The weekend brings the Dark Market and Our Big Fat Greek Festival, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Kewanee area.
Tours of the Hennepin Canal
What: Cruise the Canal tours allow tourists to enjoy one of Illinois’ State Parks and to experience the tours surrounded by fall foliage. The popular golf cart tours are led by Zack Sullivan of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce who tells the story of the canal – including its construction, history and ecosystem. All tours begin at Lock #24 and travel west to Lock #26 before turning back toward the starting point. A portion of the proceeds from the Geneseo Cruise the Canal tours goes to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for preservation and maintenance of the Hennepin Canal State Parkway.
When: 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Where: Hennepin Canal Pkwy., Lock #24, Geneseo
Cost: $30
Colona City Wide
What: The annual city-wide yard sales will be this weekend.
When: 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5 – 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Colona
Trains, Planes and Automobiles 2025
What: The 19th Annual Trains, Planes and Automobiles Festival highlight, The Maple City Cruiser’s downtown car show, is Saturday, Sept. 6. Experience the sights and sounds of World War II Stearman bi-planes. No pets are allowed. Other events throughout the weekend include historic canal cruise tours; a car show; youth pedal car parade; displays of model trains, airplanes, cars and trains; a salute to America by the VFW Color Guard and more.
When: Thursday, Sept. 4 – Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Gen-Air Park, 117 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo
Our Big Fat Greek Festival
What: Enjoy a weekend of Greek cuisine, spirits, culture, music, dance and fun for the entire family. See the new patio. A drive-thru will be available for convenience. Zorbas (the outdoor kitchen) will have extended hours for late night eating.
When: 4-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2930 31st Ave., Rock Island
Cost: $2; free for ages 12 and younger
The Dark Market
What: Get food from Mexies Food Truck. DJ Shane Brown will be providing the jams. Shop from vendors for spooky bakery items, vintage clothing, pottery, vintage wares, hand-created eclectic wars, jewelry, horror prints and coffin bookshelves, upcycled flannels and denim, custom art, candles, books by local authors, hot sauces, photography, crocheted items and skin care items. Get a Tarot reading.
When: Noon – 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Wake Brewing, 2529 5th Ave, Rock Island
25th Anniversary Celebration
What: Celebrate 25 years of growing pumpkins at this farm. Shop for specialty pumpkins, gourds and squash as well as unique metal art. There will also be an assortment of mums and fall annuals. Holey Donuts will be selling mini donuts here both days. Pop of the Morning will be on site Sunday popping kettle corn. The barnyard of animals will be awaiting visitors for pets and head scratches.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7
Where: Nature’s Creations Greenhouse & Farm, 21229 N. 500th Ave., Kewanee
Grandparents Day
What: Grandparents get free admission with the purchase of a child’s ticket. Make memories together while visiting giraffes, rhinos, sloths, big cats, otters, snakes and more. The child admission ticket must be purchased at the gate on this day.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7
Where: Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabo Zoo Road, Coal Valley
Unique Vibrationz and Mr. Aubs
What: Unique Vibrationz is an up and coming band from Des Moines, Iowa. The band blends elements from Hiphop, Soul, Jazz, Rock and R&B in original compositions. Using their music as a vessel to spread the message of unity, perseverance and love. Aubrey Barnes, nationally known as “Mister Aubs,” hails from Rock Island. His journey in the realm of poetry, writing and education has left an indelible mark on both local and international communities. Cosigned by world-renowned poets of various different cultures, such as Dr. Madhubuti of the historical Black Arts Movement era and Black Chakra, the most decorated slam poet in the U.S., Mister Aubs is not only known to be one of the best writers in this art form, but also as a powerful thought-provoking creative and captivating performer and educator. He is the founder of Young Lions Roar. Aubrey Barnes weaves a narrative that transcends boundaries, fostering a world enriched by the beauty and power of the spoken word. The potluck at 6 p.m. is optional, but it is a great chance to connect with others in the audience and maybe share a meal with the artist. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. This is an all ages, family-friendly event. The rain location is Bishop Hill Creative Commons. Bring lawn chairs/blankets and your beverage of choice.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7
Where: Ca D’Zan House Concerts, 411 S Road, Cambridge
Cost: $20-30 suggested donation
Coming next week
Chapter Chasers
What: Students in 3rd- 5th grades can hear the novel “The BFG” by Roald Dahl and discuss the story with Youth Staff Member Chris. Students are welcome to bring drinks and snacks or enjoy snacks provided by the library. No registration is necessary.
When: 5-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9
Where: Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
Marble Maze Craft
What: Come to the Youth Services Department on the second floor and make a Marble Maze.
When: 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 or Thursday, Sept. 11
Where: Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Zach Pietrini
What: Voted Best Live Act in Milwaukee by Milwaukee Magazine despite being a Chicago transplant, The Zach Pietrini Band has become a recognized name, playing featured spots at Summerfest, Mile of Music and Bastille Days. At the forefront of the Americana resurgence in the north country, Pietrini distinguished himself with vulnerability, prolific writing and a dynamic live show. The band has served as direct support for Huey Lewis and the News, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Walker Hayes and Miles Nielson & the Rusted Hearts. This is a family-friendly concert series. Bring lawn chairs and snacks.
When: 6:30-11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11
Where: Ca D’Zan House Concerts, 411 S Road, Cambridge
Cost: Free
Geneseo City-Wide Garage Sale
What: Geneseo is holding its Fall City-Wide Garage Sales throughout town this weekend. Shop for deals.
When: 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 – 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Geneseo
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Kewanee Star-Courier.
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Our Big Fat Greek Festival is among 8 events happening this weekend in the Kewanee area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Star Courier
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