CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — With the hot summer days winding down, Champaign-Urbana has plenty of events around the corner to help cool down and welcome fall. Here’s a few of them!
Arcola Broomcorn Festival: September 5-6, Downtown Arcola
Arcola is celebrating its heritage as the “Broomcorn Capital of the World” with the annual Broomcorn Festival. This year will be the 54th rendition of the event, and attendees can see broom making, broom activities, arts and crafts vendors, free entertainment, 5K and 10K races, food, and a large parade with the local Lawn Rangers.
The event is always held the weekend after Labor Day, and honors Arcola’s position in the late nineteenth century as the center of broomcorn production.
Tabletop Central: September 6-7, Savoy Recreation Center
Fanatics of board and card games, miniature games, and RPGs are invited to the Savoy Recreation Center to meet with others from the hobby and spend the weekend playing games.
Tabletop Central will have a board game library of over 400 games that are free to check out, play-to-win games where you can be entered in a drawing to win the games. Door prizes, a silent auction, paint-and-take table, scheduled gaming events, and a welcoming atmosphere to all gamers will be waiting for attendees.
Remembrance Walk: September 11, River Bend Forest Preserve
The River Bend Forest Preserve staff will host a contemplative 1.5 mile walk through the forest and visit the 9/11 Memorial Woodland, established by the citizens of Champaign County as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Long pants and sturdy shoes will be required for the event, and no registration is required.
Meadowbrook Park Jazz Walk: September 12, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana
Live, local jazz music will be played during a sunset event. A selection of jazz soloists and small combos will be scattered along the paths of Meadowbrook Park, and you can listen to as many as you’d like as you walk at your own pace through the Sculpture Garden.
Parking is available at the park’s Race Street entrance with overflow parking thanks to Stone Creek Church on the corner of Race Street and Windsor Road.
Haunts and Legends of the University of Illinois: September 13, Illini Union
A fun and spooky tour on the U of I’s campus explores the stories of hauntings, oddities, and legends that have been passed down throughout generations.
The U of I dates back to 1867, and rumors of hauntings, scary stories, and oddities have been passed down. Whether you’re a current UIUC student, an alumnus, or Champaign-Urbana community member we’re sure you’ve heard of some of these legends. The ghosts that roam the halls of the English building, the Main Library, and Lincoln Hall will all be explained to you on a spooky tour that explores the legends, how truthful they are, and tell you tales of the University’s past.
The tour will begin at the side of the Illini Union facing the Quad at 1 p.m., and will cover 1.25 miles in distance for around an hour.
For more upcoming local events, visit Experience Champaign Urbana’s events calendar.
