NOVEMBER
Kankakee Community College will host a Veterans Recognition Event on Tuesday, November 10th. Students and the community are invited for a reception and refreshments in the Cavalier Room from 11:30am to 1pm. Guests will then gather into the KCC Auditorium from 1 to 2pm for remarks and recognition of veterans.
The annual Veterans Day Military Warriors Run will be taking place in Manteno on the morning of Wednesday, November 11th. Veterans and military personnel will depart from Heritage Park at 8am sharp dressed in battle gear and carrying flags. They will run to all three schools and through downtown Manteno to instill some pride in our country to area youth. This group will be accompanied by several military organizations and vehicles, along with the Manteno Police Department. Veterans who wish to participate can contact Daniel Gerber at the Manteno American Legion or just show up at Heritage Park by 8am.
The Manteno American Legion will host a Veterans Day observance on Wednesday, November 11th and the public is invited to attend. Their Color Guard will step off from Post 755 at 10:45am and march to Legion Park (near the grain elevators) for a ceremony set to begin at 11am.
You’re invited to attend the Kankakee County Vets Council’s Veterans Day Community Celebration on Wednesday, November 11th at the Kankakee County Museum, 801 South 8th Avenue in Kankakee. This ceremony begins at 10am and it will include guest speakers and light refreshments. All are encouraged to come by and honor their service.
The Bradley American Legion is collecting Candy for the Troops. If you have leftover Halloween candy that might otherwise go to waste, they would love for you to drop it off at their 766 Lounge at 835 West Broadway in Bradley by Saturday, November 14th. Through the “Adopt a Soldier” program, your donations will bring a little sweetness to the brave men and women serving our country.
The Manteno Church of the Nazarene will host a Fall Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 14th from 9am to 3pm in the church at 698 Locust Street (Route 50) in Manteno. There will be crafts, gifts and treats. This event is being held to raise funds for their youth group.
The Bourbonnais Township Park District will host its 13th annual Turkey Trot along the Perry Farm Park trails on Saturday, November 14th. This family-friendly Thanksgiving Tradition offers a 10K run, a 5K run or a 2-mile walk. Predict your finish time, and if you’re the closest, you’ll take home a turkey. Early Bird Registration is open now until Sunday, October 25th to guarantee your race shirt. Race Day Registration will open at 7:30am.
The Cissna Park FFA Scholarship Auction will be held on Saturday, November 14th at the Cissna Park High School. A pork loin sandwich meal will be available from 4 to 7pm and the auction begins at 6pm. Items include agriculture products, gravel, baked goods, seed, tools, toys, oil changes, collectibles, gift certificates and more. Proceeds will benefit Cissna Park FFA members. Items can be seen on facebook and bids can be placed at “Cissna Park FFA (dot) com”.
Local nonprofit organization “Fight Club Survivor” will host a fall Mystery Bingo fundraiser in the Beecher Amvets Hall on Saturday, November 14th. Doors to the venue at 532 Gould Street will open at 4:30 and the bingo begins at 6pm. There will be raffles and vendors, special games, food and drinks available, even a split-the-pot drawing. Tickets are $20 each and will be available at the door. The fun wraps up around 10pm. This event celebrates breast cancer survivors and our military veterans.
The Bradley Lions Club will host another all-you-can-eat breakfast with pancakes, sausage, and biscuits & gravy on Saturday, November 21st from 7:30 to 11am at the Bradley Community Center on West Broadway Street. It’s $8 per person, but kids 5 and under eat for free. Call (815) 932-9180 for local delivery of 5 orders or more. There’s no delivery fee. Proceeds from this breakfast will help fund BBCHS Special Olympics.
Faith Baptist Church will host their “Trinkets and Treasures” Craft and Bake Sale on Friday, November 20th from 9am to 2pm and from 9am to noon on Saturday, November 21st. Entry is free to stop in and shop unique handmade crafts and delightful treats in the church gymnasium at 1280 Armour Road in Bourbonnais.
The Newton County 4-H Council and Building Committee will host a Christmas Craft Show inside the 4-H building at the Newton County Fairgrounds in Kentland, Indiana on Saturday, November 21st from 9am to 2pm. Find the perfect holiday gifts, decor and more. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
The 41st annual Dugan Family “Fill the Bus Toy Drive” will take place Saturday, November 21st in the parking lot in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods on Route 50 in Bradley from 10am to 1pm. This event is driven each year by community leaders who encourage the public to drop off new, unwrapped toys to help make it a joyous Christmas morning for all children in our area. Just look for the big River Valley Metro bus! All toys collected will be distributed by local community organizations. This toy drive is sponsored in part by our local Milner Media radio stations.
The Knights of Columbus on South Indiana Avenue in Kankakee will host an evening of entertainment on Saturday, November 21st with “Dueling Pianos” from 6 to 9pm. Doors open at 5:30 and tickets are $35 each. There will be a cash bar and you must be at least 21 to attend. Proceeds will go toward remodeling the Casey Club. Tickets are now available at the Knights of Columbus, or by calling (815) 932-2031.
The Bradley American Legion will host a “Friendsgiving” event Sunday, November 22nd in their 766 Lounge beginning at 1pm. You do not have to be a member or a veteran to attend. Everyone is invited to this family-friendly afternoon of food, laughter, friendship and giving thanks. The Legion will provide the main dish. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish to share. The Legion is at 835 West Broadway in Bradley.
DECEMBER
The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 551 invites you and your children to stop in and have Pancakes with Santa at 7am on Saturday, December 5th inside the Onarga American Legion at 608 West Lincoln Avenue. They will be accepting donations for the breakfast.
The Bradley American Legion Auxiliary Post 766 will host “Cookies and Crafts with Santa Sully” on Sunday, December 6th. You can decorate and eat free cookies, make Christmas crafts, and take free photos with Santa Claus from 2:30 to 4:30pm. This holiday event will be fun for the whole family at 835 West Broadway Street in Bradley.