The weekend brings the Midsommar Music Festival, a Farm Safety Camp and Maquon’s Fireman’s Day, along with car shows, fundraisers, live music and more to the Galesburg area.
Fourth of July Celebration
What: This event will start with three drawings for cash prizes. Live music from 90 Proof STU starts at 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot, where you can later watch the city fireworks. The outside portion of the celebration will include a potluck; please bring a dish to share. No outside beverages.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: American Legion, 749 Henderson Road, Knoxville
Fourth of July Pawty
What: This is a pawty for your fur-baby in a less stressful environment while you enjoy the fireworks. There will be lavender infusions, music, movies, hot dogs, pup cakes, “beer” and pets. All pets must be vaccinated. Reservations must be made in advance.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: All About Pets, 750 W. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: $10 grandstand admission; free for ages 2 and younger
Fourth of July Swim
What: Celebrate the Fourth of July with a swim. Games will be played every hour on the hour from 1-4 p.m. and the free Mobile Playground will be outside of the water park next to the shelter from 1-4 p.m.
When: Noon – 7 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Lakeside Water Park, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: $8; free for members
Figure 8 ‘Merica
What: Drivers can enter the venue starting at noon. There will be several food and drink vendors.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5 (gates open at 4 p.m.)
Where: Abingdon Community Festival, 914 N. Monroe St., Abingdon
Artisan and Antique Market
What: Shop unique finds, creative décor, upcycled items, antiques, a full line Alpaca store and more. Visit and feed the Alpacas and enjoy a day on the farm.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Heartland Criations Alpacas, 2512 Knox Road 500 East, Rio
Fireworks Salt Paintings
What: Create a firework painting.
When: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Included with admission
Wildflower Guided Hike
What: Look for flowers, grasses, ferns, birds, trees and anything natural. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring a camera or binoculars if desired.
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve, County Highway 4, Galesburg
Independence Day
What: See the movie, “Independence Day.” The aliens are coming. Their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind’s best weapon is the will to survive.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $5 admission; free popcorn
Cars & Coffee
What: Whether you own a classic beauty, a high-performance sports car, or just enjoy a Saturday morning hang out, this event is for you. Engage with fellow car enthusiasts and share stories. Coffee is available for purchase from TMRW’s Brew. No registration is necessary.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Ford of Galesburg, 2201 W. Main St., Galesburg
Fourth of July
What: There will be food for freewill donations and a beer tent with a DJ. There will also be a cash raffle with a grand prize of $400. The beer tent will still be open after the fireworks.
When: 4-11 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Fireman’s Park, Wataga
Bird Walk
What: Take a bird walk with the Galesburg Area Bird Club, starting in the Joe E. Anderson area parking lot.
When: 7:30 a.m. Sunday, July 6
Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg
Cost: Free
Coming next week
Knox County Fair
What: The 174th annual county fair will feature a concert by Clint Black and Diamond Rio at 7 p.m. Thursday night; harness races, demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, a bake sale, concerts in the beer garden each night, carnival rides and more.
When: July 8-12
Where: Knox County Fairgrounds, 1392 Knox Hwy. 9, Knoxville
Cost: concert tickets are $39-$49; $3 gate fee for grandstand events; $25 armband; $3 individual ride tickets; free parking
Diggin Dinosaurs Camp
What: Enjoy dinosaur art, excavation, crafts and science. Advance registration is required. For ages 4-8.
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 – Thursday, July 10
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: $55; $50 for members
Extreme Tour
What: Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this fifth annual family event.
When: 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Where: Kiwanis Park, East Knox Street, Galesburg
Cost: Free
Adult Red Ball Tennis
What: If you like Pickleball, you’ll love Red Ball Tennis, a social experience designed to bring new players to the court. You’ll be playing the game in 10 minutes. Red Ball uses a smaller racket, a smaller court and a red ball. All equipment is provided.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: Galesburg High School tennis courts, 1135 W. Fremont St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Craft Night Out
What: Create a wind chime out of a recycled wine bottle. All supplies and crafting tools will be provided. For ages 12 and older.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg
Cost: $15
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Galesburg Register-Mail.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: July 4 festivities, car show and more among 10 fun events this weekend in Galesburg
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Galesburg Register-Mail
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