Things to do – Places to go – People to see. How about some things to put on your calendars that will give you the opportunity to get out, do some shopping, do some looking, do some learning, and, just “do”. Here is a look at the first and second week of August and a snapshot of the Fairbury Communities upcoming events schedule for August that will give you a chronological listing of worthwhile happenings that you can start to gear up for:
Monday, August 3rd – the Specialty Business Group of Fairbury is once again combining forces to give their customers an avenue to fun in shopping and dining. Many of the businesses are extending their hours to 7:00pm on this Monday so you can have some comfortable availability of the many resources of shopping and dining that they provide. Extended hours will be implemented at Heart’s Desire Antiques & Accents, Serendipity, Lost Arts, and The Spotted Owl as they join forces with Dave’s Supermarket, Once ‘n Again, and Lost in Time Restaurant whose standard hours run to 7:00 and beyond. We expect others from the group to climb on board as they get their arrangements made and we’ll keep you posted as the plan comes together. This is a good chance to poke around in these unique shops and stores and see what’s there for you and your needs and wants.
Monday, August 3rd – Hey Sunshine Fitness Center Members, here’s your first Monday of the month and that professional masseuse will be on hand to work the kinks out with one of those 15 minute massages for $15. You Ladies can go up, do your exercise routines, and then get everything loosened up by expert hands or, just go up and get the day’s tensions lightened up in a way that only a well applied massage can do. One of the benefits of being a Sunshine Fitness Member and, if you’re not a member but would like to check it out give them a call at 815-692-4086 or stop in at 127 West Locust Street in Fairbury and get the details. Sorry Guys – Ladies only.
Tuesday, August 4th – Doc’s Cares – Julie Patten, head pharmacist at Doc’s Pharmacy in Fairbury, is giving another of her excellent mini-seminars on health issues that are open to the public and very informative. The August topic is entitled “Fight the Fat” and it deals with diabetic cause and effects and Julie will provide you with explanations of the problem and ways to countermand it. If this health issue is something you’d like to learn more about come on out to Doc’s, located right off of Route 24 on the east edge of Fairbury, and let Julie educate you and answer your questions. Her sessions start at 2:00pm and they last for approximately a half hour – if you have concerns or questions about this problem you’ll be glad you went.
Saturday, August 8th – Fairbury American Legion Speedway – if you’re a race fan, want to be a race fan, or, just curious, this Saturday night would be a good night to go out and spectate one of the more exciting sports in the area – hardcore stock car racing at its finest. It’s Fan Appreciation Night and you can get into the races for just $5 – there’s plenty of parking, plenty of seating, plenty of food and drink and a lot of fun and excitement. And, if you’d like to meet some of these daredevil drivers Dave’s Supermarket is having a “Meet and Greet” session in their parking lot from 1pm to 3pm and you can stop by and get a close up “Hi, how are you” from several of these guys that turn that quarter mile dirt track into the adventure it becomes – for them and you! Dave’s is located at 120 South Third Street and the Speedway is on the Fairbury Fair Grounds with entrances on south Third and First Streets. Time trials begin at 6:00pm and it only gets better from there.
Wednesday thru Saturday, August 12th thru the 15th – Once ‘n Again up on Fairbury’s Main Street (Locust St.) is sponsoring a Drive whose goal is to collect School Supplies for Kids in Need. This thrifty resale shop, that features gently used “everything” from clothes to furniture to personal accessories, etc., will give you 20% off if you can provide them with sanctioned supplies for the upcoming school year. Traci does a heck of job on this project every year and this year will be no exception so bring some usable school supplies up to the store (must be new and in original packaging) and then, do your shopping and get 20% off of your purchases. It’s a great “Win – Win” opportunity.
118 West Locust Street with hours from 10am to 7pm
Saturday, August 15th – The Slagel Family Farm is having another one of their interesting, informative, and exciting Farm Dinner Tours. This package attracts them from all over the state and they provide quite an experience in farm production and methods, meat and farm product processing techniques, and a great meal prepared by professional chefs, most of which come from the best of Chicago’s renown culinary group. Each tour begins with a butchering demo (no slaughter, just meat sections that are transformed into retail cuts), followed by a guided tour of the farms livestock and facilities (its hands on if you like), and finishing with a four course meal that has a flair for excellence. This month’s edition is featuring Chef Joe Heppe from the Oak & Char Restaurant (another of Chicago’s Finest) and he, and his staff, will put a meal in front of you that could easily be one of your most memorable. Water and lemonade are provided but, you can BYOB if you would prefer something of a different or stronger vitality. Go on line at Slagel Family Farm, get the details, and order your tickets or, give them a call at 815-848-9385 with questions.
23601 East 600 North Road to the southeast of Fairbury
Saturday, August 15th – The American Legion Speedway, Fairbury Fair Grounds – a quarter mile dirt track that has the drivers going “Hi Yo Silver” and leaves the fans on the edge of their seats trying to remember to breathe. This particular Saturday is the FALS Fan Frenzy Racing Program and it features a $10,000 purse for the winner of the Late Model Special – that kind of money gets them all out of their garages and out onto the track! It’s another full night of racing, time trials start at 6pm and it only gets better from there. If you’re already a fan then you know how good this entertainment can be and, if you’re not but maybe looking for something to do, come on out and see what all the excitement is about – plenty of parking, plenty of seating, and plenty to eat and drink. Can you say “Adrenaline”? Make sure you bring plenty with you!
Wednesday, August 19th through Saturday, August 22nd – the Fairbury Specialty Shops have got a “Ride the Shops” event that will have specials and discounts for your enjoyment to go along with the Fairbury Fair- more details later.
Wednesday, August 19th through Sunday, August 23rd – The Fairbury Fair – here comes the excitement of The Fair – Fairbury’s 139th annual celebration of all the things that make up a good ol’ country fair will once again be going into action. We’ve got five days worth of rides, shows, entertainment, competitions, stock car racing, games, food, and a Beer Tent with nightly musical performances to go with the never ending supply of adult libations. It’s a social adventure that brings fun for the whole family and its a great way to begin the conclusion of Prairie Central’s summer vacation so c’mon, wear yourself out in a good way – enjoy the eats and treats (nothing does it like carnival style culinary arts) and look, watch, participate, and enjoy!
Thursday, August 27th – McDonald’s Family Restaurant and Ronald McDonald’s Birthday event – this is the real Ronald McDonald and not the Golden Arches.
We’ll be detailing each week as the calendar progesses here so, stay tuned and we’ll have more information about each weeks events so you can be informed and ready. There’s plenty to do so get out and do it!