Join us for the US Air Force’s Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble Concert, featuring guest saxophonist Charles (Chip) McNeill. Experience a variety of musical styles - from big band swing to patriotic selections and more - all performed by American Airmen.

Show off your love of LEGO and LEGO building skills in Centralia Regional Library's LEGO Club for ages 6-11!

This fun, interactive club meets in the 2nd floor Activity Room every 2nd Monday of the month at 4pm, unless of a holiday or other closure. The 2nd floor is accessible by elevator and stairs.

Rural Business Transitions Webinar Series

This free series of 5 noontime webinars - brought to you through the collaboration of Rural Partners, the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, and Illinois Extension - is designed to help local officials and administrators, as well as researchers, identify ways to retain local businesses in rural communities, as current owners retire or otherwise move away. The sessions review major trends in rural businesses, best practices used in rural areas, and opportunities to work with local leaders and residents to stabilize local economies.

If you will need a reasonable accommodation to participate in one of the programs, please email mdelany2@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. 

https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/rural-business-transitions-webinar-series

The programs, each starting at 12:00 pm CT, include:
March 10, 2026    “Navigating an Era of Transition in American Business: Emerging Trends, Risks, and Opportunities”

Presenter: Tessa Conroy (University of Wisconsin)  
The average age of business owners in the U.S. has been increasing for decades. And with more and more business owners nearing retirement age, there may be a wave of business transitions as these owners pass their companies to new owners. The large-scale transition of businesses, however, has been slow to accelerate. This session will explore the demographic trends in business ownership as they relate to the transition of U.S. businesses as well as a range of considerations that can positively or negatively impact business succession. 

Bio:  

Tessa Conroy, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics and a Community Economic Development Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Conroy conducts applied research and provides technical assistance related to economic growth and development, focusing on small business dynamics. 

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March 24, 2026   “The Evolution of Succession Planning: Strengths, Shortfalls, and Innovative Pathways Forward”

Presenter: Jarvis Tyrell Curry (University of the Cumberlands)

Traditional succession planning is essential for business continuity and stability. The presentation traces its evolution and, through case studies, demonstrates that rigorous plans promote survival through leadership continuity and financial strength, while revealing weaknesses such as inadequate successor preparation, resistance to change, and misaligned objectives. It also examines innovative approaches and alternative models tailored to varied contexts, highlighting the need for flexibility and stakeholder engagement.
Bio:
Jarvis Tyrell Curry, Ph.D., teaches strategic management, corporate governance, and analytics at the University of the Cumberlands. He holds a Ph.D. in Business and Strategic Management, as well as degrees in JD, LL.M., MBA, and BA. With more than 20 years of experience in audit and risk management, culminating in an executive role for the State of California, his research encompasses corporate governance, succession planning, finance, law, and marketing. 
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April 7, 2026         “Succession Through Shared Ownership: Exploring ESOPs and Employee‑Led Transitions”
Presenter: Michael Palmieri (Kent State University)
This webinar provides a framework for understanding broad-based employee ownership and using it on three common models—ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts. Rather than focusing on technical mechanics, the session explores how governance and financial rights differ across these models and how workers benefit from ownership in practice, with special attention to their role in business succession and community stability in rural and small-town contexts. Common myths about employee ownership, including concerns about risk, firm performance, and employee readiness will be addressed. Participants will learn a more straightforward, evidence-informed, and practical way to think about employee ownership as a succession-planning option.

Bio: 

Michael Palmieri, Ph.D.,  CEPA,  is Associate Director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University, where he leads education and training for employee-owned companies and oversees the Center’s research and data initiatives. His work examines ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts, focusing on how alternative ownership structures shape firm performance, workplace practices, and worker outcomes. He is a Fellow at the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing and teaches political science at Kent State University.

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April 21, 2026       “Business Succession for a Strong Rural Community: Worker Co‑ops as a Transition Strategy”

Presenter: Stacy Mullinex (University of Northern Iowa)
Rural communities across the country are facing a growing succession crisis as long‑time business owners retire without clear buyers. This webinar explores how transitioning to a worker cooperative offers sellers a built-in buyer for the business, stable jobs for employees, and economic vitality for the community.  Participants will learn the basics about the worker cooperative structure, how employee buyouts are feasible, and why it is a powerful strategy for sustaining rural economies. 

Bio:

Stacy Mullinex, MBA, is a Senior Project Manager for the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership housed within the University of Northern Iowa. She specializes in valuation, growth strategy, and customized succession planning with a focus on employee ownership. Stacy brings more than 20 years of business experience to her role with a Public Administration PGC, undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, and the Certified Exit Planner (CExP) designation.

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May 5, 2026     “Sustaining Local Commerce: The Role of Community-Supported Enterprises in Business Retention”
Presenter: Norman Walzer  (Director Emeritus, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, WIU)     
Small towns, faced with a long-standing business closure due to retirement or other events, have organized a group of residents to invest in the business or structure and re-open it.  These locally based efforts can help revitalize a community by improving quality of life and making the area more attractive to prospective residents. This webinar explores several cases and discusses key factors important in their successes.
Bio: 
Norman Walzer, Ph.D., is professor of economics Emeritus and founding director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs housed at Western Illinois University. He has studied and written extensively about community-supported enterprises in several states, especially Vermont, and recently co-edited a book (with Christopher Merrett) on Retaining and Transitioning Businesses in Communities.

https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/rural-business-transitions-webinar-series

Each month Centralia Library has a different themed craft and activity for all ages to do.

Other games and activities will be available too, so bring the whole family for an hour of fun!

Register before 3/1 to receive a shirt!

Location: 📍 1 Castle Ridge Lane Centralia, IL US 62801

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 AT 11AM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

EVENT DETAILS

It’s a St. Patrick’s Party at Colden Brewery on Saturday, March 14! Craft beer and cocktails paired with a food truck? Yes, please. 🍀

Mission Centralia is hosting Smarts Madness Trivia Night at Centralia Cultural Society on Saturday, March 14! Doors open at 6:00pm, trivia starts at 7:00pm

There will be be a dessert and silent auction. it’s $80 per team if paid in advance, $100 per team at the door.

Round table sponsorships are available for $100

Free Mulligans for wearing college apparel!

DCEO Grant Training

3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM.

This slide presentation will discuss important grant-related topics pertaining to grant management. Each month we will discuss a different component, process, or emerging practice that can benefit potential and existing grantees. Register or view recording of past grant trainings at this link.

• March 18, 2026 - Creating a GATA Registration: This training will show applicants how to create a GATA Grantee Portal Page and the different components of the GATA Portal.

• April 15, 2026 - Notice of Funding Opportunities: This training will explain what a Notice of Funding Opportunity is and give a breakdown of the template and where to find information.

• May 20, 2026 - Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.

https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/upcoming-grant-trainings.html

The State of the City Address luncheon is on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Castle Ridge Event Venue! Enter in through the drawbridge.

Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder will be giving updates on the City of Centralia. Lunch is $25 a person.

RSVP ONLINE

RAIL Saturday Markets ARE BACK BABYYYYY

Vendors reach out if you’re interested in securing your spot ( $50 per space/ table & chairs included)
—limited spaces—

Sat. March 21st | 9am-1pm

RAIL Coffee Room will be filled with your favorite local makers, sweet spring finds, handmade treasures, and all the goodies you didn’t know you needed until you see them styled up and calling your name.

St. Mary School is hosting their first annual Made by Kids Craft Fair! All children can be apart of this event, even if they don’t go to SMS.

Kids ages 3-18 are welcome to be a vendor at no cost! The only ask is that crafts be primarily made by kids. Please fill out the form in the link below to register.

The Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00AM-2:00PM at the St. Mary School Gym.

THAT ARENA ROCK SHOW

March 21, 2026 7:30 pm

Brings Classic Arena Rock to Castle Ridge in Centralia, IllinoisSaturday, March 21, 2026 Tickets ON SALE NOW at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/68221697/that-arena-rock-show-centralia-castle-ridge Castle Ridge will transform into a full-scale rock arena on Saturday, March 21, 2026, when That Arena Rock Show brings...

View Event Details

Come play bingo with Centralia Regional Library and High Point Residence!

It’s free for anyone of any age to play with free prizes up for grabs, from snacks to home goods and seasonal decor to toiletries, so come join us!

Bingo is on the last Wednesday of every month unless of holiday or closure in the 2nd floor Monken Activity Room, accessible by elevator and stairs.

Spring Carnival

Trinity Lutheran School is hosting a spring carnival! This event is open to the public!

Go to Trinity School on Friday, March 27, from 5:30pm-7:30pm to join in the fun! There will be food, a bounce house, and games! Tickets to participate are available at the event.

Save the Date! This Spring, the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce is focused on highlighting businesses in our region. This is a FREE event for the public to come out and see what the Quad-County area has to offer.

Discover everything from home goods, home improvement, and non-profits. This is a one-day event, taking place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Interested in being a vendor? Register online: https://forms.gle/qRdoHe33Q3PE11NM8

Thanks to Kaskaskia College for sponsoring. The event will be held in the gymnasium at KC.

MARCH 28, 2026 7:00 PM

Event Schedule – Saturday March 28th

Doors Open – 6:00 PM

Dinner Begins – 7:00 PM 

📍 Venue: Castle Ridge
📍 Location: Centralia, Illinois

Step back into 1952 at the KDED radio studio for a night where the stakes are high and the broadcast is deadly. It’s the live taping of the Buck Brick Show, but behind the scenes the atmosphere is electric with more than just radio waves. Join us for a fast-paced live radio experience with gourmet dining (we’ve added to our menu) and prizes for Best Costume and solving the case. And most importantly we are raising money for the Dream Come True Prom. So, get those vintage costumes on (or not) and come on out. Remember, silence isn’t just golden… it’s fatal.

Produced by Carrie Leigh’s and presented under special arrangement with Sleuths Mystery Entertainment. 

Carrie Leigh’s Arts For Kids
(618) 918-1727
carrieleighsafk@gmail.com

More information to come soon! Call the Centralia Cultural Society with questions or want more information.

Liberty Village of Centralia is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 1-10!

This event is on Friday, April 3 starting at 11:00am.

Bring a basket and get ready to hunt!

APRIL 5, 2026 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Join us for Easter Brunch at the Castle in Centralia on Sunday, April 5th!!

Enjoy our Omelet Station and Make Your Own Waffle Station, Smoked Ham and Turkey, Mimosas and other breakfast buffet items that you and your family are sure to love.

Also, a special appearance by the Easter Bunny is expected!

Purchase your tickets today!

Adults- $34.95 Child 12 and under- 12.95

Save the date for Centralia BPW’s 100 Year Celebration at Centralia Area Historical Museum on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 2:00pm-4:00pm

Join Us for An Evening of the Arts!

Enjoy a memorable night of fine dining and live entertainment while supporting student success at Kaskaskia College!

Saturday, April 11, 2026
Social Hour: 6:00 PM | Dinner: 6:30 PM
KC Lifelong Learning Center

Your evening includes:
A delicious catered dinner
Musical & theatre performances by KC Fine & Performing Arts
Student artwork displays
Cash bar available

Tickets: $50 per person
All proceeds benefit KC Fine & Performing Arts students.

Reserve your seats today!
618-545-3026
https://www.jotform.com/form/240455878781066

Come celebrate the arts and make a difference for our talented students!

Inaugural Blues Fest at the Castle

April 11, 2026 7:30 pm

Join us for the inaugural Blues Fest at Castle Ridge on Saturday, April 11th, 2026.  This event will headline Albert Cummings with special guests Cat Daddy’O and Kingdom Brothers. Get tickets now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/53954711/albert-cummings-centralia-castle-ridge. Albert Cummings is...

View Event Details

DCEO Grant Training

3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM.

This slide presentation will discuss important grant-related topics pertaining to grant management. Each month we will discuss a different component, process, or emerging practice that can benefit potential and existing grantees. Register or view recording of past grant trainings at this link.

• April 15, 2026 - Notice of Funding Opportunities: This training will explain what a Notice of Funding Opportunity is and give a breakdown of the template and where to find information.

• May 20, 2026 - Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.

https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/upcoming-grant-trainings.html

Save the Date!! RAIL’s April Market is Saturday, April 18, from 9:00am-1:00pm

Vendors reach out if you’re interested in securing your spot ( $50 per space/ table & chairs included)
—limited spaces—

RAIL Coffee Room will be filled with your favorite local makers, sweet spring finds, handmade treasures, and all the goodies you didn’t know you needed until you see them styled up and calling your name.

Grab a bite to eat and some coffee while you shop.

It’s Disney Trivia Night on Saturday, April 18, at 7:00pm! Located at the American Legion Post 446, The CHS Performing Arts Booster is hosting Trivia Night.

Cash prizes will be awarded. Teams up to 8 people are allowed. It’s $100 per table.

50/50 Raffle and Mega Basket Raffle will be available as well.

Students at Kaskaskia College will work with math and English faculty to prepare for college-level classes. They will take a placement exam, attend a Saturday workshop, and complete 10 hours of follow-up study.

Students will evaluate their math and English skills, identify areas for improvement, and receive a personalized study plan to support their academic success.

Come play bingo with Centralia Regional Library and High Point Residence!

It’s free for anyone of any age to play with free prizes up for grabs, from snacks to home goods and seasonal decor to toiletries, so come join us!

Bingo is on the last Wednesday of every month unless of holiday or closure in the 2nd floor Monken Activity Room, accessible by elevator and stairs.

Save the date for our longest-standing chamber event, Golf Plae Dae, on Friday May 1, 2026! Shotgun tee-off is at 11:00am.

Location: Colonial Golf Course, Sandoval, IL.

More details to come soon!

Save the Date!! RAIL’s May Market is Saturday, May 2, from 9:00am-1:00pm

Vendors reach out if you’re interested in securing your spot ( $50 per space/ table & chairs included)
—limited spaces—

RAIL Coffee Room will be filled with your favorite local makers, sweet spring finds, handmade treasures, and all the goodies you didn’t know you needed until you see them styled up and calling your name.

Grab a bite to eat and some coffee while you shop.

The annual Locust Street Historical Fair takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00am - 2:00pm!

This event features:

Classic Car Show
Antique Power Days
Crafters
Food Vendors
Children’s Activity Area

DCEO Grant Training

3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM.

This slide presentation will discuss important grant-related topics pertaining to grant management. Each month we will discuss a different component, process, or emerging practice that can benefit potential and existing grantees. Register or view recording of past grant trainings at this link.

• May 20, 2026 - Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.

https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/upcoming-grant-trainings.html

Event Schedule – Saturday, May 23, 2026

7:00 PM – Show Begins

📍 Venue: Castle Ridge
📍 Location: Centralia, Illinois

Multi-Platinum country hitmakers, Eli Young Band, will bring their Strange Hours Tour to Castle Ridge on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for a night of high-energy live music, chart-topping hits, and brand-new songs from their latest album, Strange Hours. Special guest Jenna Davis will open the show.

Led by an unmistakable vocal and fueled by a Texas-rock edge, Eli Young Band has spent nearly 25 years building one of the most respected and enduring careers in modern country music. The never-changing lineup of Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson has grown from college-bar favorites in Denton, Texas, into globe-trotting, arena-packing, chart-topping pioneers.

“Eli Young Band is the definition of a road-tested, fan-driven live act,” said Heath Eric, promoter with The Eric Group. “They’ve built their career the right way, song by song and show by show, and Castle Ridge is the perfect setting for the kind of honest, high-energy performance they deliver every single night. This is going to be a special one for Centralia, Illinois.”

Ticket Information

Presale:

Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00 AM CT through Thursday, February 5 at 11:59 PM CT.

Sign up at CastleRidgeConcerts.com to receive the presale password

Public On Sale:

Friday, February 6 at 9:00 AM CT.

Tickets available at CastleRidgeConcerts.com and ETIX.com.

About Eli Young Band

What goes around comes around, and nearly 25 years after forming in Denton, Texas, Eli Young Band has come full circle. After rising from Texas’ vibrant independent country scene, their 2005 breakout album Level launched the band into the national spotlight, followed by three Billboard Top 5 albums including the No. 1 10,000 Towns and Platinum-certified Life At Best.

The band boasts multiple No. 1 singles including the 5X Platinum “Crazy Girl,” 3X Platinum “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” Platinum “Drunk Last Night,” and 2X Platinum “Love Ain’t,” along with a catalog of fan-favorite hits that have defined modern country radio for more than a decade.

In 2025, Eli Young Band released Strange Hours, a 13-track album written entirely by the band and recorded back home in Denton at the same studio where Level was born. The project marks a creative homecoming, returning to the raw, grassroots energy that first defined their sound, while bringing the wisdom and edge of 25 years on the road.

The lead single “Home In Hometown” captures the heart of that journey, a powerful reflection on life, family, and finding home wherever the road leads. With millions of fans, more than two decades of hits, and a renewed creative spark, Eli Young Band remains very much in their prime.

About Jenna Davis

Jenna Davis is a captivating rising star who is set to take the country music scene by storm. Her debut album, Where Did That Girl Go?, released June 27th of last year, showcases her undeniable vocals paired with relatable storytelling. The project followed the impressive releases of her SIKE EP and her debut single “DiCaprio”(co-written by Walker Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini and Ross Copperman), which has garnered 15 million streams across platforms. Her prior releases have charted impressively on both Spotify and Apple Music, with streams reaching well into the millions, highlighting her rapidly growing fan base and the far-reaching appeal of her music. 

Fresh off the stage from her first-ever run of live shows, Jenna sold out all three debut performances, marking an electrifying introduction to her life on the road. Building on that momentum, she’s gearing up to join Brett Young as direct support at the top of the year, followed by a spring tour supporting Maddox Batson. With her growing fanbase and undeniable stage presence, Davis is quickly proving that her storytelling shines just as brightly live as it does on record.

JUNE 6, 2026 7:00 PM

Event Schedule – Saturday, June 6th, 2026

7:00 PM – Show Begins

📍 Venue: Castle Ridge
📍 Location: Centralia, Illinois

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

JUNE 19, 2026 7:00 PM

Featuring SAMMY KERSHAW, AARON TIPPIN, and COLLIN RAY

with special guest Deana Carter

Event Schedule – Friday, June 19th, 2026

7:00 PM – Show Begins

📍 Venue: Castle Ridge
📍 Location: Centralia, Illinois

Castle Ridge presents TRAVIS TRITT

Saturday, August 15, 2026
Gates open at 6:30 pm CT / Show starts at 8:00 pm CT

Presale: Wednesday, January 21, at 10:00 AM through Thursday, January 22, at 11:59 PM CT
Sign up at CastleRidgeConcerts.com to receive the presale password

Public on sale: Friday, January 23 at 10:00 AM CT

Castle Ridge
1750 Tee Lane
Centralia, IL 62801
CastleRidgeConcerts.com

The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.

Friday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 3:00pm - 10:00pm.

For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page

The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.

Saturday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 3:00pm - 10:00pm.

For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page

The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.

Sunday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Sunday is Free Family Fun Day! Entry and parking are free. There are kids activities all day in the park.

For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page

Save the date for the Centralia Downtown Fall Festival.