Uptown Normal will hold its annual Sharin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 11. (Photo courtesy of Uptown Normal)

MARCH 9 

 Illinois History Forum 

Thursday, noon-1 p.m. 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. 6th St., Springfield 

Museum admission: Adults $15; Senior $12; Children $6; vets $10 

This month’s discussion features Springfield Architecture and is titled Shifting Sands: Springfield’s Architectural Legacy. For more information, call (800) 610-2094.

MARCH 10 

Parents Night Out 

Friday, 4:30-9:30 p.m. 

Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris, Bloomington 

Drop your kids off and enjoy a night on the town. A pizza dinner, crafts, games and activities will be provided for kids between 4 – 12 years old who must be potty trained. $17 for the first child, $15 for additional siblings. For information, call (309) 434-2250.

‘Black Violin’ Performance 

Friday, 7:30-9:30 p.m. 

Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St., Bloomington 

$23/$28/$33 

Wil Baptiste and Kevin Sylvester perform a blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B and bluegrass. For more information, call (309) 434-2777.

MARCH 11 

Sharin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

Saturday, 1 p.m. 

11 Uptown Circle, Normal 

Free

The traditional parade is led by an enormous green flag. Parade goers feed the flag by tossing their donations in to support Easter Seals. For more information, call (309) 454-9557.

Mental Health First Aid Class 

Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Advocate BroMenn, 1304 Franklin Ave., Normal 

$10 

The course is designed to help those who are caring for others with developing mental health issues or who are experiencing a mental health crisis. To register, call (309) 268-2248.

MARCH 12 

“I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues” 

Sunday, 2-4 p.m. 

Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St., Bloomington 

$20/$25/$30 

A trio of songstresses pay tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland and Patsy Cline. For more information, call (309) 434-2777.

MARCH 13 

Painting Class- Pastel Basics: Still Life 

Monday, 6-8 p.m. 

Normal Public Library, 206 W. College Ave. 

Free 

The workshop is organized by the McLean County Arts Center and hosted by the Normal Public Library. Pre-registration is required by calling (309) 452-1757.

MARCH 14 

Free Living with Diabetes Support Group 

Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Conference Room B, OSF Medical Group, 1701 E. College Ave., Bloomington 

Free 

Learn more about diabetes and how to manage it. For more information, call (309) 664-0026.

Reagan Assistant to Visit Eureka College 

Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

$10 

Peggy Grande, longtime personal assistant to President Reagan, has authored the book, “The President Will See You Now.” She will discuss the book and her days in the White House as part of the Ronald W. Reagan Society of Eureka College Book Series. For more information, call (888) 438-7352.

5-Minute Stress Busting Techniques 

Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. 

OSF St. Joseph, 2200 E. Washington, Bloomington 

Free 

Learn how to use your conscious and unconscious mind to control your stress levels. For more information, call (309) 661-5151.

MARCH 15 

Miller Park Zoo Home School Day 

Wednesday, all day 

1020 S. Morris, Bloomington 

$4.95; adult $6.95 

The event includes a classroom animal encounter, kitchen tour and other activities throughout the Zoo. For more information, call (309) 434-2250.