July 2010
July 1 – 4
Streator’s Fourth America’s Best!
City Park, Streator
815-672-2055
www.streator4thofjuly.com
Lip sync contests, auto lotto, food vendors and a parade with the highlight being the awesome fireworks display on Sunday, July 4 at the Streator High School Athletic Field.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Casual Dinner and Evening Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Board a Starved Rock Lodge Trolley and travel to the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For a leisurely cruise on the picturesque Illinois River. After the cruise the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge where you will enjoy a special dinner served with cheesecake. Please call 800-868-7625 ext.386 for reservations.
July 2 - 3
LaSalle Canal Boat ride with Mrs. Lincoln
Lock 16 Visitor Center
754 First Street, LaSalle
(815) 223-1848
Experience a one hour trip on a replica 19th century canal boat with Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln as you guide. Reservations strongly recommended. www.lasallecanalboat.org.
The Fabric of Our Lives
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St., LaSalle
4:00 pm
(815) 224-5891
www.hegelercarus.org
Presented by Kim Cairns.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Canal Boat & Trolley Tours
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
Join us for the newest history tour that Starved Rock Lodge has to offer. Start off with a delicious Hot Lunch Buffet in the rustic dining room at Starved Rock Lodge. Next, board one of our trolleys for a ride to our State Park’s Visitor Center. Your trolley will also take you on a relaxing ride to the New Canal Boat located in LaSalle. Step back in time with period dressed interpreters on this 1-hour mule-pulled canal boat ride. Finish the tour with a final stop at the Lock 16 Visitor Center.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Mule Tender's Friday Lunch and Boat Ride Special
Lock 16 Visitor Center
754 First Street, LaSalle
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
(815) 223-1848
Enjoy lunch at the Lock 16 Center Café, a Mule Tending 101 class, and a hour long trip on the LaSalle Canal Boat for a special price every Friday. Lunch includes a lunch platter with ice cream for dessert. Reservations strong recommended. www.lasallecanalboat.org.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
9:00 am and 11:00 am
Tour includes a historical trolley ride, hot lunch buffet at Starved Rock Lodge and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the "Belle of the Rock", an authentic paddle wheel boat. For ticket information, call 800-868-7625, ext 386.
July 4, 11, 18, 25
Trolley Tours
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall area of the Lodge. Enjoy a historic trolley ride with stops at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center where you will see a short video of the area. You will also travel to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center where you will see Starved Rock from across the river and watch as the river traffic lock through the locks. You will also travel through the village of Utica and hear about the Illinois and Michigan Canal. While aboard, the driver will narrate the history and legends of the area. For tickets and information please call 815-220-7386.
July 5, 12, 19, 26
Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
11:00 am
Tour includes a historical trolley ride, hot lunch buffet at Starved Rock Lodge and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the “Belle of the Rock”, an authentic paddle wheel boat. For ticket information, call 800-868-7625, ext 386.
July 5, 12, 19, 26
Casual Dinner and Evening Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.
Board a Starved Rock Lodge Trolley and travel to the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For a leisurely cruise on the picturesque Illinois River. After the cruise the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge where you will enjoy a special dinner served with cheesecake. Please call 800-868-7625 ext.386 for reservations.
July 8
Farmers Market
Dale Ave. & Walnut Streets, Oglesby
3:00 pm
Locally-grown produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, and a variety of crafts available from more than 20 vendors. Shop while enjoying performances from local musicians. Sandwiches, etc. also available. For more information, call 815-883-9722 or visit www.oglesby.il.us.
July 9
Festival 56 Preview
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
5:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Come hear the voices of Broadway and get a sneak peek of what Festival 56 is offering in 2010. Start with a delicious Homestyle Dinner Buffet with wine tasting in the Great Hall of Starved Rock Lodge and then relax and enjoy the show. For tickets call 815-667-4211, ext. 386.
July 10, 17, 24
Music In the Park
Washington Square Park
(815) 434-2737
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Enjoy a variety of live music in the evening at the historic Washington Square Park complete with park benches, ample shade and a water fountain.
July 12
Starved Rock Overnight Excursion
Spirit of Peoria
100 NE Water St, Peoria
800-676-8988
spiritofpeoria.com
2 days/1 night. Embark on a journey north from Peoria to Starved Rock State Park, Utica, Illinois. This excursion features two days of cruising along with an overnight at the historic Starved Rock Lodge. Cruise includes meals and non-alcoholic drinks, transportation, entertainment, taxes and gratuities as well as one night lodging at Starved Rock Lodge.
July 14 - 18
4-H Fair
4-H Road, Ottawa
All Day
(815) 433-0707
The fair begins on Wednesday with Pick-up Truck Pulls. Thursday will be the Big Hat Rodeo. Horse, Rabbit and Livestock Shows. web.extension.illinois.edu/lasalle/4hnews
July 15
The Legacy Girls
Fabulous 50’s & 60’s Review
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Take a trip back to the 50’s & 60’s and get ready to rock to the songs that shaped the decades! From the Supremes to the Chordettes, and the Beatles to Elvis Presley, The Legacy Girls will bring their own sassy style to all your favorites. Start with a delicious Homestyle Lunch Buffet in the Great Hall of the Starved Rock Lodge and then relax and enjoy the show. For tickets call 815-667-4211 ext. 386.
July 16 - 17
Mardi Gras Festival
Cajun Connection
897 E US Hwy 6, Utica
815-667-9855
www.ronscajunconnection.com
Music by Creole Stomp Band both days, Cajun fun and food!
July 17
River Games
Heritage Harbor Marina
N 2753 Rd., Ottawa
815-431-8236
Professional ski and wakeboard demos will be the highlight of this action-packed day, Arial exhibition by Skydive Chicago, great food and beverages, entertainment and more.
July 17 & 18
The Illinois Waterway through History
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
950 N 27th Road, Ottawa
(815) 667-4054
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Storyteller, Andy Talley returns to bring us his historic interpretation of the tall tales, music and song of Andre' St Pierre, an 18th century French-Indian fur trader. Photos and drawings of historic paddle boats, steamboats, motorboats and LST's that travel on the waterway. No fee.
July 18 – 24
Music Man
Engle Lane Theatre, Streator
815-672-3584
www.englelane.org
July 22
Farmers Market
Dale Ave. & Walnut Streets, Oglesby
3:00 pm
Locally-grown produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, and a variety of crafts available from more than 20 vendors. Shop while enjoying performances from local musicians. Sandwiches, etc. also available. For more information, call 815-883-9722 or visit www.oglesby.il.us.
July 23 – 25
Arsenic & Old Lace Place
Ottawa Township High School Auditorium
211 E Main St., Ottawa
815-433-0084
Walt Wiley Community Productions will present this play. Starring Walt Wiley himself. Tickets can be ordered through the Ottawa Visitor Center.
July 24 - August 1
Summerfest 10
Skydive Chicago
3215 East 1969th Road, Ottawa
This summerfest is THE summer boogie to be at! Over 800 jumpers in 2009. For more info visit our website www.skydivechicago.com.
July 25
Victorian Tea at the mansion
100 W Lafayette St., Ottawa
4:00 pm
815-433-6100
The Reddick Mansion Association will hold a Victorian Tea inside the historic and ornately decorated Reddick Mansion. www.reddickmansion.com.
July 28
45th Annual Welcomeburger Picnic
Washington Square Park, Lafayette St, Ottawa
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their 45th Annual Welcomeburger in historic Washington Square Park. This is the kick off for the Riverfest! Everyone is welcome! Enjoy food, drink, and music! The fee is $20 per person and that includes a picnic buffet, all you can drink, and admission. For more information or tickets call the Chamber at 815-433-0084 or visit www.ottawaareachamberofcommerce.com.
July 28 – August 1
Ottawa's Riverfest
www.ottawariverfest.com
Ottawa's annual and LaSalle County's largest festival, Riverfest celebrates summer with a bang. Events include carnival rides, art show, flea markets, kids activities. Music concerts, books and sidewalk sales, car show, a parade, and much much more.
July 31 – August 1
Art In The Park
Washington Square Park Columbus & Lafayette Streets, Ottawa
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Ottawa Art League presents this Fine Art Show and Sale in historic Washington Square Park held during Ottawa’s Riverfest Celebration! Art in the Park is a juried show open to all artists and media. Free admission to the public. For more information please visit www.ottawaartleague.org.
Ongoing July
June 25 – August 29
Hot Country Nights
Follies Theatre
122 Mill Street, Utica
(815) 667-7008
www.folliestheatre.com
Every Sunday
Trolley Tours
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall area of the Lodge. Enjoy a historic trolley ride with stops at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center where you will see a short video of the area. You will also travel to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center where you will see Starved Rock from across the river and watch as the river traffic lock through the locks. You will also travel through the village of Utica and hear about the Illinois and Michigan Canal. While aboard, the driver will narrate the history and legends of the area. For tickets and information please call 815-220-7386.
Every Monday and Thursday
Casual Dinner and Evening Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Board a Starved Rock Lodge Trolley and travel to the “Belle of the Rock” an authentic paddle wheel boat. For a leisurely cruise of the picturesque Illinois River. A special dinner will be served at the Lodge upon your return. 800-868-7625, ext 386 for reservations.
Every Monday and Saturday
Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
11:00 am
Tour includes a historical trolley ride, hot lunch buffet at Starved Rock Lodge and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the “Belle of the Rock”, an authentic paddle wheel boat. For ticket information, call 800-868-7625, ext 386.
Every Tuesday
Colgate Country Showdown
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
Talented country music singers will compete for the title of Colgate County Showdown winner and win $1000! The winner will advance to regional finals and have a chance to compete in Nashville, where Country Music Stars are Made!
Every Friday
Canal Boat & Trolley Tours
Starved Rock Lodge
Rte 178 & 71, Utica
Join us for the newest history tour that Starved Rock Lodge has to offer. Start off with a delicious Hot Lunch Buffet in the rustic dining room at Starved Rock Lodge. Next, board one of our trolleys for a ride to our State Park’s Visitor Center. Your trolley will also take you on a relaxing ride to the New Canal Boat located in LaSalle. Step back in time with period dressed interpreters on this 1-hour mule-pulled canal boat ride. Finish the tour with a final stop at the Lock 16 Visitor Center.
Mule Tender's Friday Lunch and Boat Ride Special
Lock 16 Visitor Center
754 First Street, LaSalle
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
(815) 223-1848
Enjoy lunch at the Lock 16 Center Café, a Mule Tending 101 class, and a hour long trip on the LaSalle Canal Boat for a special price every Friday. Lunch includes a lunch platter with ice cream for dessert. Reservations strong recommended. www.lasallecanalboat.org.
Every Saturday
Old Town Farmers Market
Washington Park
Jackson & LaSalle, Ottawa
8 am - 12:30 pm
Purchase freshly grown goods at the Ottawa Old town Farmers Market. With a motto of we BAKE it, we GROW it, we SELL it FRESH, you're sure to find something fantastic.
