Skip to content

Event Calendar

Jason Haupt from the University of Illinois Extension will discuss energy efficiency and smart metering.

Need tips on how to leave your business in good shape when you retire? Is dealing with stress in the workplace, using social marketing effectively or finding success as an entrepreneur a top priority?

Information on those topics and more will be available at this year’s Canton Business Institute which will be held Friday, March 2 from 8 a.m.to 3:20 p.m. at the Spoon River College Conference Center at the Canton campus.

Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development and Spoon River College are sponsoring the event. There is a fee of $25, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch buffet, and pre-registration is required.  Call 309-649-6260.

After breakfast, the Second Annual Canton Business Institute will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the keynote presentation, Applying Your Passion to Your Business:  Going “All-In” On the Things You Love. Local entrepreneur Jason Parkinson will share his story of building businesses that align with his passions.

There are reasons why so many people look forward to the weekend and dread heading back to the office on Monday. Parkinson will discuss how to create a work culture that will have employees looking forward to Monday.

Breakout sessions will follow, with various topics to choose from.

Session I will be held from 10 to 10:50 a.m. Four topic choices include: Giving Employee Recognition without Blowing Smoke, How Stress Affects Workplace Culture, Steps to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur, or Social Marketing Now.

Session II will be from 11 to 11:50 a.m. Again, four topic choices are offered: Lincoln on Leadership in Today’s Business World, Healthy Techniques for Stress Reduction, Start Your Business on the Right Foot, or Social Marketing Now (repeat).

A soup and salad buffet luncheon will follow at noon. A State and Local Resource Fair will also begin at noon.

State and Local Resource Fair participants include: SRC Office of Community Outreach, Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, Psychology Specialists, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Small Business Development Center, Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, CareerLink, MidAmerica National Bank, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Session III will then be held from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Participants will choose from three topics which include: Legal Pitfalls for Existing Businesses, Who is Working for Who Here, or The Power of Mindful Communication.

Session IV will run from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m., with three topic choices: Preparing Your Business for the Day You Retire, The Key to Excellent Customer Service, or A Generation Gap in Employee Onboarding.

Call 649-6260 for more information. Also, a brochure may be downloaded online at HYPERLINK “http://www.src.edu/outreach” www.src.edu/outreach.

 

Lewistown Farm Bureau
15411 IL-100, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA

Farm Bureau Building, Lewistown.  Carryouts available.  Meal includes chicken and noodles, real mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and drink.  A variety of homemade desserts will also be available, and are included in the price of the meal.  $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 5 to 12 years of age.  Kids under 5 eat for FREE!   All proceeds to benefit the Fulton County Ag. Literacy Coaltion which is a partnership of area groups and individuals that fund Ag. In the Classroom activities.  Call the Farm Bureau office at 547-3011 for more information. 

 

For Spring 2018 SRC will present Sarah Ruhl’s 2003 play Eurydice. The show is a contemporary take on the Orpheus story of Greek mythology, told from the point of view of Eurydice, Orpheus’ wife. After dying and entering the world of the dead, Eurydice finds herself torn between returning to the world of the living or staying in the underworld with her beloved father. Ruhl’s play is by turns lyrical, surreal, wistful, and heart-wrenching. Eurydice runs March 2-4, 2018.

Kids ages 8 years and older with an adult may enjoy learning about the snow goose—how to identify one of the birds, its habitat requirements, migration patterns, its sounds and calls, and other wild facts.  Participants will have the opportunity to climb the observation tower overlooking Chautauqua Lake to possibly see thousands of snow geese.  Kids will be able to make-n-take home their own snow goose decoy.

This program will be held at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters.  Participants should dress appropriately for the outdoors.  Registration is required by Wednesday, February 21st.  Call 309-535-2290 or email illinoisriver@fws.gov to register or for more information.  This program is sponsored by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services-Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge and Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds.

Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.

The 10th Annual Youth Acres Chicken and Noodles Dinner will be held Saturday, March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Canton VFW. A silent auction will be held.

After dinner, a live auction will be held from 7 to 8 p.m.

Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Proceeds will go to Youth Acres.

Spoon River College Canton
Spoon River College - Taylor 209

For Spring 2018 SRC will present Sarah Ruhl’s 2003 play Eurydice. The show is a contemporary take on the Orpheus story of Greek mythology, told from the point of view of Eurydice, Orpheus’ wife. After dying and entering the world of the dead, Eurydice finds herself torn between returning to the world of the living or staying in the underworld with her beloved father. Ruhl’s play is by turns lyrical, surreal, wistful, and heart-wrenching. Eurydice runs March 2-4, 2018.

Sun Mar 0 4

Artifact ID Day

Dickson Mounds
10956 N Dickson Mounds Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA

 

Museum staff and other experts will be available to identify your artifacts, rocks, fossils, animal bones, and perhaps anything else you may be curious about.  If you don’t have any items to identify, be sure to stop in any way to see these artifacts and live demonstrations.

Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.

Sun Mar 0 4

Weekend Knap-In

Dickson Mounds
10956 N Dickson Mounds Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA

 

The public is welcome to view flint knapping demonstrations during the Museum’s Third Annual Weekend Knap-In. Learn about the different techniques used by several craftsmen and see their stone tool creations. Flintknappers should call Christa Foster at 309-547-3721 for information on how to participate.

Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.

Spoon River College Canton
Spoon River College - Taylor 209

 

For Spring 2018 SRC will present Sarah Ruhl’s 2003 play Eurydice. The show is a contemporary take on the Orpheus story of Greek mythology, told from the point of view of Eurydice, Orpheus’ wife. After dying and entering the world of the dead, Eurydice finds herself torn between returning to the world of the living or staying in the underworld with her beloved father. Ruhl’s play is by turns lyrical, surreal, wistful, and heart-wrenching. Eurydice runs March 2-4, 2018.

Spoon River College Havana
SRC Havana Center, 324 E. Randolph, Havana IL 62644

Word and Excel are individual programs that have many attributes on their own, but you can also utilize the programs together. The first half of this class will cover basic commands and program highlights for Word and Excel. In the second half of the class, students will create a form letter, edit documents, create budget sheets, and build databases in both programs. The class will end with how to link the database and budget sheets to Word documents to make you more efficient in making labels and reports. (It is recommended that students have previous knowledge of Word and Excel for this class.) Instructed by Andrea Barbknecht   Fee: $30

The Health and Wellness Connection of Fulton County will hold a fundraiser with Irish food and fun March 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bistro 101.

Appetizers will be served in the bar area from 5 to 6 p.m. Then a special Irish meal being planned by Chef Jeromie will be served in the table area.

Tickets are $50 and drinks are extra. For tickets call the Health and Wellness office from Monday through Thursday at 649-0048.

The Illinois Valley Archaeological Society will meet Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at Dickson Mounds Museum. Robert G. McCullough, Ph.D, Special Projects Coordinator and a Senior Research Archaeologist with the Illinois State Archaeological Society (ISAS) will be the featured speaker.

McCullough will discuss “Late Prehistoric Village Interactions in the White River Drainage in Indiana.”

The event is free of charge and the public is invited to attend.

The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee and the Fulton County Farm Bureau Legislative Committee will co-sponsor a “Meet the Candidates” event Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Donaldson Center in Wallace Park, 250 South Avenue D, Canton.

Candidates running in the March 20 primary election have been invited to speak, and the public is invited to hear their ideas and platforms. Candidates will each have up to five minutes to make a statement to the audience.

Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the event, and audience members may visit with candidates and pick up information.

The program will air live on radio station WBYS 1560-AM, receive newspaper coverage and also be videotaped for broadcast on cable access television in Canton, Cuba and Lewistown.

For more information, contact Amanda Atchley, Executive Director of Canton Area Chamber of Commerce at (309) 647-2677.

 

The Methodist WellMobile will be at the Baker Rec Center at Big Creek Park from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 9.

Free health screenings will be offered. Call 309-647-7665 for more information.

The 61st annual Fulton County Town and Country Art Show will be held on Saturday March 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, March 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Donaldson Center at Wallace Park in Canton.

Entry forms are available at Wallace Park or Baker Rec Center at Big Creek Park.

Exhibit drop-off begins March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.

A showcase featuring the work of Bill Swango will be shown at the art show this year.

 

Join us for our 5th Annual Power of the Purse fundraiser for the United Way for Spoon River Country and our partner agencies at Big Racks Steakhouse in Canton. Bid on gorgeous designer purses during a live auction.  You may also bid on fabulous silent auction items as well.  Appetizers will be served.   Tickets are $25 per person.  You may reserve a table for 8 with a Table Sponsorship of $250.   Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information and tickets, please contact Ann at the United Way office at 647-1825.  Like our Facebook page as well for updates on the event and pictures of our auction items, or visit our website at www.unitedwayforspoonrivercountry.org

The Piecers of the Heartland Quilt Guild 7th Bi-Annual Quilt Show will be held Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $5.

At 10:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. a “bed turning” demonstration will be conducted. This year, the presentation is “Our Favorite Quilt.” Members wrote a story about their favorite quilt that will be shared with the audience.

On display will be hand-quilted designs to reflect the old-time tradition of quilting. Other quilts on display will be done via the more high-tech, computerized quilting machines. Both methods result in artistic, beautiful quilting and require a lot of patience and skill.

There also will be friendship quilts, mystery quilts, wearable art, and home décor. Friendship quilts — quilts made by members only — will be donated to Emerald Estates. Each client living there will be given their very own quilt.

Mystery quilts are a popular activity. Each month, participating members of Piecers of the Heartland receive a portion of a pattern to work on. After several months, they bring their completed blocks and attend a workshop to assemble them together. Then the “mystery” is revealed. This year’s mystery was the Disappearing Hourglass pattern.

Visitors can vote for their favorite quilt in 12 categories and also for one quilt they consider Best of Show. Ribbons will be awarded after 2:30 p.m. Visitors may also check the guild’s website later in the month for pictures of winning quilts. The website is: piecersquiltguild.com.

Visitors may also purchase raffle tickets to win a king-sized quilt. This year’s pattern is “Star Around the Garden.” The quilt was donated by Paula Hoffmann. Cheryl Rakestraw spent nearly a month quilting a beautiful computerized design all over the quilt.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing will be held July 10 and the winner need not be present to win.

 

Maples Mill United Methodist Church will hold their annual Pancake and Sausage Day on Saturday, March 10 from 11 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.

Sausage also will be available for purchase at the church.

In addition, a bake sale will be held featuring pies, cakes and candies.

 

The 61st Annual Town and Country Art Show will be held March 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and March 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Donaldson Center at Wallace Park, 250 South Avenue D, Canton.

Participants can drop off their exhibits Friday, March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Entry forms are at the Canton Park District Office in the Donaldson Center and at the Recreation Center in Big Creek Park.

A showcase featuring the work of renowned carver Bill Swango of Smithfield will be shown at this year’s event.

The 61st annual Fulton County Town and Country Art Show will be held on Saturday March 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, March 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Donaldson Center at Wallace Park in Canton.

Entry forms are available at Wallace Park or Baker Rec Center at Big Creek Park.

Exhibit drop-off begins March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.

A showcase featuring the work of Bill Swango will be shown at the art show this year.

 

The 61st Annual Town and Country Art Show will be held March 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and March 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Donaldson Center at Wallace Park, 250 South Avenue D, Canton.

Participants can drop off their exhibits Friday, March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Entry forms are at the Canton Park District Office in the Donaldson Center and at the Recreation Center in Big Creek Park.

A showcase featuring the work of renowned carver Bill Swango of Smithfield will be shown at this year’s event.

The 61st annual Fulton County Town and Country Art Show will be held on Saturday March 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, March 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Donaldson Center at Wallace Park in Canton.

Entry forms are available at Wallace Park or Baker Rec Center at Big Creek Park.

Exhibit drop-off begins March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.

A showcase featuring the work of Bill Swango will be shown at the art show this year.

 

A Red Cross Blood Drive will be sponsored by the Student Senate in the Lewistown High School gymnasium Monday, March 12. The public is invited to attend and donate from 1 to 5 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment shortens time waiting. Call the high school at 547-2288 to set an appointment.

Anyone who last donated on or before January 14, 2017 may be eligible to give blood.

 

The Lodge
1303 S East Ave. Manito, IL 61546

Community Bunco at The Lodge!

Don’t know how to play Bunco? No problem, we will teach you!

Join us on Tuesday, March 13 at 10 a.m., and enjoy a light breakfast during bunco.

Big Horse Vineyards
11603 N County Hwy 9, Lewistown, IL 61542

Local Central Illinois performers John Davis, Chad Murphy, Bob Juraco, Ray Crow, Drew Ponder, Matt Buczko, Tony Roberts, and Carol Davis present a night of Irish Music and Fun at Big Horse Vineyards . Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Show at 7 p.m.

Fulton County Rehabilitation Center, Inc. invites the public to a Bingo fundraiser on Friday, March 16 at 6 p.m. at the FCRC facility at 500 North Main Street, Canton.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and Bingo begins at 6. Cost is $5 per Bingo card or 5 cards for $20. Participants will use the same cards for each game, so no daubers will be needed.

Prizes will be awarded for each Bingo game winner. This is a family Bingo, so players are encouraged to bring children to participate. Items have been donated as prizes by FCRC staff members, local crafters and area businesses.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks (no outside beverages). Beverages and baked goods will be available for purchase.

 

Sat Mar 1 7

Havana Pub Crawl

Havana Pub Crawl sponsored by the Havana Area of Commerce.  A $15 entry by March 7 gets you a t-shirt and prizes.  Forms are available at participating bars/restaurants, or contact a Chamber committee member (Dan Griffin, Chris Troxell, Jeannie Stockham, Amy Lane, Casey Ferree, Todd Schaeffer, Leann Bonnett).

Dickson Mounds
10956 N Dickson Mounds Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA

For more than 20 years, people have gathered at Dickson Mounds on the third Saturday of every month for an evening of musical entertainment. Hosted by Chris Vallillo, an accomplished musician and performer in his own right, the series features Roots/Folk music and other genres offered by a talented variety of performers.

Internationally acclaimed Bluegrass and Folk duo The Gordons  return to the Hickory Ridge Concert Series for our St. Patrick’s Day concert.  Featuring Gary Gordon on guitar and Roberta Gordon on Autoharp,  this award winning duo combines world class bluegrass chops with outstanding vocals on excellent original and traditional music.

Doors open at 6 p.m. $8 adults, $5 kids. Visit http://ginridge.com/extras/hickory-ridge-concert-series/ for information about the artists.

Fri Mar 2 3

Samson

Arlee Theater
139 E. Main Street, Mason City, IL

The Movie Samson (PG-13) will play at the Arlee Theater March 23 – 26 at 7 p.m. nightly; 2 & 7 p.m. Sunday. From Pure Flix Entertainment, it is based on the powerful, Biblical epic.

Dunfermline Soup Day will be held Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village Hall, 709 Center Street, Dunfermline.

The menu includes a bowl of vegetable soup or chili for $3, steamburgers for $3 and hot dogs for $2. Desserts are extra and cost $1 for cake and $2 for pie.

Carry-outs will be available.

The Smithfield Up & Coming 4-H club is hosting a Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at the Red Brick School in Smithfield. Children infant through fifth grade are welcome. There will be door prizes and refreshments. This event is made possible by local business and community support.

The Havana First United Methodist Church will have their monthly Community Friendship Meal on Saturday, March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no cost or obligation to members of the community. This event provides an opportunity for persons to get together for good fellowship and good food! There are no age, income, or any other restrictions whatsoever. This meal is open to persons of all ages – just come as you are and enjoy a free meal with other members of the community. This month the menu is ham, baked beans, applesauce and cake. For more information, contact the church at 309-543-4725.

Dickson Mounds
10956 N Dickson Mounds Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA

As part of the Illinois Bicentennial programming series at Dickson Mounds, kids ages 5 years old and up with an adult may enjoy learning about life on the Illinois Frontier.  On Saturday, March 24, members of the Mackinaw Valley Longrifles will demonstrate spinning, weaving, cooking, and blacksmithing.  Kids may participate in historic games and crafts to take home.

The program begins at 1 p.m.

Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.

The Historical Museum at Bath will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, March 25 from 2 to 5 p.m.

The community is invited to come and see the current collection on display and learn about plans for preserving Bath’s past for the future.

The Historical Museum has also been invited to participate in the Cinco de Wino community and Bicentennial program on May 5. They will also be providing volunteers to help with parking, and provide a fund raiser for the museum.

The new Spoon River Library Book Club will have their first meeting Tuesday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at the library at 201 South Third Street.

They will discuss the book “The Hate U Give,” by Angie Thomas, which is about racial inequality and prejudice. Synopsis: Starr, an African-American student, is searching for who she is. She is in a car when one of her friends is shot and killed during a stop by a police officer. Follow Starr as she struggles with events that are out of her control and figuring out what she can do to make a difference.

The Book Club will continue to meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month through August from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library at 201 South Third Street.

The Forman Junior Womens Club’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 31 at the Midwest Central Primary School at 3 p.m. Any child age 0 to 10 is welcome to attend! Prizes are awarded in each age group. Rain date will be Sunday, April 1, at 3 p.m. Please bring your baskets to collect eggs; and parents don’t forget your cameras for photos with the Easter bunny! Again this year they will have containers to recycle your eggs! The FJWC is a nonprofit group whose many activities and fundraisers benefit the Christmas For Kids program held every year in early December. Donations may be made any time by sending to P.O. Box 583, Manito, IL 61546.