festival will include a rock-and-roll concert starting at 7:30 p.m. featuring Buckcherry and Saliva. General admission to the concert is free, thanks to sponsors like Gibson Area Hospital. Party-pit tickets — for access to the section closest to the stage — are available for purchase at www.gibsoncityharvestfest.com. There will also be a disc jockey providing music from 3 to 7 p.m. in the beer tent, plus immediately after the concert until 1 a.m. Downtown businesses will be open, as well. There is no admission fee.
‘AgriWellness’ event in rural Loda Farmers and their spouses are invited to an upcoming “AgriWellness” event dedicated to health, safety and conservation. The event will be at noon Saturday, Sept. 14, at Bachman Farm, 1773 E. 800 North Road, Loda. The event will offer various services and educational sessions. The event will feature a free barbecue lunch, and there will be raffles with prizes from local businesses. Space is limited, and registration is required by Thursday, Sept. 5. Participants can register by calling 309- 438-2970. The event is sponsored by CoBank, Compeer Financial and the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
Paxton Swine ‘N’ Dine BBQ Contest & Festival The Paxton Chamber of Commerce announced that the concert for this September’s annual Paxton Swine ‘N Dine BBQ Contest & Festival will be headlined by country music artist Craig Morgan. Morgan has charted 25 songs on Billboard, including signature hits like “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” “This Ole Boy,” “Soldier,” “Wake Up Loving You,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and his faith-filled tribute to his son Jerry, “The Father, My Son and The Holy Ghost.” The annual festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, with the concert starting at 5 p.m. While general admission to the concert is free, tickets for the party pit — the section closest to the stage — are available for purchase at www.paxtonswinendine.com. The festival started 11 years ago with a friendly BBQ competition in a Paxton backyard. Over the years, it has expanded into a downtown street festival with a full day of activities — including
an outdoor concert on Market Street, kids’ activities, vendors, a bags tournament and a car cruise-in — in addition to the barbecue cookoff. Entry forms and rules for the barbecue contest, as well as details on all events, will be available online.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Logan Kirby in concert in Melvin Logan Kirby will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Melvin Community Hall. Food will be available for purchase from local nonprofit groups starting at 5:30 p.m. prior to the show. For more information, people can contact Norman Schall at 217-388-2853.
Wine & Chocolate Walk in Paxton The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce’s sixth annual Wine & Chocolate Walk is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, in Paxton. The event allows participants to sample treats and beverages at local businesses while exploring those businesses and Paxton’s charm.
SATURDAY, OCT. 12
Paxton’s Fall Gathering Paxton’s Fall Gathering, presented by Paxton Main Street, will take place Saturday, Oct. 12, at Veterans Square, 237 S. Market St., featuring a pancakes and sausage breakfast, vendor and artisan booths, a pumpkin patch, live music, concessions and more.
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
Missy Vail in concert in Melvin Missy Vail will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Melvin Community Hall. Food will be available for purchase from local nonprofit groups starting at 5:30 p.m. prior to the show. For more information, people can contact Norman Schall at 217-388-2853.
FRIDAY, NOV. 22
Gibson City’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade Gibson City’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, on Sangamon Avenue in the downtown. The Gibson City Harvest Fest Committee, which is sponsoring the parade, is welcoming both past and new participants to join the milestone event. The committee is also exploring theme ideas and welcomes suggestions. Parade entry forms are available on the Gibson City Harvest Fest’s Facebook page. Custom floats may be reserved by businesses, organizations, churches or families. Floats must be at the County Market parking lot between 5 and 5:30 p.m. on the day of the parade for registration and lineup. For more information, people can email gcharvestfest@outlook.com.
FRIDAY, NOV. 29
Paxton’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony downtown At 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, will be Paxton’s annual tree-lighting ceremony at the intersection of State and Market streets. The tree-lighting ceremony will feature the presentation of the annual Christmas Star Award, which goes to a Paxton resident who embodies the holiday spirit; the announcement of the Paxton Park District’s Christmas Prince and Princess; a welcome address by Mayor Bill Ingold; the blessing of the tree; and the singing of Christmas carols.
SATURDAY, NOV. 30
Paxton’s annual Christmas Parade Paxton’s annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by PRIDE in Paxton, is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, on Market Street in downtown Paxton. The theme for this year’s parade is “Magic of Paxton.” Bands, organizations, churches, businesses, individuals and families are encouraged to participate, and entry forms are available at A Picket Fence Florist in downtown Paxton. Judges will choose the “best of show” entry, best theme-oriented entry and most unique entry. Parade entries should not include any Santa figurines or characters, because Santa is already scheduled to appear at the parade’s end and having more than one in the parade could confuse small children. Vehicles should be decorated with garland, wreaths or lights, or at least decorated in some manner. There is no fee to have a float, vehicle or walking entry in the parade, and entries are accepted all the way up until it begins. Lineup will be in its usual location on Taft Street, with the parade moving along Orleans Street by the Paxton Carnegie Library before heading north on Market Street through the downtown. For more information, people can contact A Picket
Fence Florist at 217-379-9241.
WEEKLY
Water Tower Museum in Paxton The Ford County Historical Society’s Water Tower Museum, located behind City Hall in downtown Paxton, is open from noon to 2 p.m. each Saturday starting April 6. Tours can be arranged by calling 217-379-4111.
Farmers market in Paxton A farmers market is held each Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Paxton Carnegie Library at 254 S. Market St. in downtown Paxton.
PRIDE in Paxton weekly Queen of Hearts drawings PRIDE in Paxton — the Paxton Revitalization Initiative for Downtown Enhancement — is hosting weekly Queen of Hearts drawings each Wednesday, with proceeds to be used to buy an outdoor sound system for downtown Paxton. The drawings are at 7 p.m. each Wednesday at the Prairie City Wine Room, 155 N. Market St., Paxton. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at Hudson Drug Shop and A Picket Fence Florist, both in downtown Paxton, or at the door on the night of the drawings. Ticket sales end 15 minutes before each drawing.
Gibson City weekly Queen of Hearts drawings The Gibson City Restoration Association holds Queen of Hearts drawings every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Mark’s on First, 120 E. 1st St., Gibson City. The weekly drawings are being held to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Burwelll Building downtown. Tickets can be purchased through Venmo under “@GibsonCityQueenOfHearts” or at NAPA Auto Parts or The Fashion Shop in Gibson City. In conjunction with the Queen of Hearts drawings, a 50/50 drawing and Krazy Kan Koozie Kontest are offered.
PBL Area Food Pantry open The PBL Community Area Food Pantry, located at 780 S. Vermilion St. in Paxton, is open from 9 to 11 a.m. each Saturday and from 3 to 5 p.m. each Wednesday.
Hands of Christ Food Pantry open every Saturday The Hands of Christ Food Pantry, located at 361 1/2 N. Railroad Ave. behind the WPXN radio station in Paxton, is open every Saturday from 9 to 10:45 a.m. The pantry is also open on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 4:45 p.m. The pantry is open to residents of Ford County and/or the Paxton Buckley-Loda school district. People using the pantry are asked to bring current proof of address.
TOPS group meetings Paxton TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets each Monday at the First Lutheran Church, 301 S. College St., Paxton. Weigh-in begins at 5 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. TOPS is an international nonprofit organization with minimal dues that has successfully helped members meet weight-loss goals for many years.
Senior exercise program The Paxton Church of Christ, 400 W. Ottawa Road, offers a senior exercise program (for those age 55 and above) every Monday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. This exercise program is designed to help seniors develop both strength and balance. Monday exercises focus on stretching, and Thursday exercises focus on strengthening. This also provides the opportunity for fellowship with other seniors from the Paxton area.
Griefshare support group meetings, recovery seminars The Gibson City Bible Church is offering online GriefShare recovery seminars and support group meetings from 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday via the Zoom app. Grief- Share features videos by nationally recognized experts on grief and recovery topics. For more information or to register, people can call Bonnie at 217 784-5702.
Griefshare support group at Rantoul church GriefShare, a nationwide grief recovery seminar and support group, meets at Rantoul’s First United Methodist Church from 6 to 8 p.m. every Monday from Sept. 9 through Dec. 2. People can join at any time. Sessions include material from experts and conversation among participants. For more information or to register, people can visit www.griefshare.org or contact the Rev. Susan Schultz at 217-892-2130 or revsusanschultz@gmail.com.
