DIY Hat Burning Fundraiser for LeAnn's Light
2025-07-16
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We had so much fun at our previous Hat Burning! We sold out early! So by request, we have scheduled this second one! What a fun way to hang out with your friends, create you own hat style, enjoy a fantastic pizza, and sip wine, all while helping cancer patients! Yes, these can be gifts!!!
Contact Kathy Schroeder at 217-821-1422 or Windy Westfall at 217-552-2055, and visit the website: LeannsLight.com
Scan the QR code to order your ticket and select your hat!

Red Cross Blood Drives in July
2025-07-16, 2025-07-18
PrintRed Cross Blood Drives in July:
7/1, Tuesday, First Christian Church of Casey, Noon – 6:00
7/1, Tuesday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 – 5:30
7/7, Monday, South Central FS, Effingham, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
7/9, Wednesday, Altamont Municipal Building, 2:00 – 6:00
7/11, Friday, Cornerstone Church, Effingham, 1:30 – 5:30
7/16, Wednesday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 – 5:30
7/18, Friday, Knights of Columbus Building, Newton, 1:00 – 5:00
7/28, Monday, Effingham Event Center, 2:00 – 6:00
To make an appointment and learn more about your health, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Cumberland County 4-H Fair Schedule
2025-07-16, 2025-07-17, 2025-07-18, 2025-07-19
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Wednesday's Schedule
2025-07-16
PrintMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
All-Star Week

Silent Auction for Relay for Life
2025-07-16

Ramblin' Rose Bus Schedule - Catholic Charities
2025-07-17

Mattoon Bagelfest
2025-07-17, 2025-07-18, 2025-07-19
PrintJoin us in celebrating 40 years of Bagelfest in Mattoon! This annual festival features a variety of exciting activities, including a parade, carnival rides, concerts, and an opportunity to experience the vibrant community spirit. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the fun and festivities that Bagelfest has to offer!
On Thursday, July 17th, the main stage will be headlined by Christian contemporary pop musician Megan Woods. This event is free to the public.
Headlining the main stage on Friday, July 18th, is the iconic ‘90s alt-rock band Everclear, best known for hits like “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine.” Opening for Everclear is Champaign-based party band X-Krush!
On Saturday, July 19th, the main stage will feature multi-platinum-selling country music superstar Josh Turner. Turner has long been one of country music’s most recognizable voices, selling over 8.5 million units and amassing more than 2.5 billion global streams. Opening the show are Jake and Mikayla, a married duo from Central Illinois, known for their high-energy performances that incorporate elements of Outlaw, Rockabilly, Gospel, Bluegrass, and more.
Advance tickets for the concerts on Friday and Saturday nights are already available online. VIP, Reserved Seating, and Lawn tickets will be available for both nights. Tickets and a complete list of festival activities can be found at www.exploremattoon.org.
Full Schedule
Saturday, July 12:
Miss Bagelfest Pageants at The Fields Church (12PM – Little Miss / 2PM – Pre Teen, Jr. Miss & Miss)
Wednesday, July 16:
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Night – 6PM until 10PM)
The Bow Wow in the bandshell (5:30PM – 7:30PM)
Thursday, July 17:
Vendors Open at Peterson Park (5PM)
BINGO at DeMars Building (6PM – 9PM)
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Night / 6PM – 10PM)
Family Friendly Fun with face painting and games at Peterson Park Ballfield (Prior to concert)
Christian Concert at Peterson Park – FREE (Donations Accepted) – Megan Woods (8PM)
Friday, July 18:
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Day / 1PM – 5PM and 5PM – 10PM)
Vendors Open at Peterson Park (1PM)
BINGO at DeMars Building (6PM – 9PM)
Rock Concert at Peterson Park – Everclear with X-Krush (Gates 6PM – Show 7:30PM)
Saturday, July 19:
Run for the Bagel 5K Hosted by Mattoon YMCA (6:30AM)
World’s Biggest Bagel Breakfast (7:30AM – 9:30AM)
Sweet & Salty Quartet in the bandshell (8AM – 9AM)
Bagelfest Parade – 21st & Western Avenue (10:30AM)
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Day – 12PM until 5PM and 5PM until 10PM)
Vendors Open at Peterson Park (11AM)
BINGO at DeMars Building (1PM – 5PM)
Battle for the Bagel Powerlift Contest in the bandshell (5PM)
Country Concert at Peterson Park – Josh Turner with Jake & Mikayla (Gates 6PM – Show 7:30PM)
Bagelfest has been a beloved tradition in Mattoon since its inception in 1986, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Lenders Bagels, a popular brand that has been produced in the area since the 1980s. Lenders Bagels quickly became a household favorite across America, known for their delicious taste. Today, Bagelfest attracts visitors from near and far who come to enjoy the festivities, with one of the highlights being the World’s Biggest Bagel Breakfast. For bagel enthusiasts, there’s no better place to be than Mattoon, the home of Lenders Bagels and Bagelfest.
At Bagelfest, festival-goers can partake in a wide range of activities, including delicious food, vendors, family fun, carnival games, bingo, and live music! This year’s concert lineup promises to be one of the best in the festival’s history!

School Supply Applications from FISH
2025-07-17
PrintEffingham County FISH is now offering for Pre-School through 8th Grade:

Savvy Senior Luncheon Program in Effingham
2025-07-17
PrintHSHS St. Anthony’s Savvy Senior Luncheon Program will be at 11:00 on Thursday, July 17th. This month’s featured guest will be Dr. Zane Qureshi, DPM.
This program is free to Seniors age 60 years and older.
Call the Senior Center at 217-347-5569 to reserve your seat.
Benny & the Amigos will play at 12:15 following the luncheon.

Christmas in July Raffle for Kiwanis Club
2025-07-17

Kids STEAM School
2025-07-17
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Promoting a Vision for Effingham County (PAVE), in partnership with Lake Land College, invites students to an exciting, hands-on Summer STEAM Camp at the Wright Family Center on Thursday, July 17th. This one-day event gives students a chance to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) in creative, interactive ways. Perfect for avoiding the “summer slump” while having fun.
Two engaging sessions will be offered by grade level:
K–2nd Grade
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Build and launch your own paper rocket—learn while having a blast!
3rd–6th Grade
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Design and build an air-powered propeller car—where engineering meets excitement!
“STEAM programs offer more than just an interactive experience, they help students stay mentally active and avoid summer learning loss,” said Courtney Yockey, spokesperson for PAVE. “These hands-on camps are designed to inspire creativity, introduce real-world problem-solving, and promote teamwork.”
This STEAM Camp is open to all area children entering grades K–6 and is free to attend, but registration is required. Space is limited and early registration is strongly encouraged. The deadline to register is July 16th.
Register online:
https://learn.lakelandcollege.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=8692180&selectedProgramAreaId=1018475&selectedProgramStreamId=
Or visit the Wright Family Center Facebook page for more info.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to build, create, and explore at the Wright Family Center’s Summer STEAM Camp. For more information about the Summer STEAM Camp, please contact the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance at 217-342-4214.

Thursday's Schedule
2025-07-17
PrintEFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT
BASEBALL
At Gene A. Niccum Field
Game 1 – Team 4 vs. Team 6, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Team 3 vs. Team 7, 7 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
All-Star Week

Clay County 4-H BBQ
2025-07-18

Jonah Fish Fry at St. Paul's Lutheran Church
2025-07-18
PrintThe 44th Annual Jonah Fish Fry will take place on Friday, July 18th.
It’s an all-you-can-eat fish dinner at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, located 3 miles south of Montrose on the blacktop.
Serving from 4:30-7:30.
Dine in or carry out!

Beecher City Corn Fest
2025-07-18, 2025-07-19

Rodeo at Clay County Fair
2025-07-18

Friday's Schedule
2025-07-18
PrintEFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT
SOFTBALL
Small Fry League
At East Softball Diamond
Game 1 – Team 2 vs. Team 4, 5:30 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
St. Louis at Atlanta, 8:40 p.m.
Boston at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.

Pawcasso - Paint & Swap
2025-07-18
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Unleash your inner artist at Pawcasso Paint & Swap!
Join us Friday, July 18 at 6:00 PM at Tuscan Hills Winery for a fun night of painting, swapping, and supporting a great cause.
All proceeds benefit Vital Paws—A critical care program for pets established by EARS & Koda’s Gift of Pawsitivity.
Spots are limited, so grab your friends and sign up today!
The link for tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pawcasso-paint-and-swap

EffingHAM-JAM and Hometown Throwdown
2025-07-18
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10 years of great food, healthy competition, and community togetherness!
EffingHAM-JAM, produced by the Effingham County Chamber, is an annual BBQ competition in downtown Effingham, IL and is a evening full of events, live music, food, and fun. Visitors will be able to move around the event area with alcoholic beverages purchased at the Koerner Distributor, Inc. tent.
Proceeds from EffingHAM-JAM will go towards the Effingham County Chamber Community Scholarship Program!

Hometown Throwdown 5:00PM until all tastings are sold out
(Jefferson Ave between 3rd & 4th St.)
The EffingHAM-JAM Hometown Throwdown invites amateur pit masters from all over the area to show off their skills and compete for prizes in several different BBQ categories. Blind judging by local community reps, Hometown Throwdown sponsors, and KCBS professional judges.

Food Trucks, Vendors, & Beer Tent 5:00 – 10:30PM
(4th St. &Jefferson Avenue)
Food and beverages will be provided by several local and state-wide vendors.
Visitors will be able to move around the event area with the beverages purchased at the Koerner Distributor, Inc. Beer Tent.
Savory Vendors
All American Grill
Blaze & Glaze Pizza Co.
Crazy 8's BBQ
Gate to Plate
Mac Daddy
Sweet Vendors
The Fair Lady
Get The Dough Boy
Homewood Grill
Krazy Sweet Treats
Toppins
Beverages and More Vendors
Glik’s
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital | FREE Bottled Water Tent
The Lemonade Stand
Elks Lodge #1016
Renewal by Anderson

Kids Area 5:00 – 7:00PM
(Washington Ave between 4th & 5th St.)
Get ready for the ultimate foam-filled fun! A giant foam cannon will blast piles of cool, fluffy, non-toxic foam, creating the perfect play zone for kids (and fun-loving adults)! Dance, jump, and splash your way through this high-energy adventure—because who doesn’t love a foam party?! Remember to bring towels (and maybe a change of clothes)!
But that’s just the beginning! The FREE Kids Area at EffingHAM-JAM also features face painting, colorful chalk art, bubbles galore, and a chance to Touch-A-Truck. Don’t miss the tractor train rides looping around Washington Avenue, and if you’re feeling extra festive, stop by the face-painting station to add some flair to your fun.
It’s a jam-packed evening of smiles, squeals, and summer memories in the making!
Touch-A-Truck:
3 Sisters Logistics truck
Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter (pending no emergencies)
Eco-Trim217 crane
Effingham Fire Department truck
Millroad Thresherman pink tractor
Rumpke Waste truck
Whitney Roofing truck
Wonkey Donkey safari Jeep

HAM CITY JAM Demo 5:00 – 8:00PM
(Washington Ave between 3rd & 4th St)
Skaters from across the Midwest will be showing off their moves during a LIVE demo of Ham City Jam on Friday night—giving the crowd a taste of what’s to come! Watch as they warm up, practice tricks, and hype up the weekend with high-energy action right in the heart of downtown.
Then on Saturday, July 19, it all goes down at the Effingham Skate Park (Hendelmeyer Park) for the Ham City Jam—a local skate competition featuring some of the most talented riders around. Organized by Effingham’s own Deano Tull, this event promises a full day of epic skating, community vibes, and serious skill.

The Troubadours 5:00 – 6:30PM
(4th Street City Parking Lot)
From Cowden, Illinois, The Troubadours are a self-described Cowboy Space Western Folk Rock band. The Duo features Josh Loy on the guitar and lead vocals, with Kevin Deadmond playing the piano.
Thomas Mac 7:00PM – 10:30PM
(4th Street City Parking Lot)
Catch rising country star Thomas Mac live at EffingHAM-JAM!
With over 3 million TikTok followers and millions of views, Thomas is blending modern and traditional country in a way that’s turning heads. After a viral hit launched him to Nashville, he landed his first record deal at just 20 and made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage that same year. Don’t miss your chance to hear the next big name in country—right here in Downtown Effingham

Benefit Sale for Child Safety USA
2025-07-18

Effingham Farmer's Market
2025-07-19
PrintThe Effingham Farmer’s Market will be every Saturday, from June 14th through October 25th.
Vendors will be selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted arts and crafts.

Altamont Legion Cookout
2025-07-19

4-H Show Schedule - Effingham County
2025-07-19
