“Celebrate Agriculture with the Whole Family!

Join us for a FREE fun-filled afternoon of hands-on learning, family activities, and tasty food — all while exploring the world of agriculture up close!

Explore Agriculture Up Close
Interactive learning stations from Illinois Extension's Ag Education Program
Gardening tips from Illinois Extension Master Gardeners
Nutrition games & healthy living tips with SNAP-Ed staff

Fun for All Ages
Bounce house fun, courtesy of the YMCA
Follow the Agriculture Education signs, answer 5+ questions, and win a prize at the Mercer County Farm Bureau table!

Petting Zoo & Butterfly Bus
Meet friendly farm animals
Step inside the Butterfly Bus to learn all about pollinators

Grab a Bite & Support 4-H
$5 Hot Dog Meal — includes chips, cookie & water
Proceeds benefit local 4-H youth through the Mercer County Extension & 4-H Foundation

Bring the whole family and celebrate the roots of our community!”

Be sure to follow the event page!

The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/

See the event page here!

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT! We will only be hosting 1 Movie in Central Park this year so be sure to bring the family out for a showing under the stars!

The June Cinema@Central Movie is: "Despicable Me 4"

Synopsis: "Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run." This film is rated PG.

->Aledo Cub Scouts pack 428 will have concessions available for purchase.

->Movie starts at DUSK in Aledo Central Park
(Just dark enough to see the projection of the movie!)

Thank you to the 2025 Cinema@Central Movie Sponsor: Casey's General Store.

See the event page here!

“About the Market:
Join us for a small-town, open-air market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, produce, baked treats, art, vintage finds, and more! The Route 17 Country Market is your Saturday morning stop for shopping local and supporting small businesses in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Vendor Info:
We’re looking for a variety of vendors! If you’re interested in participating, you can email tinkish.crafts@gmail.com or fill out the vendor application here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSealuB4dFuDRx.../viewform

Admission: Free to attend

Parking: Free parking available near the market grounds”

See the event page here!

The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/

See the event page here!

The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/

See the event page here!

“The Cal Stage Band will be playing this year.
Weather permitting, it will be an outdoor event.
Bring your own beverages, a lawn chair if you want, and your friends!”

See the event here!

Come see the "Far Out 283" (Blues-Rock) on Saturday, June 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the inaugural event of Central Park Grooves. This free concert series will be a great time for residents and community members to set out chairs and blankets in front of the Bandshell, enjoy an adult beverage* (see below), and enjoy musical acts that cover multiple genres. Find music in Aledo this summer at Central Park Grooves, happening June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13.

A food truck vendor will be available, or you can stop by one of Aledo's local restaurants for a meal.

*New for Central Park Grooves ONLY. Adults 21 years and older can consume alcoholic beverages on the grass in Central Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the concerts. Alcohol may be brought into the park on a B.Y.O.B basis or purchased from Ferg’s, Cheers or Beer Belly’s and walked over to Central Park. Plastic or aluminum containers are strongly encouraged. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is otherwise prohibited. Please drink responsibly.

See the event page here!

The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/

See the event page here!

See the event here!

The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/

See the event page here!

“About the Market:
Join us for a small-town, open-air market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, produce, baked treats, art, vintage finds, and more! The Route 17 Country Market is your Saturday morning stop for shopping local and supporting small businesses in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Vendor Info:
We’re looking for a variety of vendors! If you’re interested in participating, you can email tinkish.crafts@gmail.com or fill out the vendor application here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSealuB4dFuDRx.../viewform

Admission: Free to attend

Parking: Free parking available near the market grounds”

See the event page here!

Join us for the first market day of 2025!

Vendor Information:
- 10x10 spot - $5
- Table spot - $3 (Shared canopy as available)
* 1 free table spot, residents only.

All Vendors must fill out an annual vendor application.
- Vendor Application: http://newbostonfarmersmarket.com/.../NBCFM...
- Market Rules: http://newbostonfarmersmarket.com/docs/NBCFMrules.pdf

For more information:
Call Ralyn Schraceo @ 217-492-1163
-- Please do not message with questions - CALL
-- DO NOT TEXT, contact number is not a cell phone

Interested in sponsoring or helping? Call Ralyn @ 217-492-1163

See the event page here!

“Cheers on Main is having there Customer Appreciation Day once Again.
Dennis Eckert & Dave Noble is Grilling FREE Porkchops and Hot Dogs. Starting at 11:00am until Gone.

Clintstones are playing this year. They will be here 5:00pm to 9:00pm on the Patio.”

See the event page here!

See the event page here!

See the event page here!

Matherville’s annual fireworks at the Lake of Matherville!

You can stay updated on the Matherville Community Club Facebook Page.

Eliza Ladies Aid Annual 4th of July Breakfast
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Eliza Community Center, 547 155th Ave, New Boston, IL
Cost: By donation

Join the Eliza Ladies Aid for their beloved annual Independence Day breakfast. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring sausage, eggs, hash browns, homemade rolls, toast, and beverages. Bake sale items will also be available. All proceeds support community efforts. Come hungry and celebrate the morning of the 4th with friends and neighbors.

Come join us for the 2025 Dr. Ford Memorial Frog Races on July 4, 2025.

This is an event for ALL ages!!

Registration begins at 8am with racing starting at 9am.

Please try to bring your own frogs, we cannot guarantee enough rental frogs for everyone.

Racing is free, donations are accepted.

See the event page here!

🎆 Keithsburg 4th of July Festival 2025 🎆
Location: Keithsburg, IL — At the Stage by the River & Ball Diamond

📅 Friday, July 4th

• 9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open (At the Stage by the River)

• 6 PM: Softball Tournament (At the Ball Diamond, organized by Chad Weeks)

📅 Saturday, July 5th
All events at the Stage by the River unless otherwise noted

• 9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open

• 10:15 AM: Parade Sign-Up

• 11:00 AM: Parade Begins

• 11:00 AM: Sign-Up for Horseshoe Tournament

• 12:00 PM: Beer Garden Opens

• 12:00 PM: Horseshoe Tournament Starts

• 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM: First Band Performs

• 3:30 PM – 8 PM: Live Music by Shelton Biddle and The 1851 Band

• Dusk: Fireworks Show by Jeremy & the Crew 🎇
  (Brought to you by community donations)

🎉 Parade Info:
Free entry! All are welcome. Bring your golf carts, horses, floats.
Theme: "Summer Fun"
Contact: Breana Kircher — 217-248-4968

⚾ Horseshoe Tournament Info:

• Sign up at 11:00 AM at the Stage by the River

• Tournament starts at 12:00 PM

• Cost: $10 per person (singles) or $20 per team (draw your partner)

• Contact: Dan Gingerich — 563-529-4165

Be sure to check out the event page here!

🎆 Keithsburg 4th of July Festival 2025 🎆
Location: Keithsburg, IL — At the Stage by the River & Ball Diamond

📅 Friday, July 4th

• 9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open (At the Stage by the River)

• 6 PM: Softball Tournament (At the Ball Diamond, organized by Chad Weeks)

📅 Saturday, July 5th
All events at the Stage by the River unless otherwise noted

• 9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open

• 10:15 AM: Parade Sign-Up

• 11:00 AM: Parade Begins

• 11:00 AM: Sign-Up for Horseshoe Tournament

• 12:00 PM: Beer Garden Opens

• 12:00 PM: Horseshoe Tournament Starts

• 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM: First Band Performs

• 3:30 PM – 8 PM: Live Music by Shelton Biddle and The 1851 Band

• Dusk: Fireworks Show by Jeremy & the Crew 🎇
  (Brought to you by community donations)

🎉 Parade Info:
Free entry! All are welcome. Bring your golf carts, horses, floats.
Theme: "Summer Fun"
Contact: Breana Kircher — 217-248-4968

⚾ Horseshoe Tournament Info:

• Sign up at 11:00 AM at the Stage by the River

• Tournament starts at 12:00 PM

• Cost: $10 per person (singles) or $20 per team (draw your partner)

• Contact: Dan Gingerich — 563-529-4165

Be sure to check out the event page here!

Come out and enjoy an afternoon of patriotic celebration featuring mansion tours, live music, great food, fun, and fireworks!

• 2:00 PM: Mansion Tours Begin

• 4:00 PM: Food Available

• Dusk: Fireworks Show

Bring a chair and your favorite beverage, and enjoy the festivities!

See the event page here!

Be sure to check out the event page and follow Blank Stare as well!

A 3 Hour Arts Centered Day Camp for kids 7-12 years of age.

SUMMER ARTS CAMP 2025 is going where we have never gone before...SPACE! Campers will explore many art elements under one cohesive theme. Blast off into an exploration of outer space, the planets, and art like you've not experienced before!

EVERY MONDAY IN JULY
At the Miles Memorial Park in Viola
8:45-9:10 am Check In
Camp ends at 12 pm.

$45 per day, or $180 for all four camps.
Early Pay by June 20th for only $140!!

Kids need only bring a water bottle and yoga mat or towel. Water and a small snack will be available. Sunscreen is recommended as we will be outdoors.

Contact: Robyn Messerly
309-798-6887
violareccenter@gmail.com

See the event page here!

See the event page here!

“We will be hosting our 8th Annual Summer Party. We will be serving Nathan's all beef hot dogs, water, and chips. We will have live entertainment, bounce houses, door prizes, raffle basket and a huge blow-up water slide, so have the kids bring their suits and towels. For only $5.00 per entry! Tickets sold only the day of event. We can't wait to see you!

For any questions please call Lisa Wessels Executive Director/Sales at 309-582-3902”

Be sure to follow Brookstone of Aledo’s event on Facebook!

Come see the "The Tailfins" (Classic Rock & Roll) on Saturday, July 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the inaugural event of Central Park Grooves. This free concert series will be a great time for residents and community members to set out chairs and blankets in front of the Bandshell, enjoy an adult beverage* (see below), and enjoy musical acts that cover multiple genres. Find music in Aledo this summer at Central Park Grooves, happening June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13.

A food truck vendor will be available, or you can stop by one of Aledo's local restaurants for a meal.

*New for Central Park Grooves ONLY. Adults 21 years and older can consume alcoholic beverages on the grass in Central Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the concerts. Alcohol may be brought into the park on a B.Y.O.B basis or purchased from Ferg’s, Cheers or Beer Belly’s and walked over to Central Park. Plastic or aluminum containers are strongly encouraged. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is otherwise prohibited. Please drink responsibly.

See the event page here!

Come see "The Tailfins" (Classic Rock & Roll) on Saturday, July 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the inaugural event of Central Park Grooves. This free concert series will be a great time for residents and community members to set out chairs and blankets in front of the Bandshell, enjoy an adult beverage* (see below), and enjoy musical acts that cover multiple genres. Find music in Aledo this summer at Central Park Grooves, happening June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13.

A food truck vendor will be available, or you can stop by one of Aledo's local restaurants for a meal.

*New for Central Park Grooves ONLY. Adults 21 years and older can consume alcoholic beverages on the grass in Central Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the concerts. Alcohol may be brought into the park on a B.Y.O.B basis or purchased from Ferg’s, Cheers or Beer Belly’s and walked over to Central Park. Plastic or aluminum containers are strongly encouraged. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is otherwise prohibited. Please drink responsibly.

See the event page here!

“Join your friends or make some new ones at Ferg's Public House! We'll be hanging out with some awesome tunes from Becky & Danny.”

See the event page here!

See the event page here!

The Backroad Rumble returns to Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway for an action-packed weekend! Featuring top talent, big prize money, and a high-energy atmosphere, this is one of the must-attend events of the summer.

Race Classes & Payouts:

500 Wing – 30 Laps
1st – $6,000 | 2nd – $3,000 | 3rd – $1,500
4th – $1,000 | 5th – $750
6th–18th – $200

250 Wing – 20 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100

Non-Wing – 20 Laps
Same payout structure as 250 Wing

BP (Box Stock) – 20 Laps
1st – $2,000 | 2nd – $1,000 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100

R-Box – 16 Laps
Clone 375 – 25 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100

Sportsman Class
$2,000 total purse

Hotel Accommodations
Reservation block available at AmericInn – Monmouth
Call 309-734-9958 for booking

Contacts
For rules: Chase – 309-337-0850
For event info: Rick – 309-507-1974 or Chad – 309-737-8736

Follow the event page here!

The Backroad Rumble returns to Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway for an action-packed weekend! Featuring top talent, big prize money, and a high-energy atmosphere, this is one of the must-attend events of the summer.

Race Classes & Payouts:

500 Wing – 30 Laps
1st – $6,000 | 2nd – $3,000 | 3rd – $1,500
4th – $1,000 | 5th – $750
6th–18th – $200

250 Wing – 20 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100

Non-Wing – 20 Laps
Same payout structure as 250 Wing

BP (Box Stock) – 20 Laps
1st – $2,000 | 2nd – $1,000 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100

R-Box – 16 Laps
Clone 375 – 25 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100

Sportsman Class
$2,000 total purse

Hotel Accommodations
Reservation block available at AmericInn – Monmouth
Call 309-734-9958 for booking

Contacts
For rules: Chase – 309-337-0850
For event info: Rick – 309-507-1974 or Chad – 309-737-8736

Follow the event page here!

“It’s Sunday Funday at Ferg’s, 205 S. College Ave, Aledo, IL. Join us on the patio for an afternoon of good food and music! Blank Stare plays from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Hope to see you there!”

See the event page here!

Come see the "Ten of Soul" (Soul, Funk & R&B) on Saturday, August 16, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the inaugural event of Central Park Grooves. This free concert series will be a great time for residents and community members to set out chairs and blankets in front of the Bandshell, enjoy an adult beverage* (see below), and enjoy musical acts that cover multiple genres. Find music in Aledo this summer at Central Park Grooves, happening June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13.

A food truck vendor will be available, or you can stop by one of Aledo's local restaurants for a meal.

*New for Central Park Grooves ONLY. Adults 21 years and older can consume alcoholic beverages on the grass in Central Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the concerts. Alcohol may be brought into the park on a B.Y.O.B basis or purchased from Ferg’s, Cheers or Beer Belly’s and walked over to Central Park. Plastic or aluminum containers are strongly encouraged. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is otherwise prohibited. Please drink responsibly.

See the event page here!

Come see the "10 of Soul" (Soul, Funk & R&B) on Saturday, August 16, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the inaugural event of Central Park Grooves. This free concert series will be a great time for residents and community members to set out chairs and blankets in front of the Bandshell, enjoy an adult beverage* (see below), and enjoy musical acts that cover multiple genres. Find music in Aledo this summer at Central Park Grooves, happening June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13.

A food truck vendor will be available, or you can stop by one of Aledo's local restaurants for a meal.

*New for Central Park Grooves ONLY. Adults 21 years and older can consume alcoholic beverages on the grass in Central Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the concerts. Alcohol may be brought into the park on a B.Y.O.B basis or purchased from Ferg’s, Cheers or Beer Belly’s and walked over to Central Park. Plastic or aluminum containers are strongly encouraged. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is otherwise prohibited. Please drink responsibly.

See the event page here!

“The 22nd Annual Aledo Antiques Day & Car Show will take place on Saturday, AUGUST 23rd with main events taking place 9:00AM-4:00PM!

There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy- Live Entertainment in the Band Shell, HUGE Car Show, Tractor Show, Garden Tractor Pulls, Pin-up Contest, section of Antique Vendors and another area for Artisan & Farmers Market Vendors, Food trucks & more!

More info at www.aledomainstreet.com/events
AMS office phone number: 309-582-2751
AMS email: info@aledomainstreet.com”

See the event page here!

The Ride 17 Music Festival is back for 2025!
A full day of music and community—ALL across Mercer County, IL.
Presented by Visit MerCo

Saturday, September 13th
Mercer County, Illinois
FREE to attend
Lineup? Oh, it’s coming soon and we can't wait to share!

We’re still coordinating the details, but trust us—you won't want to miss this year.

Save the date. Tell your friends. Wear your dancing shoes.
Be sure to follow us for updates like the lineup and other participating events!

Be sure to follow the Ride 17 Music Festival Facebook page!

See the event page here!

“It's become a tradition to close out our patio music season with Aledo's hometown faves, The Clintstones! Join us for this years "Fergtoberfest" celebration, games, food, drinks, and awesome live music.”

See the event page here!