Wheel Throwing & Beyond
2024-10-03 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St., Macomb
Instructor: Natalie Shelly

Curious about throwing on the wheel and looking for a fun introduction to clay? This six week course will focus on the basic skills needed to make cups, bowls, and more! Our focus during this program will center around the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming pots on a pottery wheel, while also exploring basic surface decoration and glazing techniques. Satisfy your curiosity and join for this enjoyable course geared towards students of all skill levels! No previous wheel throwing skills are needed.

Join us and learn to create in a fun and supportive environment! Course fee includes clay, glazes, use of tools and brushes, bisque and glaze kiln firings, and weekly open studio hours.

Course Fee: $95.00 for Macomb Park District Residents, $127.00 for Non-Residents

Deadline to register: October 2nd

3 ways to Register :

Follow the Link: tinyurl.com/mpdregister
Call 309-833-4562
or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person!

First Fridays
2024-10-04 09:00 - 14:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
During these open house hours we welcome you to explore our Center! Explore nature-based learning stations, invitations for imaginative play, favorite seasonal books, and creative enrichment activities.

Pre-registration is required for this FREE program and we ask that you register your child/children only.

Deadline to register: The day prior to the program

There are 3 ways to register:

Follow the link: www.tinyurl/mpdregister/
Call 309-833-4562
or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person!

Unforgettable Lincoln Days
2024-10-04 15:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-05 12:00 - 21:00 | Courthouse square, IL, 61455, United States
Join us for Macomb’s Unforgettable Lincoln Days! If visiting a quaint, historic town in Central Illinois sounds like fun to you, take an adventure to Macomb in Unforgettable Forgottonia for this FREE event on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 in Macomb’s historic downtown Courthouse Square and Chandler Park. Watch Macomb come alive with history and entertainment. Meet Abraham Lincoln himself, enjoy live music, horse-drawn trolley rides, an original play, about Lincoln’s historic stays in Macomb and so much more!This event is perfectly timed to coincide with the Spoon River Drive’s first weekend, so we’re inviting you to experience Macomb’s charm and hospitality. From cozy lodging to delicious dining and fascinating attractions, Unforgettable Forgottonia’s Macomb has it all! Here’s what you can expect at Unforgettable Lincoln Days: Get your selfies with the nation’s leading Abraham Lincoln interpreter! Enjoy live music by singer/songwriter Chris Vallillo. Explore the premier of the all new Illinois Freedom Project display by Looking For Lincoln and celebrate Macomb & McDonough County’s significant role in the underground rail road. Take Macomb’s historic Looking For Lincoln Historic Tour. Marvel at the world’s only Living Lincoln Topiary Monument. Hop on a horse-drawn trolley ride. Witness Civil War reenactments. Watch a working Blacksmith in action. Experience the Lincoln living mural. Be captivated by the original play “When Macomb Hosted Lincoln: Devising the Freeport Question” by Dr. Tim Roberts.And don’t forget to check our newest attraction Macombopoly https://www.visitforgottonia.com/macombopoly-the-worlds-largest-monopoly-game/The dedicated Looking For Lincoln committee members have put their hearts into making this day unforgettable. This program is made possible with the support of Looking For Lincoln, Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia, and Enjoy Illinois. For all the details, go to visitforgottonia.com.

Macomb Farmer’s Market
2024-10-05 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-10 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-12 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-17 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-19 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-26 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-31 08:00 - 12:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
The Macomb Farmers Market provides a place for vendors to sell their products. A variety of products are available from week to week.

Every Thursday & Saturday from 8am-Noon in Chandler Park

Touch A Truck
2024-10-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Veteran’s Park, E University Drive, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
This FREE event on October 5th will be a fun day for families to explore and learn about various vehicles in their community! You will get to sit in, touch, and ask questions while exploring first responder vehicles, busses, community vehicles, and more!

To ensure all community members can enjoy, all light and siren demonstrations will stop from 1:00-2:00 pm to accomodate those with sensory sensitivity.

If you are a community member and are interested in showcasing your vehicle, please fill out the form and return it to our office or email it to events@macombparks.com by September 17th.

Day in Clay: Speckled Clay Perfect Pumpkin
2024-10-05 12:00 - 14:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St., Macomb
Maximum of 14 participants per 1-hour workshop
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Join us in the studio this month as we celebrate the season with our classic ceramic pumpkin making workshop! Learn how to transform a sphere of speckled clay into a unique pumpkin you’ll adore year after year! Please make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Workshop fee includes clay, glaze, use of tools and brushes, bisque and glaze kiln firing. Join us for the day as we get our hands in clay!

*Day in Clay Workshops are open to all ages, all skill levels, and we request that young children be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled.

Fee: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents

Registration is required
Deadline to register: October 3rd

3 ways to Register :

Follow the Link: tinyurl.com/mpdregister
Call 309-833-4562
or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person

WIU Homecoming and Reunion 2024
2024-10-11 - 2024-10-12 | Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle , Macomb, IL, United States
Friday, October 11, 2024
* Spencer Student Recreation Center – open 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Homecoming Special: $4 day pass)* Reunion check-in starts; it continues throughout the weekend. Registration will take place at the Alumni House.* 2 p.m. – Campus Tour starting at Admissions Office in Sherman Hall* All-Greek Reunion, featuring the `80’s* 5-9 p.m. All-Alumni Social, Alumni House (Complimentary food, beer, wine and soda; cash bar available)
Saturday, October 12, 2024* All-Greek Reunion, featuring the `80’s* Spencer Student Recreation Center – open 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. * 7-7:45 a.m. Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround Registration, Alumni House* 8 a.m. Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround: 5K Run/1.5 mile walk* 8:30 a.m. Reunion Recognition Brunch & Social, Alumni House* 9:30 a.m. All-Alumni Breakfast, Alumni House (Complimentary coffee and donuts)* 10:30 a.m. Homecoming Parade – Watch from the Alumni House & Gwendolyn Brooks Memorial Park next door* Noon-3 p.m. Alumni Cookout at “The Right Place” tent – in Q LOT (Menu: Hot dogs and hamburgers, veggie burgers, potato chips, bottled water, canned soda and coffee.)* 3 p.m. Leathernecks Football Game vs. UT Martin – Hanson Field

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts
2024-10-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
The seasonal rhythm of the natural world is full of wonder and can be a constant companion that offers new surprises every day! Join us at Lakeview Nature Area and Center this month for a nature-themed story, a creative activity, and noticing nature moments for young explorers and curious naturalists! We hope to see you in the prairie!
Fee: Free

Maximum of 18 participants

*Pre-registration is required. Please register (your child/children only) by October 10th to participate.
To register call: 309-833-4562, stop by the park office to register in person, or CLICK HERE!

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts will be held outdoors when possible and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Old Stompin' Ground Runaround 5K run/1.5 mile walk
2024-10-12 07:00 - 17:00 | WIU Alumni House
7-7:45 a.m. Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround In-Person Registration, Alumni House
8 a.m. In-Person Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround: 5K Run/1.5 mile walk
Take a Run with Us Down Memory Lane!
Our in-person race will once again include chip timing technology with live results streamed online and displayed near the finish line. All participants will receive a commemorative Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround moisture wicking/dry fit t-shirt. Shower facilities are available at the WIU Spencer Student Recreation Center with a valid ID. Come home and run/walk with us down memory lane!
Awards will be given to overall male and female winners, and in male and female age divisions.
Age divisions: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.
Race begins at 8 a.m. at the Alumni House.
Registration is $20/person and includes a dry fit t-shirt. When ordering your t-shirt, we would recommend sizing down one size. If you register the day of the race, the entry fee is $20/person and shirts will be available as supplies last.
Runners/walkers can pick up race packets before the race from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Alumni House on Friday, October 11 or on the day of the race.

Nature Makers: Felted Wool Pumpkin
2024-10-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
In this workshop, we’ll walk through a series of simple steps as we learn how to needle felt autumn colors into a soft pumpkin that we can enjoy this season and next! We can’t wait to see your new creation!

*Nature Makers Workshops are open to ages 16 and up as well as all skill levels. All materials are included in the workshop fee.

Maximum of 10 participants
$12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents

Pre-registration is required. Please register by October 10th to participate in this workshop.
To register call: 309-833-4562, stop by the park office to register in person, or CLICK HERE!

Muyiwa Adeyanjo "Roots and Routes" Reception
2024-10-17 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Muyiwa Adeyanjo “Roots and Routes”
On View: September 10 – October 17, 2024
Reception: Thursday, October 17, 4:30-6:00
University Art Gallery
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

Nigerian artist Muyiwa Adeyanju will have his solo exhibition, “Roots and Routes”, on display September 10 through October 17 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.
A closing reception for the artist will be held Thursday, October 17, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about his work at 5:00 pm.
Muyiwa Adeyanju, born in 1997 in Kwara State, Nigeria, holds an MFA in Drawing and Painting from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His lifelong fascination with figures has honed his skill in accurately replicating them. Despite initially earning a National Diploma in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Geophysics, he worked diligently to establish himself as an artist. In fall 2021, he was admitted to the SIUC Art Department.
During his three years in graduate school, Muyiwa received numerous awards and recognition. He won the prestigious Windgate Research Scholarship Award, was featured in New American Paintings and Friend of the Artist publications and was honored as the Best Graduate Student in the School of Media Arts and Communications.
Muyiwa employs oil, acrylic paints, and Dutch wax textiles (African fabric) to create collage figurative compositions. His work explores themes of identity, neocolonialism, family memories, and contemporary social issues. Having left his full-time academic position at a private Nigerian university, Muyiwa is now focusing on artworks that narrate his and others’ experiences of migrating from their homeland to other countries.
Admission is free and open to the public.

World War II Live History Exhibit
2024-10-18 10:00 - 17:00 | 1800 E. University Drive, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Mark your calendars for this FREE event, open to the public and school groups alike! Interact with authentic World War II re-enactors who create a living history exhibit meant to inspire and educate through live demonstrations!

Explore meticulously recreated encampments representing American, British, Finnish, German, and Russian troops—each crafted with historical precision to make the era vividly real. Don’t miss the weapons demonstrations scheduled for 11:00 am and 4:00 pm! This is a unique opportunity to experience history like never before—be there to witness it all firsthand!

School groups interested in attending on Friday, October 18, please contact Kara at Events@macombparks.com

Cooking Course: Spanish Cuisine
2024-10-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Spoon River Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St. , Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
This class will cover why certain ingredients are common within Spanish food and the difference between Spanish food from Mexico and Spain. Our instructor will also provide a demonstration on how to make a simple but truly well done taco. Instructor: Zac Green

Illinois Bats: Facts and Myths
2024-10-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Illinois Bats: Facts and Myths
Friday, October 18, 2024 – 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Join us at Argyle Lake State Park as we learn about our only true flying mammal….BATS!!! Local educator and outdoor enthusiast, Mary McMahon will dispel many myths about bats during this informative and entertaining presentation about these mysterious mammals. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to nearby bats feeding on flying insects using an echolocation detection device. Many informative handouts will be available. Meet at the park’s visitor center shelter for this program. For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov.

Angel Dash
2024-10-19 10:00 - 17:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Memorial Walk/Run for babies gone too soon. With Memorial to follow
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/89911/angel-dash-macomb-il

Moonlight Meander
2024-10-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Together we’ll celebrate the arrival of Autumn! We’ll fill the evening with engaging learning stations, an illuminated trail, a prairie pumpkin hunt, lantern walks, outdoor games, a warm campfire, and tons of FREE family fun!

Stargazing at the Park
2024-10-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
*Stargazing at the Park*
Friday, October 25, 2024 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for this fall evening of stargazing with retired WIU astronomy instructor Tom Van Heuklon and hobby astronomist Larry Knicl. We will have the opportunity to observe planets and the Moon and possibly Saturn, Uranus and Neptune and remnants of the Orionids meteor shower; and many deep sky objects including star clusters, nebulae, other galaxies; and the varying seasonal constellations. This program will be held at the parking lot near the park’s Sunset shelter (1st left turn upon entering the park). For your comfort, bring a chair or blanket, insect repellent, and a flashlight. To make viewing safer, observing will be done using a telescope connected to a video screen, rather than a telescope eyepiece. In the event of inclement weather or poor visibility, this program may be canceled, so please check the Friends of Argyle Lake State Park Facebook page for updates before driving out. For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov.

Atkinson McCord Cemetery Tour
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Atkinson McCord Cemetery Tour
Saturday, October 26, 2024 – 10 a.m. – Noon
Join staff at Argyle Lake State Park for a historical walking tour of the Atkinson/McCord cemetery located on the park’s property. Participants should be able to walk ½ mile on moderate terrain to access the cemetery. Meet at the park visitor center to follow park staff or at the trap range area if you know its location. For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov.

Trick Or Treat at Hy-Vee
2024-10-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Macomb Hy-Vee
Trick or Treat with Hy-Vee! 🍬🍫🕷 Join us from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, for fun Halloween activities for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged!

Clay Lab for Kids and Teens
2024-10-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St., Macomb
Instructor: Natalie Shelly

Our monthly lab is the perfect opportunity for young artists who want to explore the world of ceramics! This program offers makers the chance to create monthly projects or to simply follow their own creative inspiration through clay. Across the sessions, we’ll explore a range of hand building techniques, exciting surface design processes, wheel throwing opportunities, and hands-on glazing to create amazing projects. Our focus throughout the autumn labs will emphasize personal creativity, collaborating with nature, working in a series, and an introduction to alternative surface techniques. Come join us and make lasting memories and enjoy hands-on experiences in clay! Session fee includes clay, glazes, use of tools and brushes, bisque and glaze kiln firings.

Session Fee: $28 for Macomb Park District Residents, $37.00 for Non-Residents

Registration is required
Deadline to register: October 25th

3 ways to Register :

Follow the Link: tinyurl.com/mpdregister
Call 309-833-4562
or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person!

2nd Annual Trick or Treat at Argyle Lake State Park
2024-10-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
This is the 2nd annual trick or treat at Argyle state park in Colchester Illinois at the Twisted Oak Campground. We had a great turn out last year and would love to see the campground PACKED this year. You can reserve a spot online or grab a fcfs site. We ask that you bring some sort of sign or decoration so kids know where to go. It will be 5-7pm. This is open to the public not just campground kids so bring the kids out even if you’re not camping! Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!

Duke Oursler solo exhibition: Rural Route 1
2024-10-29 16:00 - 17:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Western Illinois University Art Professor Duke Oursler will have his solo exhibition, “Rural Route 1”, on display October 1 through November 8 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.
A reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, October 29, 4:30 – 6:00 pm The artist will speak about his work at 5:00 pm.
Duke Oursler is a sculptor originally from rural southwest Kansas. Born the son of an oil pumper, his upbringing in a conservative Catholic culture allowed him to visit many large Catholic churches. As a young man, he was enthralled with much of the art that he would see in the cathedrals. He was specifically struck by the high relief stations of the cross exhibited at Saint Dominic’s Church in Garden City, Kansas. As Duke pursued his art career, he ran away from the archaic and strict rules of his raising exploring abstract and nonrepresentational sculptural works only to find that these works would often act as metaphors for stories told to him by his father and relatives. Focusing on writing and creating narratives, Duke has begun to illustrate stories that reference his rural blue-collar heritage. His recent body of work focuses on the virtues and vices of rural America.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking will be allowed near that gallery starting at 4:00 pm.
Image: Pushing Mud, 2024, wood and found objects, 45 x 31 in.
For more information about the Gallery, visit wiu.edu/artgallery.
