Clove Alliance invites you to join the movement against sexual violence by attending their upcoming volunteer training session. This will begin on February 23rd and run through March 5th on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with an additional daytime session on Saturday, February 28th. Once trained, volunteers will be able to help spread awareness about the organization’s services, connect individuals in need with essential resources, and serve on Clove Alliance’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline. Those interested should email the Director of Volunteer Services via “Brittany (at) Clove Alliance (dot) org”.
The Bradley Public Library is hosting “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” on March 14th, 15th and 21st. Hundreds of prom dresses and accessories will be available for FREE to all area high schoolers. Please visit “Bradley Library (dot) org” to register. If you have items to pass on, the library is still accepting donations of gently used formal dresses, shoes, and jewelry. You can drop them off at the library at 296 North Fulton Avenue in Bradley until the 25th.
The Illinois Sheriff’s Association is making over $58,000 in scholarships available statewide for college students planning to attend during the 2026/27 academic year. In addition to the state-level scholarships, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey will be personally awarding two $500 scholarships. Applications can be picked up at the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office or downloaded online at “IL Sheriff (dot) org (slash) Youth (dash) 2”. Applications must be received by March 13th. You can contact the Sheriff’s office for additional information by calling (815) 802-7104.
The local Menards home improvement store on Christine Drive in Bradley is serving as a drop site for a local food pantry NOW-UNTIL MARCH 31ST. From boxes of cereal to cans of soup, a wide variety of non-perishable food items are available in Menards’ grocery department for immediate donation, or you can bring in food from home. There is a large collection box located near the exit doors to put your donations in.
The Bradley American Legion will host a Friday Night Fish Fry every Friday during Lent from 5 to 7pm. This will go on from February 20th through April 3rd down in the 766 Lounge at 835 West Broadway Street. Each meal is $12 and will include 2 pieces of fish with french fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. This will be available for dine-in or carry-out. Orders can be placed by calling (815) 939-9113.
During Lent, the Sons of the Aroma Park American Legion will host Friday night Fish Fries on February 27th, March 13th and March 27th from 5pm until they’re sold out. The meal is $15 and includes two pieces of fried or baked Cod with a baked potato, coleslaw and a dinner roll. Extra pieces of fish will be available for $3 each. Takeout orders will be available. The Legion is at 739 South Sandbar Road in Kankakee.
IRS-certified volunteers are providing free Illinois State and Federal Tax preparation services again at the Salvation Army in Kankakee. This will be done through electronic filing and this help is available to those who make $68,000 or less per year. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program runs NOW through April 15th. For questions or to make an appointment, stop in at 543 East Court Street in Kankakee or call (815) 933-8421, extension 1107.
MARCH
The American Red Cross receives fewer blood donations during the cold winter months, while currently dealing with a severe blood shortage, and they ask that you “give the gift of life” by donating blood at an upcoming local blood drive:
- Wednesday, March 4th from 1 to 6pm at the Kankakee Knights of Columbus
- Thursday, March 5th from 11am to 5pm at Northfield Square Mall
- Monday, March 9th from 10am until 4pm at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee
For more info or to find a blood drive near you please visit “Red Cross Blood (dot) org”.
A fun Bingo Night raising money to care for the dogs and cats at the Kankakee County Humane Foundation will take place on Thursday, March 5th at “Good Vibrations” on West Station Street in Kankakee. There will be a $40 cover to play 8 games, 6 cards per game, with $50 gift cards for bingo games. It starts at 7pm. No registration needed.
The Limestone Township Public Library District will celebrate “Captain Underpants” author Dave Pilkey’s birthday on Saturday, March 7th with giveaways, cupcakes, popcorn, a craft, and a mini-comic illustration class for kids. The fun starts at noon and space is limited, so they ask that you register ahead of time by calling (815) 939-1696 or by sending an email to “H Keene (at) Limestone Library (dot) org”. The Limestone Township Public Library is at 2701 West Tower Road in Kankakee.
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run “Polar Plunge” for Special Olympics Illinois will take place on Saturday, March 7th at the Manteno Sportsman’s Club. Cheer on these brave participants and check out their team costumes as they take a plunge into the ice-cold waters of Lake Manteno for the cause. They’ll begin “freezin’ for a reason” at 2pm.
The Chebanse American Legion Post 408 and its Auxiliary will host a Fish Fry in the Chebanse Community Building on Friday, March 6th from 5 to 7pm. For $12 you’ll get fried fish with potato salad, coleslaw, chips and a drink. It’s just $6 for children 6 to 12, and those 5 and under eat for free. There will also be a hot dog option for the kids. Available for dine-in or carry-out, this will take place at 185 South Chestnut Street.
The Post 755 Auxiliary will host their 3rd annual Saint Patrick’s Day Fundraiser Party Saturday, March 7th from 7 to 11pm at the Manteno American Legion. They’ll have bagpipes, a DJ, appetizers and desserts, raffle baskets and a split-the-pot drawing. Tickets are $25 each and include an open bar until 9pm with beer, wine and seltzers. All money raised will go towards veterans’ charities and programs. Tickets are available now at the bar or through any Manteno Auxiliary member.
You’re invited to the Watseka Elks Lodge on North Third Street to play 10 games of Bingo for a good cause on Sunday, March 8th. A packet of 10 sheets will cost you $20 and the event proceeds are going to benefit the programs and services that Options Center for Independent Living offers for people with disabilities who live in both Iroquois and Kankakee Counties. The doors will open at 1pm and the first game starts at 2pm.
To help local kids gear up for the 2026 Little League Baseball season, the 3rd annual Equipment Swap will be held Sunday, March 8th in the main lobby at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School from 1 to 4pm. Bring in your gently used baseball items to donate to other families or come take what your young player needs. From helmets and bats to cleats, mitts and more. This event is not just for Bradley-Bourbonnais players; the baseball Equipment Swap is open to all area families.
The New Horizons Band of River Valley will perform a free concert for all to attend on Monday, March 9th in the Larsen Fine Arts Building at Olivet Nazarene University. Conducted by Rod Williams, a wide variety of music will be presented, including the Looney Tunes Overture and selections from the musical, “Annie”. The show begins at 7pm.
The City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) will host a Community Conversation on Thursday, March 12th at the Kankakee County Museum, beginning at 5:30pm. In partnership with Riverside Behavioral Health, this month’s topic of discussion will be about Social Media and Mental Health. Kankakee residents are invited to attend with the purpose of providing personal perspectives about their neighborhoods, learning and engaging with neighbors. The museum is located in Kankakee at 801 South 8th Avenue.
The Manteno Girl Scouts will host a Daddy-Daughter dance with a “Wicked” theme on Friday, March 13th inside the Manteno Elementary School from 6 to 8pm. An evening of music, dancing, photos, snacks and enchanting fun. Tickets are $25 per daddy/daughter couple and $5 for each additional child. To register, email “Gabes Mama 7611 (at) gmail (dot) com”.
The Watseka Kiwanis Club will host their annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, March 14th from 7 to 10am in Saint Edmund Church at 219 East Locust Street in Watseka. The cost will be $10 per person, but children 5 and under can eat for free. The Easter Bunny will be there beginning at 8am to take pictures with the children.
Downtown Kankakee is bringing your favorite local produce vendors and specialty food producers to the Majestic building on North Schuyler Avenue for a “Winter Market” version of the Kankakee Farmers Market. Enjoy cozy, family-friendly indoor shopping from 8am until noon Saturday March 14th.
The Clifton Central FFA Auction will be held Saturday, March 14th in the school at 1134 East 3100 North Road in Clifton. The doors will open at 4pm, dinner will be served at 5pm, and the auction starts at 6pm.
The Herscher FFA Auction will be held on Saturday, March 14th in the Herscher High School cafeteria and gymnasium. The event begins with a free pork chop meal at 4:30pm and the auction will start at 6pm.
The Bradley Lions Club will host an Easter Ham Dinner on Saturday, March 14th from 4 to 7pm at the Bradley Community Center on West Broadway Street. Along with ham, the dinner will include a vegetable, potato, roll, drink and dessert. All proceeds will benefit the “Brave for Bri” fund to help pay off medical bills for a young KCC student from Manteno who was seriously injured in a car accident recently. These dinner tickets are available by pre-sale only. They are $12 each with discounted rates for children, and are being sold at United Disposal in Bradley and at Speckman Realty on Armour Road in Bourbonnais.
An all-ages Sock Hop with proceeds set to benefit the Cissna Park Development Board will take place on Saturday, March 14th at the American Legion Post 0527 on South Second Street in Cissna Park. Doors open at 6pm with a beginner swing lesson available at 6:30. Social dancing begins at 7pm with live music by “Union Avenue”. Door entry will be $12 for a single adult, $20 for a couple, and $7 per child.
The Beaverville Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual Pork Chop Dinner on Sunday, March 15th from 4 to 7pm in the Parish Hall at 308 Saint Charles Street. They will serve Boudin (“boo-dan”) sausage as well. The price will be $15 for a two-meat dinner, or $12 for single meat. This includes a baked potato, apple sauce, green beans and a dinner roll. There will be discounted pricing for children 9 and under
The 10th Annual “Women United Breakfast” will be held in Bourbonnais on Wednesday, March 18th at Olivet Nazarene University’s Chalfant Hall. This event is designed to bring local leaders, advocates and community members together for a morning of inspiration, networking and philanthropy. Proceeds will be distributed to nonprofit programs serving women and girls through United Way’s Annual Impact Grants. Doors will open at 8:15am. The program will go on from 9am until noon. Get info and purchase your tickets now at “My United Way (dot) org”.
The Bradley Lions will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes and sausage and biscuits & gravy on Saturday, March 21st from 7:30 to 11am at the Bradley Community Center on West Broadway Street. The cost is $8 per person. Kids 5 and under eat free. For free local delivery of 5 orders or more, call (815) 932-9180.
The Manteno United Methodist Women in Faith will hold a Craft Fair and Bake Sale on Saturday, March 21st from 9am to 2pm in the church on West Second Street in Manteno. They will have lunch available for purchase and Nothing Bundt Cakes will be there selling treats. You may call Sue Ross for additional information at (815) 405-5021 or email your questions to “Manteno UFW Craft Fair (at) gmail (dot) com”.
MCA Senior Adult Day Center at 1292 West Station Street in Kankakee will host its first ever Puzzle Competition on Saturday, March 21st from 9 to 11:30am. Bring along three of your friends and see how fast your group can put together a 500 piece puzzle. There is a $100 fee per team of four to participate. Register now by calling (779) 701-918
A floral-themed tea party hosted by “Wright in Kankakee” will be held on Saturday, March 21st from 2 to 4pm in the living room of Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic B. Harley Bradley House on South Harrison Avenue in Kankakee. Guests will enjoy garden-inspired elegance, delicate blends and sweet treats. Tickets are $35 each, available online at “Wright 1900 (dot) org (slash) events” or by calling (815) 936-9630.
The Village of Manteno will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Dash on Saturday, March 28th at Heritage Park, across from the Elementary School. A photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny will begin at 10am behind the concession stand. Kids can also enjoy Easter games and activities under the pavilion. The Egg Dash will start promptly at 11am with four different age zones. You should bring a basket for your eggs.
In celebration of both Women’s History month and our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Kankakee County Museum invites the public to attend a program titled “The Founding Mothers” on Saturday, March 28th. This illustrated lecture presented by Laura Keyes will focus on remarkable women who had a first-hand view of the founding of our nation, whose stories need to be shared. Tea and treats will be available at 1pm and the presentation begins at 1:30pm. Tickets are available at “Kankakee County Museum (dot) com”. It’s at 801 South 8th Avenue in Kankakee.
The 3rd annual “Richard Craven Celebration of Life” will be happening on Saturday, March 28th in The Country Mansion at 101 West South Street in Dwight. The party starts at 5pm for a $10 donation at the door. Kids 10 and under are admitted free. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. They’ll have a cash bar, live auction and raffles. Among the items to be raffled off will be a Bears mini-fridge. Proceeds from this event will be used to support area families in need through the Richard Craven Foundation, honoring his legacy of generosity and support. Find additional details on “The Richard Craven Foundation” facebook page.
MAY
The Village of Manteno will be hosting a fun, family-friendly market at the Square on Second from 4 to 8pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month from May through September. It will feature food trucks, farmers, ranchers, live acoustic music,seasonal vendors, fine artisans, and family-oriented activities. Opening night for the “Manteno Market at the Square” will be Wednesday, May 6th. Vendor application forms can be found on the Village Clerk page at “Village of Manteno (dot) com”.
The “Caleb’s Prayer Foundation” will host its 16th annual Benefit Car Show on Sunday, May 17th to raise money for families impacted by cancer. It will take place at Phillips Chevrolet RV of Bradley, 1400 Locke Drive in Bourbonnais. Vehicle registration is $20 and will be held from 9 to 11am. The car show will be open to spectators from noon to 3pm and is free to attend. Lunch and drinks will be available. Email “A Hoggins 6 (at) gmail (dot com” for more information, call (815) 697-3001, or visit “Calebs Prayer Foundation (dot) org”. (Rain date would be May 24th)