The weekend brings a children’s safety expo and a men’s conference, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Kewanee area.
Bell & Field
What: Legendary saxophonist Paul Weddle (Classics IV) will perform alongside Bell & Field. Paul has toured with musical icons like The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, Elton John, BB King and Dr. John.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Crescent City Tap,336 Front St., Geneseo
Making Magic Art Workshop
What: Paint with freedom and expression. Artist Katrina Morrison shares her studio to let everyone experiment and express themselves with a mix of art supplies to create a 12”x12” panel. Each participant will create an abstract painting unique to them. All supplies are provided.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Garden Thyme, 109 N. Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Cost: $39
Children’s Safety Expo
What: Bring the whole family to the Children’s Safety Expo where children can get hands on with big vehicles, see live demonstrations, get an up-close look at the MedForce Medical Helicopter landing and participate in face painting.
When: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Blackhawk College Education Center, 404 E. Third St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
Men’s Conference
What: “Christian Masculinity in the Modern World” is the theme for this men’s conference. Enjoy a morning of food, fellowship and discipleship with three local speakers. Come early for coffee and snacks and stay for a meal afterward.
When: 8 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Hill Church, 107 N. Main St., Kewanee
Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Live Music: Lynn Allen
What: Enjoy a night of rock ‘n’ roll music from Lynn Allen.
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Central Bank Pavilion, 208 N. State St., Geneseo
Quad City Honor Flight Benefit
What: This fundraiser includes a breakfast buffet, raffle items and a bake sale. All proceeds will go to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.
When: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Filling Station Restaurant, 303 Bishop Hill Road, Bishop Hill
Fire Department Hog Roast
What: The Galva Fire Department will serve meals from 4-7 p.m. or until sold out. The meal includes a pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, chips, drink and dessert. Raffle prizes include a Blackstone griddle, a Yeti cooler and more. There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing at 7 p.m. You don’t need to be present to win.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Galva Fire Department, 210 Front St., Galva
Cost: $8; $5 for children
Night Sky Viewing
What: Take a tour of the summer night sky. Venus may be visible briefly. Also view the moon, Saturn and Neptune. Look for M11 (Wild Duck Cluster), M13 (Hercules Cluster), M22 (Sagittarius Cluster) and the Garnet Star, (one of the reddest known stars). Many deep sky objects should be visible, weather permitting. Knowledgeable club members will have telescopes including the PACMO (mobile observatory) set up. If you have a telescope, bring it along and join us. Restroom facilities will not be available. This is a family-friendly event.
When: 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Niabi Zoo parking lot, 12524 Niabi Road, Coal Valley
Cost: Free
Read to a Therapy Dog
What: A couple of therapy dogs from Alliance of Therapy Dogs will be visiting and they need some people who want to work on their reading skills to read to them.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Geneseo Public Library, 805 N. Chicago St., Geneseo
Coming next week
Adult Book Club
What: The book for August is The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel by Nita Prose. Pick up your copy and the discussion questions at the Lower Level Desk.
When: 2-3 and 6-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Scavenger Hunt
What: The “This Little Piggy Scavenger Hunt” is for adults and children. Participate for a chance to win Hog Days Carnival Tickets and more. Each clue is a twist on the classic “This Little Piggy” nursery rhyme. Go to each of five stops for a chance to win.
When: 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18 – Aug. 29
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Yoga
What: A Basic Yoga Session is for beginners or anyone looking to gently stretch, breathe and unwind. This class focuses on foundational yoga poses, breath awareness and simple mindfulness techniques to help improve flexibility, balance and relaxation. Feel free to bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Water and a quiet mind are welcome.
When: 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
Sew A Hog Days Mascot
What: In this hands-on workshop, patrons will transform an ordinary pink sock into a stuffed pig. No sewing experience necessary. Instructors will guide you step-by-step through cutting, stitching and assembling your sock pig. All materials will be provided. For teens and adults.
When: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21
Where: Kewanee Public Library District community room, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Gadan
What: Gadan is a storming new band blending the drive of Irish trad and bluegrass with the soul of folk and Appalachian music, spiced with Italian flair. It includes young yet seasoned Italian musicians from the Irish traditional and European folk scene who joined forces in 2024 with Enda Scahill, tenor banjo legend and founder of We Banjo 3. With no less than three banjos, plus fiddle, mandolin and guitar, Gadan delivers a powerful “strings-only” sound, enhanced by a driving rhythmic pulse. The potluck is optional, but it is a great chance to connect others in the audience. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. Bring lawn chairs/blankets and beverage of choice. The family-friendly show is for all ages. The rain location is Bishop Hill Creative Commons.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 (optional potluck is at 6 p.m.)
Where: Ca d’Zan House Concerts, Cambridge
Cost: $20-$30 suggested donation to the artist
Summer Concert Series
What: The Kewanee Chamber summer concert series continues with Tommy T and the T-Bones performing Aug. 21. The food stand opens at 5 p.m., with the concert starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21
Where: Veterans Park, 313 N. Burr St., Kewanee
Cost: Free admission
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Kewanee Star-Courier.
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Children’s Safety Expo among 9 things to do this weekend in the Kewanee area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Star Courier
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