The Charleston community has several events this week, with many taking place over the weekend:
“No Kings” Day Protest (Saturday)
Charleston is scheduled to partake in a nationwide “No Kings” Day protest on Saturday. The protest is from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., according to USA Today. This will be the second “No Kings” Day protest in Charleston in the year after one on April 19 in Morton Park.
Farmers Market (Wednesday and Saturday)
At the Courthouse Square, there will be a farmers market on Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. hosted by the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will feature local vendors and live music. There will be a farmers market every Wednesday until September 24. Then Saturday, there will be another one from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. until September 24. There will be a one every Saturday until September 20. The Courthouse Square is located at 651 Jackson Ave.
Young Eagles Day (Saturday)
The Coles County Airport will host free introductory flights for youth ages 8 to 17 as part of the national Young Eagles program. Launched in 1992, the program is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts by offering first flights at no cost. The event, hosted by EAA Chapter 29, will take place on Saturday at the Coles County Memorial Airport in Mattoon. Participants will enjoy a general aviation flight experience with a local pilot. Registration and additional details can be found here. The Coles County Airport is located at 432 Airport Rd, Mattoon, IL.
Young’uns in the Garden at Lincoln Log Cabin (Saturday)
At the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, there will be a free hands-on garden program for children ages 5 to 10 this Saturday in its historic gardens. Participants will learn from interpreters how early Illinoisans prepared their gardens, explore how plants grow and take part in spring planting in the site’s vegetable gardens. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration can be found here. The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located at 402 S Lincoln Hwy, Lerna, IL.
Cornbelt Shrine Truck and Tractor Pull (Saturday)
At the Coles County Fairgrounds, the 19th annual Corn Belt Shrine Club Truck and Tractor Pull will take place on Saturday starting at 6 p.m. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10, and children 6 and under get in free. The event will showcase IPA-sanctioned classes like Pro Farm Tractors, Outlaw Tractors, Farm Stock Tractors, plus IPA Pro Stock 4WD Trucks and local street-legal trucks. Proceeds will support the Corn Belt Shrine Club. For more details, call Stevie Childress at 217-218-0911. The Coles County Fairgrounds are located at 603 West Madison Ave.
Juneteenth Documentary Screening (Tuesday)
At the Charleston Carnegie Public Library, the RealiTea Project and the Faith Alliance for Racial Justice on Tuesday at 4 p.m. are showing the PBS documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom. This film explores the historic journey to freedom on June 19, 1865, and features voices advocating for racial justice. The Charleston Carnegie Public Library is located at 712 Sixth St.
