ChambanaMoms.com » Events

Weekend Planner: Festival Edition

Amy L. Hatch — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:00:23 +0000

Nothing says summer like corn dogs, carnival rides and a good demolition derby — that’s why we’re putting the 2010 Villa Grove Ag Days in our Weekend Planner spotlight.

Get some corn dogs at this weekend's Villa Grove Ag Days. Credit: Lomo-Cam

This year’s events include the “White Trash Rodeo,” a kiddie tractor pull, an antique tractor show, a 3-on-3 basketball tourney, a 5K run and more carnival rides than ever before. Sounds like some good, old-fashioned fun to us! Events will be concentrated downtown, but you’ll be able to find something to do all over town. Come on out to Villa Grove Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7 for some old-fashioned summer fun.

Other events we’re looking forward to:

What: Storytime at Bella Bambini
When: 10-11 a.m., Friday, August 6
Where: Bella Bambini, 1422 S. Neil St., Champaign
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Natalie Ellis from Class Act will charm and entertain your kids, and you can get some back-to-school shopping in, too!

What: Monticello Movie Night — “Monsters Vs. Aliens”
When: 8-9:30 p.m., Friday, August 6
Where: Courthouse Square, Monticello
How much: Free
Appropriate for: The movie is rated PG, so preschool and up
Why you should go: Who can resist the allure of an outdoor movie? Put the kids in their pajamas, pop some corn and bring a blanket and some lawn chairs to enjoy some summer magic.

What: DIY Weekend Wizard
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, August 7
Where: Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, Champaign
How much: Free with museum admission
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Your little creator can make, create and collaborate on art projects and science experiments. Who doesn’t love to make a cool craft?

What: Jazz Rhythms: New Orleans Jazz Machine
Where: Champaign Public Library
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, August 7
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Cap off your weekend with a concert that the whole family can enjoy. The traditional Dixieland ensemble New Orleans Jazz Machine features host of local musicians — come out to support our local players!

For more events happening this weekend, check out our local calendar!

Author Jennifer Weiner Coming to Chambana!

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:00:49 +0000

by Laura Weisskopf Bleill

Jennifer Weiner’s debut novel, “Good in Bed,” was so much fun to read that I had no problem buying my mother-in-law a copy (which was signed, but more on that later). Let’s go over that again: I bought my mother-in-law a copy of a book called Good in Bed. Yes, it was that good.

Several books and almost a decade later, Weiner — a best-selling author and one of the first ladies of “chick lit” — will be speaking and signing books at the Champaign Public Library on July 25. The event will take place just weeks after the release of her newest novel, “Fly Away Home,” the story of a mother and her adult daughters and how they react to an adulterous scandal by their politician husband/father.

Author Jennifer Weiner will visit the Champaign Public Library on July 25.

Due to limited space, tickets for the July 25th event will be distributed starting July 10 at 10 a.m. Champaign residents have first dibs; each person may receive only two tickets, and they must be picked up in person (bring proof of your address, such as a bill). If tickets still remain, they will be released to the general public. (Seating to see the program via live video feed will also be available).

Chambanamoms.com has been fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of “Fly Away Home,” and we will post our review here as soon as possible. In addition, we will be giving away “Fly Away Home” to one lucky chambanamoms.com reader later this month. (None received, sorry folks). Starting July 9, CPL will also have Weiner’s books for sale on the premises; proceeds will go to the library.

This will actually be Weiner’s second appearance in Champaign. She was in town for an event on campus in 2003, when I was able to get several signed books and gifts (including Good in Bed and In Her Shoes).

Want to ask Jennifer Weiner a question? We will be sending her a list of questions for a Q and A article next week. We welcome your submissions on our contact page, here in the comments or directly to editor@chambanamoms.com. Please make all contributions by July 9.

Who Said Book Giveaway? We Did!

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:00:57 +0000

by Laura Weisskopf Bleill

We appreciate a good bedtime book — and preferably one that doesn’t teach our preschooler how to stall or delay bedtime, or make her scared that monsters are in her room, or give her ideas about getting into our bed.

Who Said Coo?, a brand new story geared toward children ages 3 to 7, is just that book. And it just happens to have a good story itself — the book was written and illustrated by identical twin sisters who live in Central Illinois (one in Peoria, one in Urbana).

Lulu the pig, who lives on her own in a cottage, is very cozy in her bed and ready to fall asleep – until she is awakened by the sound of a “Cooooo.” She goes to investigate it and finds two little birds, who won’t admit they are responsible for the loud noise. What happens next spans many emotions that young children may understand – anger, frustration, and ultimately, forgiveness and friendship (and what parent can’t relate to the unending disruption of sleep). Throw in a smidge of humor, and you have Who Said Coo?

Chambanamoms.com is giving away a copy of Who Said Coo? to one lucky reader!

Who Said Coo? is Urbana grandmother Robin Luebs‘ third children’s book, but her first professional collaborative effort with her identical twin sister, Peoria resident Deborah Ruddell. Although they have been represented by the same agent for several years, this was the first time a publisher believed that they would be a good match as writer and illustrator.

It was Luebs who decided that Lulu would be a pig. “I like drawing them,” she said during an interview at the Champaign Public Library. “They’re cuddly and expressive without being overly cute.”

Luebs has three daughters and six grandchildren. The three youngest grandchildren, “really love (Who Said Coo?),” said Luebs, a painter who said she is mostly a self-taught artist. “They don’t quite understand (that she drew the pictures for the book). The connection between me and the book is quite foggy.”

“I told the 5-year-old, Olivia, ‘I made this book, and I brought one for your brother Sam, too.’ And she said, ‘You made TWO of these?’ Like I’m an elf working away in my basement making books, two at a time,” said Luebs, laughing.

Robin Luebs

Fortunately for Luebs and Ruddell, they had powerful publisher Simon & Schuster behind them “making” the book. But it was Luebs who brings the book to life, with her vivid colors, focus on light and shadow, and charming attention to detail. The storytelling doesn’t end with the words; that’s where it begins.

Luebs and Ruddell will be at the Champaign Borders celebrating the release of Who Said Coo? with cupcakes and a free craft on Sunday, June 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale, and they will be autographed by the sisters. Who Said Coo? is also available on Amazon.com.

You can also win one from chambanamoms.com!

How to Enter:

1) First, leave a comment telling us what your favorite bedtime book was as a child, or what your child loves to read at bedtime.

For additional entries:
2) Post about this contest on your blog and link back to us (and let us know in the comments).
3) Follow us on Twitter (and let us know in the comments).
4) Tweet about the contest. Be sure to include a link, and let us know in the comments.

The giveaway will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 1. The winner will be notified on July 2. Winner must be able to pick up the book from a location in Champaign; shipping is not available. Chambanamoms.com received no compensation for this contest. The book is valued at $16.99.

Announcing: A Chambanamoms.com Pool Party!

From The Editors — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:49 +0000

We know you all love to swim.

We know you all love to swim — when it’s FREE. And when you’re with friends.

So mark this down: on Saturday, June 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., chambanamoms.com will be hosting a FREE pool party at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center. That’s right, FREE – for your whole family.

Photo courtesy of Urbana Park District

There is only a little bit of small print. Our friends at the Urbana Park District are looking for community input regarding a potential new aquatic facility on the site of the former Crystal Lake pool (RIP). There are many features that may be available in a new facility, and UPD wants to know what its priorities should be.

So to attend our free night at the pool, we’re asking you to fill out this 21-question *anonymous* survey that asks participants to rank how important certain features are in a new facility. We completed the survey, and it did not take longer than two minutes. Print out a page of the survey, and that will be your “ticket” into the event. NOTE: You do NOT have to be a resident of Urbana to fill out the survey or attend the event!

So why should you come? There will be prize drawings for punch cards for the Aquatic Center and gift certificates to local businesses (more on that later). There will be Urbana Park District staff present to answer any questions about the process to create and build a new facility. And who doesn’t love a free night at the pool?

We hope to see all of you there on June 26. If you aren’t able to get the survey done online, anyone who comes will have the opportunity to fill out the survey then and there. Let us know if you’re coming – we can’t wait!

Choose Your Own Summer Festival Adventure

From The Editors — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:00:59 +0000

Photo by sburke2478

By Rachael McMillan

You should probably just accept the fact that at some point this summer you’re going to plunk down $3.50 of your hard-earned cash for the same lemon shakeup you could have made at home for mere pennies. The trick is finding a fair or festival which makes paying too much for food, beverages, and rides seem like a pleasure instead of a rip-off.

The quest is on. The following list of upcoming summer celebrations includes commentary from myself and friends to (hopefully) help you in the selection process. I’ve also included some events that seem intriguing, but of which I have no personal knowledge—please comment on them if you can.

Superman Celebration (June 10-13: Downtown Metropolis, IL)

The nerd in me (which accounts for approximately all of me) senses a good time to be had at this one.

Taste of Champaign-Urbana (June 11-13: West Side Park, Champaign)

I have to be completely honest: I had planned on (gently) panning this event as being not really worth the money; then I found out that it’s a fundraiser for the Champaign Park District’s scholarship program. In that light, it’s a great deal. I say go, go, go.

Jubilee Olde English Faire (June 19-20: Hanna City, IL)

According to friend and birthday buddy Nicole, this is a very family-friendly event which features—among other things—a parade, grown-ups in costumes, 1320’s diction, and “a giant catapult full of candy that they fling at a crowd of children.” Does it need any further endorsement?

Midsommar Swedish Days Festival (June 22-27: Geneva, IL)

This one bills itself as the “Grandaddy of Illinois Festivals.” Never been there, but it sounds like fun.

Bourbonnais Friendship Festival (June 23-27: Bourbonnais, IL)

Growing up in Bourbonnais means anxiously waiting for this festival to roll into town at the beginning of each summer. Is it really that great? My friend Paul puts it like this: “The Friendship Festival is the quintessential small-town summer carnival, complete with rickety rides, cotton candy, jewelry that turns your skin green, and prize goldfish that die within days. Probably not worth a long drive, but if you happen to be in the area, rest assured that the festival’s location (in a field adjacent to the Bourbonnais Police Department) keeps a lid on carny shenanigans.”

Urbana Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival (June 25-26: Main St. and Broadway, Urbana)

How about it—is this one worth securing babysitting for?

Taste of Chicago (June 26-July 4: Grant Park, Chicago)

I’ll endorse it because of the great concerts. I still can’t believe how well this has worked out for us in the past—we’re talking Elvis Costello, free of charge! This year’s lineup looks pretty good as well, and they haven’t even announced the headliner yet.

Champaign County Fair (July 23-31: Champaign County Fairgrounds)

Friend Mindy says going early on Family Day is a great way to get your fair fix for the year. Rides are half-price, the crowds are tame, and the kids love it.

Decatur Celebration (August 6-8: Downtown Decatur)

Billed as the largest street festival in Illinois south of Chicago. Thoughts?

Illinois State Fair (August 13-22: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield)

See Taste of Chicago.

Wrigleyville Summerfest (August 14-15, Wrigleyville, Chicago)

Start your day with a worship service; end it by listening to Hairbanger’s Ball. This has Perfect Sunday written all over it.

Urbana Sweetcorn Festival (August 27-28: Downtown Urbana)

(You know, there’s something to be said for Mom and Dad being able to have a cold one while the kids enjoy the bounce house…) I have to give this festival a hearty endorsement because it celebrates corn. After a summer of watching the crop come in—one of life’s greatest pleasures, as far as I’m concerned—it’s nice to block off the main streets in town, fire up the bands, and party with it.

Sandwich Fair (September 8-12, Sandwich, IL)

Family members in Sandwich clear their schedule every year to be able to attend this. Although I’ve never been to it, I imagine it as the small town fair that you see in movies (although, like every other fair, I’m sure it still has the Flying Bobs which whiz to the sounds of heavy metal circa 1987).

Broom Corn Festival (September 10-12, Arcola IL)

What can I say? It’s all about brooms, it’s all about corn…OK, I’ve got nothing here. Never been to it; should this be the year?

Morton Pumpkin Festival (September 15-18: Morton, IL)

Two years ago I won first prize in the Pumpkin Festival’s cookery contest. The year before that, I scored an “Honorable Mention” ribbon. What you should take away from this is the fact that the contest could probably use some more competitors, and if you can come up with a decent original recipe featuring pureed pumpkin, you’ve got a good chance of winning some kind of accolade at this charming community celebration.

For a great fair/festival resource, check out festivals.com. And, may your elephant ear be fried to perfection…

Rachael McMillan is an occasional contributor to chambanamoms.com. A former high school teacher who now is spending time at home with her two children, Jack and Kate, she is a freelance writer and reading tutor.

Paradise for Preschoolers: Touch a Truck is May 19

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:13:43 +0000

by Laura Weisskopf Bleill

The Champaign Park District’s Touch a Truck event, an annual highlight for toddlers and preschoolers all over Champaign County, is already upon us.

On Wednesday, May 19 (that’s tomorrow!), a bevy of vehicles that children love will be in the circle drive by Sholem Pool. All the old favorites will be there, including a cement truck, a street sweeper, an ambulance, a Harley Davidson motorcycle with a side car, a Champaign Police Department squad car, a Champaign Fire Department truck, a MTD hybrid bus, a Raminator monster truck, a school bus, a NASCAR simulator from Worden Martin, and a flatbed from Reynold’s Towing.

Children ages 2 to 5 are invited to crawl around the vehicles, honk the horns, sit in the driver’s seats, run up and down the flatbed. The people who drive the vehicles on a regular basis will be on hand to answer questions and show the kids around.

“Little kids love to play with trucks and imitate driving the trucks and having the sound,” said Lisa Sprinkle, marketing coordinator for the Champaign Park District. “This is a way that their imaginations can come to life.”

In addition to the trucks, there will be free ice cream provided courtesy of Marble Slab Creamery in Savoy; inflatables with a transportation theme; and child-friendly music. Also, kids can get their “driver’s license” photo taken; they will be available for download from the Champaign Park District’s website later in the week.

This is the 10th year for the event, which attracts more than 1,000 children. Many daycares and preschools circle it on the calendar for an annual field trip.

“It’s a fun event for them because they can go and explore,” Sprinkle said. “They’re not being told not to touch something or they are being too loud. It’s their time to touch things.”

What: Touch a Truck
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 19
Where: Centennial Park, by the picnic shelter and Sholem Pool, Champaign
How much: FREE!
Appropriate for: 2- to 5-year-olds

(In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled, and there is no rain date.)

Join Us For National Mom’s Night Out May 6!

From The Editors — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:04:49 +0000

Even inmates get time off for good behavior.

We work hard, ladies, and we deserve some time to kick back with our girlfriends and let loose a little. Mother’s day is great and all, but most of the time we moms are focused on our own mothers and grandmothers that day.

Cocktails? Cupcakes? Chambanamoms? We're there! Photo by Christopher Rory Photography

So Maria Bailey, author of “Ultimate Mom” and founder of Mom Talk Radio, came up with the idea for a nationally organized celebration of motherhood — or National Mom’s Night Out — on May 6, 2010.

In honor of Bailey’s brainchild — and AS IF we needed an excuse to put on some lipstick and comb our hair — we decided to plan an impromptu gathering from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 6 at Cakes on Walnut in downtown Champaign.

The fine women who run our favorite cupcake joint even offered to make us a special cocktail for our celebration. Cocktails! Cupcakes! Chambanamoms! What’s not to love?

So friends, mothers, countrywomen, mark it on your calendars and come out to celebrate National Mom’s Night Out, Chambana Style. We can’t wait to see you there!

Celebrate BabyFest at the Champaign Public Library

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:00:32 +0000

From babies to preschoolers, the Champaign Public Library has something special to offer your child during this week’s BabyFest celebration.

BabyFest is held to celebrate the “Week of the Young Child” and provides special programs for parents and their infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Held since 2005, the library has continued to offer this spring program every year since, making 2010 its sixth year.

In addition to its regular weekly storytime programs for children 0-5 (check dates and times here), the Champaign Public Library will have scheduled a bi-lingual Spanish storytime on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. and a Friday morning baby playtime at 10:30 a.m..

The week will conclude with a family concert with local musician David Howie at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 24. Howie performed on the Baby Boogie CD that was produced by library in 2005 and is distributed, via local hospitals, to parents of newborns.

The library offers several tips for parents who want to instill a lifelong love of reading in their babies, including:

Start now! A baby‘s brain grows fast. The first three years make a big difference.
Share a book with your baby every day. Even a few minutes makes a difference.
Talk with your baby while you read, and show your baby that reading is fun.

If you have a toddler, here are some tips to help him/her to take the first steps toward reading, courtesy CPL:

Ask questions that encourage your child to talk about the story.
Respond to their answers. If your child names an object in a book, a cow, for instance, ask a simple question about it. “What color is the cow?“ or “What‘s the cow doing?“ or “What do we drink that comes from cows?“
Praise them for a job well done! Smile, touch and encourage your child. Let them know that they‘re doing well by saying, “That‘s right, good job!“

We’d love to hear your tips!

Weekend Planner: Animals, Fairies and Music Edition

From The Editors — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:42:43 +0000

Get up close and personal with your favorite animals at the annual VetMed Open House.

Is it just us or is April flying by? There’s so much to do this month in Chambana that it’s almost hard to choose just three fantastic activities for this edition of Weekend Planner! But never fear, we managed to narrow it down to some really great family events to recommend for you: The 2010 Fairy Tale Ball, WorldFest and the famous VetMed Open House.

What: 2010 Fairy Tale Ball
Where: Urbana Free Library
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 9
How much: Free
Good for: Toddlers and up
Why you should go: Fairies and knights of all ages will love this costume party (don’t forget to wear your favorite fantasy outfit) that includes entertainment from the Central Illinois English Country Dancers and The Flatland Consort, Dan Keding, storyteller of international acclaim and the Urbana Dulcimer Society, among others. Ball guests can gather in the ballroom to dance on a cloud, test your skill at medieval games, make courtly crafts, listen to your favorite fables of yore, and enjoy treats from the library’s Latté Da! coffee shop.

What: WorldFest
Where: The Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory, Urbana
When: 12:30 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 10
How much: $5 suggested donation
Good for: All ages
Why you should go: Musical performances, story-telling and crafts are available at this internationally flavored event, where you will be able to enjoy three performances for the price of one: African-American storyteller Shanta, musician Rocky Maffit, and Korean percussion group GRMD.

What: VetMed Open House
Where: College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
When: Free
How much: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 10
Good for: All ages
Why you should go: This perennially popular event features demos and exhibits that showcase the work of the college and its students with small and large animals alike. See snakes, owls, lizards, cows, horses and more!

One Week Boutique: View from the Aisle

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 06:23:32 +0000

Want to know what makes One Week Boutique, the children’s mega-consignment sale, so unique? It’s the people (and the good deals.) We spoke to two longtime One Week Boutique shoppers/volunteers/consignors to get their take on the upcoming event that opens to the public on Friday, April 9. (Don’t forget to download your coupon for free entry that day).

Jessica Tatar shopped and consigned at the first One Week Boutique held at a church in 2004. A resident of Thomasboro, she works out of the house full-time and is a full-time mom to her two kids, 7-year-old Jackson and almost 2-year-old Leigha. She “lives and breathes” the OWB.

Bethany Davis also dates her first experience with OWB back to the initial sales held in a Champaign church. She doesn’t buy ANYTHING (her caps) unless she checks the sale first. She is also one of owner Donna Pepper’s behind-the-scenes assistants and she works the registers. The mom of three boys — 9-year-old 9, 4-year-old Mark and 2-year-old Jeff, she lives in Savoy.

Chambanamoms.com: What was your best buy at OWB?

JT: My best buy ever was when I was pregnant with my second child in 2008. At the Spring sale that year, I was able to purchase an almost new rocking bassinet that had that music box and vibrating mechanism along with the night-light built in. This item was gorgeous and I had my eye on it in the stores but didn’t want to spend over $200.00 on one. I was able to get this bassinet for $20.00 and the seller included a sheet and a stuffed bear! My daughter slept in the bassinet until she was four months old, so it was definitely worth the $20.00!

BD: That’s so hard to narrow down! Most recently, I bought a very nice stroller for $10, one that would have easily cost me $70 in the store or online.

Chambanamoms.com: What do you like best about the One Week Boutique – shopping, consigning, volunteering?

JT: The money that I make is nice and is always a large amount (usually around $400.00). Volunteering is fun because of the excitement you feel from the shoppers and also seeing how fast the items move. It always amazes me that the night of the pre-sales, the building is packed to capacity with kids stuff and by the finishing day, the building is pretty well cleaned out. Shows how great of a need Chambana has for recycling kid’s items.

BD: At first, for me the sale was all about the thrill of the hunt, the best deal, the best find, the bargains. Now that my boys are older and I don’t need baby gear, two-dozen footie sleepers or a mountain of burp cloths, I’m still with the sale because I love working there. I still love to shop of course, but now it’s more about the work and the fun. It’s a nice change in routine twice a year too – right when things get sedentary and calm after Christmas or the start of the new school year, Donna announces the next sale location and off we go again.

Chambanamoms.com: Why do you think this sale has been so successful for so long?

JT: 1. The integrity Donna has behind the sale. The sale is kept to the highest expectations of Donna and I feel that Donna would not allow something in the sale that she herself would not purchase. The quality of the items are great – no garage sale buys here. 2. The community. Donna has kept a personal feel to the sale – you always see her there and she’s always working. If she has a consignor who is down on their luck, and Donna knows about it, she will do her best to help that consignor.

BD: I think OWB continues to be successful because no matter how large it gets it still feels like a small, personal experience. Consigning and working at the sale really personalize it, we’ve all forged friendships and relationships with each other and it’s really a “family affair”. It’s not one of those nameless, faceless Bargain Bonanzas that roll through town, it’s a *part* of Champaign-Urbana now.

———

Did you hear the news? Amy and Laura from chambanamoms.com will be at OWB – hope to see you then! Please stop by and say hello.

What: One Week Boutique
Where: 606 W. Anthony Drive in Champaign (former Best Buy building)
When: Opens to the public on Friday, April 9 at 9 a.m. Hours: Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday (half-price sale) 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How Much: $2 admission on Friday, April 9; free on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (Free coupon for Friday’s admission is available here).