APRIL DATEBOOK

3-30, New Works by Tri-States Artists at Spring Street Gallery in Galena. New artwork created by Tri-State area artists. Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (815) 777-9040 or www.springstgallery.com.

6-7, A Tree is Nice at the Children's Discovery Museum, 716 E. Empire, Bloomington. A Caldecott Medal winner in 1957, this is a timeless message about the importance of trees in our everyday lives. In honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day, we'll learn about conservation, our environment and make nature crafts. Designed for children ages 3-5 years old and their adult partner, this program runs from 10-11 a.m. Children and their adult partners work together. Members $6, non-members $8. Fee includes program, snack and museum admission for 1 adult and 1 child, additional siblings are $4 each. Call (309) 829-6222 or www.edmci.org.

8, Circus Night at the Children's Discovery Museum, 716 E. Empire, Bloomington. It's a Family Fun Night at the circus! Try your skill at "walking" a tight rope, learn how to juggle, and even have your face painted! Don't miss this very special event. Thursday. 6-8 p.m. Members $2, nonmembers $5 (includes admission). Call (309) 829-6222 or www.cdmci.org.

11, Sunrise Service at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth. A sunrise Easter service complete with an 1830s circuit riding minister. Call for time. Free. (815) 858-2028 or www.appleriverfort.org.

19, Freaky Fossils at the Children's Discovery Museum, 716 E. Empire, Bloomington. Become a paleontologist for the day! Discover what fossils are and where they come from. Participate in your very own fossil dig! Designed for children K-2nd grades. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Members $10, nonmembers $12. Fee includes program, snack and museum admission. Call (309) 829-6222 or www.cdmci.org.

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21-25, "In The Blood" at McLeod Theater, Communications Bldg., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Playwright Susan-Lori Parks, inspired by Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," created this tale. The heroine is Hester La Negrita, a homeless mother. She is street-wise, hip, imaginative, courageous and tenacious. Her story is gritty and pitted with racial, gender and social injustice. To order tickets, call (618) 453-3001. www.siu.edu/~mcleod.

23-25, Sister's Weekend in St. Charles. Illinois invites sisters of all sorts for an indulgent get-away weekend! Real sisters, sisters-in-law, "sorta" sisters, soul sisters, "wanna be" sisters, step sisters, twin sisters, sorority sisters, and long lost sisters are all welcome. Event includes great weekend lodging, opening reception, personal enrichment sessions, fabulous restaurants, entertainment venues, lots of shopping, and exhilarating day spa experiences. Call for free brochure at (630) 443-0961, or visit www.dtown.org.

28, An Evening with The Fox at the Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth. Nationally known storyteller Brian "The Fox" Ellis tells stories and tales about the early days on the northwestern Illinois frontier. Learn about the Native Americans who once inhabited the area.

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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