We are thankful to Champaign Gymnastics Academy for sponsoring this week’s edition of weekend planner. Head over to CGA (off Mattis and Springfield in Champaign) on Friday night between 5 and 8 p.m. and see what this gymnastics facility can offer your family. Best of all – kids will have plenty to do to run off some energy. 
Many kids don’t have school on Friday, Jan. 18, and just about everyone is off on Monday, Jan. 21, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. So whether you have a three-day or a four-day weekend, make the most of it with our planner! Be advised that some local libraries (including Urbana and Champaign) and other public facilities are closed on Monday. The Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday, but open to the public on Monday for extended swim hours.
What: Fancy Nancy Tea Party at Urbana Free Library
Where: Urbana Free Library
When: Friday, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m.- 11:15
How Much: Free
Appropriate For: anyone who loves Fancy Nancy! Generally ages 3-7
Why You Should Go: Do you love all things fancy? Come to our Fancy Nancy Tea Party! We will hear a Fancy Nancy story, learn spectacular new words, make splendiferous crafts, and have delectable treats! Dressing up is encouraged!
What: Cardinals Caravan
Where: iHotel and Conference Center, Champaign
When: noon, Friday, Jan.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: It’s an annual sign of spring training being near. Head over to the iHotel and Conference Center and talk baseball, see current and former players, and pick up a few autographs – all for free! The current players in attendance will include shortstop Pete Kozma and pitcher Trevor Rosenthal; former Cardinals pitchers Andy Benes and Joe MaGrane; along with Cardinal broadcaster and host Mike Claiborne. There will be autographs for kids, Cardinals prize drawings and more. Sponsored by ESPN Radio 93.5/95.3, the Champaign-Urbana radio home of the Cardinals.
What: Champaign Gymnastics Academy’s Grand Re-Opening
When: Friday, Jan. 18, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Champaign Gymnastics Academy, 219 S. Mattis Avenue, Champaign
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: CGA’s Grand Re-Opening is a free family event open to the entire community. Come explore the gym and check out our new building features including our remodeled lobby and new in-ground foam pit! Earn raffle tickets for free classes, a birthday party, and gift cards from over a dozen local businesses by bringing items to support the Champaign County Humane Society.
What: Middle Market
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19
Where: Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana
How Much: free
Appropriate For: all ages
Why You Should Go: With the Holiday Market season coming to an end and months until Market at the Square begins, the UBA has made an exciting decision. For the first time, they will be extending the market season year-round by bringing you the Middle Market. This brand new market will take place on the 3rd Saturday of January, February, March and April inside of Lincoln Square from 8am to 1pm. Featured items will include baked goods, jewelry, dog biscuits and pet accessories, candles, soaps and body care items, plants and produce, and much, much more!
What: Rick Recht Live in Concert!
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19
Where: Cohen Center for Jewish Life, 503 E. John St., Champaign
How Much: free
Appropriate For: all ages
Why You Should Go: Rick Recht is the top-touring artist in American Jewish music today. His fun, inspirational show is suitable for all ages, so bring the whole family! Are you a musician? Have you always wondered what it would be like to be a ROCKSTAR?? If so, don’t miss your chance to perform onstage with Rick! Bring your instrument and come one hour before showtime to participate in a special workshop to learn a song with Rick to be performed as a group during the concert. No tickets needed–come early for the best seats, doors open at 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation.
What: School’s Out: Snowmen of Homer
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21
Where: Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 2573 S. Homer Lake Rd, Homer
How Much: free
Appropriate For: all ages
Why You Should Go: Come on over to Homer Lake to discover the eco-friendly Snowmen of Homer! Hike the Snowmen Search trail then come inside the Interpretive Center and warm up with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate. Enjoy making “cool” snowmen crafts made from recycled materials. This family event will be offered all day. Free. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or ehenson@ccfpd.org.
Weekend Planner features only a few of the wonderful events happening in our area. For a full list, please visit our Events Calendar.
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