“Adventure Awaits” is the theme of the 2025 Illinois State Fair, and that adventure this year includes a few new wrinkles such as a pickleball tournament, craft beer contest and the return of the Budweiser Clydesdales. But it all starts on Thursday, Aug. 7, with the Twilight Parade, and this year’s grand marshal is the […]
Newsletter – Event
Posted inArts & Culture
Sketch unexpectedly dark, Pickup too ridiculous, Naked Gun a worthy successor
Sketch effectively colors outside the lines With its stable of inspirational movies, religious animated features and overt sports-as-life metaphor movies, Angel Films has gained a foothold in the entertainment industry as the source of faith-based films. Obvious in their marketing and intent, the studio has found great success in appealing to church groups to promote their […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Take the family to the fair for a fair price
A trip to the Illinois State Fair can be an expensive endeavor, especially with family in tow. Thankfully, there are a multitude of ways to maximize value and get the most out of your fair experience. “We offer over 160 hours of free entertainment each day,” Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark explained. With so […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A culinary journey around the world
For centuries, cooks worldwide have ingeniously stuffed vegetables, a testament to how readily available ingredients can be transformed into delicious and nourishing combinations of textures and flavors. The variety of fillings is vast, ranging from savory meats and aromatic rice to creamy cheeses and fresh herbs. Mediterranean cuisine offers dolmades, grape leaves filled with rice, […]
Posted inMusic
Fair time music
Hold your horses, stop the presses, turn the streets one way and grab an extra flyswatter, the Illinois State Fair is in town. For most of us in Springfield, the state fair is a big deal, and those of us in the business of making live music find it a really big deal. Along with […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Three days of events commemorate 1908 Springfield Race Riot
The city of Springfield will honor the legacy of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot with a three-day observance next week at various locations. The event will feature presentations, walking tours, a film screening and ceremonies as city residents “reflect, reclaim and remember history.” The first day, Thursday, Aug. 14, begins at 9:30 a m. with […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Let’s build communities of creative love
With how many “trinities” are you familiar? Christian belief holds at its center the Father, Son and Spirit. Chefs might refer to a “trinity” of ingredients. For Cajun cooks its onions, green peppers and celery. Italians drop the peppers and add carrots. Preachers like to lead you through three points in a homily. Then there […]
Posted inTurning Points
Linda Keldermans
Linda Keldermans died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Linda was the daughter of Ross Thomas and Marilyn Wright Thomas. She was born on Dec. 19, 1949. Linda was especially close to her grandmother, Nina Wright, and to Monsignor Patrick Wright, who was her uncle and godfather. Linda graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and attended […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Miniature butter cows on display
Farm scenes, naturally, inspire each year’s new sculpture of the beloved butter cow at the Illinois State Fair. However, sculptors participating in the annual Miniature Butter Cow Contest sponsored by Illinois Times and Prairie Farms Dairy don’t have that limitation. Inspiration can come from anywhere. Even viral internet items. Just ask contestant Amy Hood of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Taron Egerton and Nick Rowland on the challenges of bringing Shotgun to the screen
In adapting Jordan Harper’s novel, She Rides Shotgun, a couple of happy accidents took place during its prolonged production. A change of locale and the discovery of a brilliant young actress helped transform this story of urban crime into something more meaningful and poignant. Charting the cross-country journey of recently paroled convict Nathan Mcclusky (Taron […]
Posted inMusic
Rolling into August
August is upon us and with it comes a break in the hot and heavy heat and humidity of recent weeks. I’ve heard of a few gigs being canceled because of the heat wave, but now we’re back on track. Next week comes the Illinois State Fair and its rush of live music performances. Let’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Annual event features cruise, actor Erik Estrada and more
This annual car show, in its 12th year, begins with a classic car cruise at 6 p.m. Friday. The cruise will begin at the Horace Mann parking lot and travel to Cherry Hills Church, the site of the show. This year’s event features actor Erik Estrada, star of the television show CHiPs. The car show […]
