The weekend brings Scarecrow Row, Boo at the Zoo and a 150th anniversary celebration at the Kewanee library, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Kewanee area.
Kris Lager Band
What: For more than two decades, Nebraska’s Kris Lager has crisscrossed the nation as a true musical journeyman. Rejecting the traditional music industry ladder, Kris has built his following through heartfelt songwriting, relentless touring, and refusing to chase awards or even mainstream validation. He has fused together his passion for blues, soul, funk, zydeco, country and almost every other ‘American Roots Music’ into a contemporary and refreshing musical gumbo full of soul and spiritually uplifting rhythms and melodies. The 6 p.m. potluck is optional, but it provides the opportunity to connect others in the audience and maybe even share a meal with the artist. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. This is an all-ages, family-friendly show.
When: 7-11 p.m. Oct. 24
Where: Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Cost: $25-$35 suggested donation
Dinner and Art Auction Fundraiser
What: Come for a dinner and silent art auction to support the HELP (Helping Every Life Prosper) Center.
When: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24
Where: First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee
Cost: $30
Trick or Treat
What: Bring your children in their costumes to trick or treat in the lobby.
When: 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 24
Where: Peoples National Bank, 207 N. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
Haunt the Halls
What: The Geneseo FFA is hosting its first haunted event for all ages. Highlights include witches brew and trick-or-treat stations, photo booth and spooky photoshoots, glow-in-the-dark games, pumpkin decorating and carnival-style games, a zombie zone, radiator springs-themed challenge and a “What’s in the Box?” mystery challenge. Bring your family and friends and wear your best costumes for a safe, fun and festive night indoors.
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 24
Where: Geneseo High School, 700 N. State St., Geneseo
Walking Spider Craft for Littles
What: Stop by the Youth Services area to create a friendly walking spider.
When: 2-6 p.m. Oct. 24 or 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Fall Open House
What: Take a guided tour through the Francis Home with The Friends of Woodland Palace. “Fred Francis – a Prairie Genius” by Larry Kuster will be available for purchase.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Francis Park, 29862 N. 900th Ave., Kewanee
Cost: Donations appreciated
Halloween Party
What: The club’s fifth annual Halloween Party will feature music by Jinx. There are cash prizes for the best costume. Get a free drink with entry into the couples or singles costume contest. There will also be a 50/50 raffle for the Windmill Restoration Project, along with drink discounts, free snacks and more. The band starts at 7:30 p.m.
When: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Flemish American Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee
Trunk or Treat at Good’s
What: Put on your costumes, bring your candy buckets and enjoy an afternoon at Good’s. Kids can trick-or-treat safely while enjoying creative and festive displays. Prizes will be awarded to the top three decorated trunks.
When: 3-5 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Good’s Furniture, 200 N. Main St., Kewanee
Halloween Havoc 2025
What: This event features a costume party, food and an Olympic weightlifting competition. There will be prizes for best costume, women’s pound for pound and men’s pound for pound. Come to party, lift or both.
When: 6 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Black Eagle Fitness, 112 S Chestnut St, Kewanee
Cost: Free
Hawaiian Trivia Night
What: Play to support the KHS senior All-American cheerleaders and dancers as they raise money for their trip to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Parade. Bring snacks and test your knowledge. No outside beverages are allowed. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.
When: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Kewanee Elks Club, 113 N. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: $10; 10-person maximum per team
Pumpkin Carving or Painting
What: Come carve or paint pumpkins donated by Natures Creation between the Trunk or Treats sponsored by the Galva Kiwanis and the First Baptist Church.
When: Noon – 2 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Wiley Park, 301 N.W. Fourth Ave., Galva
Trick or Treat
What: Enjoy a fun and safe indoor Trick-or-Treat through the halls of the facility. Residents and staff are excited to hand out candy, see your costumes and celebrate the Halloween season with you and your family.
When: 3-5 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Villas at Galva, 1000 Courtyard Estate, Galva
Galva Kiwanis Trunk or Treat
What: The Trunk or Treat event outside Galva City Hall features a costume contest. Winners will be selected and announced at 3 p.m.
When: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Galva City Hall, 311 N.W. Fourth Ave., Galva
Scarecrow Row
What: Scarecrow Row is Geneseo’s favorite Halloween tradition. Children are invited to trick or treat at the Geneseo City Park among the Scarecrows from 10 a.m. until noon. Geneseo businesses and organizations will be at the park handing out candy to trick or treaters, while a Halloween photo booth will be set up on the bandshell stage. The scarecrows will be set up at the park until 4 p.m. Geneseo’s first ever HOWL-O-WEEN Doggie Costume Pageant will be at 11 a.m. at the bandshell. Donations will also be accepted for the Humane Society. The suggested donation is $10 per dog. Dress up your doggies and join the Halloween fun.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Geneseo City Park, Geneseo
Brew & View: Hocus Pocus
What: This event for guests aged 21 or older includes cups of GBC beer or seltzer and an afternoon watching the movie, “Hocus Pocus.” Grab your broomsticks, gather your coven and sip while you watch the Sanderson Sisters stir up trouble. Concessions are available at regular prices.When: 3 p.m. Oct. 25 (doors open at 2:30 p.m.)
Where: Geneseo Park District’s Central Theater, 111 N. State St., Geneseo
Cost: $5 admission; $5 drinks
Spooktacular Roller Skating
What: There will be prizes for the best costumes. Bring your own skates or rent some from The Center.
When: 5:30-6:45 p.m. for third graders or younger or 7-9 p.m. for all ages Oct. 25
Where: Geneseo Community Center, 541 E. North St., Geneseo
Cost: free admission; $5 skate rental
Night Sky Viewing
What: Come after sunset for a tour of the Fall night sky. Observe the planets Saturn, Neptune, and later Uranus once it gets high enough above the horizon. Other objects include double stars Albireo and Eta Cassiopeiae, the Double Cluster in Cassiopeia and NGC457 (ET Cluster). M15 (Pegasus Cluster) and NGC40 (the Bow Tie Nebula) will be among the many objects we will look for weather permitting. The PACMO (mobile observatory) and other telescopes will be available with knowledgeable club members to guide you. Bring a telescope if you have one. Restroom facilities will not be available. This family-friendly event was re-scheduled because of the weather.
When: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Niabi Zoo, 12524 Niabi Road, Coal Valley
Cost: Free
Boo at the Zoo
What: Niabi Zoo’s annual celebration of Merry not Scary Halloween Festivities provides free treats to guests. Wear your costumes, bring a smile and enjoy the many activities. Guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Members should have membership cards and IDs. Costumes are welcome, but not required. Adults may wear costumes, but we ask that they be family-friendly (not scary). Since this event caters to small children, adults may not wear costume masks that cover the entire face.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Niabi Zoo, 12524 Niabi Road, Coal Valley
Cost: Tickets are only sold on site. Free admission for members and Funbundle members. The QC Family Pass and Zooseum Pass are invalid for this event.
History of 150 Years Open House
What: Enjoy refreshments along with the music from the Kewanee Community Chorus, the Kewanee High School Choir and the Wethersfield High School Choir. Celebrate 150 years of the library through the decades.
When: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 26
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Bruce Moon
What: Bruce Moon is a singer-songwriter, painter, poet and performance artist with more than 32 LPs available on Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora. At one point, he was an ordained Methodist. He later worked as an art therapist at a psychiatric hospital for 22 years, and as a university professor for another 20 years. Bruce writes music for and about people he has known in these settings. He believes that a good song ought to comfort people who have been afflicted in the world and afflict those who are too comfortable. The 6 p.m. potluck is optional, but it provides the opportunity to connect others in the audience and maybe even share a meal with the artist. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. This is an all-ages, family-friendly show.
When: 6 p.m. Oct. 26
Where: Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Cost: $20-$30 suggested donation
Coming next week
Evalyn Walsh McLean & the curse of the Hope Diamond
What: Learn about Evalyn Walsh McLean and the curse of the Hope Diamond in this one-hour lecture and question and answer session. Evalyn Walsh McLean, an American mining heiress and socialite, was the famed owner of the 45-carat Hope Diamond — the world’s largest blue diamond when she bought it in 1911 from Pierre Cartier in Paris. Rumored to carry a curse that brought misfortune to its owners, the diamond accompanied Evalyn everywhere, from White House gatherings to charity events. According to the Smithsonian Institution, where the gem is displayed at the National Museum of Natural History, there is no truth to the legends related to the curse. Yet, Evalyn Walsh McLean’s life was never the same after acquiring it. Heartbreak and tragedy befell her, affecting every aspect of her life.
Enjoy the lecture at the library or register online to watch at home.
When: Noon – 1 p.m. Oct. 27
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Cost: Free
Trunk or Treat Adventures
What: Dress up, grab some treats and join the Halloween magic with residents and staff from Avenues of Royal Oaks, Villas at Kewanee and Arcadia at Kewanee.
When: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: 605 E. Church St., 144 S. Junior Ave. and 860 Sunset Drive, Kewanee
Cinema at the Carnegie Spooktacular
What: Come for a special October movie night featuring the Halloween classic move, “Hocus Pocus.” Follow the Sanderson sisters on their wickedly funny adventure while you enjoy some spooky snacks. Bring your friends, family and a little Halloween spirit. The movie, from 1993, is rated PG and runs one hour and 36 minutes.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Kewanee Star Courier.
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Scarecrow Row, Boo at the Zoo among 20 things to do this weekend in the Kewanee area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Star Courier
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