So July 2020 won’t feature the same types of parades and fireworks we’d usually enjoy — but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Things are happening around Champaign-Urbana in July and we’re here to offer some suggestions. (Please keep in mind, these tips are meant to be enjoyed in conjunction with proper social distancing and mask wearing. We are not encouraging anyone to engage in risky behavior.)
Thanks to Urbana’s Market at the Square for presenting this list. Did you know you can use your SNAP/LINK benefits at Illinois farmers markets? Bring your LINK card to Urbana’s Market at the Square and get ready to buy the best farm fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods. Stop by the City tentlocated at the Market’s northwest entrance (near Common Ground) to redeem your benefits for tokens. LINK tokens are worth $1.00 each. Urbana’s Market at the Square runs a matching program that matches your SNAP/LINK benefits up to $25 per Saturday. Matching funds are provided Farm Credit Illinois, Experimental Station, and the USDA. For more information about Urbana’s Market at the Square’s SNAP/LINK program please visit https://urbanamarket.org/snap/
For up-to-date information on the market check-out their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.For up-to-date information about the market check out their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Savoy Fire Department Fourth of July Drive-by Parade: Celebrating our nation’s birth is the point of the holiday, and we might be doing it a little differently — but no less passionately. Click here for parade details.
Pick blueberries: Early July is perfect blueberry-picking time. We have a list of prime spots to pick blueberries in Central Illinois. Remember: The blueberry season typically extends no later than mid-July. So don’t dawdle.
Freedom Fridays in downtown Rantoul: Freedom Fridays begin July 3 and feature music, free yard games and bubble play, bags tournaments and chalk contests (on select Fridays).
Fireworks at Danville Stadium: If you’re itching for fireworks, there’s a show on the Fourth at Danville Stadium. Food and live music also on tap starting at 6 p.m. Free admission. Presented by the Village of Tilton and the City of Danville.
Free days at the zoo, play foot golf or see a baseball game. You won’t find a better list of cheap things to do this summer — we offer 25 — than right here. That’s a guarantee — or your money back!
Nature Investigation (online event): Venture beyond what meets the eye to learn more about the natural world. Activities will encourage curiosity and introduce basic scientific concepts through open ended investigation on July 16. Recommended for ages 5-13.
Annual Steam Threshing Show: Those who grew up in urban areas might not be as familiar with threshing machines, which separate the wheat grain from the chaff and straw. (You probably have heard the saying, ‘Separating the wheat from the chaff.’) This demonstrate will show you how steam engines powered the machines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The events on July 31 feature much more, including demonstrations, vintage farm equipment, food, children’s activities and a petting zoo. Donations accepted but not required. At the Illinois Amish Heritage Center in Arthur.
Visit the goats (and eat!) at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery: The famous farm is open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. during which you can purchase items from the farm store, enjoy a cheese board with a glass of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverage, visit with the goats (with restrictions) and enjoy the beauty of the farm. Guests must wear masks and practice social distancing.
Enjoy the features of the Champaign and Urbana park districts: With the state’s Phase 4 plan in effect, playgrounds in both Champaign and Urbana have reopened, along with some sports facilities and fields. Also, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District’s Museum of the Grand Prairie reopens July 8.
Get outside: We are confident we can offer you a way to find some fun in the sun around Champaign-Urbana. Check out our complete list of ways to enjoy the great outdoors here. And if that doesn’t suit you, we have a bunch of ideas for summer day trips.