 Once Upon a Holiday
Historic Downtown Bloomington and The David Davis Mansion Historical Site
November 30 and December 1
A holiday activity extravaganza starting off with the annual Jaycee's Christmas Parade with Santa, and featuring special events at the McLean County Arts Center, the McLean County Museum of History, the Bloomington Public Library and the David Davis Mansion. Downtown merchants will have special window displays, and strolling musicians and carolers will also be on hand during the day. Enjoy Carriage rides or board the Red Trolley. For more information, call (309) 829-9599
uniquelybloomington.com
Illuminated Trail
Constitution Trail between Grandview Dr. and Vernon Ave. in Normal
December 1 - 2 (special events)
December 1 - 25 (on-going holiday decoration displays)
Many homes along this section of the Constitution Trail in Normal will add some extra cheer with holiday decorations and light displays visible to those on the Trail. On December 1 and 2, the B-N Association of Realtors will place lighted luminaries along the path between 5 and 8 p.m. Non-perishable food donations will be collected on-site for distribution to two local shelters.
The Deer Run, Run 8k Foot Race
Comlara County Park - Main Recreation Area
13001 Recreation Area Dr., (off I-39 North at Lake Evergreen in rural Hudson)
December 8
The Deer Run, Run Euro-style cross-country race will take runners around the park and on nature trails around the lake. Creek crossings and steeplechase barriers will make it even more challenging! Chow down on soup and bagels and win great door prizes at the post race gathering. Call 309-726-2022 or e-mail parks@mclean.gov
Parklands Foundation
Seed Cleaning (work day activity)
Bloomington Parks & Recreation Garage on Springfield Rd.
December 8
Sort and prepare a variety of native seeds for planting in the nature preserve areas of Parklands Foundation next spring. Experienced naturalists will be on hand to demonstrate and explain the process. Volunteers are welcome.
parklands.org
Holiday Pops Concert with Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Braden Auditorium, Illinois State University, Normal
December 14
It's a musical celebration featuring holiday favorites! Get in the mood with this outstanding group of Central Illinois musicians. Call (309) 661-2662 for tickets.
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra
State Farm Bloomington-Normal Holiday Classic
IWU Shirk Center, ISU Redbird Arena and ISU Horton Field House
December 26-29
Cheer on area boys and girls basketball teams at both Class A and Class AA levels of competition in B-N's prime sports venues. Call B-N Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (309) 829-6344 for schedule and ticket information.
theclassic.org
New Year's Eve Big Band Bash
Interstate Center Ballroom
2301 W. Market, Bloomington
December 31
Benefit for WGLT public radio and the Heartland Jazz Orchestra Foundation featuring a sumptuous buffet dinner and dancing to Big Band hits performed by the Heartland Jazz Orchestra. Contact WGLT at (309) 438-2255 for details and ticket information.
wglt.org
The Historic Normal Theater
209 North St., Normal
Beyond Normal Films (on-going)
When the weather outside is frightful, check out film screenings presented by Beyond Normal Films. This local non-profit group brings quality independent and international films to the historic Normal Theater. Educational programs, discussions and an annual film showcase are also scheduled.
Event Hotline: (309) 454-9722
Beyond Normal Films
Players' production of the musical Pump Boys & Dinettes
201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington
January 17-20, 24-27, 31-February 3, 2002
Treat yourself to an evening of pure country entertainment in this Broadway hit featuring local talent. The denizens of the Double Cupp Diner and the Pump Boys' gas station perform country/western songs accompanied on guitars, piano, bass and kitchen utensils! Call (309) 663-2121 for ticket information.
Community Players Theatre
 Funk's Grove Maple Sirup (not syrup)
Old Route 66 (15 miles south of Bloomington)
Funks Grove, Illinois
February through March
In the early spring visitors can see how maple sirup (spelled the old-fashioned way) is made in the majestic McLean County timber of Funk's Grove. A local tradition since the early 1920s when travelers on the new hard road stopped to enjoy Hazel Funk Holmes' tasty sirup. Call 309-874-3360 for hours and visitor information.
Funk's Grove
Mr. Lincon's Birthday
David Davis Mansion Historical Site
1000 East Monroe Drive, Bloomington
February 12
Tour the elegant historic home of Supreme Court Justice David Davis and learn about his good friend, Abraham Lincoln. In honor of the 16th president's birthday, visitors will discover Lincoln's ties to McLean County and hear some amusing stories about his time in Illinois. A surprise guest just might make an appearance!
David Davis Mansion Historical Site
 Taste of the Twin Cities
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center
Brickyard Dr. and Veteran's Parkway, Bloomington
February 24
Sample a room full of great food prepared by local restaurants and caterers, sit back and enjoy some fine wine, or get up and join the conga line! Music, prizes and a terrific Caribbean atmosphere make this annual fund-raising event for the Occupational Development Center a great way to shake those winter blahs. Call (309) 820-0723 for ticket information.
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