What's Happening?

(Springfield IL) For those still looking for something to do, it might just come down to whether you want to deal with the heat or enjoy some climate-controlled temps.

It’s August so you always have the Illinois State Fair to consider.  Running from August 8^th through the 17^th, there’s much to consider with that option.  With concerts, rides, exhibits, and literally a smorgasbord of edible cuisine within a stroll, there is definitely something for everyone there.

If you’re looking for something on the cooler side, there is the “3 Hot Days in August” event being held at the Lincoln Library.  This observance of the 1908 Race Riots will have presentations, walking tours, a film screening, and community ceremonies between August 14^th through the 16^th.  The itinerary is as follows:

Thursday, August 14

12:00 PM – Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.

• Presentation by Doris Bailey: “Blood in Their Eyes and Hate in Their Hearts: The Springfield 1908 Race Riot” 5:00 PM – Lincoln Library, 326 S. 7th St.

• Opening Reception in partnership with the Illinois State Museum Society5:30 PM – Lincoln Library, 326 S. 7th St.

• Welcome Remarks: Mayor Misty Buscher & Austin Randolph, President, Springfield Branch NAACP

• Film Screening: “Springfield Had No Shame”

• Featured Presentations: Dr. Brian Mitchell, UIS Lincoln Studies Center / Independent Scholar, “Exploring Black Springfield Beyond the Race Riot” Anne Moseley, Director of Engagement and Curator of the UIS Sangamon Experience, “1908 Lesson Plans for Schools”

Friday, August 15 9:30 AM - Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza (Starts at the Lincoln Statues at 6th and Adams)

•IDNR Historic Sites, 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour1:00 PM – Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza (Starts at the Lincoln Statues at 6th and Adams)

• IDNR Historic Sites, 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour2:00 PM – Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. 8th St.

•Featured Presentations: Floyd Mansberger, Director of Fever River Research, “Archaeology of Racial Hatred: An Update of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site” Chris Collins, Superintendent, New Philadelphia National Historic Site, Springfield 1908 Race Riot Monument, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, National Park Service 7:30 PM – Parking garage is available at HSHS St. John's Hospital Women and Children's Clinic, 500 North 9th Street, Springfield, IL. The National Monument is located at 400 North 9th Street. Attendees may walk to the National Monument from the parking garage. 7:45 PM Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Commemoration: Joe Crain, Emcee, Director of Public Programs and Community Engagement, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Dr. Brian Mitchell, Remarks, UIS Lincoln Studies Center / Independent Scholar Quinn P. Gilly and Chris Collins, National Park Service Evening Remembrance Ceremony

Saturday, August 169:30 AM Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza (Starts at the Lincoln Statues at 6th and Adams)

• IDNR Historic Sites, 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour2:30 PM – Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave.

• Featured Presentation: Ken Page, President of the Springfield Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)3:00–5:00 PM – Closing Reception

It's not too late to get your tickets to the Phoenix Center’s “Marsha P Johnson’s Birthday Dance” to be held on August 23^rd at the Inn at 835 either.  Running from 6:00 through 10:00 p.m., tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased online at https://checkout.square.site/.../YZYJ6XDB64Z5JHQXUNP6IY24.  On the next day, you can enjoy a free screening and discussion at Out on Second of Marsha’s life and accomplishments. 

If you’re in the mood for a little road trip, there is always the “Balloons over 66” event in Lincoln on August 24^th.  Be there by 6:15 a.m. to see the launch of the many balloons and enjoy other events throughout the day. 

On August 28^th, the Cats’ Pyjamas Cat Café will be conducting a Reopening Anniversary Celebration beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting.  If you’re interested in a little cuddle time with the feline type, this may be you’re place to be.