BLOOMINGTON, IL -- Vintage automobiles from the early 1900s will be the highlight of the Eleventh Annual Antique Car Exhibition scheduled for Saturday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington.

            More than 75 cars from the 1900s through the 1970s will be displayed on the mansion grounds.  Visitors can view the cars up close, talk with the owners and meet fellow automobile enthusiasts.  All vintage automobiles are invited to participate in a “Parade of Progress” around the mansion drive at approximately 2 p.m.

The mansion grounds will provide the setting for a picturesque weekend afternoon at a Victorian country estate.  The Illinois Country Music Association will have performers providing entertainment for guests on the lawn, while visitors may stroll through the amazing collection of vintage automobiles on display.  There will also be picnic foods and beverages for sale.  Free, self-guided tours of the mansion will be offered, and mansion guides will be on hand to answer questions.

The event is being co-sponsored by the McLean County Antique Automobile Club and the David Davis Mansion Foundation.  A $2 per person donation will be suggested at the gate.

The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was built in 1872 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for public tours.  The David Davis Mansion Foundation is a not-for-profit organization supporting education, preservation and acquisition programs for the David Davis Mansion.  The McLean County Antique Automobile Club’s members are committed to the preservation of antique automobiles and enjoy the camaraderie that goes along with these preservation efforts. 

Springfield, IL - The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) will host the following events on Wednesday, July 4th and Thursday, July 5th in Union Square Park.  All events are open to the public and are subject to change. Weather conditions may move park performances to the Museum Plaza or the Visitor’s Center at Union Station.

Wednesday, July 4

10:00 a.m. – noon

New Century Orchestra

Noon

Reading of Declaration of Independence

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Chris Vallillo performs Abraham Lincoln in Song

Thursday, July 5

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Prairie Aires

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lee Slider as Professor Phineas Phairhead

Noon-2:00 p.m.

Chris Vallillo performs Abraham Lincoln in Song

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Springfield, IL – On two summer Saturdays – July 21 and August 11 – Mary Todd Lincoln (as portrayed by Pam Brown and Linda Schneider) will host for afternoon tea in the Lincoln Reception Room at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. The teas are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on both dates.

The three-course tea will include assorted teas, pastries, petit sandwiches and seasonal fruit.  Mrs. Lincoln will greet guests and socialize during the afternoon affair. Tickets are $25 and include an exclusive viewing of the Museum’s temporary exhibit, Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy after the tea party. Tickets may be purchased online at www.alplm.org or by calling 217-558-8934.

This event is co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

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(Jerseyville, IL – June 8, 2007)    The sounds of summer will be alive with children’s laughter, a roar in the grandstand, and even the down-home tunes of Christian bands during the 138^th Annual Jersey County Fair.  Come join a century’s old summer tradition to celebrate our country’s agricultural roots with livestock shows by day and grandstand entertainment by night at the Jersey County Fair, July 7-15, 2007.

In some parts of America, the true county fair of livestock shows, carnival rides, bull rides and tractor truck pulls have been replaced by big bands, commercial foods and high flying air shows.  The Jersey County Fair Board has worked hard to maintain the traditions that the first county fair was built upon in 1868.  The fair continues to be an event organized for the purpose of exhibiting agricultural products, livestock and farm machinery, while keeping up with times and providing good wholesome family fun.

Back by popular demand, the greatest attraction for 2007 will be the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) Grand National Pull Tournament.  The national tractor pull held at the fair will be one of 24 national competitions in the United States this year.  This is the top level of pulling in the industry and will bring competitors from across the U.S. and Canada, who will vie for valuable points toward an NTPA Grand National title in their division.   Witness the best of the grand national pulling circuit with three classes on tap: the smoking 10,000 lb. Pro Stock Tractors, powerful Super Farm Tractors, and multi-engine Modified Tractors.

More engine-roaring excitement will take place in the grandstand during the weekend. On Saturday, July 14 at 6 p.m., the engines will be revving up hard and pulling their way through to the finish with an Illinois Tractor Pullers Association sanctioned pull followed by a local truck and tractor pulls.  The fair will come to a close and go out with a bang when the cars start clashing at the Demolition Derby on Sunday, July 17 at 6 p.m. 

Also, this year, the “Humps-n-Bumps Bull Bash 2007 Tour” will bring bull riding fun for the whole family on Thursday, July 12 at 7 p.m.  The cowboys will be coming to town from all across the country to try their hand at bull riding sanctioned by D-Bar-D Rodeo Company from Elseberry, MO. 

During the week, fairgoers can experience a little hometown fun with grandstand events including a talent show and the Miss Jersey County Fair Queen Pageant.  Jersey County will have the stars of tomorrow shining bright at the annual talent competition on Tuesday, July 10 at 8:15 p.m.  No county fair would be complete without the traditional Fair Queen Pageant taking place on Wednesday, July 11 at 7 p.m.  The Jersey County Fair Queen will have the honor of representing the county at the State Fair competition in August. 

A newer tradition will start the fair off on Sunday, July 8 as the public is invited to take part in the Gospel Music Night featuring The Lester’s and For Him. ] Enjoy a night of family music under the stars for only $3 per person or $10 per family.  This event is expected to be quite the crowd pleaser.

Some of the grandstand attractions that have drawn large crowds in the past will remain the same this year.  On Saturday, July 14^th at 6 p.m., the engines will be revving up hard and pulling their way through to the finish with an ITPA sanctioned pull followed by a local truck & tractor pulls.  The fair will come to a close and go out with a bang when the cars start clashing at the Demolition Derby on Sunday, July 17^th at 6 p.m. 

The kids and adults alike will enjoy this year’s entertainment line-up featuring the “Funny Dummy Show” and the return of the “Hambone Express.”  The “Funny Dummy Show” with its ventriloquist and sidekicks will have the audience laughing in the aisles.  Pick your favorite pig as the swiftest swine off the line race to the finish during the “Hambone Express.”  Watch these little piglets blaze around the track.  The louder you scream, the faster they run!  Prizes will be given out to the loudest cheerleaders in the audience.

New this year, a free petting zoo will offer children and adults an up-close look at piglets and other baby farm animals.  Kids will squeal with delight as they interact with these barnyard babies.

The traditions of the nine-day county fair will begin with Harness Racing on Saturday, July 7 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, July 8 beginning at 1 p.m.  The fair activities continue throughout the week with agricultural shows where the farmers of today and tomorrow will present the best livestock of the county.  Shows will include: the Rabbit Show on  Saturday, July 7 at 8 a.m., the 4-H Livestock Show on Monday, July 9 at 8 a.m. with a livestock auction in the evening at 7 p.m., Sheep Show on Tuesday, July 10 at 8 a.m., Beef Show on Wednesday, July 11 at 8 a.m., FFA Vo-Ag Fair on Thursday, July 12 at 8:30 a.m., Swine Show on Saturday, July 14 at 8 a.m., Dairy Show on Saturday, July 14 at 9 a.m., Goat Show on Sunday, July 15 at 8 a.m. and the Western Horse Show on Sunday, July 15 at 10 a.m.

No county fair would be complete without carnival rides.  Carnival rides will be available from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 15.  Ride all night long with $15 armbands.

For nine days, fairgoers can enjoy unique shows, great entertainment, wonderful exhibits, carnival rides, games and fair food galore.  General gate admission to the fair is $2 for adults, children under 12 are free. Parking is free.  Grandstand admission varies depending on the event. For full information on event pricing or general fair information, go to www.JerseyCountyFair.com or call (618) 498-3422. 

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(Alton, IL – June, 7, 2007)  The Heron is cruising the Mississippi River! In May, the Heron started cruising the Mississippi River offering sightseeing, lunch, dinner and private cruises.  Departing from Piasa Harbor, the Heron is a 54-foot vessel that cruises upriver into Grafton and downriver to the Alton pool.  Cruises are offered May through October, Wednesday through Sunday.  Private charters may be scheduled for any day of the week.  The Heron will also run a limited schedule in November and December.   Details on their cruising schedule can be found at www.greatriverstourboat.com.

The Springfield Jazz Society (SJS) will present the Chuck Hedges Swingtet in performance for its annual fundraising event on June 30, 2007 at the VFW on Old Jacksonville Road from 7-10 p.m.

Chuck Hedges built his reputation in his hometown Chicago in the early 50’s along with George Brun, Danny Alvin and Muggsy Spanier.  During the 60’s, Chuck was a member of the great Dick Ruedebusch Band that recorded many records and performed on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Chuck has made Milwaukee his home, but has been playing at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago for the past 20 years with his ‘Swingtet’ every Monday evening.  He also performs every Friday night in Milwaukee at the Selen’s Supper club and at the Grove Restaurant on Thursday nights.

Chuck travels worldwide to perform in jazz festivals and has played with the late Wild Bill Davison throughout Europe.  Chuck receives requests to play in Europe and throughout the United States regularly.  Some of the festivals include:  Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, Central Illinois Jazz Festival, Bern Switzerland Jazz Festival, Sweet and Hot Los Angeles Festival, Cork Ireland Festival, North Germany Festival, Florida March of Jazz Festival, Düsseldorf Germany Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Fest, Quebec Jazz Festival and many more.

Chuck also continues to play with Tommy Saunders’ Wild Bill Legacy Band.  He has recorded many times with Delmark Records and more recently with Arbor Records.  For a more comprehensive list of concerts and festivals played as well as available recordings, visit www.chuckhedges.com

For ticket information, contact any of the following SJS board members: Linda Cox, Bill Dethrow, Jim and Diane Edwards, Lee Gladish, Peter Holm, Ty Jackson, Wanda Keil, Merry Carol Moss, Janet Plohr, Pat Ryan, Bernie Sigoloff, Jeanie Sobeck,