Career Fair - Murray Developmental Center
Don't miss your chance to explore rewarding careers with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Whether you're ready for a new opportunity or just starting your job search, we'd love to meet you!
Browse this week's vacancies:www.dhs.state.il.us/jobs(see attached flyer)
Meet our recruitment team at an upcoming Career Fair:
Aug 18 | 10AM- NOON
Murray Developmental Center - 1535 W. McCord Street Centralia, IL 62801
Learn More at Our Virtual Recruitment Information Sessions - Register today:IDHS: IDHS Virtual Recruitment Events (Evening & Saturday sessions available!)
Get an inside look at
High need career opportunities
The application and hiring process
Live Q&A with our Recruitment Team
Please share these opportunities with your friends, family, colleagues, and community. Your referral could help someone find a meaningful career in public service.
To receive future recruitment updates or if you have questions, contact us at DHS.Recruitment@illinois.gov.
Help Us Make an Even Greater Impact!
IDHS Recruitment Team
Crew Training for Balloon Fest
Experience Centralia Balloon Fest from a new perspective by volunteering to crew a hot air balloon! 🔥 Crew are needed to help inflate, chase, and pack away the hot air balloons.
No experience needed! Our local pilots help train new crew on the Wednesday before Balloon Fest, at 5:30pm at Foundation Park.
Children can also join, as long as a parent is with them and the children can take direction.
The balloons are scheduled to fly at 6:00am and 5:30pm during Balloon Fest. If you can't make the crew training, you can still learn on the spot! If you're still reading this, thank you, and I want to sneak in there that balloon flights during Balloon Fest are reserved for sponsors and then crew. Flights are not promised and are weather dependent.
Morning Balloon Flight
A morning hot air balloon flight is scheduled for 6am. The status and location of the flight will be determined at 6am on the morning of. This location will be posted for the public on the Centralia Balloon Fest Facebook page around 6:15am. Check for updates before and during Balloon Fest here: https://www.facebook.com/centraliaballoonfest
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Fairveiw Park.
Friday, August 21
(Park Hours 3:00pm - 10:00pm)
3:30pm - Opening Ceremony with Centralia High School Band & Choir
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight
6:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides
7:30pm - Balloon Glow
8:30pm - Headlining Entertainment: The Boy Band Night
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Morning Balloon Flight
A morning hot air balloon flight is scheduled for 6am. The status and location of the flight will be determined at 6am on the morning of. This location will be posted for the public on the Centralia Balloon Fest Facebook page around 6:15am. Check for updates before and during Balloon Fest here: https://www.facebook.com/centraliaballoonfest
5K Balloon Race and Fun Run hosted by CHS Marching Showcase at Foundation Church
Ready to run with the balloons
Register now
We are hosting our first 5K and Kid Fun Run in Foundation Park after the hot air balloons have taken off! We welcome all runners and walkers! This is also a great way to get your cross country training in, while also supporting the band program!
Saturday, August 22
Foundation Park (Foundation Church)
Preregistration includes a T-Shirt! (By Aug. 14)
Click on the link to sign up.
https://centraliamusic.ludus.com/index.php
Questions: Email centraliahsband@gmail.com
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Fairview Park.
Saturday, August 22
(Park Hours 3:00pm - 10:00pm)
3:30pm - Opening Entertainment: Leight July
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight
6:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides
7:30pm - Balloon Glow
8:30pm - Headlining Entertainment: Stir of Echoes
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Morning Balloon Flight
A morning hot air balloon flight is scheduled for 6am. The status and location of the flight will be determined at 6am on the morning of. This location will be posted for the public on the Centralia Balloon Fest Facebook page around 6:15am. Check for updates before and during Balloon Fest here: https://www.facebook.com/centraliaballoonfest
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Fairview Park.
Sunday, August 23
(Park Hours 12:00pm - 6:00pm)
All Day Family Fun Day
Free Kids’ Activities include a bounce house, Carrie Leigh’s Art for Kids, Puzzles, and more!
Other activities in the park may be added. Look for the information booth in the park for more details.
12:00pm - 1:00pm - SSM Health Main Stage - Happy Hour Karaoke DJ
12:00pm - 4:00pm - C-Town Skate Crew Skateboarding Competition
12:00pm - 4:00pm - Characters & Balloons Artist
12:00pm - 5:00pm - Touch-A-Truck Event
12:00pm - Bicycle Helmet Giveaway (goes until supplies last)
1:00pm - 4:00pm - Car & Motorcycle Show
1:00pm - 4:00pm - Mini Golf
1:30pm - SSM Health Main Stage - Magic Show
2:30pm - 4:00pm - SSM Health Main Stage - Happy Hour Karaoke DJ
3:00pm - 4:00pm - Kids’ Foam and Bubbles Party
4:00pm - Car Show and Skateboard Competition Winners Announced
4:30pm - 5:30pm - SSM Health Main Stage - Happy Hour Karaoke DJ
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight (LOCAL PILOTS)
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
UP NEXT: The Band Feel and Them Dirty Roses at Castle Ridge
August 29, 2026 7:00 pm
Featuring The Band Feel and Them Dirty Roses
Event Schedule – Saturday, August 29th, 2026
6:00 PM – Doors Open
7:00 PM – Show Begins
📍 Venue: Castle Ridge
📍 Location: Centralia, Illinois
CASTLE RIDGE ANNOUNCES
“UP NEXT: THE RISING ARTIST SERIES”
Presented by Pepsi MidAmerica | A New Lakeside Concert Experience Showcasing the Next Generation of Breakout Stars
Saturday, August 29, 2026
• THE BAND FEEL (Alternative Rock) A rapidly rising rock act with over 70 million views and a growing national fanbase.
• Them Dirty Roses (Southern Rock) A gritty, whiskey-soaked band delivering raw southern rock energy and a relentless touring spirit.
A new era of live music is arriving at Castle Ridge. Today, Castle Ridge, in partnership with Pepsi MidAmerica and The Eric Group, announces UP NEXT: The Rising Artist Series, a bold, genre-spanning concert series designed to spotlight the next wave of artists on the verge of national breakout.
Running the last Saturday of each month from May through September, the lakeside series will feature 14 of the hottest emerging acts across country, rock, pop, hip hop, Americana, and more, delivering an experience built for discovery, energy, and connection.
Show Dates:
May 30 | June 27 | July 25 | August 29 | September 26, 2026
Set against the scenic backdrop of Castle Ridge, just 45 miles east of St. Louis, the series positions the venue as a destination for young music fans eager to experience tomorrow’s headliners today.
*All Sales Final. No Refunds or Exchanges.*
*Ticket prices increase by $10 on the day of the show.*
Overdose Awareness Event at Fairview Park
Community Invited to International Overdose Awareness Day Event on August 31
CENTRALIA, IL – Take Action Coalition of Clinton County, the Marion County Coalition Against Drug Use, and the Community Resource Center invite community members to join them for International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, August 31, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Fairview Park in Centralia, Illinois.
This free, family-friendly event is dedicated to honoring lives lost to overdose, supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use, and promoting hope through recovery and community connection. The evening will feature live music, free food, a guest speaker, tributes, and activities for all ages.
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, and remember those whose lives have been lost. Overdose can affect anyone—not only people living with addiction. It can involve prescription medications, accidental poisonings, or misuse of medications by individuals of any age, including older adults. Events like this help educate the public, encourage compassionate conversations, and connect community members with resources that save lives.
Event Details
What: International Overdose Awareness Day
When: Monday, August 31, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Where: Fairview Park, Centralia, Illinois
Cost: Free and open to the public
Hosted by: Take Action Coalition of Clinton County, Marion County Coalition Against Drug Use, and the Community Resource Center
Every conversation about overdose prevention and recovery helps reduce stigma and brings us one step closer to a healthier, more connected community.
Community members are encouraged to attend, bring their families, and stand together in remembrance, support, and prevention.
Jennifer Alvarado Live at Colden Brewery
Originally from Hickory, NC and now based in Nashville, TN, the multi-award winning Alvarado is redefining what it means to be a country artist in today’s music scene. With a sound that fuses the heartfelt storytelling of 90’s country with the raw, unfiltered honesty of alternative rock, her music has been described as “Deana Carter meets Alanis Morissette.”
Jennifer has been active in the Nashville and national music scene for four years, performing at notable venues such as The Viper Room (LA), The Listening Room (Pigeon Forge), The Cobra (Nashville), The Bird’s Nest (Dunn, NC), The Purple Onion (Saluda, NC) and more. With inspirations such as Janis Joplin, Deana Carter, Alanis Morissette, Reba McEntire and Tom Petty, Jennifer’s music creates a smooth blend of the best elements of classic rock, country, blues, and Americana. Her multi-genre shows are guaranteed to keep an audience engaged and satisfied.
Jennifer’s live show includes all the crowd favorites from most genres of music as well as original music.
Elmwood Speaks
Elmwood Speaks is an annual living history event presented by the Centralia Cultural Society. The event brings together local volunteer actors who portray real people interred at Elmwood Cemetery, giving voice to the men and women who built, shaped, and enriched the Centralia community throughout history.
The evening begins with a short presentation at the Centralia Cultural Society, located at 1250 E. Rexford. From there, guests are transported to the grounds of Elmwood Cemetery, where they board golf carts and travel from stop to stop, encountering eight actors — each embodying one of Elmwood's most prominent residents. In their own words, these figures from Centralia's past share the stories of their lives: their triumphs and hardships, their contributions and their legacies.
Tours run every 30 minutes!
Thursday, September 10: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Sunday, September 13: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Get tickets now! This event sells out fast!
Putt Around Lake Centralia to Benefit Scholarship Fund
Event Name: Putt Around The Lake
Start Date of Event: September 12, 2026
Start Time of Event: 10:00 AM
End Time of Event: 2:00 PM
Cost of Attendance (per person): $20
Description of Event: Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026 for Putt Around the Lake, a family-friendly, fun-filled day where participants will travel by boat or land vehicle around the lake, stopping at unique mini golf holes hosted by fellow lake residents. It's all about enjoying the lake, spending time with friends and neighbors, and supporting the Lake Centralia Association scholarship fund. Check out the event page on Facebook for more details. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FbptT7YWK/
Address / Location of Event: Lake Centralia, Centralia, IL 62801, United States
Event Website: http://www.facebook.com/share/1FbptT7YWK/
Contact Email: lakecentralia@gmail.com
Chamber Luncheon
Save the date for the September Luncheon! Wednesday, September 16 from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Tentatively scheduled at Intermountain Electronics.
Fore The Community - Evergreen Wealth Strategies Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars!
Evergreen Wealth Strategies is excited to announce Fore the Community! their new event is focused on bringing people together for a great cause.
Date: September 18, 2026
Place: Greenview Golf Course - Centralia
A morning of golf, community, and charitable impact is on the way. Stay tuned for registration details, hole sponsorship opportunities, and more.
Phase 1 Opening for The Lobby 1924
Save the Date
— September 19th
Something special is just around the corner…
Join us as we celebrate the Phase One Opening of 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑳𝑶𝑩𝑩𝒀 1924 with a community open house and ribbon cutting.
More details coming soon, but for now…
Mark your calendars.
We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors.
SAFE -Ladies Golf Scramble
Save the Date for SAFE’s Ladies Golf Scramble! September 21 at Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval, IL.
Time is TBD
UP NEXT: The Rising Artist Series
BREAKING NEWS from the Castle
Something NEW. Something BIG. Something EXCITING is coming to the Castle. We’re cooking up something special this concert season, and trust us, you’re going to want to be here for it.
If you love the HOTTEST up-and-coming artists, viral TikTok sensations, and the next wave of Rock, Country, Pop, and more, this is YOUR moment. Catch them NOW before they’re selling out arenas.
Last Saturday of the Month | May through September
May 30 | June 27 | July 25 | August 29 | September 26
LAKESIDE at the Castle
The Next Generation of Artists
Ready for what’s UP NEXT?
UP NEXT: The Rising Artist Series
Presented by Pepsi MidAmerica
Sign up now: UpNextCR.com
Be the first to know. Don’t miss a beat.
Bronze Handbell Ensemble 20th Anniversary Concert at Centralia Museum
Event Name: Forever Bronze Handbell Ensemble 20th Anniversary Concert
Cost of Attendance (per person): $25.00
Description of Event: Concert and celebration of 20 years performing in the greater Centralia area. Appetizers, drinks, and handbell concert at the Centralia Area Historical Museum - 2nd floor.
Party attire appropriate.
RAIL Monster Crawl
MONSTER CRAWL — YEAR 8
SAVE THE DATE — Saturday, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Darkness falls. Downtown awakens.
This isn’t just a block party —
This is THE BEAST OF FALL.
Where families creep for devilishly good eats & drinks and downtown feels DEADLY FUN!
📍 216 East Broadway, Centralia, IL.
All ages and all costumes are welcome.
Past attendees keep screaming about it —
“Wicked good times — scare ya next year!” 
“Street festival energy, DJs, food trucks, and laughs from dusk to night!” 
“Monster claws, costumes, pumpkins, makeup, and memories you can’t unsee.” (community sentiment) 
Free activities:
👻 Costume contests with prizes
👻 Creepy cool vendors & surprises
👻 Family + friend approved thrills
Chamber Luncheon at Kaskaskia College
Save the date for the chamber luncheon at Kaskaskia College on Wednesday, October 21, from 12:00pm-1:00pm. It will be held at the Lifelong Learning Center. More details to come closer to time.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s® at Kaskaskia College
Join the South Central Illinois community for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, a powerful and hopeful event uniting families, friends, caregivers, and local businesses in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias—conditions impacting millions of Americans and countless local families.
Participants of all ages and abilities will come together to honor loved ones, support those currently facing the disease, and take meaningful action against a condition that deeply affects our families, workplaces, and community. The Walk is more than a single day—it’s a movement fueled by hope, remembrance, and determination.
Every dollar raised supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s critical mission: advancing research toward treatment, prevention, and a cure, while providing 24/7 care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and the caregivers who walk this journey with them right here in our community.
Whether you form a team, walk in honor or memory of someone you love, or support the event through sponsorship, your involvement makes a difference.
Get involved. Get inspired. Help end Alzheimer’s.
Register today and be part of one of Belleville’s most meaningful community events at www.alz.org/SCILWalk.
Downtown Fall Festival and Halloween Parade
Get Ready for a Spooktacular Day of Fall Fun in Centralia!
https://centraliahalloweenparade.com/
Join us in historic downtown Centralia for the Annual Halloween Parade and Fall Festival — a cherished tradition that's been delighting families for nearly a century! The festivities kick off bright and early at 9:00 a.m. with a folksy Craft Fair, bustling Flea Market, and eye-catching Car Show. Bring the kids for free games and activities, sample mouthwatering bites at the Chili Cook-Off, and enjoy live local entertainment throughout the day. At 10:30 a.m., little ghouls and goblins can show off their costumes in our Children’s Costume Contest, followed by the Children’s Parade at 11:00 a.m. — all ages welcome!
As night falls, the excitement builds for the Main Parade at 7:00 p.m., rolling down Poplar Street with dazzling floats, marching bands, and mechanized marvels. Stick around after the parade to cheer on your favorites as we announce category winners and award trophies at the judges' stand (302 S. Poplar Street).
It’s a full day of festive fun, fantastic food, and unforgettable memories. So gather the family, don your costumes, and join us for one of Centralia’s most magical days of the year!
The 99th Annual Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 7:00pm.
Chamber Luncheon at SSM Health
Save the Date! The Chamber luncheon on Wednesday, November 18, is at SSM Health from 12:00pm-1:00pm
Drive-Through Balloon Glow at Murray Center
Local pilots are going to be glowing at Murray Center for a drive-through balloon glow. This event takes place on Sunday, August 16 from 7:30pm - 8:30pm.
Enter the glow at 1955 West 4th Street and exit at 161.
To keep the flow of traffic and to let everyone experience the balloons, please don’t get out of your car or stop your car unless a volunteer has instructed you to do so.
Travis Tritt at Castle Ridge
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
CCW Downtown Summer Concert Series
Crooked Creek Winery Downtown’s Annual Summer Concert Series is back again for 2026! This free event offers live music in the middle of the street in downtown Centralia, food trucks, community events, the famous spiked lemon shake-ups, and more!
Every Saturday night from July 11-August 15.
Community events are from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, live music is 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Bring a lawn chair and join the community in the street!
📍 100 Block of East Broadway.
Community Fun Run at Colden Brewery
Welcome to the very first RYP Community Run!
Our mission is simple:
Create a welcoming community where every runner feels like they belong.
Whether you’re training for your next race, getting back into running, or lacing up for the very first time, every pace has a place.
Event Details
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Run Begins: 8:00 AM
Meetup Location
Colden Brewery
117 E. Broadway
Centralia, IL 62801
Distance: 2 Miles
What to Expect
• A relaxed, welcoming community run
• All experience levels are welcome
• No runner gets left behind
• Meet fellow runners from the Centralia area
• Group photo before or after the run
• Time to hang out after the run and support local businesses
Community Partners
A huge thank you to our Community Partners for helping make Run // 001 possible.
Colden Brewery
Thank you to Ric Niekes for hosting our first community run.
The Juicy Jay Collection
Jay Jones will be on-site after the run with fresh-pressed juices, sea moss gel, turmeric shots, and more available for purchase.
The EPOC Experience of Centralia
Thank you to Eric Hobbie for providing complimentary bottled water for all participants.
A Few Things to Know
• Wear comfortable running or walking shoes.
• Bring anything you normally like to run with (water bottle, watch, etc.).
• This is a community-paced run—not a race.
• Most importantly…come ready to meet some awesome people.
We’re excited to see where this journey leads, and we can’t wait to kick things off with all of you.
Smoke on the Water Fest with NBRA Boat Races at Castle Ridge
Experience the 22nd Annual Sanctioned NBRA and US Title Series Smoke on the Water Fest Boat Race, hosted at Castle Ridge August 14th through the August 16th.
General Admission is FREE! Bring a Lawn Chair and watch the races from the Infinity Deck or shoreline at Castle Ridge.
-Friday, August 14th | 11:00AM-5:00PM
Rooftop & Shoreline Viewing
Cocktail & Dining Specials at Stonewater, including catfish and Queen’s filet
Spectacular Sunset Views
Rooftop music starts at 6:00PM
-Saturday, August 15th | 11:00AM-5:00PM
Rooftop & Shoreline Viewing
Cocktail & Dining Specials at Stonewater
Spectacular Sunset Views
Kaskaskia College Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Open House and Registration
Kaskaskia College Offers Special Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center Open House
Kaskaskia College will offer special opportunities in August to help students prepare for the Fall 2026 semester: an open house at the Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center on August 10.
Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Open House – August 10
KC will also host an open house from Noon to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, at the Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center, 2005 E. McCord Street, Centralia, IL.
Visitors will have an opportunity to explore KC’s hands-on manufacturing and skilled-trades programs, tour the Crisp Center, meet faculty and learn about training options designed to prepare students for high-demand careers.
All student services will also be available during the open house to help prospective and returning students apply, register for classes, explore financial aid options and receive academic advising.
“Whether students are just beginning to consider college or are ready to finalize their fall schedules, these events offer a convenient opportunity to receive personalized assistance and complete the enrollment process,” said KC Dean of Enrollment Staci Palm.
Fall classes begin on August 17. Although students may attend either special event, they are encouraged to begin the enrollment and registration process as soon as possible for the best selection of available classes.
For additional information, contact KC Admissions at 618-545-3040 or kcadmissions@kaskaskia.edu, or visit www.kaskaskia.edu.
CCW Downtown Summer Concert Series
Crooked Creek Winery Downtown’s Annual Summer Concert Series is back again for 2026! This free event offers live music in the middle of the street in downtown Centralia, food trucks, community events, the famous spiked lemon shake-ups, and more!
Every Saturday night from July 11-August 15.
Community events are from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, live music is 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Bring a lawn chair and join the community in the street!
📍 100 Block of East Broadway.
Kaskaskia College Special Saturday Registration
Kaskaskia College Offers Special Saturday Registration
Kaskaskia College will offer special opportunities in August to help students prepare for the Fall 2026 semester: Saturday registration hours at the main campus and all education centers on August 8.
Special Saturday Registration – August 8
Kaskaskia College’s main campus and education centers located in Salem, Greenville, Nashville, Trenton and Vandalia will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, to assist new and returning students with completing the enrollment process before fall classes begin.
All student services will be available, allowing students to take care of multiple enrollment needs in one visit. Services will include:
Admissions and registration
Academic advising
Financial aid assistance
Placement testing
Student accounts and payment assistance
Information about programs, scholarships, and student resources
Students are encouraged to bring a photo ID, high school or college transcripts, and any documents needed to complete their financial aid or admissions requirements.
“Whether students are just beginning to consider college or are ready to finalize their fall schedules, these events offer a convenient opportunity to receive personalized assistance and complete the enrollment process,” said KC Dean of Enrollment Staci Palm.
Fall classes begin on August 17. Although students may attend either special event, they are encouraged to begin the enrollment and registration process as soon as possible for the best selection of available classes.
For additional information, contact KC Admissions at 618-545-3040 or kcadmissions@kaskaskia.edu, or visit www.kaskaskia.edu.
Shawn Mayer live at Locust Street Pub
Straight out of Nashville, TN Shawn Mayer is coming back to Centralia, IL !!!
LIVE AT:
"Locust St. Pub"
(824 S Locust St, Centralia, IL 62801)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 | 9PM–12AM
With her soulful voice and rock-meets-country sound, Shawn brings the energy and unforgettable hits—joined by special guest Tracy Ingersoll on drums!
Don’t miss this powerhouse performance!
CCW Downtown Summer Concert Series
Crooked Creek Winery Downtown’s Annual Summer Concert Series is back again for 2026! This free event offers live music in the middle of the street in downtown Centralia, food trucks, community events, the famous spiked lemon shake-ups, and more!
Every Saturday night from July 11-August 15.
Community events are from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, live music is 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Bring a lawn chair and join the community in the street!
📍 100 Block of East Broadway.
Mad Science: Fire & Ice at Centralia Library
Join us for SAFE and scientific fun with fire and ice! Learn about the amazing properties of fire and combustion when we produce a flaming fireball! Then, cool off with spectacular demonstrations involving dry ice as we explore the science behind this amazing frozen gas. Children will be dazzled and entertained with foggy dry ice storms, piezo poppers and even a special Mad Science “burp” potion will amaze children as they learn about chemical reactions, air pressure and the states of matter. Get ready for some
sizzlin’ excitement!
EDUCATIONAL VALUE:
This class introduces children to the physic facts on heat and states of matter. Children will be exposed to many ideas, including that fire needs three elements to burn: Heat, fuel, and oxygen. They will see paper that burns with no ashes as they learn about flammability and combustion. Children will understand that matter takes up space, and a vacuum may be created by using fire to burn up oxygen.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE:
1. Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen.
2. Dry ice goes from a solid to a gas, skipping the liquid phase.
3. Some fuels are more combustible than others.
This event is free and open to all ages.
Kaskaskia College Hosts Community Engagement Event (Centralia @ Crisp Center)
Kaskaskia College Invites Community Members to Attend 2026 Community Engagement Meetings
CENTRALIA, Ill. — Kaskaskia College is inviting community members, business leaders, educators, elected officials, and stakeholders to participate in a series of Community Engagement Meetings being held throughout the College’s district this summer.
The meetings provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about Kaskaskia College’s programs, workforce development initiatives, community partnerships, and future priorities.
Participants are encouraged to share ideas, feedback, and suggestions to help the College continue meeting the needs of the communities it serves.
Community Engagement Meeting Schedule
Harry L. Crisp Manufacturing & Trades Center, Centralia
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
RSVP by July 23 to Joy Fitts, Dean of Workforce Engagement & Industrial Career Services, at 618-545-3118 or EMAIL.
UP NEXT: The Rising Artist Series
BREAKING NEWS from the Castle
Something NEW. Something BIG. Something EXCITING is coming to the Castle. We’re cooking up something special this concert season, and trust us, you’re going to want to be here for it.
If you love the HOTTEST up-and-coming artists, viral TikTok sensations, and the next wave of Rock, Country, Pop, and more, this is YOUR moment. Catch them NOW before they’re selling out arenas.
Last Saturday of the Month | May through September
May 30 | June 27 | July 25 | August 29 | September 26
LAKESIDE at the Castle
The Next Generation of Artists
Ready for what’s UP NEXT?
UP NEXT: The Rising Artist Series
Presented by Pepsi MidAmerica
Sign up now: UpNextCR.com
Be the first to know. Don’t miss a beat.
CCW Downtown Summer Concert Series
Crooked Creek Winery Downtown’s Annual Summer Concert Series is back again for 2026! This free event offers live music in the middle of the street in downtown Centralia, food trucks, community events, the famous spiked lemon shake-ups, and more!
Every Saturday night from July 11-August 15.
Community events are from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, live music is 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Bring a lawn chair and join the community in the street!
📍 100 Block of East Broadway.
Learn about Soil at Centralia Library
Let's learn about soil and how it differs from dirt, composting, photosynthesis, and more!
These lessons accompany the book "The Soil in Jackie's Garden" by Peggy Thomas. Anyone can come and learn!
This is a free, family friendly event hosted by Centralia Library on July 24, from 2-3pm
"What's The Next Line?" Improv Showcase at Centralia Cultural Society
The Little Theatre Players perform improv by playing four games in front of an audience ala “Who's Line is it Anyway” . Games will include; “Who's at the Party”, “Break an Egg”, “Imagination Objects”, and “LTP News Floor”
Come relax, have a drink and a snack, and enjoy the chaos
CCW Downtown Summer Concert Series
Crooked Creek Winery Downtown’s Annual Summer Concert Series is back again for 2026! This free event offers live music in the middle of the street in downtown Centralia, food trucks, community events, the famous spiked lemon shake-ups, and more!
Every Saturday night from July 11-August 15.
Community events are from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, live music is 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Bring a lawn chair and join the community in the street!
📍 100 Block of East Broadway.
Broadway Open Golf Tournament
Save the date
Broadway Tavern’s Golf Open Tournament is on July 18, 2026 at 9:00am at Colonial Golf Course.
More details to come.
Sensory Story Time at Centralia Library
Bring your little one for some hands-on, sensory learning with our children's librarian, Miss Rita. This special Summer Reading Sensory Story Time is farm and garden themed!
