This weekend looks to be the coolest in weeks (if the weatherman holds true). So take advantage! It’s the last weekend for the Champaign County Fair, which closes shop on Saturday night. Here are our picks — this week’s theme has to do with so many war-related events.
It's time to say good bye to the Champaign County Fair, which ends Saturday, July 28. Chambanamoms photo
What: Sidney Summer Fun Daze
When: Friday, July 27 (starting at 6 p.m.) and Saturday, July 28 (all day)
Where: Downtown Sidney
How much: Free (food available for purchase; some events may be ticketed)
Why you should go: Head to this small community in southern Champaign County for a great community event – carnival rides, live music, etc. On Saturday, there is a parade at 4:30 p.m.; karaoke, bingo; car and truck show; a lazer light show on Saturday night … and more. Stop at the Dairy Barn too!
What: B-17 Bomber Visits Rantoul
When: Saturday, July 28, through Tuesday July 31. Museum open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-Sat and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Chanute Air Museum
How much: Regular admission rates apply ($10 adults, $8 seniors/military, $5 grades K-12, kids 4 and under free); walk-through tours are $5 adults, $3 children (5-12yrs), and WWII Vets and Active-Duty Military are FREE
Appropriate for: All Ages
Why you should go: One of just 11 remaining flyable B-17′s, TEXAS RAIDERS is restored to authentic WWII 1945 B-17G specifications, this vintage B-17 Bomber will be offering unique “one-of-a-kind” rides on Saturday, July 28, through Tuesday July 31. For information on the rides , please contact B17Rides@gulfcoastwing.org or call 817-304-0393. Walk-through tours are also available each day: $5-adults, $3-children (5-12yrs), and WWII Vets and Active-Duty Military are FREE. For information on the walk-through please call Chanute Air Museum at 217-893-1613.
What: Life of a Revolutionary War Soldier at Champaign Public Library
When: Saturday, July 28, 2-3 p.m.
Where: Champaign Public Library
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: All Ages (most appropriate for school age and up)
Why you should go: What was life like for a Revolutionary War soldier? Join re-enactor Deane Geiken as he portrays an American soldier of the Continental Line, from the period of 1777 to 1783. See what ordinary soldiers wore, carried with them, and ate, and how they trained to fight battles.
What: One Man’s Civil War at Champaign Public Library
Where: Champaign Public Library
When: Sunday, July 29, 2-3 p.m.
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: school age and up
Why you should go: A packet of aged papers covered with sloping script in faded ink opened a window on the past for Judy Cook. Cook will share fascinating insights into Civil War-era camp and home life revealed through songs, images, and letters between her great-great-grandparents, who were Wisconsin farmers during that tumultuous time. This event is sponsored by the Library Friends.
What: Sunday Afternoon Songbook
When: Sunday, July 29, 2-3 p.m.
Where: Krannert Center f
How much: FREE
Weekend Planner features only a few of the wonderful events happening in our area. For a full list, please visit our Events Calendar.
