JULY DATEBOOK

1-3, Ice Cream and Independence - Mark Foutch Brass Band at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. Patriotic music from a 40-member band and free ice cream for all guests! (217) 356-9053 or visit www.thevirginia.org.

1-4, Rantoul Sesquicentennial Celebration in Rantoul. Events include a Miss Rantoul pageant, a 15 decades of history fashion show, tours of Octave Chanute Aero-space Museum, sporting events, 1920s and 1940s dances, games, car and farm shows, a parade, church festival, and fireworks, www.rantoulchamberofcommerce.com or www.villageofrantoul.com.

1-4, Kewanee Sesquicentennial Celebration in Kewanee. Events include the Francis Park Festival, fireworks, and concerts featuring the Caterpillar Band, Gene and the Push Rods, Ms. Missy Vail, and a Beatles 40''' Anniversary concert. (309) 856-8702 or http://kewanceschoolsfoundation.org.

2-4, International Gem and Jewelry Show, Inc., Gateway Center, Collinsville. (618) 345-8998.

4, Celebration, SIU Arena Parking Lot, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Presented by the Carbondale Lion's Club and the City of Carbondale. Improved fireworks display planned for this year. Free. 9:15 p.m. (618) 457-5255-Gary Meredith.

4, Celebration at Riverside Park in Murphysboro. Largest fireworks display in Southern Illinois and live entertainment. Hosted by the Murphysboro Park District and Patriots Bravo Company. Free. At dusk. (618) 684-3333 or L.Russell@mailexcite.com.

4, Fireworks and Band Concert at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Marshall. One hour of patriotic music by the state's oldest municipal band before fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. (217) 826-8087 or www.marshall-il.com.

4, Riverfront 4th in Quincy, Live entertainment, food and fireworks at Clat Adams Bicentennial Park. Fireworks start at dark. (217) 228-6600.

3-4, Shenandoah Rodeo Days in Galena. Professionally sanctioned PRCA rodeo. Advance tickets available. (815) 777-2373 or www.shenandoahridingcenter.com.

3-10, Washington County Fair at the fairgrounds in Nashville. (618) 327-3298.

9-11, Titan Wheel Firecracker Classic in Quincy. US-sanctioned swim meet attracts more than 500 swimmers to Sheridan Swim Club. (217) 223-7540.

JULY 2004 www.aiec.coop 29

16-18, The 25th Anniversary Beef and Ag Festival in Princeton. Come out for mud mania, tractor pulls, a talent show, a farm show, a flea market, delicious food, a car show, gospel music, a kiddy tractor pull, free pony rides, and an ice cream eating contest. (815) 875-2616.

10, Doll and Toy Show at Belle Clair Fairgrounds and Exposition Center in Belleville. (618) 233-0052 or www.belleclairspeedway.com.

10-17, Fayette County Fair in Brownstown, (618) 245-6221.

11, Catsup Bottle Summerfest in downtown Collinsville, (618) 345-5598.

12-16, Hook a Kid on Golf Tee Level Clinic at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. For kids ages 8-13 who've never golfed before. Participants receive a starter set of golf clubs, in addition to other golf related items. 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.Fee is $115 for residents and $130 for non-residents. (217) 398-2550.

16-18, Quincy Area Blues Fest at Washington Park in Quincy. National, regional and local Blues musicians will be giving performances. Admission. (217) 224-3041.

16-24, Farm Toy Show, Old Tractor and Machinery Show, and Massac County Youth Fair at Massac County Youth Fairgrounds in Metropolis. Events include a toy show, tractor show, garden tractor pull and horse show. Admission is free. (618) 524-2909.

17, Mid-Summer Wine Fest at Cache River Basin Vineyard and Winery in Belknap. (618) 658-2274.

18-24, Clinton County Fair at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in Carlyle. (618) 594-4169.

23-24, Troy Homecoming at Tri-Township Park in Troy. (618) 667-8769.

23-25, Millroad Threshermans Show at Effingham County Fairgrounds in Altamont. Flea market, antique tractors, farm machinery and stationary engines. $3 for adults. Children 12 and under free with adult, www.altamontil.net/ thresherman.htm or (217) 536-6400.

29-August 4, Adams County Fair. Seven-day fair featuring two music concerts, bull riding, rodeo, truck and tractor pull, and demolition derby. Mendon. Admission is $5. (217) 936-2230.

31, Pulaski County Development Association Golf Scramble and Awards Banquet at Egyptian Country Club in Mounds. A three-flight tournament to benefit community projects in Pulaski County. (618)745-6226.

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.

30 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop