Armstrong
FOOD & DRINK
Local filmmakers bring Central Illinois to movie screens
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Central Illinois is working towards its Hollywood moment. One Danville filmmaker is ready to share his movie that features local actors and locations. He said they created this film independently and the mission was to keep it within the community. Chris Hightower is the co-producer and lead actor of the movie […]
A fish come true: Running pet shop is dream job for new owner
Jul. 23—CHAMPAIGN — It all started with a goldfish named Merlin. Justin Brown won the fish at a church event when he was about 10 years old and has been hooked on taking care of aquatic creatures ever since. As a kid, Brown thought Sailfin Pet Shop in Champaign was "the coolest place ever." He dreamed of working at the shop, but owner John Cwaygel said he had to be 18. After waiting to hit ...
Today is National Ice Cream Day!
CHAMPAIGN, IL – (Chambana Today) – Trying to beat the heat? Thankfully July 21 is National Ice Cream Day! A number of places will have promotions for ice cream!. Dairy Queen will be offering a free Dilly Bar with any purchase customers place on the DQ app. Cold...
Furever Family: University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital | Signs of dogs experiencing Heat Stress
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — From U of I Veterinary Teaching Hospital:. Dr. Christopher Kennedy is a veterinarian within our emergency and critical care service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. He is a diplomate (boarded specialist) in both the European and American Colleges of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Signs...
Danville ‘Wonder Garden’ cultivates love of gardening in kids
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – A year-round program in Danville is growing kids’ love of reading along with growing flowers. Through the University of Illinois’ Extension Office, the Volunteer Master Gardeners volunteer at what’s called the “Wonder Garden” to teach kids all about growing plants. Every Monday at the Danville Public Library, they start indoors reading […]
C-U Days returns to Douglass Park August 9-10
Champaign-Urbana Days is an annual celebration by Champaign Park District that’s been rolling for 30 years now, which is quite an impressive feat. This year’s celebration once again takes place at Douglass Park in Champaign on August 9-10, featuring gospel music, local food, vendors, inflatables, face painting, and so much more to entertain those kiddos. The event is free and open to the public, and here’s a fun look at some photos from one of the past.
Daughter of Danville Lady Tomahawks founder to visit Danville Public Library
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Danville Public Library is holding a book-signing event for Phyllis Adkisson-Smith. Her book, “Black Diamond – Black Gold: The Danville Lady Tomahawks,” talks about the journey behind one of the country’s first all-African American women’s fastpitch softball teams. Adkisson-Smith is the eldest daughter of Wilbur Adkisson, who founded the Danville […]
It’s guac o’clock at The Burrito Lab, now open
Champaign-Urbana’s newest restaurant The Burrito Lab opened yesterday on University Avenue in what used to be Meet Fresh. The local burrito shop’s motto is: Life deserves mas guac. I want that kind of life, and so yesterday, I went to check it out. The Burrito Lab offers custom burritos, burrito bowls, walking tacos, quesadillas, and salad — all with unlimited toppings including guacamole.
Friday July 26th Afternoon Book Signing at Public Library to Focus on Historic Danville Softball Team
A look back on a special Danville softball team will happen this Friday (July 26th) when author Phyllis Smith will be at the Danville Public Library for an afternoon book signing. Smith’s book “Black Diamond, Black Gold; the Danville Lady Tomahawks” will look at a team of African American young ladies that her father, Wilbur Atkinson, created in the early 60s over at Lincoln Park. They immediately set up shop at Carver Park, where a field now sits named after Wilber Atkinson.
Jakob Dylan brings his musical legacy back to Champaign
The Wallflowers have had a multitude of revolving band members over the years, but it’s the group’s founder and leader who has stayed steadfast and provided the long-haul star power. One attendee of the band’s July 19 show at Virginia Theatre was there just to see him.
El Rincón de Ruthy is Puerto Rican perfection
This month marks ten years since my husband and I moved from New York City to Champaign-Urbana. In the months and weeks leading up to that move, my primary concern — I kid you not — was where I was going to get good Dominican and Puerto Rican food in the Midwest. While my husband occasionally obliges and cooks mangú and fried cheese for me, the lack of this type of Spanish restaurant here has often been a source of disappointment. Imagine my excitement, then, when a rave review in a certain local Facebook group informed me there was a food truck serving authentic Puerto Rican food in Rantoul.
Historic Virginia Theatre to Host Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis in Holiday Concert
The Champaign Park District has announced an exciting event for this holiday season: Mannheim Steamroller, the best-selling Christmas artist of all time, will perform at the historic Virginia Theatre on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. Tickets for the concert range from $59.50 to $125.00, with an additional processing...
The heat is on; protect your furry fam with these simple tips
CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) -Warm weather ushers in numerous changes. It can enhance the pleasure of travel and provide more opportunities for people to comfortably relish the great outdoors. Keeping safety in mind while enjoying the sun is crucial for all family members, pets included. Cats and dogs are just...
Top of the Morning; July 22, 2024
Jul. 22—Grabbing a bite with Joey Wright On Mondays, we chop it up with the folks responsible for dishing up food around the area. What restaurant should we try next? Let Joey Wright know at . Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery in Champaign has adjusted well to new ownership since Lauren and Jeffrey Brokish took over the operation in February. The farm's operation — which now includes a ...
‘Pretty surreal’: Mahomet student performs at Carnegie Hall
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — One Champaign County high-schooler is relishing in the performance of a lifetime in New York City. On Saturday night, Isaac Hanson from Mahomet-Seymour High School was one of two alto saxophonists to perform in a 22-member jazz ensemble at Carnegie Hall. The National Youth Orchestra, or NYO, selects the top high […]
The Space’s Dinner with Doug is unpretentious fine dining
I love a tasting dinner’s parade of little special dishes. It’s fun to forgo the regular menu and go for whatever the chef wants to cook. While The Space in Downtown Champaign is known for their smashburgers with wild housemade toppings, on occasion, the restaurant hosts a prix fixe tasting called Dinner with Doug, a multi-course dining experience by chef (and The Space owner) Doug Hodge.
The Overture: July 22 – 28
The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in and around Champaign-Urbana each week. All of the information is as accurate as we can publish; however, all shows and performances are subject to change at any time. Thank you for understanding. Did we miss something this week?...
How to make the most of your last month of summer vacation
As the days creep by, fall semester’s looming presence grows more nagging. It’s easy to get lost in the thrill of returning to campus, but these last few weeks of summer vacation are ripe with opportunity. Below you can find a list of 10 things to do while...
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