On Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Powerton Generating Station will host the Marigold Festival’s annual Chalk Walk. Each entrant is given a segment of the sidewalk surrounding the lagoon at Mineral Springs Park to decorate. Entry to the all-ages competition is $10 per segment, and contestants must bring their own supplies.
(Photo courtesy of Pekin Lions Club)

STATE

Free fall gardening sessions offered online

The fall series of University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening program focuses on environmental stewardship, home gardening, and backyard food production. The first session, What’s That Butterfly in my Garden, will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7 online. With more than 150 species of butterflies in Illinois, horticulture educator Kelly Allsup will detail how to distinguish between some of the most commonly sighted butterflies in the flower gardens and prairies.

Other topics in the fall series include Cultivating Carnivores: Growing Carnivorous Plants set for Sept. 19 and 21, and Gardening as Therapy set for Oct. 3 and 5. All sessions are available for live home viewing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and repeated at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Following the session, a taped version is available on YouTube. There is no fee to attend. However, attendees must register in advance for the live webinars to receive connection instructions.  Each live session is about an hour long and provides an opportunity to ask questions with the presenter.

Registration and YouTube information are at http://go.illinois.edu/4seasons_webinars.   

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Friends of Riverfront Park fundraiser Sept. 16 

Friends of Riverfront Park is sponsoring a Save the Park Fundraiser & Update 2-4 p.m. Sept. 16, in Riverfront Park, at the foot of Morton Street, Peoria. 

The event will include jazz by Dave Hoffman and Friends; folk music by Chris Stevens, a supporter of open space; Native American drum, dance and storytelling by the Eagle Ridge Players and Friends; nature and trail tours by Mike Rucker and Doug Franks; photos and games for children and adults, and more. Food will be available for purchase from Haddad’s and Dawn’s Taco. 

An update on the fight to save Riverfront Park from redevelopment will be given. The city of Peoria’s application is pending with the National Park Service, which must approve or deny it. 

The event is free but donations will be accepted. All funds raised will be used to preserve Riverfront Park for public use. 

In case of rain, the event will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1420 W. Moss Ave., Peoria. For more information on the efforts to save Riverfront Park, go to Facebook at facebook.com/riverfrontparkfriends. 

MORTON

P Fest VIP parade viewing area in auction

As anyone who has gone to the Pumpkin Festival parade, you know the early bird gets the spot. Chairs go out early to save a good location to view the parade. And, if you are not lucky enough to live on the route or know someone who does, securing a good location can be difficult.

However, there is a way to land a good viewing position. Bid for one.

The Morton Community Foundation is auctioning off a reserved spot in the grass right on Jefferson Street, adjacent to Benckendorf & Benckendorf PC’s parking lot, compliments of Benckendorf & Benckendorf.

Bidding starts at $50. Place bids at cfmorton.24fundraiser.com. The winner may bring family and friends to a reserved spot to watch the parade. The prize includes two parking spots next to the viewing area. 

At the end of the auction, the highest bidder will receive notification by email. The email will include a link to pay online. If you prefer, you may pay with a check or credit card at the MCF Office at 105 E. Jefferson St., Morton.

Kiwanis planning boxcar derby

The Morton, Illinois Kiwanis Club both is sponsoring a box car derby for children in grades 1 through 8. The derby will be held Sept. 10. Registration for it will begin at 1 p.m. Participation fee is $5. Register on the Chamber of Commerce website mortonchamber.org. Bring your car and helmet or use one of the Kiwanis’. A parent or guardian must accompany the child. Prizes will be awarded for first to third place and a special award will be given for best homemade vehicle. In addition to Kiwanis, This event is being sponsored by the Morton High School Key Club, Morton Chamber of Commerce and CEFCU. For more information, call (309) 243-5384. 

–Tazewell County News Briefs–