McLean County Museum of History
200 North Main, Bloomington, Illinois
Through January 16, 2006
The railroad has always played an important role in the life and times of McLean County residents. This exhibit of photographs by Steve Smedley and Bruce Meyer along with images from the files of The Pantagraph brings out both the stark and the elegant views of trains and rail yards. For museum hours and details on this and other exhibits, visit the museum website or call (309) 827-0428.
The Creature's Crypt Haunted House
1201 E. Bell St, (Former Eureka Plant)
Bloomington, Illinois Weekends through October 31
If you like thrills and chills, be sure to visit this popular monster’s haunt in its new location! Along with traditional Halloween fun, the Crypt also offers a special, tamer version scheduled for the younger set. For detailed information about hours and special hauntings, call (309) 662-8747 or visit the Creature’s Crypt website.
Annual "Buffalo Shoot"
Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park in rural LeRoy, Illinois
October 1 (Rain date October 9)
Grab your camera for a chance to take photos of a real buffalo herd at this fundraising event for a local Native American historic site. Call 309/261-3043, (309)-376-3400 or visit the Grand Village website.
Evergreen Cemetery Discovery Walk
Evergreen Memorial Cemetery
302 East Miller Street, Bloomington, Illinois
October 1 - 2 and 8 -9
Local history comes alive in this fascinating event featuring actors from the Illinois Voices Theatre portraying some of the famous, infamous and everyday residents buried in Bloomington's Evergreen Cemetery. Advance tickets are required. Visit the museum website or call (309) 827-0428.
Fall Colors Family Day
Comlara County Park13001 Recreation Area Dr., (off I-39 North at Evergreen Lake) Rural Hudson, Illinois
October 8
For a good old-fashioned day of fun, bring the whole gang out to Comlara Park for hayrack rides, children’s games, hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over a fire, and Nature’s annual “art show” in the wooded areas surrounding the park. For details on this and other special events, visit the County Parks website.
Autumn Celebration
Sugar Grove Nature Center
4532 N. 725 East Road, McLean, Illinois (south of Funks Grove off Old Route 66)
October 22
It’s fun for everyone with Fall color walks, horse-drawn wagon rides, storytelling, Native American encampment, buckskinners, pumpkin races, blacksmithing demonstrations, and a Scarecrow Factory. Celtic music will be featured, along with traditional fall foods and cider. For details, contact the Nature Center at (309) 874-2174.
Haunted Trail
Constitution Trail next to City Hall, Normal, Illinois
October 21 - 22 and October 28 - 29
Take a self-guided tour complete with scary characters, spooky sounds and creepy lighting. Call (309) 454-9540 for more information.
Ghost Stories with the Twin City Tale Spinners
Bloomington Public Library Community Room
205 E. Olive, Bloomington, Illinois
October 27
Bring the family for an evening of shivery tales and hair-raising fun. Call (309) 828-6091 for details.
Prairie Fire Theatre production of “Are We There Yet?”
Historic Normal Theater in downtown Normal
October 28 - 29 and November 4 - 6
It’s all about where we’ve come from, where we fit in, and where we’re going. This madcap, bumpy, yet thoroughly wonderful family trip is presented as a musical review and was co-created by Normal native Ray Roderick. Order tickets by calling (309) 824-3047. Visit the Prairie Fire Theatre website for more information about upcoming productions.
Gallery Talk and Reception with Jonathan Higgins and
Kathleen Waterloo
Merwin & Wakeley Galleries
Ames School Of Art, Illinois Wesleyan University,
6 Ames Plaza West, Bloomington, Illinois
November 8
Stop by and view the work of these two contemporary artists on exhibit in the Merwin and Wakeley Galleries through December 8. The artists will talk about their work and join guests for a reception afterwards. This event is free and open to the public. The galleries host a variety of exhibitions and programs during the school year, so call (309) 556-3391 for details or visit the art galleries’ website.
Holiday Treasures Show Opening
McLean County Arts Center
601 N. East St., Bloomington, Illinois
November 10
Looking for unusual gifts for holiday giving? Check out the array of fine art created by more than 100 local and nationally known artists. Featured art will include paintings, prints, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, photography, fiber, and jewelry as well as seasonal items. For more information about Arts Center programs and classes, call (309) 829-0011 or visit the Arts Center website.
Around the Corner Art Studio Walk
Art studios on West Monroe and North Center Streets
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
November 11
Downtown Bloomington is home to many professional artists. Take a leisurely Friday evening stroll and tour the studios of Angel Ambrose, Scott Cook, Herb Eaton, Jeff Little and Kay Seefeld. View their latest work, visit with the artists and enjoy refreshments at each site. Each studio will have featured artwork for sale during the event from 5 to 9 p.m. Call (309) 829-3424 for details. (Painting by Herb Eaton is shown above.)
IHSA Girls Volleyball
Redbird Arena
Illinois State University Campus, Normal, Illinois
November 11 - 12
Watch high school girls volleyball at its best as teams from both Class A and Class AA compete for championship honors. For schedules, ticket information and team stats, visit the Illinois High School Association website link.
CORNPEX '05
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
November 12 - 13
Corn Belt Philatelic Society's annual stamp and post card show and sale is an opportunity to learn about history and art, as well as the fascinating world of those who collect and preserve post cards and postage stamps. Phone (309) 663-2761 for details.
Downtown Normal Holiday Open House
Normal, Illinois
November 13
Downtown Normal Merchants will host the annual holiday festivities with a band, special treats and carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be on the lookout for Santa!
The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees 2005
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
November 16 - 20
This year’s theme for the annual fund-raising event for The Baby Fold is “Home for the Holidays.” Decorated Christmas trees of all sizes will be displayed for auction, along with Gingerbread houses, wreaths, and celebrity trees. A gift shop, musical entertainment by talented local performers and several special events are also planned. For volunteer opportunities and ticket information, call (309) 452-1170 or see the link on The Baby Fold website.
“The Cinderella Files” Madcap Puppets Production
Central Catholic High School Auditorium
1201 Airport Rd., Bloomington, Illinois
November 19
This is not your ordinary puppet theatre production! Some of the Madcap Puppets are 12 feet tall—and are accompanied by live actors as they present this musical fairy tale for all ages. Two free shows will be presented, courtesy of the Friends of the Normal and Bloomington Public Libraries. Call (309) 454-4668 or (309) 828-6091 for details
Sons of the Never Wrong at Blue Moon Coffeehouse
Main Lounge in Memorial Student Center,
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
November 19
The Blue Moon Coffeehouse presents the Chicago-based folk trio, Sons of the Never Wrong for a free concert. Former local resident Bruce Roper teams up with Deborah Lader and Sue Demel to offer a distinctive brand of original songs fusing elements of folk, rock and jazz. For more information about this group and other Blue Moon shows, call (309) 556-3815 or visit the Blue Moon website.
Turkey Trot
Miller Park
1020 S Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
November 24
Start your Thanksgiving with a little exercise! A half-mile “fun run” race for ages 14 and under will be offered, and runners of all ages are invited to participate in a three-mile run. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and there is no charge.
USA Ballet Company production of " ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Westbrook Auditorium, Presser Hall
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
November 27
Enjoy this unique version of the traditional holiday poem about St. Nick presented as a full-length ballet performed by the USA Ballet company. Call (309) 665-0300 for ticket information. For details on auditions and upcoming performances, visit the USA Ballet Company website.
Madrigal Dinners
Bone Student Center Circus Room
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, and 16
(Ticket sales begin November 1)
This season marks the 50th anniversary of the Illinois State University Madrigal Dinners. It’s a delightful meal accompanied by a full evening of entertainment by Madrigal Singers, Brass Quintet, Recorder Ensemble, the Royal Court, and more. This year, all meals will be served with utensils. For reservations, call (309) 438-5444 or visit the Madrigal Dinners website.
Zoolights
Miller Park Zoo
1020 S. Morris Avenue, Bloomington, Illinois
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17
Come see the zoo at night decked out with holiday lights! View the animals and enjoy refreshments and strolling carolers from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on these special dates.
Annual Jaycee Christmas Parade
Kingsley Jr. High in Normal to Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
December 3
Bundle up and come watch area bands, organizations – and even pets on parade through town to usher in the holiday season. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Kingsley Junior High School (former NCHS building) in Normal and moves south to Downtown Bloomington.
Once Upon a Holiday
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
December 3
After the parade in the morning, do some shopping and have lunch in downtown Bloomington, then stop by the Bloomington Public Library in the afternoon for the music. The third annual Holiday Window Vignettes with special “live” displays in Downtown Bloomington store windows begins around 5 p.m. NOTE: This year, due to repairs being made in part of the facility, the McLean County Museum of History will not host a holiday open house. The museum will be open for visitors during regular hours.
“The Nutcracker” production by Twin Cities Ballet
Braden Auditorium, Bone Student Center
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
December 3 - 4
The Twin Cities Ballet company production of The Nutcracker is a local tradition that brings the magic and the music of Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday favorite to life. Tickets are available through the Braden Auditorium Box office at (309) 438-5444. For more information about the ballet company, visit the Twin Cities Ballet website.
Holiday Concert with the Boston Pops Orchestra
Braden Auditorium at Bone Student Center
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
December 5
Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops will offer a special performance for families and music lovers all ages featuring the orchestra’s popular arrangements of Christmas and seasonal music. For tickets, call the Braden Auditorium Box Office at (309) 438-5444 or order online at TicketMaster.
Hanukkah Celebration
Main Lounge, Memorial Center
Illinois Wesleyan University 104 E. University, Bloomington, Illinois
December 6
This observance of Hanukkah is open to the public and will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Pantagraph Holiday Spectacular
Braden Auditorium, Illinois State University Campus, Normal, Illinois
December 9 - 11
This year’s holiday celebration, “Joy for the Wandering Soul,” features a cast of hundreds of local folks singing, dancing and performing a diverse range of religious and secular classics. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at (309) 438-5444. Proceeds benefit the Good Fellow Fund which provides assistance to local families, seniors and children. For further information, see the Holiday Spectacular link at Pantagraph.com.
Christmas in the Park
Miller Park Pavilion
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
December 10
The whole family will enjoy the fun featuring pictures with Santa, crafts, sleigh rides, caroling and more! Call (309) 434-2260 for details.
Holiday Tour of Local Historic Mansions
December 17
Don’t miss this great opportunity to tour three of this area’s fine historic homes during the holiday season! Shuttle tours start at the David Davis Mansion State Historic site, and proceed to both the Vrooman Mansion and Broadview Mansion (home to the Immanuel Bible Foundation). Music, refreshments and costumed guides will be part of the evening. Call (309) 828-1084 or visit the Davis Mansion Historical Site webpage for hours and ticket information
“Deadwood Dick” Melodrama by Tom Taggert
Community Players Theatre
201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington, Illinois
January 13 -15, 19 – 22 and 26 - 28
It’s good old-fashioned melodrama at its comic best with long-lost daughters, stolen gold mines, kidnapped heroines and hairbreadth escapes, plus a crew of infamous villains and vintage cowpokes in this tale of wild days in the Old West. Call (309) 663-2121 for ticket information or visit the Players website.
Ongoing:
Farmers Market
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
Saturday mornings through October
Downtown Normal along Constitution Trail
Tuesday evenings through October
Check out the bounty of area produce, flowers and related products each week. Artists and artisans display their work for sale, and weather permitting, musical entertainment is also part of the mix around the Courthouse Square in Downtown Bloomington. Call (309) 829-9599 for more information.
International Film Series
Beckman Auditorium, Ames Library
Illinois Wesleyan University
selected Sunday evenings
September through December 4
International films in the series are presented free of charge and members of the community are welcome to attend the shows. All foreign language films are in the original language in which they were released with English subtitles. For details and film reviews, visit the film series website.
Local Hockey Leagues
Whether it’s on ice or inline, we’ve got your hockey teams here in B-N! The Interstate Center Inline Hockey League, the B-N Phantoms inline hockey travel teams and the B-N Sharks high school ice hockey teams offer great excitement for both spectators and players in this area. For more information on teams, schedules and tournaments, visit the Heartland Hockey website.
Central Illinois Sport Fencing Club
YWCA Gymnasium
1201 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington, Illinois Thursday evenings
En garde! The Central Illinois Sport Fencing club (CISF) promotes Olympic Style Sport Fencing with informal instruction, both individually and in groups, and opportunities for all levels of students to fence against each other. Beginners or experienced fencers aged 12 and older are welcome. The club also provides formal instruction for adults through the Heartland Community College Community Education Program. For details on meeting times and other information, visit the fencing club website.
Simulated Space Missions
Challenger Learning Center at Prairie Aviation
2901 E. Empire, Bloomington, Illinois
If you’ve always wanted to go into space, here’s your chance to experience the challenges of space travel in a realistic and exciting environment. Adults and children in fifth grade or above can be part of special open missions offered periodically throughout the year. Availability is limited and seats will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so call (309)661-1621 for public mission dates and to reserve seats on the “shuttle.” Visit the Challenger Learning Center website to learn more about its programs.
Victorian Tea Parties at the David Davis Mansion
David Davis Mansion
1000 E. Monroe, Bloomington, Illinois
The Tea Ladies, attired in elegant hats and dresses from the 1870s, serve as hostesses at tea parties for club meetings and special occasions. Guests tour the mansion and learn about the history and art of entertaining at tea while enjoying delicious treats. Special programs may also be scheduled for presentation at other locations. For reservations and details, contact Nancy Perzo at (309) 827-2200.
Blacksmithing Demonstrations
Sugar Grove Forge (on the grounds of the Sugar Grove Nature Center)
4532 N. 725 East Road, McLean, Illinois
(south of Funks Grove off Old Route 66)
Third Saturday morning of the month
The public is invited to watch members of the Illinois Valley Blacksmith’s Association at work perfecting their skills with hammer, anvil and forge.
