Getawy Guide - 2011 by Journal Gazette & Times-Couier

GETAWAYGUIDE T O C E N T R A L I L L I N O I S 2011-2012

Creative Local Getaways For a week or a day, Central Illinois is the place to getaway!

FUN CAMPING TRIPS to get you outdoors, closer than you think

Weekend Festivals offer FREE bagels, popcorn, cheese and tons of TASTY FUN

Fine Arts & Theatre at EIUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Doudna/Tarble Center Published by The Journal Gazette & Times-Courier Mattoon/Charleston, IL

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Visit our 8,600 sq. ft. Showroom! Badger Claw Squash Necklace Joe Apachito San Carlos Apache Burden Baskets

Bronzes - Caroline Carpio Isleta Pueblo

Storytellers By Tim Tosa Jemez Pueblo

American Indian Crafts & Southwest Decor

Member

I-70, Exit 76 • St. Elmo, IL Mon - Sun 9 - 6 618-829-3158

Noreen Simplicio Zuni Pueblo

Hopi Eagle Dancer Kachina By Cecil Miles War Bonnets By Sam Buffy Navajo

Traci Rabbit Cherokee Creation Story

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Sioux Drum By Sonja Holy Eagle with Buffalo Rawhide

Mary Lou Big Day 2008 IACA Artist of the Year Crow Nation Winning Piece on Display

Bronzes - Cliff Fragua Jemez Pueblo

Effie Jewelry Zuni Pueblo

Doug Fast Horse Oglala Sioux

Joe & Angie Reano Santo Domingo

Getaway Guide – 3

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Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Dwight Getaway Guide to Central Illinois is published by the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Gilman

Pontiac 24

Fairbury

Watseka 45

Normal

150

LeRoy

Heyworth 74

CONTRIBUTORS

Middletown

Publisher: Carl Walworth

Lincoln

Petersburg

Managing Editor: Bill Lair

Athens

Clinton

Mt. Pulaski

Bethany

Bunker Hill

Nokomis Litchfield

Arcola Oakland Paris

Sullivan Mattoon

Findlay

Georgetown 150

Arthur

Windsor Shelbyville Strasburg

Pana Carlinville

Oakwood

Tuscola

Plainview

57 51

Danville 74

Champaign Monticello

Decatur

Rochester Chatham Taylorville

Writers: Rick Dawson, Dave Fopay, Herb Meeker, Brian Nielsen, Rob Stroud, Nathaniel West, Amber Lusvardi, Kate Pleasant, Colleen Kitka

Sales: Connie Anderson, Shannon Davis, Melody Parks, Patti Phillips, Alicia Roberts

De Witt

Mahomet Urbana

Bement

Springfield

Advertising Director: Tammy Jordan 217-238-6835

Rantoul

136

Bloomington

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I N D I A N A

Address: 700 Broadway Avenue East, Suite 9A, Mattoon, IL 61938 www.jg-tc.com Phone: (217) 235-5656 Fax: (217) 238-6886 Advertising e-mail: advertising@jg-tc.com Newsroom e-mail: editorial@jg-tc.com

Photographers: Jay Grabiec, Eric Hiltner, Kevin Kilhoffer, Ken Trevarthan, Nathaniel West, Susan Gano-Young

Beaverville

Kansas Charleston Marshall Lerna 70

Greenup

Coffeen Staunton

Effingham 57

Layout: Susan Young

Vandalia

Hutsonville Newton

Palestine

Cover Design: Michelle Rappuhn Graphic Designers: Valerie Corrie, Tara Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Arcy, Rhiannon Kupferer, Michelle Rappuhn, Susan Young Online: Michelle Rappuhn Production: Susan Young

ADVERTISER INDEX Arcola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31 Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-26, 29 Bloomington/Normal . . . . . . . . . .43 Charleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-19 Chesterville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-28 Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 37 Greenup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41-42 Mattoon . . . . .7-8, 10-11, 13, 15, BC Monticello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Paris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Saint Elmo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Shelbyville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33, 35 Tuscola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 47 Vandalia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 www.jg-tc.com

features

6 14 20

Getaway to the Great Outdoors Area campsites in East-Central Illinois

Area Racing Racetracks draw drivers, fans from near and far

Wineries Take a leisurely, tasty trip on the East Central Illinois Wine Trail

Lake Living . . . . . . . . . . . Racing Action . . . . . . . . . Local Rider Gains Success Tarble/Doudna . . . . . . . . Local Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . Lincoln Log Cabin . . . . . . Festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mattoon Murals . . . . . . . Amtrak Depot Restored . .

. . . . . . . . .

.12 .17 .18 .19 .23 .24 .26 .28 .29

MidAmerica Motorworks . . . . Little Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effingham Performance Center Amish in Arthur, IL . . . . . . . . . Amish Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amish Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . Illinois Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

.30 .32 .33 .34 .37 .38 .40 .46

Getaway Guide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5

Campers can

“GETAWAY”

to the great outdoors at these sites

By HERB MEEKER, DAVE FOPAY & ROB STROUD Getaway Guide Writers A little hospitality from Sherry and Doug Farris helps draw repeat campers from across the country to Lake Shelbyville. As volunteers at Bo Wood campground south of Sullivan — one of several campground areas around Lake Shelbyville — they have made friends with visitors to Lake Shelbyville over the past several years. Volunteers help maintain the cleanliness of the restrooms and camping areas at the lake, but they also serve as ambassadors for the Lake Shelbyville areas. “A lot of people come back again and again. We know one couple that comes from out West for the Amish Relief Sale. There are cookouts at the campgrounds. It’s all like one big happy family,” said Sherry. Doug enjoys good conversation and cooking with the visitors. “I really enjoy talking with people and picking up different tips on camping. And when we cook outside it’s over an open wood fire. We might throw on rope sausage and thick sliced bacon. That’s the best way to make it,” he said. Sherry and her neighbor, Mary Ann Malloy, were honored as the best volunteers for their work at Bo Wood. Malloy said she and Farris make sure out-of-state campers get the best out of their visits, including advice on best restaurants or entertainment like the Little Theater on the Square. “We tell them about restaurants and other places in Sullivan, Shelbyville and Mattoon,” said Malloy. Another season of camping at Lake Shelbyville starts April 21. It extends to October. Christine Tadlock of Thomasboro and her family have made camping at Walnut Point State Park north of Oakland a tradition for approximately 15 years. “We just love it out there. We hate to leave. It’s just so peaceful and quiet,” Tadlock said, noting that no boat motors other than electric trolling motors are allowed on Walnut Point Lake. “It’s just

6 – Getaway Guide

a great place to get away.” Tadlock said they spent the first few seasons at tent camping sites and for more than a decade now they have been bringing their camper to the 671-acre state park. Electric hook-up, drinking water, showers, and a dump station are available at the park. She said many of the camper sites are separated by small groves of trees. “It feels like your own little plot of woods,” Tadlock said. Some of her favorite activities include bird watching along the park’s trails and fishing at the 59-acre lake. Her family’s catch has included bass, crappie, and catfish. Tadlock said they like to cook fish and other meals at their camp site, but Walnut Point has a concession stand and is three miles from groceries in Oakland if they need to purchase additional food. Oakland is also home to Hebron Hills Camping on the Oakland-Ashmore Road. Hebron Hills is located in the woods and offers 60 acres for camping for campers and tents. Cabins also are available for rent. The campsite offers hiking trails and a wellstocked pond that also has a sand swimming area. Camping at Fox Ridge State Park also offers the bonus of the park’s trails, playgrounds and other features that have kept Gail Shaon and her family going there for years. The Jewett resident said she and her husband Chris have been camping at the park for about eight years, usually making the trip with at least three other families. She said they take advantage of Fox Ridge’s campsites that have electrical hookup available for their camper. “I like the privacy of the campsites,” Shaon said. “They’re not too close to one another.” Fox Ridge State Park is located on Illinois Route 130 south of Charleston and its camping facilities include sites for 43 campers. There’s a shower building and electrical access and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are also two cabins available and the campgrounds can also accommodate tent camping.

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Photo by: Kevin Kilhoffer

A couple relaxes in the quiet at Wolf Creek campground on Lake Shelbyville.

Shaon said she and her family first started camping at the park when it added electrical hookup to the campgrounds. Once there, they began to enjoy the hiking trails, the playgrounds, the nature center in the park office and other features, she said. “It’s really wonderful,” Shaon said. “There are several things to do.” Park Superintendent Glenn Lyons said reservations for camp sites at Fox Ridge, or at any state park in Illinois, can be made online at www.reserveamerica.com. There’s a $5 fee for online reservations that’s added to the park’s fees, he said. The park’s two cabins, one called “Bob White” and the other

called “Bluebird,” are $45 per night and are “basically tents with walls,” Lyons said. Still, they have electric heat, a full bed plus two bunk beds, ceiling fans and a table and chair plus a picnic table and stove outside. Units for campers or tents in the campgrounds are $20 per night. The campgrounds are open year-round but the cabins and shower building are closed from Oct. 31 to April 1. Fox Ridge also has six day-use shelters that can be reserved for $25 per day, 10 miles of hiking trails and two ball fields. There’s a pond in the campgrounds that’s available for fishing and the park’s Ridge Lake is also open, by reservation, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. More information on Fox Ridge State Park is available by calling 217-345-6416 or online at dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/ r3/fox/fox.htm. Lake Mattoon also offers camping opportunities with 15 to 20 campground lots available for daily, weekend or rental for up to 30 days, said Lake Mattoon supervisor Joel Pittman. Bordering Coles, Shelby and Cumberland counties between Neoga and Mattoon, the city-managed reservoir lake is known for its fishing and boating opportunities, and draws some campers from across Illinois. “A lot come down to get away. Some bring their children or grandchildren. Some don’t even own boats, but most have something to do with the water when they’re down here,” said Pittman. The west campground is located a short distance from a public beach. Most Lake Mattoon campground lots are limited to seasonal users from April 15 through Oct. 15. For more information on Lake Mattoon camping opportunities call Pittman at 217-2546680.

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w w w. c r o s s c o u n t y m a l l . c o m Cross County Mall Is Conveniently Located at 700 Broadway East in Mattoon With Easy Access From I-57 On Rt. 16, Exit West to 3rd Stop light, Mall on North Side Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 9pm • Sunday Noon - 5 pm Some stores have extended hours.

Cross County Mall Gift Certificates are available for any occasion.

www.jg-tc.com

Getaway Guide – 7

The

Original

Photo by: Kevin Kilhoffer

Hiking and casual walking trails abound at many area camping sites.

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After 59 Years: Still A Goin’ – Still A Growin’! 8 – Getaway Guide

Seasonal Decorations 901 Broadway Ave

Mattoon, IL

217.258.6364

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Camp Lakewood 1217 W. Rickelman Ave., Effingham, on Lake Pauline; from Interstate 57, take exit 162, turn north (right) on U.S. Route 45 to the traffic light near Pilot Truck Stop. Turn left at the light on to Rickelman Avenue and go straight for 2 miles, turn left at sign. 62 RV sites, three tent sites, water, cable, electric, sewer, wireless Internet; two cottages; one cabin; playground; lake for fishing; for reservations call 800-961-1198 or 217-342-6233; information also can be found at www.camplakewoodcampground.com.

Casey KOA Kampground Exit 129 at Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 49. Camper service, hayrides, recreation building, shower house with flush toilets, fishing, ice cream socials, pancake breakfast, bingo and a pool for campers. 80 hookups with water and electricity, 15 of these also include sewer hookup. Three camping cabins and boat rentals available. Ask about special KOA discounts and group rates by calling 800-562-9113.

Eagle Creek State Park Four miles southeast of Findlay on Lake Shelbyville. Park hours are dawn to dusk. 163 vehicular campsites, including 148 Class A sites with electricity, picnic tables and showers. Tent camping area, organized group camping. Sites are regularly $20 and holiday rates are $30. Five marked nature trails, 12-mile trail and 3-mile cross-country ski trail. Picnic areas, boating, fishing, golf course, woodlands. For reservations and information call 217-756-8260.

Fox Ridge State Park Seven miles south of Charleston on Illinois Route 130. Park hours 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., office open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. 12 miles of trails, hilly terrain, picnic shelters and tent and motor home camping sites for $20 a night; holiday rates are $30/night. All sites have electric, with water available. Shower house with flush toilets. Call 217-345-6416 for more information or reservations for sites and pavilions. Visa and Mastercard accepted.

Hebron Hills Camping 14349 N. County Road 2350E, Oakland, half-way between Oakland and Ashmore on Oakland-Ashmore Road. 60 acres for camping, located in the woods, quiet, relaxing; sewer/water/electric hookups, some tentonly areas, shower house, hiking trails, pond with bass, bluegill and catfish, sand swimming area on pond, no alcohol allowed, family-oriented, cabins for rent, reservations required, no credit cards or debit cards, campsites for rent for $14-$22, call 217-346-3385.

Hidden Springs State Forest Southeast of Shelbyville off Illinois Route 32 about 4 miles, 7 miles of hiking trails, five fishing ponds, archery range and 926 acres for hunting. 28 pads for campers, but no electrical hookups or shower facilities. Camping $8 per night (Class C site). Water is within walking distance. More information can be obtained by calling 217-644-3091.

Lake Mattoon Marina and Campground

HEAD TO

Take U.S. Route 45 to Etna Road, turn west and go to stop sign. Turn left and go 4 miles. Turn right at sign. Electric and water at every site, shower/bath houses, playground, beach, basketball court, fishing, $20 per night for electric, $15 per night for tent, full marina right next door, with tackle, live minnows, fishing licenses, snacks, gas, etc. For information call 217-254-6680.

www.jg-tc.com

Lake Sara Campground 15482 N Wildwood Drive, Effingham, on Lake Sara; from Interstate 57, take exit 160 toward Illinois Route 32/33, turn right on Route 32, left on County Road N. 1000th St., right on County Road E. 1600th Ave., left on Beach Road and right on Wildwood Drive. Full camper hookup (electricity, water, sewer, cable) $25/night; tent hookup (water/electricity) $20/night. For reservations and information, call 217-868-2964.

Lincoln Trail State Park Three miles south and 1 mile west of Marshall on Illinois Route 1, 146 acres of fishing. There are more than 1,023 acres in the park. 35 tent sites are available for $8 a night as well as a picnic area; showers are open. For $20, trailer campers can choose from more than 170 Class A sites with electricity (prices $30/night during holiday weekends). For $10, tent camping is available at 10 non-electric Class B sites. Monday through Thursday, camping for Illinois seniors, 62 and older, is $15. No reservations accepted

Continued on next page Getaway Guide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9

Photo by: Kevin Kilhoffer

A cabin available to rent at Wolf Creek State Park near Windsor, Illinois

for dates prior to July 7; go to www.reserveamerica.com to make online reservations with a $5 reservation fee. Bait and boat rental and full-service restaurant (call 217-826-8831). Phone 217-8262222 for information.

Mill Creek Park On Clarksville Road east of Westfield, 7 miles northwest of Marshall. Six cabin units, first is a double unit with upper and lower levels available each three bedrooms for $115 a night or $690 a week for upper and $115 a night or $690 a week for lower. Launch cabin, • Meeting Room for up to 40 People - Graduations - Wedding Showers - Business Meetings - Baby Showers - Anniversarys Can bring in food & beverage - Call for Availabilty & Rates

• Free Continental Breakfast - Hot & Cold • Free High Speed Wireless Internet

one-bedroom, $90/day $540/week; a cabin with three units, upper level (studio) $65 a night or $400 a week, ground level (handicapped accessible) one-bedroom $90/night or $540 a week; lower level, 2 bedrooms $110 a night and $660 a week; Hickory Cabin, $50 daily or $290 a week, queen bed and one set of bunk beds. Concession stand available daily beginning at 11 a.m. 139 campsites with water and electricity for $18 and under per night (weekly and monthly rates available). Senior citizen rate available on specified nights. Showers, playground, picnic areas with three shelters, volleyball court, basketball court, soccer field, 5½ miles of nature trails, 15mile horse and separate ATV trail and horseshoe pits. Fishing and skiing is the main attraction on this 800-acre lake. Rental boats available, pontoon boats, free fishing pole use from gate house. For more information, call 217-889-3601 or 217-889-3901, or visit the Web site at clarkcountyparkdistrict.com or on Facebook.

Riverfront Campground

• Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Room • 24 Hour Business Center

100% Smoke Free

One mile south of the Lake Shelbyville dam off Illinois Route 16. Permanent sites only available. Showers, playground, covered pavilion, amphitheatre, on Kaskaskia River. For more information on the campground, call 217-774-4442.

Robin Hood Woods

217-235-2060 121 Swords Drive • Mattoon, IL 61938 • hiexpress.com/mathi 10 – Getaway Guide

East of Lake Shelbyville dam on Illinois Route 16. 200 sites: water and electric $25 a night; water, electric and sewer $28/night. Shower house available. Three rental cottages, fully furnished for $80 a night and log cabins from $80-$140 a night, all nine cabins have satellite. RV parts store, camp store, laundry facilities, large game room, pool and hiking trails, playground, pavilion and

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

stocked fishing pond. For information, call 217-774-4222 or visit the Web site at www.robinhoodwoods.com.

Sullivan Marina and Campground Across from Sullivan access area beach south of Sullivan on Illinois Route 32. Full-service marina, small playground, in-ground pool, volleyball court, bank fishing, a marina pump-off. Skeeters, a floating, limited-menu, patio restaurant and lounge. Rental boats available. Efficiency, 700-square-foot kitchenette suites or lodging. Shower/restroom. Seasonal non-transient campsites available through Nov. 1; overnight camping. 142 sites with water, electric and sewer $33 per unit per night, 70 sites with water and electric $29 per unit per night, and 25 primitive sites $23 per night per tent. For more information, call 217-728-7338.

Walnut Point State Park From Oakland go 3 miles north. Look for signs. 60-acre fishing lake. Electric motors only on lake. Camping facilities. Electric hook-up available. Drinking water, shower facility and dump station available for $20. Tent camping available at $8. Organized adult groups are $4 per person with $40 minimum and youth groups are $2 per person with a $20 minimum. Picnic areas, pavilions, horseshoe pits, playground equipment and walking trails. Rowboat rental. For park information, call 217-346-3336.

nightly. Rent-a-Cabin program offers one cabin at $45/$55. Seven hiking trails, as well as snowmobile and equestrian trails; family picnic areas, shelters, woodlands, trails, horseback riding, beach, boating, fishing, more. For reservations and information call 217756-8260.

Wood’s Woods Five miles east of Tuscola, 1 mile south off U.S. Route 36. Open May 1-Nov. 1 with 80 sites for $15 a night. Seven-acre campground is bordered by Embarras River. Pavilion on the grounds. For more information, call 217-253-2487; for reservations, call 217-253-3170.

Mattoon Dairy Queens

Wolf Creek State Park Eight miles northwest of Windsor on Lake Shelbyville. Park hours are from dawn to dusk. 304 Class A campsites with restrooms and showers, electricity and picnic tables. Two family tent camping areas, an organized group camp, and an equestrian campground. The sites that include electricity are $20. Holiday fees are $30

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A day of family fun at the Coles County Memorial Airport Located on Rte.16 between Mattoon and Charleston

August 27, 2011 Gates Open: 11 am Show Starts: 1 pm opter Helic s Ride

Mon Truc ster k Ri des

www.colescountyairport.com | 217-234-7120 Getaway Guide – 11

is laid back with plenty to do Mary Satterfield has seen a few lakes. The champion angler from Shelbyville has won several major fishing tournaments. She’s seen lakes from Washington, D.C., to Texas, Florida and beyond, but still claims Lake Shelbyville here in East Central Illinois is her favorite. “It’s hard to beat,” Satterfield said. “It’s a good lake and it’s the right size; big enough without being too big.” The Army Corps of Engineers constructed the 11,000-acre lake as a flood control mechanism for the Kaskaskia River Basin. Construction was completed in 1969 and it opened to the public in 1970. Now, anglers like Satterfield, who is also a professional fishing guide on the lake, take full advantage of the variety of stock including crappie, walleye, white bass, catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill. But there are plenty of other activities at Lake Shelbyville, too. Several picnic, camping, conservation and recreation areas surround the lake and offer everything from deer watching at Wolf Creek, to boat rentals at the marinas. “It’s becoming more popular for people to rent the big houseboats from the marinas for a weekend or a week,” Satterfield said.

“

By KATE PLEASANT Getaway Guide Writer

This lake... has a green belt all around its shoreline; it makes it feel like an uninhabited lake. Mary Satterfield Champion Angler

Satterfield said the lifestyle on Lake Shelbyville is laid-back, which is one of the things that may be drawing people there. “We’re seeing a big influx of retirees, mainly from the Chicago area,” Satterfield said. So what draws people with access to Lake Michigan and other scenic bodies of water to East Central Illinois? “This lake, being a Corps lake, has a green belt all around it where it’s all shoreline; it makes it feel like an uninhabited lake.” Satterfield is right about that. There are no residential homes on the lake banks. The Army Corps of Engineers own the belt of land surrounding the 250 miles of shoreline and do not allow residents to lease or build near the lake due to the fluctuating water levels. After all, the lake was built for flood control. Several private owners and companies offer homes and cabins for rent near the lake, however.

Photo by: Jay Grabic

Anglers look for a secluded spot on the area’s many lakes.

12 – Getaway Guide

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Lake Sara A lake with a more residential, community-feel is Lake Sara near Effingham, a 40-minute drive southeast of Lake Shelbyville. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake surrounded by homes, a resort and a variety of amenities including grills for cooking your fresh catch, restaurants, boat rentals, RV campgrounds and cabin rental sites. “The lake is nestled into a wooded shoreline, and it is a peaceful quiet place,” said Kim Jansen, Effingham’s director of Tourism. “It has a very relaxing atmosphere. That is not to say that there isn’t a fair share of fun had on the lake. With skiing, tubing, fishing and boating, the lake is also a great place to have family and friends out for a party.” Lake Sara also features wooded trails open to the public, two golf courses and The Marina at Lake Sara which features boat rentals, tackle, food, fuel and drinks. And the fishing? Lake Sara is home to black bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and walleye.

Lake Mattoon Owned by the City of Mattoon, Lake Mattoon has a surface area of 765 acres. Fed by the Little Wabash River, the lake is a popular recreation spot for boating, fishing, and camping. Janice Moritz, a real estate agent for Hutton-Matheny Century 21 in Mattoon and long-time Lake Mattoon resident, said a variety of properties is available, from campground rentals from the city to residential homes for sale. Lake Mattoon is a good fishing lake that is home to bass, crappie and catfish. It also has big, active sail boat club that hosts a YFlyer Fleet 39 Regatta each year in June. Lake Mattoon has a newly-reopened beach area too.

Mill Creek Another, larger lake is at Mill Creek Park in Clark County, about seven miles northwest of Marshall on the Lincoln Heritage Trail road. Mill Creek Park offers 2,600 acres of land and 811 acres of water. Mill Creek has picnic areas, a 139-site campground with shower facilities and a playground, 15 miles of horse and ATV trails, courtesy dock facilities, annual leased docks, fuel dispensing, cabins and boat rentals.

Lake Charleston Another area lake is Lake Charleston just outside of the city of Charleston. Covering 440 acres, Lake Charleston has a fishing pier and gazebo, dock, boating and pavilions. The facilities are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lake Charleston is a “no wake” reservoir.

LAKE SHELBYVILLE MARINAS Findlay Marina (217) 756-8595 Findlay Marina is located at the heart of Central Illinois’ Lake Shelbyville, which features over 11,000 acres of water and 172 miles of shoreline. The lake is a perfect host for a great variety of activities. Findlay Marina is 30 minutes away from Mattoon, Decatur, and I-57; Champaign and Springfield are 1 hour away.

Lithia Springs Marina (800) 447-4121 Lithia Springs Marina is the “Gateway to Water Paradise” on beautiful Lake Shelbyville. The lake’s innumerable coves were created for hours of enjoyable cruising, fishing, swimming, or relaxing in the warm summer rays and gentle breezes.

Sullivan Marina and Campground (888) 728-7338 Located on a serene wooded hilltop that gently slopes into a full-service marina and restaurant situated on Lake Shelbyville, Sullivan Campground & Marina satisfies the needs of campers, boaters and fishing enthusiasts alike with a wide array of lakeside amenities.

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217-234-4855

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Getaway Guide – 13

Racetracks draw drivers, fans from near and far By RICK DAWSON Getaway Guide Writer

acing has long been an itinerant sport. Families squeeze into custom-sized race haulers that transport them across state lines on Friday only to turn around on Saturday and drive deep into the night to find another track. It’s a tradition in small towns – despite numerous obstacles in recent years — that has been slow to fade. Although most of the drivers who frequent Coles County’s three racing venues don’t have far to travel, there are a number who come from far-off communities.

Larry Eaglen began coming to the Coles County Speedway two years ago, plotting the best route he could find from Danville. Usually that means heading south on Illinois Route 1 to U.S. 36 to Illinois 130 to Illinois 16 – Mapquest be damned. “There’s two or three routes depending on how I feel,” he said. Eaglen had never witnessed a micro sprint event at the Coles County Speedway until he opted to race there. A veteran of go karts, he became intrigued when a friend purchased a 600cc non-wing sprint car, his first glimpse of one up close. Soon after, he sold his go kart and invested solely in the micro sprints, a decision he doesn’t regret. “(The travel) usually costs me about $60 a week,” Eaglen said. “I plan on a full schedule. I’m 54 years old and it’s kind of hard on me. Those guys were laughing at me. When it gets real hot sometimes I stay home. I only missed one night last year, though.”

f Eaglen’s willingness to travel is partly a product of his desire to operate a specific model of race car, Tony Lyons finds himself at a crossroads. The native of Ashkum, a town of about 700 located 20

14 – Getaway Guide

miles south of Kankakee, could either drive 60 miles north to Joliet to race at the Route 66 Raceway, a large, impersonal venue that is a drawing card for numerous national contenders, or head twice that distance south to the Coles County Dragway, where he now races every weekend. He was successful enough in 2010 to win the Driver of the Year award, an honor that came about after he finished second in both the Pro and Sportsman classes. He qualified for the bracket finals in Indianapolis, finishing second in the Sportsman Class after making it to the Race of Champions. “It’s just the great family atmosphere down there, even before (current owner Ron Veach) ran it years ago,” Lyons said. “Good competition. Everybody bends over backwards for you.” Lyons has three children who race – two sons, David and Derek, who got their start behind the wheels of junior dragsters; and a daughter, Whitney, who will race for the first time in the high school division this year. Lyons’ own father, Larry, is a veteran of Illinois bracket racing. For a family that size the cost can be a deterrent. Lyons estimates that he’ll spend $2,000 a week for gas and towing alone, not including the entry fees required to race. “You always look at gas prices,” Lyons said. “Our intention, we’re going to do our best to go down there and race. It’s one of the best tracks in the area.”

hereas Eaglen and Lyons travel long distances to come to Coles County, the Charleston Speedway happens to be Ed Roley’s home track. On any given week some of the top UMP Modified drivers in the Midwest, including Denny and Danny Schwartz or Chad Kinder, might race here. Roley’s stepfather, Don Pearcy, was a former Speedway champion. Roley, a Mattoon native, followed a path that might not be unusual for someone who breaks into full-time racing. He started in the Super Street Class in 2001, occasionally venturing off to Brownstown or Flora and finishing in the top 10 in points. In 2002 he moved into a modified. Pearcy injured his back in a shop accident and sold his own car, but the engine remained. Roley took one of Kinder’s old cars, inserted the engine, and hit the road more frequently in 2003.

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

bus or tracks in general, but that’s a reason why I’ve ventured out. “You’ve got to have your local weekly tracks. That’s what it’s all about. But I think unless they look at what these other tracks are doing then they’re missing a little bit there.”

N Photo by: Eric Hiltner

Three tracks draw racers and fans from all over the Midwest.

“Chad Kinder, he’s a big influence,” Roley said. “If you want to know how to race you need to race a lot of different places because you’re only as good as your competition. You need to go to different places and different surfaces. I think I still have the record. We raced like 65 nights throughout the summer. “It was a lot. The wife (Kim) was very understanding. We did that for ‘04 and then ‘05 it started dwindling.” Usually the goal for those who hit the road a lot is finding big money races. Another is to log miles on dirt ovals they’ve never had the chance to race on. How to find races seems like it could be a challenge. In the past it depended more on hearsay. Now there are more convenient methods. “There’s Internet,” Roley said. “4m.net is a huge racing community. More promoters have gotten onto that. Part of their PR campaign is pushing those races on the Internet because they know they’re going to be seen. The UMP newsletter always posts a schedule.” Because of other commitments, Roley’s own racing career may be nearing its end (he turns 40 this year and would like to spend more time doing other things with his wife and four sons: A.J., Blake, Lane and Luke). The cost of operating a modified car – from tires to the interior — has risen while the purses distributed to drivers have basically stayed the same. For that reason, along with spiking gas prices and a troublesome economy, there is a general perception that fewer people are willing to travel as much as they once did. “The engines, the chassis, the shock technology,” he said. “They haven’t regulated it enough. The UMP is a great organization but they have not controlled those. An engine, to be competitive . . . $20,000. The chassis is another $15,000. “The guys that are winning the races are spending that kind of money.” For those like Roley, pit passes are often $30 apiece for a crew of three or more, fuel can cost $100 round trip and a $115 tire must be replaced after a single night of racing. On top of that, racing fuel costs $7 a gallon, with eight gallons burned per trip, another $50 spent. Then you better hope no major parts break. Since car counts are receding, Roley has a few ideas for how local tracks can attract more individuals in such a stingy market. The ones that compete with each other could rotate on Saturday nights, allowing them to combine purses and perhaps even establish a points fund together. Often track conditions are a factor in drawing people from the outside, too. “Honestly that’s why I go to Pevely (Mo.),” he said. “I drive three and a half hours because I know I’m going to get a good surface, the program’s going to run on time, it’s going to be professionally ran, the rules are going to be there. I don’t want to throw anyone under the

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o area track has managed to maintain its health through hard times like the Lincoln Trail Motosports Park. Other than slightly diminished numbers on the off-road side, the course actually demonstrated growth despite a lengthy season that lasts from March 13 to November 13. “We’ve been doing a lot more to the track,” said owner Tim Jackson. “It takes a litle while, but it’s word of mouth. This year we actually got a Loretta Lynn qualifier for the nationals. That’s going to pull people in from 10 diffeerent states around.” The qualifier for the amateur national motocross championships in Tennessee takes place on April 2 and 3, followed by a national hare scramble June 4-5 that could reel in up to 1,000 riders. An eight-mile course that virtually covers the entire property will be used for the hare scramble. “It’ll be a pretty fancy deal, I think,” Jackson said. “Some of the fastest in the nation will be here racing. We put about 5,000 tons of top soil to make the motocross track pack better.” One reason why LTM gets regular riders from Indiana, St. Louis and the Chicago area is its willingness to accommodate those traveling great distances. Showers and bathrooms have been installed on the grounds and this April night racing will be introduced. Previously, racing began during the morning on weekends. Now it will start at 2 p.m. “Our Saturday turnouts weren’t quite as good because a lot of people are working,” Jackson said. “We added a couple new sections on the track. That’s going to make it unique. A lot of these tracks are on a flat area. We’re still real motocross.”

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16 – Getaway Guide

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Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Plenty of racing action in area

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Four race tracks are within 30 miles of one another. It is a feature long associated with this area, a hotbed of racing for more than five decades. Charleston Speedway This dirt oval, three-eighths of a mile in length, has three UMP-sanctioned classes (Modified, Street Stock and Hornet), in addition to several other part-time offerings (Pure Stock and Sprint, to name two). Last year marked the return of popular Late Models to the Speedway. The summer nationals in that event are scheduled to take place at Charleston on June 30. The season kicks off in April and ends in September. A number of national champions have raced here, including Denny Schwartz, Jeff Leka and Jason Feger. The track is located between Charleston and Ashmore on Illinois 16. Contact: 217-345-2929 Online: www.myspace.com/geocob

410 6th Street · Off the Square in Charleston (217) 348-8018 · Open 7 Days a Week

Coles County Speedway Known as the oldest micro sprint race track in the U.S., the Coles County Modified Midget Racing Association’s season gets under way for five different classes (Multi, Non-Wing, Restrictor, Sportsman and Junior Sprint) at the beginning of May. Three national championships have taken place here in the past half-century, the last one in 2006, and the club is currently affiliated with the 600 Micro Sprint USA organization. The track is located between Mattoon and Charleston on Illinois 316. Contact: 217-348-8035 Online: www.ccmmra.com Coles County Dragway Voted by the NHRA as the Track of the Year in the North Central Division for both 2007 and 2008, the dragstrip maintains a busy schedule from April until October. Elapsed time bracket racing is featured on an eighth-mile strip, with dragsters, junior dragsters, motorcycles and street cars competing alike. It is also home of one of the area’s marquee events, Thunder on the Prairie, which takes place every June. This year, the NHRA’s Jeg’s Quick 32 series makes its return in August. Top drivers vie to reach the region finals in Indianapolis and eventually the NHRA nationals in Pomona, Calif. For a $10 fee, anyone can bring a car to the track for the Street Legal series, which runs on Fridays throughout the summer. The Dragway is located on Illinois 316 between Mattoon and Charleston. Contact: 217-345-7777 Online: www.colescountydragwayusa.com Lincoln Trail Motosports Used as a popular recreational facility as well as a competitive one, LTM has the longest calendar year of any area track, starting in February and ending near Halloween. Two- and four-wheeled bikes and off-road vehicles compete in motocross and hare scramble events, mostly during two-day weekends. The Illini Super Series brings together riders from different tracks for a season-ending points race. The track is west of Casey, just off U.S. 40. Contact: 217-932-2041 Online: www.lincolntrailmotosports.com

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Getaway Guide – 17

Local rider gains national motocross success Getaway Guide Report Now that he has conquered one of the highest remaining pinnacles in amateur motocross, Jace Owen has one big hill left to climb. He’s still too young to tackle the AMA’s pro/am circuit, through which he could earn enough points to become a professional, but the 15-year-old just took a serious step in that direction. He won the Supermini 2 title in the 13-16 age division at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross National Championships in 2010, a feat that’s reserved for only the country’s elite amateur riders. By means of winning in Tennessee, he essentially carries the No. 1 national ranking in his class. “There’s other nationals but that’s the one to win,” he said. If it’s a matter of jumping through a few more hoops to reach his goal, Owen got off to a good start a long time ago. Home schooled since the sixth grade, he began racing at the age of 4. About eight years ago, with his son quickly improving, father Mike Owen installed a track at his farm north of Charleston. It took about two weeks to build and has become the training center for Jace when he’s not on the road. “It’s got natural terrain, uphills and downhills,” Mike said. “It’s got roller sections over the middle. It’s got whoop sections, it’s got tabletops, double jumps, triple jumps.” With success has come new sponsorship: Suzuki and Rockstar Energy Drink have climbed aboard and will dictate what events

he’ll compete in during the near future. Once he reaches 18, he can take a shot at the pros. “It’s not easy to find a great rider because you need to have the right desire and the right technique at the same time,” said Sebastien Tortelli, once the top-ranked rider in AMA National and Supercross before retiring in 2006. “That’s what Jace was showing. Desire is one of the main things. He was able to learn fast. “I think physically he’s getting there. He needs a little more age to get a little stronger, but (strength) comes naturally with age. He’s already showing talent in the bigger bikes.”

Photo by: Ken Trevarthan

National motocross champion Jace Owen

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18 – Getaway Guide

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Doudna/Tarble Sparkle at Eastern Illinois University By ROB STROUD Getaway Guide Writer Eastern Illinois University’s campus in Charleston is home to a pair of quality art centers that are within walking distance of each other. A visitor to campus can stroll through the galleries at the Tarble Arts Center and then walk less than a block north to see a concert, play or other performances at the newly expanded Doudna Fine Arts Center. The Doudna reopened in 2008 following a $66 million renovation and expansion designed by world-renowned architect Antoine Predock. This facility offers performance venues ranging from a 150-seat lecture hall to the 600-seat Dvorak Concert Hall. Dwight Vaught, an assistant dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said the Doudna offers performances in a facility that is on par with those in large metropolitan areas. He said the Doudna’s ticket prices are inexpensive and the venues there are much more intimate in comparison to those at its metropolitan counterparts. “We are giving world-class performances in a world-class facility,” Vaught said. For instance, in February the Doudna was host to a world premier performance. “The Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano No. 1, Op 136” was commissioned for The Ahn Trio by the Doudna Fine Arts Center. The beautiful composition by Nikolai Kapustin was truly a gift for East-Central Illinois and the musical arts world. The Doudna hosts four to six performances by touring artists each fall and spring semester, as well as regular performances by the EIU Symphony Orchestra, the EIU Theatre Department and other groups from within the campus. One event this spring is the comedy “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn April 15-19. This classic backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, sexual dalliances, confusions and errant plates of sardines, follows a hapless acting troupe during the course of a disastrous provincial tour. Even if an event is not scheduled, Vaught said visitors are welcome to view the artwork on display at the Doudna and the architecture of the building itself. “We love to give tours because we love to show off our home,” Vaught said. The Tarble’s galleries are open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, and are closed Mondays and holidays. The atrium also offers extended hours for special events, such as Charleston Community Theatre performances.. Within the galleries, visitors will find ever-changing exhibits that draw upon the Tarble’s one-thousand piece permanent collection. This collection includes 500 selections of late 20th century Illinois folk arts, as well as selected examples of art from other cultures and historical periods in various media. The Tarble also hosts traveling exhibits. Director Michael Watts said the Tarble has set a goal of premiering more exhibits by contemporary artists, such as the early 2010 exhibit of Maria Tomasula’s paintings influenced by Latin American devotional art. “It helps to put Tarble on the map in the contemporary art world,” Watts said. In addition, Watts said large-scale outdoor sculptures by current and recently graduated Midwestern Studio Art masters students are displayed outside the Tarble. These sculptures have been installed in a pedestrian mall-like setting along Seventh Street between Tarble and Doudna. “You can come out any time of day or night to see that,” Watts said. For more information on EIU’s art centers, go online to www.eiu.edu/doudna or www.eiu.edu/~tarble

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Getaway Guide – 19

Take a leisurely, tasty trip on the East Central Illinois Wine Trail Getaway Guide Report A winery map has been developed to make it easier for folks to find the growing number of wineries in East-Central Illinois. Two new wineries have brought the number of local wine-tasting and purchasing venues to 10. The Castle Finn Winery in Edgar County just north of Marshall and the soon-to-be opened Tuscan Hills Winery in Effingham join eight existing wineries in the region. That prompted the East Central Illinois Development Corporation to produce a map of the East Central Illinois Wine Trail. The maps are available on the winery websites. Printed brochures also are available at each location. Local wineries include: • Berryville Vineyards (Claremont) • Cameo Vineyards (Greenup) • Castle Finn Vineyards and Winery (Marshall) • Fox Creek Vineyards (Olney) • Lasata Winery (Lawrenceville) • Niemerg Family Winery (Findlay) • Pioneer Winery (Palestine) Reopening soon! • Tuscan Hills Winery (Effingham) Coming Summer 2011 • Vahling Vineyards (Stewardson) • Willow Ridge Winery (Shelbyville)

Visit the East Central Illinois Development Corporation for more information: www.ecidc.com

astle Finn, named for the town that once thrived in that area is completing its first year in operation.

The winery is owned by Rob and Linda Morgan with their son, Bart Morgan, and daughter, Sonya Stephens. Castle Finn offers free wine tasting and offers 11 different wines, from dry to fruit wines. Rob Morgan said he is “most proud” of the sweet red wine Castle Finn produced. “It has two different red grapes. It’s a good seller.” But Castle Finn’s blackberry wine is No. 1 in sales. The biggest draw at castle Finn is its banquet facility, which holds up to 200 people. “We have a lot of weddings and class reunions,” Morgan said. The winery’s interior is constructed of knotty pine. Outside is a pond and a wine garden with a waterfall. Castle Finn is open is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturday. It is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, closed Mondays. Castle Finn can be reached at 217-463-2600 or at www.castlefinnwinery.com

cheduled to open in June, Tuscan Hills is located on the northeast side of Effingham near the Harley-Davidson Barn off Exit 162 of Interstates 57 and 70. Wine tasting and the sale of wine by the glass and by the bottle will be offered, according to Wanda Pitcher, a co-owner of the Niemerg Family Winery • 301 S. Main Street, Findlay • (217) 756-5521 From Route 128: East on CR 2100 N (Findlay Road), then South on Main Street

133

Paris

133

130 121

Castle Finn Winery

Mattoon

Charleston

Vahling Vineyards

Willow Ridge Vineyards & Winery

Marshall

Cameo Vineyards

130

121

Stewardson

Greenup

Cameo Vineyards • 400 Mill Road, Greenup • (217) 923-9963 From Interstate 70: Exit 119 to Route 130 South; Turn West (Right) onto Cumberland Street (Route 121); Turn South (Left) onto Mill Road

Castle Finn Winery • 1288 N. 1200th Street, Marshall • (217) 463-2600 From Marshall via Route 1: Turn West (Left) onto 200 N (Bell Ridge Road); Follow the curve right and back to the left (this will put you onto 225 N); Turn South (Left) onto 1200 E

Effingham

East Central Illinois Wineries

128

Tuscan Hills Winery

Newton

Pioneer Winery

Tuscan Hills Winery • 2200 Historic Hills Drive, Effingham • (217) 347-WINE From Interstates 57 & 70: Exit 162 to Route 45 South; Turn East (Left) onto Technology Dr; Turn North (Left) onto Althoff Ave; Turn South (Right) onto Historic Hills Drive

Robinson

Pioneer Winery • 300 S. Main Street, Palestine • (618) 586-2921 From the West via Route 33: Turn South (Right) onto Main Street From the East via Route 33: Turn West (Left) onto E. Harrison Street; Follow for four blocks to Main Street

1 33

185

130

Fox Creek Vineyards

Area Enlarged

Olney

Berryville Vineyards 50

Lasata Winery

Fox Creek Vineyards • 5502 N Fox Road, Olney • (618) 392-0418 From Route 130: Turn West onto E. Deer Farm Lane(CR 1400 E), follow for 1 mile then Turn South onto Fox Road (CR 1000 E)

Lawrenceville 50 33

50 MapVersion 5/February 2011/Lake Land College Brooke Ferguson

20 – Getaway Guide

10 Miles

Willow Ridge Vineyards and Winery • CR 1800N, Shelbyville • (217) 738-2323 From Shelbyville:Take Route 128 North; Turn Left (West) onto Henton Road (1650 N); Turn Right (North) on 1525 E; Turn Left (West) on 1800 N Vahling Vineyards • RR 1, Stewardson • (217) 682-5409 From Route 32: Turn West on 400 N (Just north of Stewardson)

Shelbyville

INDIANA

Niemerg Family Winery

ILLINOIS

128

To Vincennes, IN (continue on Hwy 33)

Berryville Vineyards • 1910 N. Prairieton Road • (618) 456-2335 From Route 50/250: Turn South onto Prairieton Road; Follow for 6 miles to winery Lasata Winery • Hwy 33, Lawrenceville • (618) 884-1200 From Route 50: Take Hwy 33 West; Winery is 1 mile on left

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

winery along with her husband, Wes, plus Larry and Annette Jackson. Larry Jackson has been making wines since 1982 and is bringing that experience to Tuscan Hills. The winery is located at 2200 Historic Hills Drive in Effingham. Contact Tuscan Hills by calling 217-347-WINE.

ear Greenup, Dan and Sonya Webb founded Cameo Vineyards in March 2002. They had been cultivating a vineyard since 1991. “Initially, we didn’t plan on opening a winery,” said Sonya Webb, noting her husband “liked to make wine and was passionate about it.” The Webbs intended to sell their grapes to other wineries. But now use everything that they grow, said Sonya Webb. Guests “love the atmosphere (and) they love the wine,” she also said. “Especially the tourists like to know about the grapes in this area, and what an Illinois wine is.” Cameo Vineyards is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 400 Mill Road, Greenup, 217-923-9963, www.cameowine.com

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ocated in Findlay, the Niemerg Family Winery is operated by three brothers. Prior to launching the Findlay winery in October 2007, “We made (wine) in my basement in Chicago,” said Don Niemerg. “We just kind of liked doing it, and we decided to open (a winery) as a hobby.” The rustic building in downtown Findlay has been remodeled. Patrons “like the ambiance,” said Don Niemerg. As for their tastes in wine, “Most of the people like sweet wines, although the dry wines (cabernets, merlots and chardonnays) are picking up,” he also said. The Niemergs purchase grapes from elsewhere — mostly Michigan and California. Grapes are crushed and fermented at the winery, where the wine also is bottled. Niemerg Family Winery is open 1-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 1late night Friday, 11 a.m.-late night Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday at 305 S. Main St., Findlay, 217-756-5521.

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7 Miles West & 1.5 South of Rt. 133 Getaway Guide – 21

ennis Vahling opened the winery near Stewardson in October 2002 thanks to both “a love for wine and a need to make a living.” Winemaking had been a hobby, and he had been growing five acres of grapes since 1997. Vahling said guests enjoy “the country atmosphere” as well as the proximity to Lake Shelbyville. Typically, patrons will sit on the Vahling Vineyards patio and enjoy wine on warm summer afternoons. “It’s kind of a quiet country, peaceful,” said Vahling. In the past, Vahling’s wines were sweeter, but as the vineyard ages, “We can make good dry wines too,” he also said. Vahling Vineyards is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, rural Stewardson, 217682-5409, www.vahlingvineyards.com.

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22 – Getaway Guide

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hen they started a vineyard in 2002, Louis and Tina Donnel expected to support their own amateur winemaking by selling grapes to wineries. They didn’t plan on opening their own establishment. Today, Willow Ridge Vineyards and Winery in the rural Shelby County town of Westervelt produces several thousand gallons of wine, in addition to hosting everything from wine tasting to wedding receptions. “It’s just a hobby that went over the top,” said Donnel. The banquet room at Willow Ridge offers a unique setting for a family reunion, class reunion, wedding reception, or holiday party. Willow Ridge Vineyards and Winery is open 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday, rural Westervelt, 217-738-2323, www.willowridgewinery.com

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Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

LINCOLN WAS A FAMILIAR FIGURE IN AREA Getaway Guide Report If you are looking for Lincoln, the Coles County area is the place to be! Coles County is the home of President Lincoln’s family, the site of one of the famous 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates and home of an unusual court case in which a young Lincoln actually defended a slave owner. In conjunction with the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, the Coles County area has a number of wayside exhibits explaining their connection to the 16th president’s history.

The Coles County region hosts a number of Lincoln-related sites: • • • • • •

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum in Charleston Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site Moore Home State Historic Site The Dr. Hiram Rutherford historic home in Oakland Historic Lincoln Murals in downtown Charleston 11 Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibits in six area communities

In Coles County, signs are located in Charleston, Mattoon and Oakland and at the rural location of the cemetery where Lincoln’s father is buried near Lerna in Coles County. Shelbyville and Strasburg, both in Shelby County, also have exhibits with connections to Lincoln. The wayside exhibit in Charleston is on the west side of the Coles County Courthouse square on the corner of Sixth Street and Jackson Avenue. One side features information on a rally that took place after the Sept. 18, 1858, debate between Abraham Lincoln and Sen. Stephen Douglas at the Coles County Fairgrounds. The sign in Mattoon is located on Broadway Avenue at the intersection with 17th Street. It tells of Lincoln’s last visit to Coles County on Jan. 30, 1861, and the rail route he used to travel here and to Washington for his presidential inauguration. Oakland’s sign is located just north of the intersection of Illinois Route 133 and Pike Street at the south edge of the city, and marks the Hiram Rutherford House. The house was the home of a physician who harbored slaves brought to Illinois from Kentucky, resulting in a court case in which Lincoln represented the slaves’ owner, Robert Matson. What became known as the Matson Slave Trial is one of the most famous in Lincoln’s legal career. Another sign marks the grave of Lincoln’s father Thomas in Shiloh Cemetery northeast of Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, and the sign tells the history of the grave. In Shelbyville, a statue accompanies the exhibit about Lincoln and an 1856 debate with Anthony Thornton, a prominent Democrat of that city. That debate, too, was over slavery. The newest “Looking for Lincoln” exhibit in the area is at the Strasburg Park. That exhibit highlights a divorce case Lincoln handled that was unique because it focused on a married woman who owned land, something unheard of at the time. The local exhibits are part of 215 exhibits in 51 Illinois communities. For more information on the exhibits, go to www.lookingforlincoln.com

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Getaway Guide – 23

Lincoln Log Cabin, Moore Home, Rutherford Home are ties to 16th president president-elect, who they called “Our Abe.” Hundreds also attended a farewell reception for Lincoln in Charleston later that night. Information on the two sites and on any special events scheduled The last home of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother is one is available by calling 217-345-1845 or online at www. lincolnlogof the featured Lincoln-related attractions in Coles County. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, the Moore Home and Shiloh cabin.org. Thomas Lincoln’s grave and marker are located in Shiloh CemeCemetery all are sites connected to Lincoln’s family who lived in the tery on Lincoln Highway Road about a mile west of the two historic county. In addition, the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum at the Coles sites. Thomas Lincoln was buried there after his death in January County Fairgrounds and the Hiram Rutherford House in Oakland 1851, and Sarah Bush Lincoln was buried along side him after her death in 1869. also are Lincoln-related attractions. The museum at the Coles Lincoln Log Cabin State HisCounty Fairgrounds in Charleston toric Site is located eight miles contains information related to south of Charleston and was the the fourth of seven 1858 debates home of Thomas and Sarah Bush between U.S. Sen. Stephen Douglas Lincoln in the 1840s. and challenger Abraham Lincoln. The site features programs that A video, several displays, a chilre-enact or portray that era of Illidren’s area and life-size statue of nois farm life and the lives of peoLincoln and Douglas are part of ple Lincoln actually knew. the museum. Lincoln Log Cabin is open The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 seven days a week from Memorial Photo by: Getaway Photographer p.m. daily. Admission is free. Day to Labor Day. Hours daily are Wayside exhibits help tell the story of Lincoln’s connections In Oakland, the home and of9 a.m.-5 p.m. to several communities in the area. fice of Dr. Hiram Rutherford have The site’s visitors center features been maintained. several exhibits and a film about Rutherford was involved in an the Lincoln family and the culture of the 1840s to prepare visitors for their tours. There’s also a gift shop 1847 trial in which Lincoln represented a slave owner. Rutherford, an abolitionist, had asked Lincoln to represent a slave on-site. The Moore Home State Historic Site is located a mile north of Lin- family but Lincoln already had agreed to work with the slave owner. To learn more about the curious case in Lincoln’s legal career, visit coln Log Cabin. It’s the location where Lincoln said goodbye to his stepmother in Oakland in September. This year’s “Trial & Tribulations” event will be held Sept. 17. The January 1861 before making his trip to Washington for the presidenprogram will feature a re-enactment of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial. tial inauguration. For more information, visit the website www.matsontrial1847.org, Mrs. Lincoln was living there with a daughter after Thomas Line-mail at trial.tribulations1847@gmail.com or call 217-508-9113. coln had died several years earlier. Many friends and neighbors turned out for a luncheon with the Getaway Guide Report

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The 2011 Schedule at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site: You will always encounter volunteers on your visit to Lincoln Log Cabin to engage you in the historic experience, but a visit to the site during one of the events below will make your visit extra special. All events are subject to cancellation and/or rescheduling. March 26, 6 p.m.: Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation Annual Dinner. The LSFF annual dinner will have an inaugural theme in commemoration of the sesquicentennial of Lincoln’s presidency. This year’s dinner will be held at the LifeSpan Center just northeast of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care Center. Tickets are on sale. E-mail LSFF@lincolnlogcabin.org <mailto:LSFF@lincolnlogcabin.org> with questions. May 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Sheep to Clothing. Activities will take place at both the Lincoln and Sargent Farms as site volunteers will demonstrate all of the steps involved in the processing of wool. Activities will include shearing the site’s sheep, sorting and washing the wool, teasing and carding the wool for spinning, and then the spinning of wool into yarn where some of the yarn will end up being knit into items following 19th century patterns. July 2: Taste of Summer and Corn Boil, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gardening during the mid 1800s may be experienced during “Taste of Summer.” The gardens of Lincoln Log Cabin will be in full bloom, and visitors will receive a guide booklet to help them explore the gardens at the Lincoln and Sargent Farms. Costumed interpreters will be on hand to demonstrate gardening methods and food preparation. Visitors may sample fresh sweet corn at the Lincoln Farm after touring the gardens. August 14: Blue Grass Jam, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the 35th annual Bluegrass Jam

Session. Concessions will be available 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bluegrass and traditional musicians from Illinois and Indiana will converge at the site for an afternoon of jamming near the site’s main parking lot. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to relax in the shade and enjoy the sounds of bluegrass music in the park. September 10: Writing Workshop with author Steve Berry. Through his foundation, History Matters, Berry will donate the proceeds to the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation. The workshop and evening booksigning will take place at Eastern Illinois University’s Doudna Fine Arts Center. Tickets will be available through the Doudna’s ticket office. October 1-2: Volunteer Pioneer Fall Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Lincoln Log Cabin’s Volunteer Pioneers will sponsor the Third Annual Fall Festival with vendors and concessions open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anticipated period craftsmen and vendors Photo by: Ken Trevarthan are: Andy Anderson of Paris, woodcarver; Greg Volunteers portray members of the Lincoln family as they lived here in the 1840’s. Cash of Alton, Bud’s Root beer; Charleston Spinning Guild of Charleston; Albert DeSherlia of Pocahontas, wood worker; Tim DeSherlia of Pana, wood worker; John Graves of Greenup, potter; Carl and Trish Handel of Blue Mound, basket weaving; Barbara Mattes of Greenville, Schernschnitte; Jim Mewes of Pocahontas, leather working; Mark and Kim Myers of Greenville, tatting; George Spallinger of Findlay, blacksmith and Dick Torgerson of Decatur, antique sewing machines. Activities will include children’s games, doll making, hearth cooking and weaving along with perennial contest favorites, a three-legged race, a cast iron skillet toss and the two-man saw contest. Visitors are encouraged to take part in the period games and activities over the week-end. A 19th century church service will take place on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Ham and beans, cornbread, ice tea and lemonade will be available both days at the concession area in the Harris Education Center.

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Getaway Guide – 25

Festivals offer free bagels, popcorn, cheese and fun Getaway Guide Report Whether it’s a lawn mower drill team, mushroom hunting, fireworks, free bagels, popcorn and cheese, festivals in East Central Illinois are as individualized as the communities that host the events.

Celebration: A Festival of the Arts, April 15-17 Eastern Illinois University hosts the three-day festival that dates back to 1977. Events will be held in the Booth Library Quad adjacent the new Doudna Fine Arts Center. Entertainment is for everyone from college students to fans of storytelling, while the arts on display and for sale should appeal to fans of hand-crafted jewelry, stoneware, sculptures and other fine arts. An International Fair will also be part of the festival. For more information call 217-581-2113 or visit www.eiu.edu/~festival.

offers a car and farm implement show and events like a three-onthree basketball tournament for all ages, a Guitar Hero videogame tournament and an antique appraisal. For more information contact the Neoga city building at 217-895-3654.

Red, White and Blue Days, July 3-4 The 22nd annual Independence Day celebration at Morton Park in Charleston features big-name country artists on July 3. Music also will be performed on July 4 after the traditional ringing of the Liberty Bell replica in the park after 2 p.m. Fireworks at dusk at Coles County Memorial Airport. For more information visit www.charlestontourism.org

Spores N’ More Festival, April 22-23 The annual mushroom hunting festival includes communities of Findlay, Shelbyville, Windsor and Sullivan. It begins with kickoff dinners in Windsor and Findlay on April 22. Mushroom hunts will be launched from Wyman Park in Sullivan. Other area towns will host events such as breakfasts, plant sales, safety demonstrations, etc. Geocaching also will be offered. For more information visit www.lakeshelbyville.com.

Neoga Days, June 16-18

Photo by: Ken Trevarthan

Red, White and Blue Days parade.

Held in Neoga’s Jennings Park, the annual Neoga Days festival

Bagelfest, July 21-23

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The annual celebration of all things bagel will be held in Mattoon’s Peterson Park. Organizers are bringing back “Christian Night” on Thursday following requests from community members, said Angelia Burgett, tourism director for Mattoon. The traditional Bagel Breakfast (including free bagels and toppings) will take place July 23. Big-name music acts will perform on the mainstage both Friday night July 22 and Saturday July 23. For more information visit mattoon.illinois.gov.

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26 – Getaway Guide

Windsor Harvest Picnic, Aug. 21 The 115th annual picnic will be held in Windsor City Park, and will include vendors, country music entertainment and, of course, food. For more information visit www.lakeshelbyville.com.

Amish Country Cheese Festival, Sept. 3-5 Sample the free cheese or try to eat the most of it in one of several cheese-eating contests at the annual festival that will last three days this year in Arthur. Highlighted by the National Cheese Eat-

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Broom Corn Festival, Sept. 9-11 Wearing the mantle of “Broom Corn Capital of the World,” Arcola once again celebrates its heritage with such tongue-in-cheek events as the broom corn sweeping contests and a parade featuring the Lawn Rangers “precision lawn mower drill team,” which marched in the 2009 inaugural parade of President Obama and boasts humorist Dave Barry as one of its members. The festival also will feature arts and crafts, free entertainment and food. For more information visit www.arcolachamber.com/festivals.html.

Scarecrow Daze, Oct. 7-8

Photo by: Kevin Killhoffer

Thousands of people come to Bagelfest for the free bagel breakfast, entertainment and fun events each July.

i n g Championships and the International Cheese Curling Championships, the festival in the heart of Illinois Amish country also features food vendors, a parade, music, and shopping in Arthur’s many stores. For more information visit www. arthurcheesefestival.com or call 800-72-AMISH.

Casey Popcorn Festival, Sept. 3-5 The 24th annual Popcorn Festival in Casey features rides and shows for children; clowns and other entertainers; craft and food vendors; karaoke; musical acts; a car show; and of course, free allyou-can-eat popcorn. For more information, visit www.popcornfestival.net or call 217-232-2676.

Each year, Shelbyville is decorated with scarecrows, which are celebrated in a parade as well as many other activities downtown and in Forest Park. Scavenger hunts will precede the festival. For more information call 217-774-2221 or visit www.lakeshelbyville.com.

Embarras Valley Film Festival, Nov. 10-12 The annual film festival organized by Eastern Illinois University in Charleston will focus on someone in the film industry with ties to the area. This year’s theme is youth films involving artists with ties to the region. Events will include film screenings, presentations and discussions, both at the historic Will Rogers Theater in downtown Charleston and at EIU’s state-of-the-art Doudna Fine Arts Center. For more information visit www.evff.net

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Getaway Guide – 27

Murals reflect culture of Mattoon Getaway Guide Report A new mural project in Mattoon this summer will involve young people collaborating to make one wall look pretty cool. As the second mural effort funded by the Lumpkin Family Foundation gets under way, students in grades four through 12 get to vote on everything from the theme of the painting to the muralist who will turn an ordinary concrete block wall at 19th Street and Western Avenue into a work of art. The previous collaboration of the Mattoon Mural Project now covers the western side of D to Z Sports on Broadway Avenue. This debut product of the privately funded program relied on input from all residents, although youth were conspicuously absent during a series of organizational meetings, said Justin Grady, head of the program that is now a committee of the Mattoon Arts Council. So this time around, only students are invited to participate. Grady said youths seemed the most excited of any local residents about the first mural, completed in 2009. In late fall the mural committee began presenting the new project to fourth through 12th-grade students, encouraging them to participate in a series of open discussions. As with the first project, the committee will consult with the renowned mural program in Philadelphia, which will suggest and recruit muralists based on the Mattoon students’ decisions. This latest mural also will be produced in a few days, and the mural “weekend” is slated for sometime this summer. Artist Dave Gordon completed the first Mattoon-themed mural

28 – Getaway Guide

in 2009 on the west side of D to Z Sports on Broadway Avenue. Railroad workers, a portrait of a married couple and children playing baseball are among those portrayed in the mural that walks through Mattoon’s history in the setting of a man-made town to the natural prairie. Gordon titled the mural “Civility” after spending time looking at photos and through archives and hearing stories directly from locals. The stories were the inspiration of the wall’s design, he said: “I found Mattoon to be a very civil town.” One way this civil relationship is portrayed in the mural is Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas having a conversation rather than a debate near the lone elm tree. Lincoln and Douglas visited Mattoon and are the only figures on the wall not from the area. And, Gordon placed a number of rabbits into the mural. He said the rabbits were his “random factor. “They symbolize one element you can’t control in your community,” Gordon said. Gordon also added a new wave of art to the Mattoon community by completing some murals for the Cross County Mall just west of Interstate 57. One mural features a deer by a cluster of wild flowers and another shows a surfer by a rolling field of soybeans and corn. Why a surf board? Hint: Mattoon High School sports teams are called the Green Wave.

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Photo by: Kevin Killhoffer

Mattoon has launced a community mural program and plans a youth-oriented mural this year.

Historic Amtrak depot has been restored Getaway Guide Report Mattoon’s historic Illinois Central Railroad Depot has been renovated and continues to serve as an Amtrak passenger station. The Coles County Historical Society partnered with the City of Mattoon to gain $3 million in federal, state and private funding to restore the depot that serves more than 30,000 Amtrak passengers each year. Railroads helped found the city of Mattoon. The depot was built in 1917, during World War I. Now the three-level brick building looks new again with varnished woodwork, polished floors, painted walls and new fixtures. “What they’ve done here is wonderful. It is beautiful. Everything I see is well done,” said Jackie Wilen of Charleston. The plan is for space on the upper level of the depot to be leased to commercial entities through the historical society, which manages the building. The marble on the main staircase has been restored and new tile flooring is elsewhere. A new elevator also helps people with disabilities or laden with several heavy bags. There are new restrooms as well. The huge benches in the passenger lobby also have been restored. A dozen or more passenger trains used to stop at the depot daily when railroads were the main form of public transportation. Today, six Amtrak trains stop in Mattoon and that has helped triple Amtrak ridership here over the past 10 years, said Marc Magliari, an Amtrak official. The community and Amtrak hopes those numbers will increase with the renovation now completed.

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Food & Gifts Getaway Guide – 29

Corvettes, VWs are stars at

Mid-AmericaMotorworks

Photos by: Kevin Killhoffer

Corvettes and air-cooled VWs are the star attractions at Mid-America Motorworks in Effingham.

Getaway Guide Report

EFFINGHAM — Mid America Motorworks is nationally renowned for its vast assortment of Corvette and VW parts for sale, and also for the numerous events hosted at its home office in Effingham. A modified “Herbie,” the witty VW beetle, is on display at the Mid America Motorworks museum along with the Corvette used in the 1975 Sci Fi movie “Death Race 2000” and a 1954 Pennant Blue Corvette. The annual Funfest for air-cooled VWs will be hosted by Mid Amer-

ica Motorworks on June 4-5, while the 17th annual Corvette Funfest will convene Sept. 16-18 on the Effingham campus. More than 1,000 VWs were on display by some of the 8,000 sightseers last year, and 15,000 Corvettes were flaunted by some of the approximately 45,000 enthusiasts who visited last year’s Corvette Funfest. Of the 45,000 visitors last year, Mid America Motorworks owner

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Mike Yager said many of them are regulars who are members of the 87 Corvette clubs that drive from throughout the country to parade their automotive pride and joys. Hotels from Effingham to Champaign to Terre Haute, Ind., quickly become booked as these events approach, Yager said. “It started as a customer appreciation party for our 20th anniversary, and we were able to maintain it,” Yager said. “It’s now grown into one of the largest automotive shows for a single brand of cars in the world.” For his love of classic cars, the camaraderie with other car lovers and for advancements in company reputability, Yager has incurred substantial costs in keeping the tradition alive. He said approximately 150 to 200 employees are hired each year just to manage the event. The museum and corporate office is located on North U.S. 45 in Effingham and can be contacted at (800) 500-1500 or at www.mamotorworks.com <http://www.mamotorworks.com> . But if waiting in line with thousands of other car fanatics is not your ideal way to spend a hot summer day, then Herbie and the Corvettes can be visited in the museum and Retail Store from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays all summer long.

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Getaway Guide – 31

Little Theatre brings Broadway shows to the prairie Little Theatre Summer Show Schedule

Getaway Guide Report The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan is in its 53rd year of presenting Broadway-style musicals to audiences in East-Central Illinois. John Stephens, managing director at The Little Theatre, said the theater produces quality shows with talented performers. Professional actors continue the tradition started by theater founder Guy Little, who brought Hollywood and Broadway stars to Sullivan each summer. “They are getting Broadway-caliber shows in the cornfields of Illinois for a quarter or less than you would see them in New York, Chicago or St. Louis,” Stephens said. The Little Theatre’s 2011 summer schedule includes the classic “Oklahoma!” plus “Cats” and “Joseph and the Amazing Techni-

Cats – June 1-12 – Family Friendly What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop, has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song “Memory.” Footloose – June 15-26 – Family Friendly When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, “Footloose” celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind. Oklahoma! – June 29-July 10 – Family Friendly Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration is set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the 20th century. The high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. The Producers – July 13-24 – Adult Language and Humor Outrageous, hilarious, off the wall and the winner of a record 12 Tony Awards are just a few things that describe “The Producers.” Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom sing and dance their way through the greatest show biz scam that there ever was! Written by Mel Brooks.

Submitted Photo

The Little Theatre on the Square has brought Broadway-style shows to the region for more than 50 years.

color Dreamcoat,” both by Andrew Lloyd Weber with Tim Rice writing lyrics for “Joseph.” Other summer season offerings include “Footloose,” made famous in a movie starring Kevin Bacon, and “The Producers,” the musical comedy written by Mel brooks. “We are always looking for something to appeal to a broad range of audiences,” Stephens says. “We have shows for families and some that are for a little more adult audience.” “Oklahoma!” was the first musical in which Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein teamed up. It opened on Broadway in 1943 and is said by some to have ushered in the golden era of the American musical. Memorable songs from the musical include “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “I Can’t Say No” and “Oklahoma!”. Information about The Little Theatre is available at 217-7287375 or at www.thelittletheatre.org. The Little Theatre on the Square is located on the courthouse square in Sullivan, just off Illinois Route 121.

32 – Getaway Guide

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – July 27-August 14 The classic musical featuring songs of various musical styles in this show based on a story from the Old Testament about Joseph and his coat of many colors. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” has been called the greatest musical for the entire family.

Summer Theatre for Young Audiences U:Bug:Me – A Bug’s Life: June 3, 4, 7, 9-11 Rescuing Rapunzel: July 1, 2, 5, 7-9 Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day: July 29, 30, August 2, 4-6, 9, 11-13 “U:Bug:Me” has been sweeping the nation as a new rock ‘n roll musical written just for kids, “Rescuing Rapunzel” is written by The Little Theatre’s very own Janie Wallace and Joshua Zecher-Ross and follows the long haired Rapunzel in a wild west adventure of her own. “Alexander” is based off of the classic children’s book of the same name. Tickets are on sale for 2011 Children’s Show Season tickets, Single Tickets and Group Tickets. Call the box office at 217-728-7375 or purchase your tickets online at www.thelittletheatre,org. If you purchase your season tickets online, you must call the box office to pick your exact dates for each show.

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

The Effingham Performance Center brings a variety of entertainment to East-Central Illinois

perated by the non-profit Arts Connection of Central Illinois, the Effingham Performance Center offers shows by big-name stars such as comedian/actor Steve Martin, folk artist Arlo Guthrie as well as local theater groups. The EPC has a seating capacity of 1,500. Among the Effingham Performance Center’s scheduled shows this season are: “The Wonder Bread Years,” 8 p.m. April 9 Comedian Darius Rucker, 7:30 p.m. April 14 Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, 8 p.m. April 16 “Mama’s Night Out,” 8 p.m. May 6 Steve Martin in an Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo, 7:30 p.m. June 22 The Effingham Performance Center is located at 1325 Outer

Belt West in Effingham off exit 160 of Interstates 57 and 70. Visit their website at www.theepc.org or call at 217-540-2788.

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The

Amish in Arthur in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world

By: Mary Otto Getaway Guide Writer Our church services are held in houses, although that has changed somewhat in the last few years. A lot of people have a buggy shed or big shop to hold services. The trend nowadays is to build a large garage onto the house. There are church services every Sunday but our home district is every other Sunday. At present we have 29 districts. Thirteen districts have services one Sunday, sixteen the next Sunday. For the most part people attend church every Sunday. In 1986, we had 16 church districts; in 1995 we had 24 districts. Each district has an average of 2530 families. For church services, the men and boys wear white shirts and dark

pants. The church members wear vests or jackets as we call in them in the summer. In the winter they wear suit coats. The women wear dark colored dresses for the most part. Some wear medium colors but not pastel or loud, bold colors. Unfortunately some of the young generations follow trends of wearing bright, bold colors. Some women wear white caps to church, others just wear the same color as their dress and apron. The married women wear white coverings or caps as we call them; the unmarried wear black caps to church otherwise for any other function they wear white. Weddings are held in the home of the bride-to-be, usually. Occasionally, due to limited space it is held at a neighbor or home of the groom-to-be. Our weddings tend to get really large because of both parties working away from home. The co-workers get invited or, in case one or both are school teachers, the school children and parents are invited. The wedding ceremony begins with church services at 9:00 am. The sermon is on the creation of man and scripture pertaining to the sa-

Photo by: Jay Grabic

Preparing the meal for weddings and funerals takes many hands.

credness of marriage. The vows are usually spoken around 12:30. If possible, the services and meal are all on the same place, but often, the services are held at a neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. The meal usually consists of two kinds of meat, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, salad, applesauce, cake, fruit, and two or three kinds of pie. But dessert menus really vary. The evening meal is basically the same, with some variations for the young folks. After the young folks are through eating they sing for a while.

Continued on page 36 34 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Getaway Guide

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

www.jg-tc.com

Getaway Guide – 35

Photo by: Jay Grabic

Dining in an Amish home provides an authenic, rustic rural experience.

Amish from page 34 Our funerals too, are conducted in the home of the deceased. Although in the winter most often they are held in the closest large shop. Occasionally they are held at the Otto Center. The Otto Center is our community building used for benefit sales, reunions, and miscellaneous other functions. Our funeral services start at 9:00 and most often are concluded by 11:00 am. A lot of times it will take quite some time for the people to file through for the final viewing. Prior to the day of the funeral, we have two days of visitation. Evenings, after supper, the young folks gather to sing for an hour or two.

“

The Amish are human, believe it or not, prone to mistakes and susceptible to peer pressure. Mary Otto

“

Here again, for the day of the funeral, the men and boys wear white shirts and dark pants. The women and girls wear black dresses. Relatives of the deceased wear black for a period of mourning. The length of that mourning period varies from family to family. Over the years, many changes have taken place in the Arthur area. People have come and gone, businesses have folded, and others have started up. But Arthur is my hometown, I love it, love the community, my church family. One of my favorite places in Arthur is the library. It has been since I’ve been a tot. I probably cut my molars on a library card. Another favorite place is Yoder’s Kitchen. I love to eat! We have a number of good places to eat in Arthur; Roselen’s (coffee shop); Pauly’s BBQ; Subway to name a few. Arthur: the town of progress; where you’re a stranger only once;

36 – Getaway Guide

and the heart of the Amish country. For a long time Arthur was the only Amish community in Illinois. But in recent years, smaller communities have sprung up like mushrooms in the spring. It happened out of necessity, or a pioneering spirit, or whatever. We can’t all live in the same place. Too many of us live in each others’ back yards the way it is. I was born and raised Amish and in the Arthur area. As far as I’m concerned, it is a great place to live. Arthur is a caring community and we can all work together. The Amish are human, believe it or not, prone to mistakes and susceptible to peer pressure. Life looks simple to an outsider, but in many ways, it’s not. In this world of high-tech gadgets and what not we have greater temptations than ever. But we strive to be a people not conformed to the world. I remember an old bishop of the church, who has long since gone from this earth, saying that we need the world, but let’s not misuse it. We strive to have a mode of unity in all walks of our life. We are created by the same God, but we are still individuals. We have the same goal - to get to heaven. And it will be reached only through Jesus. Our plain clothing won’t save us, but it is part of the fence. We have traditions, they won’t save us either, but if they are scripturally

Continued on page 39

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

FACTS about the Amish

Visitor and interpretative centers in Arthur and at Rockome Gardens help inform travelers about the Amish. The Arthur Amish Country Visitor Center is at Vine and Progress in Arthur. The Illinois Amish Interpretative Center is at Rockome Gardens a few miles south of Arthur. Some interesting facts about the Amish: • Do the Amish speak English, or just Pennsylvania Dutch? All Amish are bilingual. They hear both languages as children. They may have a slight accent from the Pennsylvania Dutch. • The Amish also dress differently from the “English” as they refer to anyone not Amish. Amish men wear homemade plain shirts, dark colored vests, and coats, all fastened with hooks and eyes. Married men wear beards. • Amish women wear solid colored ankle length dresses, black stockings and flat shoes. They wear white prayer caps during church services or inside and black bonnets when outside. Children dress the same as their parents except girls do not wear prayer caps until they have joined the church. • What about the Amish and telephones? In a compromise with the need for quicker communication in medical emergencies or with business customers, there are strategically-placed phone sheds

www.jg-tc.com

near Amish areas. • What is rumspringa for Amish youth? Teenagers are encouraged to explore new ways before becoming full members of their church community. The elders prefer the teens attend other churches before they decide whether to become full members in the Amish church. • Arthur area Amish are “home Amish” who hold their church services in different homes with each family taking turns hosting. Although the Amish settled in the area as farmers, and many do continue to farm using draft horses and hand tools, others have developed businesses in building, kitchen cabinetry and beautiful “Amish-made” furniture. • The Amish continue to pursue their “plain” way of life today. Families are usually large and many homes house intergenerational families in large homes and smaller houses built on the property. When a young Amish couple marries, one of the families generally gives them a parcel of land of their own to farm. The Amish are famous for their fine horses. Both draft horses and driving horses are bred, raised and sold in the Arthur area. • Travelers should keep their eyes open for the Amish distinctive black buggies, horse-drawn agricultural equipment and pony carts. • Amish living rooms are large and usually open into other rooms for the benefit of the church services. During those services, furniture is either removed or pushed to the side, and long benches from the traveling “church wagon” are put in place for the worship services. The Amish are generous, hosting benefits and relief sales for mission work around the world. • Amish gardens are generally the domain of the women and girls in the family. The gardens are often bordered with flowers, not for decoration, which would be worldly, but to distract bugs and bees from the vegetables.

Getaway Guide – 37

Amish Life is Simple, Self-Sufficient

Photo by: Susan M. Gano-Young

A farm near Arthur, Illinois.

If you’re in search of the simple life, Arthur in Douglas County is the destination. That is where more than 4,500 Amish reside, and welcome visitors from the outside world. The agricultural livelihood has been important to many of the families, and has allowed the community in Douglas and Moultrie counties to be mostly self-sufficient for so long. Decreased value of crop-goods and farm land, however, have led the Amish to new forms of revenue: tourism, furniture production and craft sales. Amish stores also sell detailed quilts and rich pastries. An experience without air-conditioning, television and computers awaits the nearly 200,000 annual tourists. “You can still live without all this technology and still live a fulfilled life,” said Theresa Binion of the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center at Rockome Gardens. “You don’t have to have a cell phone in your pocket, or a fast car. You can live without electricity, you don’t need it. You can live in this world, but not be of it.” Available tours include that of the Amish countryside as a whole, as well as Amish homes, barns and produce patches. Larger packages can be purchased ahead of time, which include lodging and having dinner with an Amish family. The culture itself is also a sight to see. Instead of wearing rings, Amish men grow beards upon getting married. The customs involve purging both pride and arrogance from their lives, and avoiding love for worldly possessions. Minor electronics and occasional automotive transportation are now acceptable for business purposes only. But primarily, horse and buggy is still the mode of transportation, and plain colored or out-

38 – Getaway Guide

dated stripe patterned clothes are worn. Prayers, from the culture’s Christian base, are conducted in their homes instead of church establishments. The traditional lifestyle has thrived within the Arthur-Arcola settlement for 145 years. The first Amish traveled to the “New World” in 1710 and built their homes in what’s now known as Lancaster, Pa. Moses Yoder, Daniel Miller and Daniel Otto moved their families to Arcola in 1865 and founded the settlement.

“

You can still live without all this technology and still live a fulfilled life. Theresa Binion, Illinois Amish Interpretive Center

“

Getaway Guide Report

at Rockome Gardens

The community grew from then, and encompassed additional farmland and school buildings that the modern public could no longer afford to operate because of consolidation. Tours are available by contacting the Amish Interpretive Center. Available tours include a guided countryside tour, a meal in an Amish home, an Amish home tour, dairy farm and/or woodworking tour and a buggy shop tour. For more information on visiting Amish Country, contact the visitor center in Arthur, 217-543-2242, or contact the Amish Interpretive Center at Rockome Gardens, 1-888-45-AMISH or e-mail: amishcenter@consolidated.net.

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

Amish from page 36 sound, and that is another section of the fence. It is designed to keep us apart from the world, just like a fence keeps cows in the pasture. Otherwise, they’ll roam far and wide, and probably get lost. For the most part, when people think of Amish, they think farms, cows, horses, large gardens. I was not raised on a farm. I was day-laborers child. My dad was a carpenter most of his life. Of course, now days there are not nearly as many farms. The wood working shops out number the dairy farms. Ideally I think a dairy farm is still the better way to raise a family. Unfortunately, not everyone can be a farmer. Not only is it hard to make a living on a small farm like they used to way back when, not everyone is cut out to be a farmer. Our people started diversifying. Cabinet shops came in, then sub-cabinet shops, furniture, etc. We have bulk food stores, salvage grocery stores, welding shops, fabric shops, and in recent years produce growing has really flourished. Raising produce is a good way to provide work for a family. Our wood working shops are pretty much as high tech as you can get with diesel-hydraulic and air power. We have inverters for electricity for light in paint rooms, etc. as a safety factor. The amazing thing to me is the fact that these shops were built and outfitted by men with only an eighth grade education. I went to a country school for seven of my eight years. A change was coming at that time. They were closing the country schools. I took eighth grade in Arthur Jr. High. Our people saw a need for our own schools. In 1966, the first parochial school, Plainview was built. By 1986, we had eight schools and one annex. An annex is built by an existing school for learning – impaired children. In 1995 we had thirteen schools and three annexes. At present, we have seventeen two-room schools and five annex schools. We also have Rainbow Hearts School for special needs children that are beyond school age. It operates on total donation. They have their own garden. The children that are capable work the garden and help with the canning and freezing, if there is more than they can eat at school. There are several teachers. They do handicrafts and small woodworking. The school also collects pop cans to smash and turn in for cash to help with school funds.

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Getaway Guide – 39

APRIL 2011 Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Tuesdays & Fridays – Wholesale Flower Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Located at the Arthur Produce Auction, Inc building. Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur. 15-17 – Celebration - A Festival of the Arts. An Eastern Illinois University tradition since 1977, the three day festival takes place on the Booth Library Quad next to the new Doudna Fine Arts Center, Charleston www.eiu.edu/~festival/artfair.php 22-23 – Spores n’ More Mushroom Festival, Lake Shelbyville and surrounding areas. 28 – Spring Wine Tasting 4:30 -7:00 p.m., Worthington Inn, 920 W. Lincoln Ave., Charleston. Niemann Foods will be on hand with a large assortment of wines. Door prizes. 217-345-7041 to reserve tickets or pick up at the Charleston Chamber office. 29 – Arts & Hearts, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., downtown Effingham. Join in on an evening of fun before the Annual Artisan Fair kicks off on Saturday. Activities include a Live Art Auction, Wine Tasting, Community Information Booths, Sidewalk Chalk Art, and Effingham Food Fair can be enjoyed at this fun filled event. 217-342-5310 or www.EffinghamArtisanFair.com 29-May 1 – New Car Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 30 – Effingham Artisan Fair and Wine Tasting, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., downtown Effingham.

Effingham's downtown will transform into an art gallery. Explore what over 40 artisans from across the region have to offer from paintings and pottery to jewelry and sculptures. 217342-5310 or www.EffinghamArtisanFair.com 30 – Community Garage Sale, 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Indoor spaces at the Moultrie Douglas Fair Grounds in Arthur. Call 217-543-2151 for information and space reservation.

MAY 2011 Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Tuesdays – Farmer’s Market, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the 4H Fairgrounds in Shelbyville. Tuesdays & Fridays – Wholesale Flower Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Located at the Arthur Produce Auction, Inc building. Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur 3 – May Day Faerie Celebration, all day, Arcola Flower Patch Bed & Breakfast. There are a few times when we can still use our imagination and dream dreams. The annual May Day celebration at the Flower Patch brings out pictures of imaginary fairies, stories about their lives, and unique and cleverly designed houses constructed by fifth graders and tucked into the flowers and herbs of the garden. 4 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 4 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 6-7 – Mattoon Gymnastics & Dance, 5:00 p.m.,

“Quilters’ Headquarters”

Cross County Mall, Mattoon 6-8 – Mattoon Cobra’s Softball Mother’s Day Tourney 7 – Spring Swapfest & Cruise-In, 8:00 a.m., Mid America Motorworks, U.S. 45, Effingham. Swapfest is an “old time” swap meet for VW and Corvette enthusiasts. Everyone is invited to this annual event. Vendors are limited to private sellers and car clubs. No commercial vendors are permitted. No admission charge for buyers, lookers, or the public to attend the event. 866350-4541 or www.mamotorworks.com 7 – Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System's Annual Races for All Paces, Sarah Bush Lincoln Heath System, Route 16, Mattoon. Staggered start times between 7 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., registration begins at 6:15 a.m. Half marathon, 10K Relay Challenge, 5K Fun Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Run with a Hero, Toddler Trot, Diaper Dash. To register and get pricing, course and training information, visit www.sarahbush.org. 7 – Sheep to Clothing, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lerna. Activities will take place at both the Lincoln and Sargent Farms where site volunteers will demonstrate all of the steps involved in the processing of wool. Activities include shearing the site's sheep, sorting and washing the wool, teasing and carding the wool for spinning, and then the spinning of wool into yarn. Some of the yarn will be knit into items following 19th century patterns. Demonstrations of dying and felting as well as demonstrate weaving and the final step in the process, using the sites own hand woven jean cloth to make clothing. 7 – Spring Tree and Landscape Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Arthur. Large selection of potted and burlapped root ball trees. Shade, ornamental and evergreen. Also selection of flowers, garden tools and lawn furniture.

7 – First Saturday Market, Arthur Fairgrounds. Up to 100 vendors. Crafts, antiques, fleas and food. 217-543-2152. 11-14 – Arthur Amish Country Quilt Show, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 23rd annual show. 100 or more quilts from local artists, including many Amish quilts. Classes, vendors, multiple locations in downtown Arthur. 13-14 – IHSA Girl’s State Badminton at EIU 14 – Beer Tasting and Silent Auction, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Come out to the Visitor Center to sample a variety of microbrew beers. Also a selection of antique furniture and other items to bid on. Details TBA. 14 – Miss Arthur Pagent, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Arthur High School gymnasium. 19-21 – IHSA Girl’s State Track & Field at EIU 19-21 – Hope Rummage Sale, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 20 – Auction - Shriner’s Benefit, Otto Center in Arthur. 21 – Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Downtown Craft Market, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This is a great way to buy the latest crafts, antiques and unique items. Homemade baked goods also available for purchase. No admission charge - indoor and outdoor spaces. H/A, vendor space available for a small fee. 26-28 – IHSA Boy’s State Track & Field at EIU 28-29 – 23rd Annual Garden Ramble, Rt 16, 1.5 miles east of Charleston 28-29 – Watson Area Homecoming. Memorial Church Service, Parade, Queen Pageant, and many more exciting activities. For more information, call Bob and Clara Brown at 217-5366046. 30 – Rotary Community Aquatic Center opens, Charleston

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(217) 465-5541

Sandy Decker, Owner

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

JUNE 2011 June – Main Street Downtown Markets, Marshall. Several vendors offering a variety of items. For more information 217-826-9023. Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Tuesdays – Farmer’s Market, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the 4H Fairgrounds in Shelbyville. Tuesdays & Fridays – Wholesale Flower Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Located at the Arthur Produce Auction, Inc building. Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur. Wednesdays – Farmer’s Market on the Square, Charleston Downtown Square. Every Wednesday, 6 am to 11 am. Home-grown produce, baked goods, hand-made items, plants and flowers. 217-348-8018 Fridays – Marshall City Band Concerts, Courthouse Lawn, Marshall. Every Friday June 10th August 12, 8:00 p.m. with an ice cream social prior to the concert. 217-826-3174 or 217-8268087. 2 – Ascention Day - Amish shops are closed. 2-5 – Moweaqua Pow Wow Days 3-4 – Cushman Scooter Daze, 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Jergens Park, Arthur. Sponsored by the MidAmerica Cushman Club 217-874-2771 3-4 – Strawberry Jam Festival, downtown Arthur, Craft and food booths, kids fun, sidewalk sales, and lots of strawberries. 3-4 – 3rd Raggedy Ann Friendship Gathering, Arcola Community Center. Contact Susie Patridge at 268-3848 after 5 PM or email her at patridge@consolidated.net for more information. 3-5 – FunFest for Air-Cooled VW, Effingham. This FunFest is MidAmerica Motorworks way of saying “Thank You” to all VW enthusiasts. The two-day event is the best Air-Cooled enthusiasts party anywhere. Expect to see more than 1,000 VWs and 8.000 enthusiasts. For additional information, call 866-350-4541. 4 – Strawberry Jam Bluegrass Jam, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., downtown Arthur. Bluegrass players are welcome to gather in downtown Arthur and pick, grin and jam all over. Bring an acoustic instrument and join in or a lawn chair and just watch and relax. More information at www.ArthurFestivals.com 4 – Strawberry Social, Otto Center, South of Arthur. All day bake sale, mini auction at 6:00 p.m. featuring spring and summer items. 4 – The Great Gourd Gathering, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., The Great Pumpkin Patch, 2 miles south of Arthur. Illinois Gourd Society’s annual gathering.

www.jg-tc.com

Come to admire, to be inspired, or to tap into your well of creativity. 217-543-2394 4 – First Saturday Market, Arthur Fairgrounds. Up to 100 vendors. Crafts, antiques, fleas and food. 217-543-2152. 5-11 – Clark County Fair, Clark County Fairgrounds, N. 2nd Street, Marshall 217-8266387 9-11 – All Around Town Garage Sales, Arthur. Town wide garage sales - pick up maps at the Arthur Visitor’s Center. Times may vary. 10-12 – Mattoon Pride NSA Softball Tourney 15 – IHSRA Parade & Cookout, downtown Effingham. Kick off at 6:30 from St. Anthony Memorial Hospital to Downtown Effingham. IGA Cookout from 5-8pm. Special Entertainment on the Historical Effingham County Courthouse Lawn. Parade Theme: "Go Green...Ride a Horse." 16-17 – IHSRA State Finals Rodeo, Effingham County Fairgrounds, Altamont. Performances are at 7pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Noon on Saturday. For ticket information, call 618-483-6176. 17 – 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. 18 – Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Downtown Craft Market, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This is a great way to buy the latest crafts, antiques and unique items. Homemade baked goods also available for purchase. No admission charge - indoor and outdoor spaces. H/A, vendor space available for a small fee. 24 – Charleston Chamber of Commerce 35th Annual Golf Outing - "Buy Local-Play Local,” Charleston Country Club. Registration 10:3011:30 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 24-25 – Heart of America Pony Sale, Tri-County Auction Facility, Arthur. Consignments of all breeds of ponies and pony cross, donkeys and miniature horses, tack, wagons and carts. 217268-3444 25-July 2 – Martinsville Co Fair, Martinsville 618-586-5175 25-July 2 – Jasper Co Fair, Newton 618-7833901 or 618-783-2321

JULY 2011 July – Main Street Downtown Markets, Marshall. Several vendors offering a variety of items. For more information 217-826-9023. Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Tuesdays – Farmer’s Market, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the 4H Fairgrounds in Shelbyville. Tuesdays & Fridays – Wholesale Flower Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Located at the Arthur Produce Auction, Inc building. Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur. Wednesdays – Farmer’s Market on the Square, Charleston Downtown Square. Every Wednesday, 6 am to 11 am. Home-grown produce, baked goods, hand-made items, plants and flowers. 217-348-8018 Fridays – Marshall City Band Concerts, Courthouse Lawn, Marshall. Every Friday June 10th August 12, 8:00 p.m. with an ice cream social prior to the concert. 217-826-3174 or 217-8268087. Fridays & Saturdays – Farmers Market, Effingham. Every Friday & Saturday 9 am to 1 pm July through mid-October at the Village Square Mall, South Route 45, Effingham. For more information, call 618-686-3518. 1 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 1 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 2 – Arthur’s Freedom Celebration Parade, 10:00 a.m. Over 100 entries snake through downtown Arthur. Come early to get a good seat. 2 – Arthur’s Freedom Celebration, 4:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. Parade and vendors downtown early in the day, then helicopter rides, kid games, food stands, powered parachutes, WWII aircraft flyovers, sky divers, t-shirt tosses and much more. At dusk view the LARGEST fireworks display in

Central Illinois behind the high school at the Moultrie-Douglas Fairgrounds. www.ArthurFestivals.com 2 – Taste of Summer and Corn Boil- 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m., Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Gardening during the mid 1800s may be experienced. The gardens of Lincoln Log Cabin will be in full bloom, and visitors will receive a guide booklet to help them explore the gardens at the Lincoln and Sargent Farms. Costumed interpreters will be on hand to demonstrate gardening methods and food preparation. 19th century pioneer gardens provided seasonal fare for immediate table use, as well as items to be dried, pickled, or stored in root cellars for the winter. Visitors may sample fresh sweet corn at the Lincoln Farm after touring the gardens. 3 – Mr. Skyrocket & Miss Firecracker, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 3 – Fireworks Train, Monticello Railway Museum. Reservations recommended. 877-762-9011. 3-4 – Charleston Red, White & Blue Days, Morton Park, Division and Lincoln Ave. www.charlestonredwhiteandblue.com 217- 3457691 3-5 – Summer Craft Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 4 – Mattoon parade 9:00am; fireworks at dusk at the Coles County Memorial Airport 4 – 4th of July Celebration, Clark County Fairgrounds, N. 2nd Street, Marshall. The Marshall City Band performs prior to a spectacular fireworks display. 217-826-8087 4 – Fourth of July Celebration, Effingham. Parade downtown at 6 p.m. at Maple and Temple, ending on Jefferson in downtown Effingham. Events, including live music, held throughout the day at Hendlemeyer Park on South Fourth Street. Fireworks display begins at dusk. 217-536-6169. 6 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 6 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 7 – 4H Clothing & Food Style Show, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 7-8 – East Central Illinois Shop Hop, Arthur. Join the cause for ovarian cancer. Purchase a pass-

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port and enter to win prizes. Shop the area fabric stores for door prizes, goody bags, and specials. Each shop has a quilt block using Blank Quilting Fabrics. 8-10 – Sidewalk Sales, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 8-16 – Richland Co Fair, Olney 618-392-0766 www. yourrichlandcountyfair.com 9 – Central Illinois Machinery Sale, 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.,Tri County Auction Facility, Arthur. Antique and modern tractors plus other machinery. Lunch stand and bake sale on site. 10 – Vintage Baseball, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. The Danville Voles and the Decatur Ground Squirrels will be facing off at the site. 10-16 – Moultrie-Douglas County Fair, located at Jergens Park behind Arthur High School. A full week of activities and exhibits. 13 – Beautiful Bagel Baby Contest, 6:00 p.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 17-19 – Non-Profit Groups, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 18 – Hay and Livestock Auction, 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m., just north of Arthur 217-543-3255 21-23 – Bagelfest, Peterson Park, Mattoon 22-24 – Mattoon Pride Softball Bagelfest Tourney 22-24 – Non-Profit Groups, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 22-24 – The Annual Millroad Steam Thresherman’s Association Steam, Gas & Threshing Show, Effingham County Fairgrounds, Altamont. FFA Petting Zoo, Lawn Mower Races, Model Railroading Show, Blue Grass Show, Draft Horse Pull, and much more. 618-483-5201 or 217-

536-6400. 23 – Horse Sale/Auction, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Arthur Sale Barn. Tack auction begins at 9am, horse auction at 12:30pm. 217-543-3255 23-24 – Annual Model Train Show, Effingham County Fairgrounds, Altamont. FREE rides on Little Obie on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm courtesy of the Canadian National Railroad. 217-536-6400. 23-29 – Crawford Co Fair, Oblong 618-5924121 www.crawfordfair.com 23-30 – Edgar Co Fair, Paris 217-465-5379 www.edgarcountyfair.com 24-26 – Summer Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 24-31 – Coles County Fair, Charleston 217-3452656 www.colescountyfair.com 29-30 – Moultrie-Sullivan Jr Fair, Sullivan 31- August 7 – Effingham County Fair, Effingham County Fairgrounds, Altamont. 4-H and Open shows of agricultural products and animals, Queen Pageants, Horseracing, Talent Contests, Rodeo, Demo Derby, Tractors Pulls, and Professional entertainment are some of the events. 618-483-6259 or 888-854-FAIR.

AUGUST 2011 August – Main Street Downtown Markets, Marshall. Several vendors offering a variety of items. For more information 217-826-9023. August – Marshall Main Street All American Night/Lemonade Stand Contest, downtown,

Experience Exper Ex xpe erie e ence nc ce Marshall Marsh Mar Ma ha a ll

Courthouse Square. Children’s themed homemade lemonade stands, food and entertainment for all. For more information 217-826-9023. Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Tuesdays – Farmer’s Market, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the 4H Fairgrounds in Shelbyville. Tuesdays & Fridays – Wholesale Flower Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Located at the Arthur Produce Auction, Inc building Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex, Downtown Arthur Wednesdays – Farmer’s Market on the Square, Charleston Downtown Square. Every Wednesday, 6 am to 11 am. Home-grown produce, baked goods, hand-made items, plants and flowers. 217-348-8018 Fridays – Marshall City Band Concerts, Courthouse Lawn, Marshall. Every Friday June 10th August 12, 8:00 p.m. with an ice cream social prior to the concert. 217-826-3174 or 217-8268087. Fridays & Saturdays – Farmers Market, Effingham. Every Friday & Saturday 9 am to 1 pm July through mid-October at the Village Square Mall, South Route 45, Effingham. For more information, call 618-686-3518. 1 – Hay and Livestock Auction, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Located just north of Arthur. 217-5433255 3 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.,

2011 Calendar of Events

February 5th – Night on the Town with “Red Skelton” sponsored by Marshall Main Street Marshall American Legion, 302 S. 8th Street, For more information, please call 217-826-9023 April– Ladies Mystery Tea sponsored by Marshall Main Street For more information, please call 217-826-9023 May 14th – Garden Fair Clark County Fair Grounds, N. 2nd StreetCrafts, vendors, garden décor, annuals, perennials, herbs and more. For more information visit www.eveningthymegardenclub.com

www.marshall-il.com 217-826-8087 42 – Getaway Guide

Cross County Mall, Mattoon 3 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 5-7 – Summer Antique Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 3 – Summer Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 6 – First Saturday Market, Arthur Fairgrounds. Up to 100 vendors. Crafts, antiques, fleas and food. 217-543-2152. 12-21 – llinois State Fair, Springfield www.agr.state.il.us/isf/ 14 – 35th Annual Blue Grass Jam, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lerna. Concessions available 11-2. Bluegrass and traditional musicians from Illinois and Indiana converge at the site for an afternoon of jamming. While there will be no formal stage performances, informal groups of musicians will jam throughout the afternoon. The musicians will play in the shaded area near the site’s main parking lot and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to relax in the shade and enjoy the sounds of bluegrass music in the park. 15 – Hay and Livestock Auction, 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m., just north of Arthur 217-543-3255 18 – EIU move-in day - welcome back students! 19-21 – Westfield Homecoming Festival, Westfield Park. This year will be a celebration of Westfield’s 175th year. Festivities will include a parade, pagent, community games, nightly entertainment, vendors and auction. 20 – Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Downtown Craft Market, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This is a great way

June, July & August – Main Street Downtown Markets Several vendors offering a variety of items. For more information, call 217-826-9023

September 17th – Marshall Main Street Great Ball Race Downtown, Archer Avenue Spectators are given an opportunity to purchase specially numbered balls that are put in a truck and dumped out onto the street. The first few balls to the finish line wins cash prizes. Call 217-826-9023 for more details

July 4 – Fourth of July Celebration Clark County Fairgrounds, N. 2nd Street The Marshall City Band performs prior to a spectacular fireworks display. October – Marshall’s Halloween Frolic For more information, please call Downtown, Courthouse Square 217-826-8087 Date and Time – To be announced Parade of costumes with costume August – Marshall Main Street judging at the gazebo All American Night/Lemonade Stand For more information, please call Contest 217-826-8087 Downtown, Courthouse Square Children’s themed homemade December 3th – Hometown Holly Day lemonade stands, food and Activities include: vendor and craft fair, entertainment for all. Parade of Lights by Marshall Christmas For more information, please call Committee. For more information, 217-826-9023 please call 217-826-9023

June 5th - 11th – Clark County Fair Clark County Fairgrounds, N. 2nd Street For more information, visit http://clarkcofair.parks.officelive.com September 16th - 18th – Marshall Autumn Fest or call 217-826-6387 Downtown, Courthouse Square Arts, crafts, car show, entertainment or June 10th – August 12th more. Friday evening thru Sunday PM Marshall City Band Concerts For more information, please call Courthouse Lawn Every Friday evening 8pm with an ice 217-889-3033 or 217-889-2211 or visit their website at cream social prior to the concert www.marshallautumnfest.com. For more information, please call 217-826-3174 or 217-826-8087

December 2nd thru 31st – Festival of Lights Drive-thru Clark County Fairgrounds, N. 2nd Street The event runs nightly from 5 – 9 pm. Go to www.marshall-il.com for updates as times, dates and additional information becomes available.

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

to buy the latest crafts, antiques and unique items. Homemade baked goods also available for purchase. No admission charge - indoor and outdoor spaces. H/A, vendor space available for a small fee. 21-27 – Cumberland Co Fair, Greenup 26-27 – Mennonite Relief Sale, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday. Otto Center, Arthur. Quilts and locally made Amish goods auction. Many, many food booths on site, children’s activities. 27 – Coles County Air Show, Coles County Airport, Gates open at 11:00 a.m., show starts at 1:00 p.m. 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 27 – 75th Anniversary Picnic, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Details TBA.

SEPTEMBER 2011 Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Tuesdays – Farmer’s Market, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the 4H Fairgrounds in Shelbyville. Tuesdays & Fridays – Wholesale Flower Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Located at the Arthur Produce Auction, Inc building. Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur. Wednesdays – Farmer’s Market on the Square, Charleston Downtown Square. Every Wednesday, 6 am to 11 am. Home-grown produce, baked goods, hand-made items, plants and flowers. 217-348-8018 Thursdays – Bird Walks, Douglas Hart Nature Center, Mattoon. Every Thursday in April & May, and September & October, 8am - 10am. Fridays & Saturdays – Farmers Market, Effingham. Every Friday & Saturday 9 am to 1 pm July through mid-October at the Village Square Mall, South Route 45, Effingham. For more information, call 618-686-3518. 2-5 – Men’s Slowpitch Softball Tournament, Jergen’s Park, Arthur. 20 teams gather for the annual slow pitch softball tourney each year. 3 – First Saturday Market, Arthur Fairgrounds. Up to 100 vendors. Crafts, antiques, fleas and food. 217-543-2152. 3 – Amish Country Cheese Fest Pancakes and Sausage, 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Arthur Fire House. Fund raiser to kick off the Cheese Festival. Located on the south edge of Arthur on West Rt 133. 217-543-2222 3 – Amish Country Cheese Fest Ham and Beans Dinner, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Arthur Community Building. 217-543-3159 3 – Amish Country Cheese Fest Homemade Ice Cream Social, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Vine Street Christian Church, Arthur. 5 flavors of

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homemade ice cream, plus homemade pies and cakes. 217-543-2292 3-5 – Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival, downtown Arthur. Events for the whole family. Free cheese give-a-way each day. Go to www.ArthurCheeseFestival.com for list of each day’s events. 5 – Amish Country Cheese Fest Rat Race 5k Walk/Run, 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Arthur. Running enthusiasts of all ages can come enjoy the Annual Rat Race 1 mile or 5k run through Arthur. Pre-register or register the day of the race at the Arthur Visitor’s Center. 7 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 7 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 9-11 – 41st Annual Broomcorn Festival, downtown Arcola. 10 – The Night Before Cruise In, Village Square Mall, 51 Village Square Mall, Effingham. With 25 awards to win at this annual cruise in you are sure to leave happy. Open to any make or model, you can register from 4pm-7pm. Awards will be presented around 8pm. For more information, call Al Gilbin at 217-273-2247 10 – Writing Workshop with Steve Berry. Bestselling author Steve Berry will conduct a writers workshop and through his foundation History Matters will donate the proceeds to the LincolnSargent Farm Foundation. The workshop and evening booksigning will take place at EIU's Doudna Fine Arts Center, tickets will be available through the Doudna's ticket office. 11 – Annual Ford Show and Ford Family Celebration, Village Square Mall, Effingham.39 classes, giving out 3 trophies per class. Any Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury is welcome to this exciting event. Registration from 8am-12pm with judging starting at noon. For more information, call Al Gilbin at 217-273-2247. 11 – Heartland Half Marathon & 5k, Effingham High School, 1301 W. Grove Ave., Effingham. Race starts 7:30 am both races at Effingham High School. The race travels thru Effingham and out by the cross. Race starts and ends @ EHS.Call Shelley Nuelle at 217-821-9539. 14-17 – Chapter KQ PEO Rummage Sale, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 15-17 – Fall Around Town Garage Sales, Arthur. Garage sales throughout the town of Arthur. Individual sale times may differ. Maps can be picked up at the Arthur Visitor’s Center. 15-Oct 31 – The Great Pumpkin Patch, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., 2 miles north south of Arthur. Pick your own pumpkins from the patch or select from our wide variety of pumpkins, squash and gourds. View displays like the A-Z of Squash and the Wall-O-Squash, as well as visiting Wanda the Witch and the Werewolf. Mums, Indian corn, straw bales and cornstalks, also. 16-18 – Fall Craft Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 16-18 – Marshall Autumn Fest, downtown, Courthouse Square. Arts, crafts, car show, entertainment and more. Friday evening through Sunday

PM. 217-889-3033 or 217-889-2211 www.marshallautumnfest.com 16-18 – Corvette Funfest, Mid America Motor-

works, 17082 N. US Highway 45, Effingham. One of the largest gatherings of corvette enthusiasts in the country. An event highlight is the

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Saturday night concert. 17 – Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Downtown Craft Market, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Homemade baked goods also available for purchase. No admission charge - indoor and outdoor spaces. H/A, vendor space available for a small fee. 17 – 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 17 – Rotary Golf Outing, Kaskaskia Country Club 17 – Marshall Main Street Great Ball Race, downtown, Archer Avenue. Spectators are given an opportunity to purchase specially numbered balls that are put in a truck and dumped out onto the street. The first few balls to the finish line win cash prizes. 217-826-9023 17 – Wine on the Lawn at the Wright House, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Corner of Main and Jackson, Altamont. Sample Illinois wines on the beautiful lawn of the Wright Mansion then enjoy a guided tour through the historic mansion, featuring the doctor's surgery, the nursery, and the library. 618-483-6480. 17 – Bob Galloway Memorial Amish Country Bicycle Tour, 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Arthur. 15 to 100 mile lengths. Easy flat routes, family friendly, plenty of stops along the way. A big, homecooked meal at the Mennonite school after the ride. Discounts given to pre-registration. Race day registration and check-in from 6:30-10:30 a.m. at Jurgen’s Park at the south edge of Arthur. www.ArthurFestivals.com 17-18 – Railroad Days, Monticello Railway Museum 17-18 – Altamont 40th Schuetzenfest, Effingham County Fairgrounds, Altamont. Authentic German food, music, volleyball tournaments, Classic Car Show, a Trap Shoot, and more. For more information, call 618-483-5532. 17-18 – Crossroads Harvest of Quilts, Hendlemeyer Recreation Center, 1906 S. 4th St., Effingham. Marvel at these beautiful and intricately made quilts Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm. 217-739-2250. 23 – Toys and Farm Memorabilia Auction, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tri-County Auction Facility, Arthur. Consignments of all misc. items, buggies, lumber and building materials, fam machinery, lawn and garden. Auction rings selling most of day. Lunch stand and all day bake sale. 217-268-3444 23-24 – Effingham Vintage Cruise. Come take a cruise back in time! Bring out your vintage cars, trucks, and jeeps. Everyone is welcome. Take a trip down memory lane...cruise with old friends and make some new ones! While your cruisin', enjoy cookouts, gatherings, and special events. Email effinghamcruise@gmail.com 23-25 – New Car Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 24 – Rescue & Runaways 11:00 a.m., Maurices,

44 – Getaway Guide

Cross County Mall, Mattoon 24 – Charleston Challenge Duathalon, Carl Sandburg School, 1924 Reynolds Dr., 9:00 a.m. 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 24 – Tri-Couny Consignment Sale/Auction, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tri-County Auction Faciilty, Arthur. Antique and modernn furniture, misc. items, buggies, lumber and building materials, fam machinery, lawn and garden. Auction rings selling most of day. Lunch stand and all day bake sale. 217-268-3444 24 – Effingham County Old Settlers Reunion, downtown Effingham. Reunite with your community and heritage at this annual event. Bring your lawn chair and watch WWII Re-enactors and Historical Re-enactors. Free pictures at the historic cannon will make for a day you'll never forget. 217-868-2910 26 – Hay and Livestock Auction, 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m., just north of Arthur. 217-543-3255

Fridays & Saturdays – Farmers Market, Effingham. Every Friday & Saturday 9 am to 1 pm July through mid-October at the Village Square Mall, South Route 45, Effingham. For more information, call 618-686-3518. 1 – First Saturday Market, Arthur Fairgrounds. Up to 100 vendors. Crafts, antiques, fleas and food. 217-543-2152. 1 – Sunburst Beauty Pagent, 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 1 – Fall Tree and Landscape Sale, Arthur Produce Auction Inc. 1 mile SE of Arthur. Large selection of potted and burlapped root ball trees. Shade, ornamental, and evergreen. Also a selection of flowers, garden tools and lawn furniture. 1-2 – Family Weekend, EIU 1-2 – Volunteer Pioneer Fall Festival- 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lerna. Vendors and concessions open from 11-2.. Period craftsmen and vendors, activities will include children’s games, doll making, hearth cooking and weaving along with perennial contest favorites, a three legged race, a

Photo by: Ken Trevarthan

Volunteer pioneers at the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site near Lerna.

OCTOBER 2011 October – Marshall’s Halloween Frolic, downtown, Courthouse Square. Date & time TBA. 217-826-8087 October – The Great Pumpkin Patch, 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m., 2 miles north south of Arthur. Pick your own pumpkins from the patch or select from our wide variety of pumpkins, squash and gourds. View displays like the A-Z of Squash and the Wall-O-Squash, as well as visiting Wanda the Witch and the Werewolf. Mums, Indian corn, straw bales and cornstalks, also. Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Tuesdays & Fridays – Wholesale Flower Auction, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Located at the Arthur Produce Auction, Inc building. Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur

cast iron skillet toss and the two-man saw contest. Visitors are encouraged to take part in the period games and activities. A 19th century church service will take place on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. Ham and beans, cornbread, ice tea and lemonade will be available both days at the concession area in the Harris Education Center. 5 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 5 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 6 – Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Expo, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 7 – CIBR-BBQ Community Hog Roast, 5:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Village Community B, Arthur. Join us for a whole hog roast with all the sides at the community building on East Progress Street. Donation required. 7-8 – CIBR-BBQ WCIA 3 KCBS Competition, downtown Arthur. 50 or more competition teams from all over the Midwest and beyond compete for almost $10,000 in cash awards. BBQ vendors available beginning 11:00 a.m. Details at www.cibrbbq.com 8 – CIBR-BBQ Thrill of the Grill Backyard BBQ Com-

petition, Arthur. Backyard grillers compete in chicken and ribs for cash awards and trophies. www.cibr-bbq.com for details. 15 – Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Downtown Craft Market, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This is a great way to buy the latest crafts, antiques and unique items. Homemade baked goods also available for purchase. No admission charge - indoor and outdoor spaces. H/A, vendor space available for a small fee. 21 – 18th Annual Haiti Auction, 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Otto Center, Arthur. Friday evening preview of Saturday’s auction items. Chicken meal. 217268-4420 22 – 18th Annual Haiti Auction, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Otto Center, Arthur. Breakfast bar starts at 6am, all day bake sale. 217-268-4420 22-23 – Homecoming Weekend, 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. 24-31 – Lighted Pumpkin House, Arthur. Be sure to enjoy this unique Arthur event. Local residents, businesses and school children carve hundreds of pumpkins to display in downtown Arthur. 28-30 – Fall Flea Market, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 29 – Halloween Festival, 5:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Arthur High School. Fun for children 1-100. Games begin at 5:45pm with a costume contest at 7:00pm. Bring a canned food item for an entry fee to be donated to the Fireman’s Christmas Food Baskets. 31 – Halloween Trick or Treat 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 31 – Trick or Treat 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Charleston 31 – Trick or Treat 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Effingham

NOVEMBER 2011 Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Mondays – Hay & Livestock Auction. Location: Arthur Sale Bar. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 217543-3255 Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur. 2 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 2 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 5 – Bi-Annual Fish Fry, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Otto Center, Arthur. Batter dipped cod fillets, sweet rice, baked beans, applesauce, bread and dessert. All day bake sale of fried pies, tea rings, cinnamon rolls, bread and noodles. 5 – Coles County Habitat for Humanity Trivia Night, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Ten categories, with ten questions for teams to answer collaboratively. Bring your own snacks; Soft drinks provided. All proceeds from the event will be used to support cole County Habitat for Humanity.

Journal Gazette/Times-Courier

10-12 – Antique Show, Arcola Community Center. For more information, contact Jill Gladney at 312-957-1065 11-12 – Antique and Primitive Shows, Multi Locations, Arthur. Indoor country antique & primitives show & sale featuring over 90 dealers specializing in early American country primitives. The 3 shows held in conjunction include the Gathering on the Prairie show at the Otto Center just south of Arthur, the Homesteaders on the Prairie Antique Show with another 30 dealers at the Arthur Fairgrounds, and a 3rd antique gathering right in downtown Arthur. Special early picking times on Friday evening 5-8pm. For more information www.Arthurfestivals.com 11 – Mattoon Veteran’s Day Parade & Ceremony, Peterson Park 11-13 – Christmas Craft Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 12 – Spirit of the Seasons, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Otto Center, Arthur. Primitive and antique show and sale of country furniture, stoneware, baskets, tinware, seasonal decor, vintage toys andmore. Lunch stand available. 12 – Charleston Challenge 40 Mile Relay, Carl Sandburg School, 1924 Reynolds Dr. 9:00 a.m. 40 miles of fun for up to 4 team members. Team and individual divisions available. www.charlestonchallengeduathlon.com 217348-0430 18 – Charleston Chamber Lootery 2011, Charleston Country Club, 5:00 p.m. Each ticket admits 2 people for fun, food and fabulous cash giveaways. Every tenth ticket wins a cash prize

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with a Grand Prize of $2,000. For tickets, call 217-348-0430 Charleston Tourism or 217-3457041 Chamber of Commerce. 18 – Lightworks opens, Peterson Park, Mattoon 19 – Mattoon Holiday Parade 19 – Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Downtown Craft Market, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This is a great way to buy the latest crafts, antiques and unique items. Homemade baked goods also available for purchase. No admission charge - indoor and outdoor spaces. H/A, vendor space available for a small fee. 19 – Arthur Community Christmas Kickoff / Lighted Parade, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., downtown Arthur. Storewide sales, craft vendors, live reindeer, entertainment, free food and drinks. Horse drawn wagon and buggy rides. Huge lighted holiday parade on Main Street, then kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and munch on free cookies while sipping on hot chocolate served in Knight’s Court. ww.ArthurFestivals.com 25-26 – The Polar Express, Monticello Railway Museum. Reservations recommended 877-7629011

DECEMBER 2011 Mondays – Weekly Auction, Arthur, 5:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 217-543-3504 Wednesdays – Gunny Sack Revue, 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., Gazebo Annex in Downtown Arthur. 2 – Celebrate Downtown Mattoon

2-3 – The Polar Express, Monticello Railway Museum. Reservations recommended 877-7629011 2-31 – Festival of Lights Drive Through, 5:00 9:00 p.m., Clark County Fairgrounds, Marshall. 3 – Christian Women’s Fellowship Annual Bazaar, Vine Street Christian Church, Arthur. Dinner and crafts, handsewn items and a quilt raffle. Donuts/coffee at 8am, bazaar open at 9am. Chicken and noodle dinner 11am until gone. 3 – Hometown Holly Day, Marshall. Vendor and craft fair, parade of lights. 217-826-9023 3 – Christmas in the Heart of Charleston, Courthouse Square, 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Parade, carriage rides, live reindeer, refreshments, live window displays, entertainment, photos with Santa and much more. Parents 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. Check out event page on Facebook under "Christmas in the Heart of Charleston." 217- 348-0430 3 – Christmas in the Heart Shopping Market, Miller's Banquet Facility, 307 6th St., 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Over 25 vendors in one location. Tastefully Simple, mark., Celebrating Home, Lia Sophia, Party Lite, Longaberger Baskets, Creative Memories, Sugar Mtn. Farms and more. 217-549-0311 3-4 – Lunch with Santa, Monticello Railway Museum. Reservations recommended 877-7629011 7 – Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.,

Cross County Mall, Mattoon 7 – Bingo 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Cross County Mall, Mattoon 10 – Farm Memorabilia Auction, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., East of Arthur. Auction of farm memorabilia, collectibles, advertising and old signs. Lunch stand and bake sale. 10 – Big Brothers Big Sisters Auction, Cross County Mall, Mattoon 17 – Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Downtown Craft Market, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This is a great way to buy the latest crafts, antiques and unique items. Homemade baked goods also available for purchase. No admission charge - indoor and outdoor spaces. H/A, vendor space available for a small fee. 25 – Lightworks - last day, Peterson Park, Mattoon

MARCH 2012 2-3 – Antique and Primitive Shows, Multi Locations, Arthur. Indoor country antique & primitives show & sale featuring over 90 dealers specializing in early American country primitives. The 3 shows held in conjunction include the Gathering on the Prairie show at the Otto Center just south of Arthur, the Homesteaders on the Prairie Antique Show with another 30 dealers at the Arthur Fairgrounds, and a 3rd antique gathering right in downtown Arthur. Special early picking times on Friday evening 5-8pm. For more information www.Arthurfestivals.com 8-9 – Home and Garden Show, Otto Center, Arthur

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StateFlag

1818

State Fish

Illinois entered the union as the 21st state on December 3,

State Tree

CST

White Oak

102 # of counties

Central Standard Time Six hours earlier than GMT, one hour earlier than East Coast, and two hours later than West Coast

State Animal

White-tailed Deer

State Insect Monarch Butterfly

Bluegill

55,584 Square miles of land area

Origin of Name

Nickname

Algonquin for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tribe of Superior Menâ&#x20AC;?

1809 The Prairie State

Motto

State Sovereignty, National Union

February 3 organized as a territory

State Flower

Violet

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Getaway Guide – 47