It's the final weekend before the unofficial kick-off to summer with Memorial Day weekend, and there's plenty of things going on in the Galesburg area.
Here are nine things we found to do.
Annual Youth Fishing Derby
What: The Annual Youth Fishing Derby provides families the opportunity for children to be exposed to outdoors skills, the need for conservation and a fun way to spend the day. A representative from the IDNR may be present to discuss local aquatic wildlife. Hundreds of prizes will be given away for the first fish catchers. Bring your own pole or borrow a loaner from the Youth Fishing Derby volunteers. First time? Local fisher people will help your child learn. Hy-Vee will be grilling out with a low-cost hot dog meal and the Mobile Playground Truck will be there with toys and games for all ages.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lincoln Park Lagoons, Galesburg
Cost: Free
Caxton Reading Series
What: A literary organization on the Knox College campus, Caxton Club brings poets, novelists, and essayists to campus every term to read their works in a setting open to all members of the community. The club is named after the first English printer, William Caxton. Working closely with the English Department at Knox College, Caxton Club is student-run and with Q&A sessions after most readings, encourages literary discourse on the Knox campus. The reader May 17 is Tom Fucoloro.
When: 4 to 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Alumni Room, Old Main, Knox College, 2 E. South St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Build-a-Buddy Recycled Art
What: Celebrate Earth Month with a recycled art buddy.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Free with admission
Music Trivia Night
What: This fundraiser event to benefit Galesburg Christian School includes DJ Rick Warren, cash bar, heads or tails, 50/50 raffle, bake sale for donations. Cash, credit card and checks accepted.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Cedar Creek Hall, 593 E. North St., Galesburg
Cost: $100 per table with up to 10 per table; doublers and mulligans available to purchase for $10
The Backyard Palate Visits Nayborhood Farm
What: Social Media Influencer The Backyard Palate is coming to the Nayborhood to lead a hands-on pizza-making class. Make and enjoy your own pizza creation. Register online; space is limited to 20 participants. Don't forget your phones; you could capture the event along with social media influencer The Backyard Palate.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Nayborhood Farm, 1424 Barefoot Road, Knoxville
Cost: $45
AJ Schmall
What: AJ Schmall is a Peoria local musician who will sing and play guitar rhythms. Schmall has played on events with members from the band Chicago, Everclear and other national acts. He will perform original music and covers by artists such as The Beatles, Maroon 5, Everly Brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bill Withers, Bruno Mars and more. Wine, beer and soda available. Food/snacks available for purchase. Music will be on the patio; inclement weather will move music indoors. Individuals younger than 21 are allowed when accompanied by an of-age adult.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hidden Valley Vineyard & Winery, 120 Hidden Drive, Knoxville
Cost: Free admission
Neon Nova
What: Sing and dance to favorite classic rock tunes with Neon Nova. The band plays classics from REO, Phil Collins, Journey, Night Ranger, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Toto, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and more.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Big Catz BBQ, 221 E. Main St., Knoxville
Auditions: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
What: Director Mel Agar is looking for five men and four women ages 16 and older. Auditioners should expect to do cold readings from the script and come prepared with 16 bars of a song of their choice. There will not be a dance element. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” tells the tale of socially awkward youngsters finding joy, heartache, and a purpose in competing at the regional spelling bee.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Prairie Players Civic Theater, 160 S. Seminary St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Rain Boots ‘n’ Flowers Paint Day
What: Choose from three different canvas sizes. Sign-up sheet will be at the bar. Pay upon arrival via Paypal, Venmo or Cash App. All materials provided.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19
Where: Happy Joe’s
Cost: $25-$35 depending on canvas size
Coming next week:
Caxton Reading Series
What: A literary organization on the Knox College campus, Caxton Club brings a number of high-profile poets, novelists, and essayists to campus every term to read their works in a setting open to all members of the community. The club is named after the first English printer, William Caxton. Working closely with the English Department at Knox College, Caxton Club is student-run and with Q&A sessions after most readings, encourages literary discourse on the Knox campus. The reader May 21 is Anna Kornbluh.
When: 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 21
Where: Alumni Room, Old Main, Knox College, 2 E. South St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Tritones, Enharmonic Fire and Flute Choir Concert
What: Enharmonic Fire and TriTones vocal ensembles under the direction of Tyler Demaree and the Flute Choir directed by Madeline Wood together to perform their spring concert.
When: 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21
Where: Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, 500 S. Prairie St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Wedding Night (1935) starring Anna Sten and Gary Cooper
What: Celebrate Orpheum history when this 1935 movie returns to the stage. Because his finances are low and he is seeking background for a new book, author Tony Barratt and his wife Dora return to his country home in Connecticut. While he is finding material for his book on the lives and customs of the local immigrant tobacco farmers, his wife returns to New York and, alas, his Japanese servant deserts him. He meets neighboring farm girl Manya Novak and hires her to cook his meals and clean his house. They soon fall in love, but following the customs of the old country, her father has entered a 'marriage bargain' for her to wed Fredrik Sobieski, a man not of her choosing.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Make Your Own Fairy Garden
What: Materials provided: saucer dish style container, all soil needed, two small plants, and 3 (points) figurines per person. Extra figurines can be purchased. Figurines will be tagged how many points each is worth when you arrive. Bring in your own container if you like (extra fee may apply by size). Limited to the first 12 people. Stop in to register or message online.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 23
Where: Greenhouse & Décor, 963 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: $30
Thursday Night Jazz
What: Jazz runs Thursday night while Knox College is in session. Cash bar available (please no outside drinks). Food is allowed.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 23
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free admission
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
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