High School Art Show at Centralia Cultural Society
The Centralia High School art class is showcasing their talent from May 7-11 at Centralia Cultural Society! Mark your calendars for this awesome event!
Ribbon Cutting for Wintea Express
We are celebrating one of our newest restaurants, Wintea Express, with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, May 8, at 11:00am. They are located at 745 West Broadway in Centralia, IL.
Wintea Express mixes the vibrant flavors of Asia with the warmth of a cozy coffee shop. Their restaurant serves up a delicious fusion of traditional Asian cuisine and modern twists, alongside a wide variety of specialty boba coffee drinks.
Everyone is invited to join us & order lunch afterwards.
Illinois Chamber Webinar - The Life of a Workers’ Comp. Claim
The Life of a Workers' Compensation Claim
5/8/2025 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Join Kevin Deuschle with IFMK Law Ltd. as he discusses the life of a worker’s compensation claim at every stage of handling, from initial reporting and filing forms, to motions for hearings and the specific tools the parties use to strategically advance litigation to closure. We will evaluate court processes and guidelines with respect to settlement and trial procedure at the Commission and appellate levels.
Coffee & Donuts Concert
Mark your calendars for a Coffee & Donuts concert at Centralia Cultural Society! More details will come when they are available.
Museum After Dark - Speaker Series
The Museum after Dark speaker series welcomes the Juneteenth committee to talk about the past present and future of the Juneteenth celebration here if Centralia.
Contact Phone Number: (618) 545-0657
Contact Person: Centralia Museum
Contact Email: cahsmil@gmail.com
After Hours at Castle Ridge III Rooftop Bar & Bistro (for Chamber Members)
Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 15th and get ready to mix, mingle, and make valuable business connections at the Tri-Chamber Business After Hours—hosted at the stunning III Rooftop Bar & Bistro at Castle Ridge in Centralia, Illinois!
Enjoy lakeside cocktails, great conversations, and endless networking opportunities as we bring together members from:
Greater Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
Greater Centralia Area Chamber of Commerce
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
(This is a PRIVATE INVITE ONLY event for the active members of the previously stated Chamber of Commerce locations)
Location: III Rooftop Bar & Bistro at Castle Ridge (1 Castle Ridge Lane Centralia IL 62801)
Date: Thursday, May 15th
Time: 4pm-6pm
Door Prizes Alert!
Don’t forget to bring your business cards—each one gets you an entry to win some fantastic door prizes!
This is your chance to expand your network, enjoy an evening of relaxed business connections, and experience one of the area’s most beautiful venues.
“Dive into Marketing” Centralia Chamber Member Lunch
Save the date! Wednesday, May 21, at Centralia Community Youth Center we will dive into marketing with our local media. Learn valuable tips from some of the best marketers and advertisers in the area.
Lunch will be provided starting at 12:00pm by Big Daddy’s Floating Ribs for $20/person. The menu will include:
• Slow Smoked Pulled Pork w/ Buns
• Slow Smoked Beef Brisket w/ Buns
• Sides: Potato Salad, Pit Baked Beans, & Plain Chips
• Desert: Cookies
• Beverages: Tea, Lemonade, & Water
Memorial Day Bicycle Ride and Memorial Ceremony
The American Legion Post 446 is hosting its annual Memorial Day Bicycle Ride and Memorial Ceremony.
The 6-mile community ride will begin at 9 a.m., with entrants meeting and taking off from the American Legion Parking Lot at 117 S. Poplar. Those who participate will receive shirt on the day of the ride.
Centralia Chamber Golf Plae Dae - Colonial Golf Course
Join us on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval for our "Western" themed golf scramble!
10:30am - Check-In
11:00am - Shotgun Start
4:00pm - 19th Hole - Awards and Prizes!
Round-Up Sponsor - we'll round them up for you
"Best Western" Theme sponsored by Best Western Plus
Team Photos sponsored by Intermountain Electronics
Lunch sponsored by Monken Auto
Drinks sponsored by SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital
19th hole sponsored by Kaskaskia College
Winner's Prizes sponsored by Bradford National Bank
SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE!
$150 Rodeo Sponsor - rodeo games at each hole with prizes
(straightest drive, longest drive, longest putt, etc.)
$400 for four-person team / $100 for individual player
(Includes 18-holes w/ cart, hole games, lunch on the course, soft drinks and beer.)
$10 Raffle for 3 Prizes worth $500 or greater!
Thank you to A&A Armory, Withers Broadcasting, and Molenhour Equipment for donating the prizes!
Raffle tickets may be purchased for $10 each at the chamber office or other upcoming chamber events.
Winners will be drawn at the Golf Plae Dae on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Winner does not need to be present to win!
1st Prize - Ruger Wrangler .22 Revolver plus Holster - must have FOID card and to be picked up at A&A Armory.
2nd Prize - Cardinals Tickets for Tuesday, July 29 - certificate to be redeemed with Withers Broadcasting.
3rd Prize - Redmax 16” Chainsaw - donated by Molenhour Power Equipment.
Amy Center Golf Scramble
The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center is hosting a Golf Scramble as its major fundraiser of 2025.
The scramble will be held Friday, June 13 at the Green Hills Golf Club in Mt. Vernon.
Those interested in registered a 4-person team may do so by emailing director@amycenter.org or calling 618-244-2100.
Centralia Juneteenth - Homecoming Celebration
Mark your calendars! All roads are leading back home in June for the Centralia Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration.
This year, the committee is planning a 2-Day celebration filled with activities for the entire family.
More information will be added once it is available!
Museum After Dark - Speaker Series
This years marks the 100th Anniversary of the Scope Monkey Trial. Jim Taylor is part of a group that will be doing a recreation of that event on July 12th over in Salem. He and others from his groups will come and talk about the trial and the part William Jennings Bryant had in the trial.
Contact Phone Number: (618) 545-0657
Contact Person: Centralia Museum
Contact Email: cahsmil@gmail.com
4th of July Parade
Mark your calendars! The 4th of July Parade is will be held on Friday July 4, 2025. The time is TBA.
Museum After Dark - Speaker Series
Colonel Fred Johnson (USA, Retired) has told the story of his journey through five wars on the stage during the Wofford College TEDx, Louisville Moth GrandSlam, with the Louisville Storytellers Project, on the Moth Radio Hour Podcast and in Reader's Digest and Kentucky Living. In addition to publishing Five Wars: A Soldier's Journey to Peace, Fred is the author of Soft Skills in Hard Places: The Perryville Battlefield Leadership Experience. Currently, Colonel Johnson is a sixth grade teacher.
Contact Phone Number: (618) 545-0657
Contact Person: Centralia Museum
Contact Email: cahsmil@gmail.com
CHALK IT UP! Downtown Art Fest
Come out and Chalk the Block at our Vibrant Art Fest!
Get ready to turn the streets into a Canvas at CHALK IT UP!- a bold, bright, and unforgettable Art Chalk Fest!
Watch in awe as talented artists transform the pavement into stunning masterpieces, bursting with color, creativity, and imagination.
APPLY AS A VENDORS OR FOOD TRUCK TODAY!!
LIVE CHALK ART- Witness artists bring their visions to life in real-time
INTERACTIVE ZONES- Grab some chalk and unleash your inner artist! In designated area for the public( separate from Chalk Artists)
FOOD TRUCKS & LOCAL VENDORS- Fuel Up with tasty treats while you explore the art!
CHALK ART CONTEST- Vote for your favorite piece and celebrate creativity!
CHALK IT UP! Event Registration
Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or just looking for a fun day out. CHALK IT UP! Is where color meets community. Bring your imagination—Let’s make the streets come alive!
Come for the art, stay for the vibes.
#ChalkItUp! #StreetArtMagic
If your application is approved, you will receive a separate email with the Link to pay for your spot. And don’t forget to share with all your friends!
Young Gravy LIVE in Concert at Castle Ridge
Yung Gravy - LIVE IN CONCERT with DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip.
Presented by Castle Ridge & Dunbar Music Group.
Tickets on at 10:00am on Friday, February 7th at www.CastleRidgeEvents.com.
Priscilla Block at Castle Ridge
CASTLE RIDGE ANNOUNCES
Priscilla Block - LIVE IN CONCERT
with special guest
Presented by Castle Ridge & Dunbar Music Group
Tickets on Sale Friday, May 2nd at 10:00am!! - Visit castleridge.com to get your tickets
Concert date is Friday, August 1st, 2025 - Doors open at 6:00pm and show starts at 7:00pm
A must-visit concert destination.
A premier setting located between a Castle and a picturesque lake.
A recipe for a night you won't forget!!
PLATINUM-selling country star Priscilla Block draws fans in with her unfiltered, relatable songwriting, and catchy melodies. Her megawatt smile and gregarious personality have captured audiences across the U.S. and abroad. Pegged as an "Artist to Watch" by Amazon Music, American Songwriter, PANDORA, Spotify, CMT, The Boot, MusicRow, ITS, Country Now, Music Mayhem and more, Priscilla has rapidly become one of Nashville’s acclaimed truth-tellers with a voice for her generation.
Priscilla landed her first No. 1 smash at country radio with Justin Moore duet, “You, Me, & Whiskey”.
Current single “Good On You” has over 15M streams across platforms.
Previous singles “Just About Over You” more than 65M streams and “My Bar” more than 34M streams.
She recently released brand new song, “He’s My Man”.
Priscilla has a highly-engaged social media following, 2M followers on TikTok!
Since the launch of Welcome to the Block Party, Priscilla has earned New Artist nominations for the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, the ACM Awards, and CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year as well as Collaborative Video of the Year.
High profile media includes The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Tamron Hall Show, hosting the People’s Choice Country Awards and ACM red carpet show, ACM Honors, and features in Billboard, The Tennessean, PEOPLE Magazine, The New York Times, and more!
Priscilla wrote every song on her debut project Welcome to the Block Party and the 16-track deluxe including her Platinum-selling smash “Just About Over You,” the Top 25 hit “My Bar,” and fan favorites “Off the Deep End,” “Wish You Were the Whiskey,” “Thick Thighs,” and “Like A Boy”.
****Limited accessible availability in each section. Accessible seating location subject to change.
****No age restrictions. Individuals younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older.
****See other event details when purchasing tickets.
****Tickets purchases are final and are non-refundable.
Centralia Balloon Fest
Centralia Balloon Fest is one of the largest events in southern Illinois, and we are back for the 36th year of 35 hot air balloons, live entertainment, and over 100 food and craft vendors. This family-friendly event takes place in Centralia, IL at Foundation Park, a 300-acre nature park.
$10 Cash Only Daily Admission on Friday & Saturday.
Free Admission on Sunday (Free Family Fun Day)
Free admission to kids 2 years or younger.
PRE-SALE ADMISSION - $10 WRISTBAND
Wristbands are good for BOTH Friday & Saturday. Wristbands MUST be worn on wrist for park entry.
Centralia Art & Wine Festival
Centralia Art & Wine Festival 2025 will be held on October 4, 2025. This event is hosted by Centralia Sunshine Project and Centralia Cultural Society. Mark your calendars! More details to come!
Downtown Trick or Treat
Mark your calendars! The Downtown Trick or Treat will be held on October 31, 2025 from 4pm-5pm. More details to will be added when they become available!
Downtown Falls Festival & Halloween Parade
The Annual Fall Festival and Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025. More details will be added as they become available.
Holiday Concert at City Hope Church
Centralia Cultural Society and City Hope Church have teamed up to bring you their Holiday Concert again this year! This event is on December 7, 2025. The exact time and more details will be announced as it becomes available.
Strategies for Managing Employment Issues - Illinois Chamber of Commerce Training
Effective Performance Reviews, Discipline, and Documentation: Key Strategies for Managing Employment Issues
5/7/2025 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Effective performance reviews, discipline, and documentation are critical elements in managing an organization’s employment issues. In this webinar, Ryan L. Young will provide a comprehensive guide to handling employment-related issues in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner. The presentation will explore the critical components of conducting effective performance reviews, implementing disciplinary actions, and maintaining proper documentation to ensure clarity, transparency, and legal protection for employers and their employees.
Locust Street Historical Fair
The City of Centralia is excited to host the 12th Annual Locust Street Historical Fair. This event is located on the 100 & 200 Block of South Locust Street downtown Centralia from 10am-2pm. More details to come as they are available.
They are accepting vendors now!
Applications to be a Food or Craft vendor are below. To submit your application: email to gharting@cityofcentralia.org or mailed to: PO Box 569, Centralia, IL 62801 Attn: Gayla Harting, or dropped off at City Hall.
$10 Raffle for 3 Prizes worth $500 or greater! - RESCHEDULED to MAY 30
Thank you to A&A Armory, Withers Broadcasting, and Molenhour Equipment for donating the prizes!
Raffle tickets may be purchased for $10 each at the chamber office or other upcoming chamber events.
Winners will be drawn at the Golf Plae Dae on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Winner does not need to be present to win!
1st Prize - Ruger Wrangler .22 Revolver plus Holster - must have FOID card and to be picked up at A&A Armory.
2nd Prize - Cardinals Tickets for Tuesday, July 29 - certificate to be redeemed with Withers Broadcasting.
3rd Prize - Redmax 16” Chainsaw - donated by Molenhour Power Equipment.
Job Fair at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia and Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon will host the Sodexo Job Fair on Friday, May 2, from 2pm until 4pm.
The event will be held in the cafeteria of each hospital and feature in-person interviews.
Centralia Chamber Golf Plae Dae - Colonial Golf Course - RESCHEDULED to MAY 30
Join us on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval for our "Western" themed golf scramble!
10:30am - Check-In
11:00am - Shotgun Start
4:00pm - 19th Hole - Awards and Prizes!
Round-Up Sponsor - we'll round them up for you
"Best Western" Theme sponsored by Best Western Plus
Team Photos sponsored by Intermountain Electronics
Lunch sponsored by Monken Auto
Drinks sponsored by SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital
19th hole sponsored by Kaskaskia College
Winner's Prizes sponsored by Bradford National Bank
SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE!
$150 Rodeo Sponsor - rodeo games at each hole with prizes
(straightest drive, longest drive, longest putt, etc.)
$400 for four-person team / $100 for individual player
(Includes 18-holes w/ cart, hole games, lunch on the course, soft drinks and beer.)
After Hours and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Amy Center’s new Centralia Location
The Amy Center now has a location here in Centralia! The Amy Center helps child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse. They also help children who have witnessed trauma.
To celebrate their new location, we are doing a ribbon cutting ceremony and having an After Hours event. All are welcome to come celebrate and tour the new facility.
We hope to see you on Wednesday, April 30, from 5:00pm-6:00pm at 1231 West Broadway, Suite #2, in Centralia, IL.
Managing FMLA & ADA Issues - Illinois Chamber of Commerce Training
Effectively Managing FMLA Leave & ADA Accommodation Issues
4/30/2025 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Online
Navigating compliance for leave and accommodations across the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is complicated for employers. Each employee’s needs and what you may be legally required to provide (or not) can vary drastically. Join Scott Cruz, Labor and Employment Attorney at UB Greensfelder, LLP, in which Scott will address and discuss practical approaches for developing compliant, leave policies that reduce organizational risk, and what steps you need to take to manage employee leaves of absence and accommodations under both the ADA and FMLA.
Museum After Dark - Speaker Series
Mike Morris gets our Museum after Dark speaker series going this year as he will talk about the past, present, and future of the Recycle Center and Centralia Clean and Green. Members get in free Non-Members get in for a $5 donation.
Contact Phone Number: (618) 545-0657
Contact Person: Centralia Museum
Contact Email: cahsmil@gmail.com
Kaskaskia College Theatre presents Much Ado About Nothing
KC Theatre Presents Much Ado About Nothing – April 25–27
Later in the month, the KC Theatre Department will bring Shakespeare to life with its spring production of Much Ado About Nothing. This timeless comedy, filled with witty banter, mistaken identities, and romantic intrigue, will be performed on:
Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m.
All performances will take place in the Jane Knight Auditorium. All performances are free and open to the public, but tickets are required and can be reserved for free at: https://muchadoatkc.eventbrite.com.
High School Art Show at Kaskaskia College - Opens April 25
High School Art Show Opens April 25
Also opening on Friday, April 25, is the Annual High School Art Show in the Dr. Dee and Sue Boswell Art Gallery, located in the Lifelong Learning Center on KC’s main campus.
The event kicks off with an opening reception at 5:00 p.m., celebrating the artistic achievements of high school students from across District 501. A wide variety of styles and media will be on display, providing a glimpse into the creativity of the region’s young artists.
After the reception, guests are encouraged to attend the 7:00 p.m. performance of Much Ado About Nothing, making for a full evening of art and culture on campus.
The art exhibition will remain on display through May 30, and is free and open to the public.
Ribbon Cutting at Hair of the Dog and The Barking Lot
Please join us in welcoming new owners Jessica Wolenhaupt, Andrea Wolenhaupt, Kent Gabriel, Stacey Gabriel, and Dane Gabriel!
We will be celebrating the newly reopened Hair of the Dog bar and venue, plus The Barking Lot pet boarding and grooming. We will meet at the Hair of the Dog before the ceremony and photo opportunity. Please have a drink and hang out all evening!
Compliance of DEI Executive Order - Illinois Chamber of Commerce Training
Trump's DEI Executive Order is in Effect, Now What?
4/24/2025 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Online
Companies, especially Affirmative Action Contractors, need guidance on how to interpret and comply with President Trump’s new Executive Order related to DEI.
On this webinar, you will get guidance on:
Affirmative Action Contractor’s new compliance What this may look like in the workplace How the EEOC is interpreting the DEI Executive Order State of the union of the court cases challenging the DEI Executive Order And whatever new transpires between now and the webinar!
C&M Circus at Central City Lions Park
C&M Circus is coming to Central City, IL on April 23rd! Two shows will be performed under a real Circus Big Top.
Showtimes: 5:00 & 7:30
Location: Central City Lions Park
Sponsor: Central City Lions Club
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in-person at a discounted price ($13 for adults and $8 for children and seniors) before circus day from...
• Central City Village Hall
• Wamac City Hall - Centralia
• Rick's Ace Hardware - Centralia
Get online tickets now from: https://cm-circus.square.site
Online tickets are $13.75 for adult and $8.75 for children/seniors. They will be available until 10:00 p.m the night before we arrive (April 22nd) or until sold out. On circus day, tickets can only be purchased at the box office and will be $16 for adults and $9 for children 2-12 and seniors 65 & up. No charge for children under the age of 2. Buy your tickets early! You'll save money and a higher portion of the proceeds will go to support our sponsor -- the Central City Lions Club. Join us at 9:30 a.m on Circus Day for tent raising and stick around for a free tour of the grounds! Learn all about our performers, animals and life on the road. The fun begins an hour before each show! Enjoy the midway with a full concession stand, pony rides, bouncy houses and face painting. Our 90 minute family-friendly show features Big Cats, Tight Rope, Aerialists, Foot Juggling, Contortion, Daredevils and so much more! Visit cmcircus.com to see photos and find out more information on this year's show.
Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Health Fair
FREE Health Fair at the Rolland Lewis Building on Tuesday, April 22nd from 10AM-2PM. There will be a variety of service lines, clinics, and local organizations from our community on site that day.
Free Easter Egg Hunt at Fairview Park
City Hope Church is sponsoring a Free Egg Hunt for the community (2nd year)!! 10,000 eggs!!
Contact Phone Number: (618) 533-3349
Contact Person: Nicole Lyons
Contact Email: hello@cityhope.church
Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village
Easter is here! Soon, over a thousand stuffed eggs will be up for grabs! Grab a basket and meet us on the front lawn on Friday, April 18th at 7:00am.
Make Me Bankable - Financial Literacy Workshop for Veterans (and Very Small Businesses)
Are You a Veteran or Running or Starting a Small Business?
This Program might be for YOU!
Make Me Bankable
A No-Cost Financial Literacy Program designed to:
Demystify credit
Explore debt and borrowing
Enhance your bankability
This no-cost opportunity will set you on the path to mastering credit and money management. Plus, attendees will have access to a free Operation Hope Credit Counselor!
Course Overview:
Make Me Bankable
-Learn the basics of credit and its different forms
-Discover strategies to repair and improve your credit score
-Gain access to a credit counselor from Operation Hope
Borrowing Basics
-Explore borrowing options and understand their costs
-Presented by FDIC & EEC
Managing Debt
-Dive into the different types of debt and effective management strategies
-Presented by FDIC & EEC
To register for this no-cost event, go HERE:
Make Me Bankable https://ileecatsiu.training.growthwheel.com/course/MakeMeBankable-85656
Location: In-Person at the American Legion Post 147 Marion Il.
Take advantage of this learning opportunity to build your financial future. Reserve your spot today!
Questions? Contact us at 618-453-2083
Illinois Chamber Webinar - Do’s and Don’ts for Interviewing
Are You Hiring? Interviewing Do's and Don'ts for Employers
4/16/2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Hiring seems like it should be a straightforward, formulaic process - but the most consequential part of the process is typically tied to human interaction during the interview process. Common sense only goes so far. Employers must be aware of the potential missteps that they or their employees may make during the hiring and interview process. Those missteps may have significant consequences, including legal claims related to discrimination, failure to accommodate, and negligent hiring. During this webinar, we will cover the federal and state laws that apply to the interviewing process, as well as some best practices (the “Do’s”) and examples of questions and conduct that may expose your company to liability (the “Don’ts”).
inspire connections lunch - Learn About the Community Gardens at City Hope Church
Chamber lunch on Wednesday, April 16, at 12:00pm at City Hope Church
University of Illinois Extension Christina Lueking will speak about the Community Gardens!
Simplysoul is catering lunch: Meat lasagna or veggie lasagna with salad and fresh fruit.
$20 per person for lunch. An invoice reminder will be sent from The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce with a link for you to pay by credit card online or bring cash / check to the event.
RSVP ONLINE: https://forms.gle/nZM85riYAPkpBM477
Spring Combined Music Concert - Kaskaskia College
Spring Combined Music Concert – April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
The season kicks off with the Spring Combined Music Concert on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jane Knight Auditorium on the KC main campus. The concert will feature performances by the concert choir, instrumental ensembles, and soloists from the college’s music program, highlighting works that span from the 16th century to modern day. Composers include John Bennet, Frank Ticheli, Percy Grainger, Cole Porter, PINKZEBRA, and more.
A special feature of the evening will be a narrated medley of video game music themes, arranged by KC Professor Cody Paul, offering a fresh and contemporary addition to the program.
The event is free and open to the public, with no ticket required, and will be livestreamed on KC official Facebook page for those who wish to enjoy the performance from home.
Byrd-Watson Pharmacy Ground Breaking Ceremony
Byrd-Watson Pharmacy is celebrating their future location with a ground breaking ceremony! The long-time Centralia business is starting construction on a new facility on Tuesday, April 15, at 3:00pm. The new location is at 790 West McCord in Centralia, IL. All are welcome to join!
