The weekend brings the Old Settlers Day Celebration in Bishop Hill, the “Mrs. Lincoln in Love” presentation in Geneseo and the Olof Krans Festival Photography Show in Galva, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Kewanee area.
Rabbit Hole
What: Jam out to Rabbit Hole, the Band, with your friends. Experience danceable rock and pop from five decades.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12
Where: Central Bank Pavilion, 218 N. State St., Geneseo
Cost: Free
Grand Opening: The Village Shoppe
What: Walk through the building and see what it’s all about. There will be food trucks, music and an inflatable for the kids.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12
Where: The Village Shoppe, 1001 Division St., Orion
Cost: Free
Young Adult Game Night
What: Enjoy an afternoon of Fortnite (or other games) and snacks with friends. For children in 6th – 12th grades.
When: 3-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
Cruise on the Corner
What: This is the last Cruise on the Corner for the year. Bring out your hot rods, trucks, tractors or motorcycles. This is the last round for the t-shirt winner contest; get a picture taken of your ride to post on Facebook to get voted on. There will be food and local live entertainment, too.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12
Where: Cambridge Car Corner, 10487 Illinois Hwy 82, Cambridge
Cost: Free
Fall in Love with Quilts show
What: Visit the 2025 Geneseo Quilt Guild Show, “Fall in Love with Quilts.”
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Our Crafty Life, 541 E. North St., Geneseo
Cribfest
What: Cribfest features fall fun for all ages with activities such as a zipline, human hamster wheel, bounce pad, hayrack rides, cow train, farm animals, pedal cars, straw stack, grain bin basketball, tire swings and more. Pay-to-Play activities are not included in general admission. Pay-to-Play includes the paintball gallery, hayrack paintball, pumpkin slingshot and pumpkin cannon. Pumpkins and corn will not be available the first weekend as they will not be ready for harvest yet.
When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Corn Crib Nursery, 6924 US-150, Coal Valley
Cost: General admission is $14; $7 for ages 62 and older; free for age 3 and younger
Downton Abbey: Grand Finale
What: Synopsis: When Mary finds herself in a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future. The PG-rated film stars Joanne Froggatt, Michelle Dockery and Paul Giamatti and runs for two hours.
When: 7:10-9:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13; 3:10-5:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14; 7:10-9:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 – Thursday, Sept. 18
Where: Geneseo Park District’s Central Theater, 111 N. State St., Geneseo
Cost: $7-$8
Mrs. Lincoln in Love
What: Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people know her story. Librarian Laura Keyes shares Mary’s story in an entertaining and educational program entitled “Mrs. Lincoln in Love,” set on Jan. 31, 1862, when Mrs. Lincoln and her family are settled comfortably in the Executive Mansion. Visiting with ladies during afternoon tea, Mrs. Lincoln reflects on the loves of her life – her children, her husband and her country. She even shares some of Mr. Lincoln’s love letters. Learn how Mary’s knowledge of both politics and social customs made it possible for a backwoods frontier attorney to achieve the highest office in the land.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Geneseo Public Library District, 805 N. Chicago St., Geneseo
Olof Krans Festival Photography Show
What: Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of photography. Olof Krans (1838 – 1916) was an internationally-known Bishop Hill artist known for 19th century folk art. Olof lived for a time in Galva and is buried in the Galva Cemetery. Coffeehouse musician John Heasly will play from 7-9 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Galva Arts Council, 128 Exchange St., Galva
Princeville Masonic Lodge Golf Scramble
What: Check in for this third annual event at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. There will be many opportunities for prizes, plus door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. A portion of proceeds will go toward scholarships for Princeville High School seniors.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Midland Golf Club, 3536 Midland Road, Kewanee
Cost: $75 includes cart, greens fees and ribeye steak dinner afterward
The Faux Paws
What: Musically impossible to describe, The Faux Paws don’t fit into today’s often hyphenated-genre world. No fan, industry expert, nor member of the band can seem to sum up this band’s sound in any kind of marketable way. They continue to remain a singularly unique outfit in the acoustic music community, always on the fringes, always memorable and with an increasing number of die-hard fans who feel like they’ve uncovered a secret. It’s not usually bluegrass, occasionally old-time, not really Celtic, Folk, Jazz, American or singer-songwriter, but members of the Paws have deep ties to all those traditions and blend elements effortlessly to serve whatever musical idea is being presented. They move deftly between moods, influences and instruments, with virtuosity on the fiddle, mandolin, guitar and saxophone, and also vulnerability, personal lyrics, tight three-part brother harmonies, playful interplay, intricately arranged details and improvisations. The potluck at 6 p.m. is optional, but provides an opportunity to meet others in the audience. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. Bring lawn chairs/blankets to sit on. This is an all-ages, family-friendly show. The rain location is Bishop Hill Creative Commons.
When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Ca D’Zan, 411 S. Road, Cambridge
Cost: $20-$30 suggested donation
Tour of the Heartland
What: This ride for a cause benefits the SEAL Legacy Foundation. Support veterans while enjoying a scenic ride through the Illinois countryside. Pick one or ride all four 25-mile loops —you decide your distance. Each loop starts and ends at a central hub with a well-stocked SAG station. Enjoy lunch and live music in the afternoon at the brewery.
When: 7 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Geneseo Brewing Company, 102 S State St, Geneseo
Cost: $75; $70 for Quad Cities Bicycle Club members
Old Settlers Day Celebration
What: Join us as to celebrate 179 years of Bishop Hill being founded and 129 years of Old Setters’ Association being formed. The Colonists display will be at the Colony School all day. Enjoy morning Fika while you view the display starting at 10 a.m. At noon, hear the Bishop Hill High Society Band in the Park Gazebo. The Old Settlers’ Program starts at 1 p.m. in the gazebo. From 2-4 p.m., enjoy the School Reunion and Dessert Social at the Colony School. Local musicians Deidre and Fiona Light will be playing.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Old Colony School, 405 W. Main St., Bishop Hill
Cost: Free
Gospel Sing
What: Enjoy the singing of three gospel groups at the 14th annual Gospel Sing. There will be free food (walking tacos and hot dogs), drinks (water and soft drinks) and door prizes while supplies last. Bring a lawn chair.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: First Southern Baptist, 305 First St., Colona
Cost: Free
Teens Anime Afternoon
What: Dust off your cosplay and grab your sketchbooks. Youth from age 11–19 can celebrate manga, anime, Japanese culture and art with interactive sessions, event prizes and light snacks.
Bring your own drawing supplies and show off your favorite cosplay or anime merchandise. Space is limited; registration is required.
When: Noon – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Figge Art Museum, 900 First St., Coal Valley
Cost: Free
Annual Tractor Ride
What: Eat before the annual ride, then leave at 1 p.m. The ride ends at Bishop Hill. There will be smoked pulled pork, smoked baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and chips. Lunch will be served rain or shine, but there is not a rain date for the ride.
When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: 9255 E. 1600 St., Cambridge
Heroes Day
What: Are you a police officer, firefighter, health care worker, paramedic, or active-duty or veteran military personnel? Come to be celebrated Sunday. Say hi to the animals and meet Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Wolverine, Deadpool, Spiderman and Grog. Special characters will be on-site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley
Cost: Free admission for first responders
Love, Dean
What: Musicians, singer-songwriters, and husband and wife, Rachael and Luke Price, are bringing back the feel-good vibes of classic Americana. On Love, Dean’s self-titled debut, they handcrafted a musical mosaic from vintage soul, Motown, old-time music, gospel, folk and neo-soul. The self-titled album is themed around love, community and coming of age milestones. The potluck at 6 p.m. is optional, but it provides an opportunity to meet others in the audience. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. Bring lawn chairs/blankets to sit on and your choice of beverage. This is an all-ages, family-friendly show. The rain location is Bishop Hill Creative Commons.
When: 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Ca D’Zan, 411 S. Road, Cambridge
Cost: $20-$30 suggested donation
Coming next week
Adult Book Club
What: The KPLD Adult Book Club meets on the third Monday of each month. The book for September is Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini. Pick up a copy and the discussion questions at the Lower Level Desk.
When: 2-3 and 6-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
DIY Personalized Bookmark
What: Make your favorite little readers become part of your next read—literally! Bring a photo of your child, grandchild, or favorite person printed on plain paper, or email a photo ahead of time for staff to print it for you. Then, turn that image into a unique bookmark with your person “dangling” from the tassel. All materials are provided. Registration is required.
When: 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Kewanee Star-Courier.
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Old Settlers Day and Cribfest are among 18 events this weekend in the Kewanee area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Star Courier
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