SPRINGFIELD – Spring is in bloom, so take a moment to go outside while the weather is nice this weekend and soak in the season.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day, check out a cat show or more, there’s plenty going on.
YNOT Crash Vigil
What: Chatham and surrounding communities will gather to mark the one-year anniversary of the fatal crash at the YNOT Outdoors after-school center. The vigil will serve as a time of remembrance, prayer and unity as the community honors the five children who died and support everyone impacted in the crash.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Chatham Baptist Church, 1500 E. Walnut St., Chatham
Color Me Holi 5K
What: The Happiest Run of the year is back for another day full of color, culture and racing. The Asian Indian Women’s Organization’s annual Color Me Holi 5K is returning to Washington Park to celebrate Holi, the Indian festival of colors celebrated in central and southern Asia that marks spring, love, and new beginnings. This event is filled with a joyful, family-friendly morning with color play, Bollywood beats, community fun and delicious Indian treats. This year, the AIWO will also be planting seeds of impact, a fundraiser to support community garden spaces. Proceeds from the run will benefit the Motherland Community Project.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Washington Park, Springfield
More: Registration for the run is $40 which provides food, t-shirts and medals and can be bought on runsignup.com. The registration deadline is by April 25.
APL upscale sale
What: Help animals and spruce up around the house with a good spring clean at the Animal Protective League’s upscale sale. Pick from clothes, home decor, baked goods and more, with proceeds going toward the APL homeless dogs and cats organization. Don’t have enough space in your wardrobe? Donations of good quality items like children’s clothes, jewelry or chatzky’s can be made to the center with tax receipts provided upon request.
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon Sunday
Where: 3329 S. Veterans Parkway, inside the old Party City.
More: Friday admission is $10, Saturday admission is $5 while Sunday clearance day is free.
Earth Awareness Fair
What: The City of Springfield Earth Awareness Fair is this weekend down at Union Square Park with plenty to do. Free seeds from the Enos Park Community Garden will be available while the kids learn about birds and how the local ecosystem operates with the Springfield Audubon Society before checking out multiple arts and crafts exhibits.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: 500 E. Madison St., Springfield
More: Over 30 organizations are taking part in hosting this event; a full list of groups can be found on the Springfield government website.
Cat Show
What: Watch cats and kittens compete for best in show at the Illinois State Fairgrounds CFA Midwest Cat across five separate judging rings. Come see over 140 purebred and household pet cats compete for top cat by category of kitten, championship and premiership breeds. Sit in and watch a judging table or walk around and visit vendor booths to bring home gifts like kitty costumes your pet will definitely want to wear.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield inside the Illinois Building.
More: Each lunch hour at noon a cat costume contest will take place. Tickets are sold at the door with $10 tickets for adults, children up to 12 years at $6 a head. Please do not bring your own pet to the show, unless the cat is pre-registered.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@usatodayco.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Color Me Holi 5K among 5 things to do in Springfield this weekend
Reporting by Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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