1, IL Zesty Food Expo and Cooking Show at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The show will feature sauces and zesty food from all over the country, zesty sauce, and salsa contests, along with some of the top chefs in Illinois demonstrating how to prepare zesty dishes suited for any palate. The event will showcase dozens of sauces as well as restaurants preparing world-class dishes available for your pleasure. zestyfood@hotmail.com.

5-7, Festival 2004 at the Krannert Center in Urbana at 7:30 p.m. Each season, the Department of Dance presents four dynamic concerts, two main stage events that feature the choreography of the award-winning faculty and guest artists, and two studio theatre events that highlight student choreography. This special event features the choreography of Department of Dance resident artists Renee Wadleigh, Rebecca Nettl-Fiol, Linda Lehovec, Sara Hook and Luc Vanier, along with a reconstructed classic—North Star by Lar Lubovitch, set by long-time Lubovitch dancer John Dayger. (800) KCPATIX or visit www.krannertcenter.com.

6, 13, 20, 27, Fantastic Fridays at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena. Ski slopes at Chestnut Mountain Resort remain open from 4 p.m. until Midnight every Friday during February. (815) 777-1320, $20 lift ticket, $32 lift ticket and ski or snowboard rental. (800) 397-1320 or www.chestnutmtn.com

7, Soul Food Fest in Macomb. The annual Soul Food Fest dinner features various soul foods from around the world. (309) 298-2220.

8, Lincoln's Birthday Open House at the Vermilion County Museum in Danville. This event, which has taken place for 36 years, acquaints visitors with the time of Illinois history when Lincoln was traveling the Judicial Circuit. 2-4 p.m. (217.) 442-2922 or (800) 383-4386.

12-14/18-22, Twelfth Night at the Krannert Center in Urbana, at 7:30 p.m. Shakespeare's most popular comedy joyously explores love in almost all of its guises, from silly crushes and love-sick infatuations to deep commitment and gender-bending heat. This production takes a modern look at a comic classic, drawing on contemporary pop culture and music to portray characters crazy in grief and crazy in love. (800) KCPATIX or visit www.krannertcenter.com.

13-14, Valentine Craft Sale/ International Craft Bazaar at the Student Center of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. We are combining our annual Valentine Craft Sale and our International Bazaar. You now have two days of great sales at this one craft event. Free (618) 453-3636 or www.siu.edu/~sccrafts.

14, Murder at Mardi Gras at Collver Family Winery in Barry. Biff Beemer and Muffy Oxford are hosting the yuppie event of the season - a Mardi Gras costume ball. But when local businessman Colossus Rhodes is murdered, panic ensues. Who could be guilty? Fifi, the French maid? Abbey Rhodes, the hippie? Or the Royal Orleans himself? Tickets are $31.95 per person, reserved seating, and can be purchased by phone with VISA or MasterCard. (217)335-3279.

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14- 3/7, Maple Syrup Time at Lincoln Memorial Gardens in Springfield. Visitors can observe and participate in all the steps of making maple syrup - from tapping trees to cooking the syrup. Every weekend. Free. (217) 529-1111 or www.lmgnc.com.

15, Murder Mystery Wine Tasting at Starved Rock Lodge in Utica. Find yourself in a murder mystery at this interactive dinner theatre. Choose from prime rib or chicken parmesan and enjoy fine wines. One guest who follows along closely will win a one-night stay at Starved Rock Lodge. $35/person. Reservations a must. (800) 868-7625.

20, An Evening With President and Mrs. Grant in downtown Forreston. Come visit with President Grant in preparation for Forreston's 150th Sesquicentennial. (815) 938-2695 or forrestonvlg@mwci.net.

21, Clements Comedy Cafe at Virginia Theatre in Champaign at 7:30 p.m. The Clements Comedy Cafe is a two-hour night of humor and music featuring the clean comedy of Toney Clements, a 25-year veteran of the entertainment business. The show includes stand up routines, music, dancing, crowd involvement and more! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Crisis Nursery, a local charity. (217) 356-9063 or visit www.thevirginia.org.

21, Sparti Gras at the Sparta Lions Club Community Building in Sparta. Cajun cook-off, crawfish boil and dance. (618) 443-2145.

27-29, Country Treasures Craft Show at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham. Dozens of crafters exhibit their creations. General admission is $3. Friday: 5-9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (217) 347-5115.

27-29, East Central Illinois Homebuliders Show in Mattoon. Exhibitors feature siding, landscaping displays, vacuum cleaners, water companies and many more. Learn what's new in today's home building. Drawing for various prizes throughout the day. (217) 235-3432 or mike@regisinc.com.

27-29, The 2004 Illinois Deer and Turkey Classic at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. More than 270 exhibit booths highlighting new products for 2004 will be on display. Get free advice from the pros and veteran hunters on outdoor equipment and gear. Friday: 2-9 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $9. (309) 829-8921 ext. 219. (Phone won't be hooked up until Feb. 26.)

28, Equine and More Swap Meet at the Warren County Farm Bureau Building in Monmouth. Lunch served. Vendors needed by February 20. (309) 482-3853.

March 10-11 Rural Community Economic Development Conference at the Holiday Inn City Centre in Peoria. The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, in conjunction with Rural Partners and the Governor's Rural Affairs Council is hosting the conference. A brochure and registration information can be found at www.iira.org, or contact Carol Harper, Western Illinois University, (800) 526-9943, or e-mail CS-Harper@wiu.edu.

Illinois Country Living publishes event listings as space allows, giving preference to events of regional or statewide interest. Event listings are provided by the event sponsors and the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. The magazine assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information submitted for publication and advises calling ahead to confirm dates and times. To be considered for inclusion, send listings and photographs (If sending photographs please include self-addressed stamped envelope) to Illinois Datebook, Illinois Country Living, PO Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708-3787. The deadline for submission is 45 days prior to the publication date.

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