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PSA’s and Community Events

By Nancy Caddigan Feb 28, 2025 | 9:38 AM

APRIL

The Kankakee County Museum is asking for your help. Their roof has begun leaking and it has to be replaced. The history of Kankakee’s earliest settlers is housed under this leaky roof, along with the history of over 100 years of businesses and genealogical records, irreplaceable history, for families, schools and churches. Only through your support does the Kankakee County Museum continue to exist and they’re in need of donations to help protect these irreplaceable exhibits, archives and artifacts. In order to replace the roof, they need to raise a total of $150,000 and there is no donation too small. Your donations can be dropped off in person at the museum Thursday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, or mailed to: 801 South 8th Avenue, Kankakee Illinois 60901. A PayPal link can also be found on their website at kankakeecountymuseum.com

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In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Clove Alliance encourages you to check out the “Brave, Bold and Believed” art show in the Kankakee County Museum at 801 South 8th Avenue, Kankakee. On display through May 10th, this exhibit features inspiring pieces by local artists that highlight survivors’ resilience and hope.

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Your local Menards home improvement store is currently serving as a drop site for a local Humane Association. Their Pet & Wildlife Department at Menards offers a wide variety of pet supplies including food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers, mats and more that can be purchased in store for immediate donation. You’ll find a large collection box near the exit doors. Our local Menards is located at 1260 Christine Drive in Bradley. Their Pet Supplies Drive is running now through the end of May.

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Members of the nonprofit community organization “Kankakee Forgives” are looking for walkers to participate in their upcoming Walk Against Violence on Tuesday, April 29th. Taking place during National Youth Violence Prevention Week, the event will be from 5:30 to 8pm and is focused on uniting our community to promote peace, healing and hope. Walkers will depart from King Middle School on East Court Street in Kankakee. There will be speakers, food, music and T-Shirts. Visit kankakeeforgives.org for further information.

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A Talent Showcase and Performance Event for all ages will be taking place on Wednesday, April 30th from 6pm until 7:30 at the Bradley Public Library. This is for poets, songwriters, dramatists, musicians, book-readers, performers and more to come and show off their talents to an audience. Also, If you are a scout or part of an organization that may be seeking new talent and performers, this event could be one worth attending. The library is at 296 North Fulton Avenue in Bradley.

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The United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties invites community members, early childhood professionals and nonprofit leaders to attend a free “Success By 6” luncheon on Tuesday, April 30th from noon until 1:30pm at Trinity Church in Watseka. This will be in partnership with the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley. Pre-registration is requested through myunitedway.org/april2025

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The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival will issue four different scholarships this year to qualified individuals within our community. The Friendship Scholarship, Mianna Malone Scholarship and the Patte Thompson Scholarship are intended for people enrolling or who have already enrolled in college or vocational training. The Lee Braford Scholarship is intended for High School Seniors with a demonstrated dedication to community service. All applications are due Wednesday,  April 30th. Learn about these scholarships and find out how to apply under the “contests” dropdown menu at bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

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The Jazz Band and other music students from Watseka Community High School will host an evening of entertainment along with dinner and a silent auction on Saturday, May 3rd with their annual “And All That Jazz” event at Trinity Church on East Walnut Street in Watseka. Starting at 6pm, funds raised will go directly to the music students in the form of instruction, equipment, and travel needs. They are currently seeking donated items to include in the silent auction, such as gift cards, gift certificates, merchandise and more. If you would like to donate items, please contact band director Erik Parmenter at erik.parmenter@watsekaschools.org or call (815) 432-2486 by April 30th.

 

MAY

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church will host their 2025 Rummage and Plant Sale to benefit the cemetery funds from 8am to 5pm on both Thursday, May 1st and Friday, May 2nd with a $6 bag sale on Friday. It will also be going on from 8am until noon on Saturday, May 3rd with a $3 bag sale. Refreshments will be available for purchase. This is taking place in Saint Mary’s Parish Hall at 308 Saint Charles Street in Beaverville.

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The Village of Manteno’s Spring Showcase: A Garden and Arts Festival will be taking place on Saturday, May 3rd from 11am until 5pm at the Square on 2nd Street. This family-friendly event is perfect for garden lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful Spring day. There will be garden and art displays, local artists and makers, food and drinks, along with entertainment. Attendees are welcome to bring their own coolers and lawn chairs to enjoy live music from “Steel Express” at 11am, “The Liz Berg Duo” at 1:15pm, and “Queensville” at 3pm. This event is sponsored in part by Milner Media and Denny Case from WVLI and WIVR will be there to help with stage announcements. Visit villageofmanteno.com for additional information.

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Fight Club Survivor, a nonprofit organization for breast cancer warriors, will host their annual Basket Bingo Fundraiser on Saturday, May 3rd at 209 West Dixie Highway in Grant Park. Doors open at 5 o’clock and the bingo starts at 6pm. This family-friendly event will include raffles and prizes, vendors, food and bingo until 10pm. Entry fee is $20 and will be collected at the door. Visit fightclubsurvivor.org for more info.

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Prairie Lodge #125 is having their all-you-can-eat pancake and whole hog sausage breakfast on Saturday, May 3rd from 6am until noon at the Rensselaer Mason Lodge. Tickets are $8 and will be available at the door. The town wide garage sales will also be going on that day. The Mason Lodge is at 724 West Washington Street in Rensselaer, Indiana.

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Red Carpet Corridor’s Collectibles Show with cards, comics, coins, Pokemon and more will be held on Sunday, May 4th from 9am to 3pm in the VFW at 557 West Baltimore Street in Wilmington.

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The Bradley American Legion will host Auxiliary Bingo beginning at 1pm on Sunday, May 4th. $10 per person gets you 2 cards. Additional bingo cards will be available for $3 each. There will be ten games played for random prizes, and three more games played for cash winnings. The American Legion Post 766 is at 835 West  Broadway Street in Bradley.

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You can show off your ride or just stop by for a delicious meal during the annual Raub United Methodist Church Chicken Dinner & Cruise-In on Sunday, May 4th in the Kentland Community Center at 405 North 4th Street in Kentland, Indiana. The dinner will cost $12, but only $5 for kids 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under. The event is from 11am to 1pm.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and you are asked to help spread awareness by participating in the “Be Seen In Green” challenge on Friday, May 9th. Wear something green that day and post a picture to social media using the hashtag “#BeSeenInGreenChallenge”. This can help initiate a conversation about the importance of mental health.

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The Manteno Girl Scouts will host a dance for Moms and Sons with a “Wild West Roundup” theme on Friday, May 9th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Manteno Elementary School. Admission is $25 per couple and $5 for each additional buckaroo. This is not a school-sponsored event. Come for a fun evening of dancing, food and games. You are asked to RSVP by May 5th by calling or texting (608) 547-6165 or messaging gabesmama7611@gmail.com

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and some local community organizations will be offering tools, tips and resources for supporting overall wellness during their “Mental Health & Wellness Fest” which will take place at the Kankakee Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 10th from 8am until noon. Help end the stigma. There will be live music, local artists and activities for the whole family at the intersection of South Schuyler Avenue and Merchant Street in Downtown Kankakee.

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The Bradley American Legion Post 766 will host another “Friends of the Blues” show on Wednesday, May 14th. Former Buddy Guy guitarist and Chicago native Frank Bang will take the stage at 7pm. The doors to the legion will open one-hour prior to showtime. Admission is $20 and can be paid upon entry at 835 West  Broadway Street in Bradley.
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Dunkin’s “Cop on a Rooftop” event returns on Friday, May 16th as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. From 5am until 2pm that day, stop by to donate, get merch, eat donuts and meet local police officers at most area Dunkin’ locations, including the ones in Bourbonnais on East Bethel Drive, and on the corner of North Convent and Bourbonnais Parkway at the Gas N Wash.

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The Newton County 4-H Council invites you to their “Swing Into Spring” Craft Show and Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 17th from 9am until 2pm. Breakfast and lunch will be served. It all takes place in their 4-H building at the Newton County Fairgrounds in Kentland, Indiana.

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The 15th Annual Benefit Car Show for the Caleb’s Prayer Foundation will be held on Sunday, May 18th at Phillips Auto Group of Bradley. In memory of Caleb Hoggins, this is a fundraiser to help local families impacted by cancer. It’s $20 to enter your vehicle and the first 30 people to pre-register by April 11th will receive a free event T-shirt. Day-of registration is from 9 to 11am and trophies will be awarded at 3pm. For more information, email JMB1257@sbcglobalnet or call (815) 347-4831, or visit the “Annual Benefit Car Show” page on Facebook.

 

JUNE

The Manteno Sons of the American Legion Squadron Post 755 are selling raffle tickets at $20 a piece for a chance to win a 2-night getaway at Blue Chip Casino and Spa. Only 500 tickets will be sold and the drawing will take place on Sunday, June 1st at 5pm. You need not be present to win. Tickets are available now through the American Legion bartenders at 117 North Walnut Street in Manteno.

 

AUGUST

The Northern Mustang Corral will host their 34th Annual Mustang and Ford Car Show at Perry Farm Park in Bourbonnais on Sunday, August 3rd. Enjoy the cars, food, music and door prizes. Registration is $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event. Show time is 8am, judging starts at 11am, and the trophy presentation will begin at 2:30pm. This will be happening rain or shine. For more, visit northernmustangcorral.org, find them on Facebook, or email stang255@comcast.net

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The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet golf outing fundraiser, “A Swing and a Prayer” will take place on Tuesday, August 26th at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont. Rain or shine, this will be a day filled with golf, food and drinks, a raffle, silent auction and lots of fun. Registration opens at 7:30am and the shotgun start will be at 9am. A cocktail hour starts at 2pm, followed by dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Funds raised with this event will help the homeless, hungry, lonely, and poverty-stricken among us. More details are available at catholiccharitiesjoliet.org/swing

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