It’s looking like a beautiful weekend ahead, and it’s time to fall in love with fall … it’s just around the corner! Our picks include football, festivals, and FREEBIES:
What: Savoy Orchard Days
When: Friday, Sept. 14., 5 to midnight; Saturday, Sept. 15, 8 a.m. to midnight
Where: Dana Colbert Park, Savoy
How much: Free; food available for sale; carnival rides, other items may be ticketed
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Plenty to do for the kids at this festival – balloon twisters, arts and crafts, face painting, carnival rides, bingo, tractor pull, and more. Of course, lots of food, free music and more!
What: Prairie Breezes presents The Rhythm is YOU! with Rocky Maffit
When: Friday, Sept. 14., 4:15 to 5 p.m.
Where: Urbana Free Library
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Join Rocky Maffit, a Chambana treasure, for a sense-sational concert with percussion instruments from around with world that can be shaken, struck, slapped or scraped. He interweaves playing and demonstration with song and audience participation.
What: Monticellobration
When: Friday, Sept. 14 (night, live music and food) – Saturday, Sept. 15 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Downtown Monticello
How much: Free admission (food for sale, some events may be ticketed)
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Great festival featuring music and local food vendors. The very popular Pet Parade and Contest starts at 10 a.m. Saturday; this year’s Kid’s Activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. There will also be lots of other games and make-it take-it activities. Live music all night and day.
What: Sprouts at the Market
When: Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Market at the Square, Lincoln Square, Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: Kids 3-8
Why you should go: Let’s Eat Our Colors! This event will have a special emphasis on mealtime, with produce of all colors featured for kids to sample. Information about our farmers and their farms will also be available. Chambanamoms.com will be there!
What: NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick Competition
When: Sunday, Sept. 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Dodds Soccer Complex, Bradley Avenue and Parkland College Drive, Champaign
How much: Free
Appropriate for: Kids 8-15
Why you should go: Boys and girls ages 8-15 can show off their football skills at Dodds Soccer Complex as they compete for distance and accuracy in each of the three categories. Overall top scorers in each division advance to the Sectional Championship. The event is FREE, but you’ll need a copy of your child’s birth certificate as well as a signed waiver that must be turned in at registration. Sponsored by the Champaign Park District.
What: East Central Illinois Heart Walk 2012
When: Sunday, Sept. 16, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; family fun festival 4:30 -6:30; Opening Ceremonies at 6:00pm; Step-off at 6:30pm for 1.5 mile path; Closing Ceremonies at 7:00pm
Where: Robert Porter Family Park, Champaign
How much: Free (donations requested)
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Hay rack rides, fishing (bring your own pole-bait will be provided),live entertainment on the Champaign Park District’s Show-mobile, 9 hole putt-putt golf course, children’s playground, Double Shot basketball game, balloon art from Funbelievables Balloons and glitter tattoos from The Glitter Fairy. Illinois Pork Producers pork chop snadwiches, hot dogs from Meijer, snacks from Jenny Craig and ice cold tap water from Illinois American Water Co.
As always, for more family-friendly events please check our events calendar. There are plenty!
