Do people around here still say they can’t find much to do? If any are still around, direct them to the events calendar at the Danville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau so they can plan to enjoy the days ahead.
The local Juneteenth Celebration — the holiday marking the day enslaved Americans in Texas learned they were free — continues today and Sunday at Danville’s Ellsworth Park. Originally, this was scheduled for Danville’s Lincoln Park but it has been moved because of last week’s storm damage.
Project Success will sponsor a free block party 11 a.m. to 8 a.m. today featuring entertainment, a bounce house, free food for children and food vendors. On Sunday, organizers plan Steppin’ in the Park: BBQ Cookoff and Father’s Day Cookout from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with lots of activities including music and a cooking contest. Entry fee for the contest is $35, For information, contact Chris Hightower at 217-549-3172.
The Vermilion County Fair’s annual run will be June 24-28 at the fairgrounds west of Danville, 1180 East Road, Oakwood. With the help of local sponsors, the fair’s schedule includes several special events, open livestock and other contests, entertainment and, as always, tasty fair food. For complete information on event tickets and a complete schedule, visit vermilionfair.com
Entry fee to the grounds is $10 per person, which includes parking and all carnival rides.
The fair kicks off June 24 with pageants to select this year’s Little Miss, Junior Miss and Queen. The carnival will be open 4-10 p.m.
A pro wrestling event is set for June 25 in the grandstand, along with an open goat show. The carnival will run 4-10 p.m.
June 26 will feature the Junk Yard Grand Prix at 7 p.m. in the grandstand. A poultry show, barrel racing and a peewee swine show also are on the schedule. The carnival will run 4-10 p.m.
The carnival will be open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. June 27. The day also will include a swine show, horse show, baby contest, Barnyard Follies and demolition derby at 7 p.m. in the grandstand.
The fair closes out June 28 with the carnival open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. along with commercial exhibits and the Ag Discovery Zone.
The 37th annual Arts in the Park was also moved to Ellsworth Park from Lincoln Park. The free event brings crowds to wander through artists’ booths that feature works for sale in glass; visual media such as painting, drawing and photography; woodworking; pottery; and jewelry.
This year’s entertainment schedule includes Danville Barbershop Chorus, Red Mask Players, Wabash Valley Area Band, DLO Musical Theatre, Danville Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet, dance groups, singers, Spotlight for the Performing Arts and the Danville Municipal Band. Entertainment starts at 10 a.m. each day, with the final performance set for 5 p.m. June 27 and 6 p.m. June 28.
The event also includes activities for kids, a sidewalk chalk art contest, a car show and food vendors.
For complete information, visit the group’s website at danvilleilaitp.org
Volunteers work long and many hard hours to organize each of these events. They all deserve the community’s thanks not just for the fun these special activities provide, but also for the sense of community they help strengthen among those who attend.
Events such as the Juneteenth Celebration, Vermilion County Fair and Arts in the Park help make our community a unique and special place in which to live. Don’t miss the opportunity to join in the fun.