MARCH
The Irish Alumni Association’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Event will take place Saturday, March 15th from 4 until 11pm at the Kankakee Country Club on Cobb Boulevard. You must be at least 21 to attend. For $75 per person you can join them for Irish Shenanigans beginning at 4pm with a dinner buffet and late-night eats, NCAA Championship Games, basket raffles and split-the-pot, live music by Buford T. Judd & The Dumptrucks, and complimentary green beer! Late Night Leprechauns who arrive after 8pm will pay just $30. The deadline to reserve your tickets is this Friday, March 7th. For more information, to review the dress code, and to purchase tickets to the event, visit bishopmac.com
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The American Red Cross will be hosting local blood drives on Wednesday, March 5th from 1 to 6pm at the Knights of Columbus in Kankakee / Thursday, March 6th from 11am to 5pm at Northfield Square Mall in Bradley / and Monday, March 10th from noon to 5:30pm inside the Saint Anne Community High School. Give the gift of life by donating blood. For more info or to find a blood drive near you, visit redcrossblood.org
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The Danforth Blue Ribbon 4-H and Cloverbud Club will hold a pork chop dinner on Saturday, March 8th in the Danforth Community Building from 5 to 7pm. It’s $10 for one pork chop or $12 for two. This comes with green beans, applesauce, pie and a drink.
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IRS-certified volunteers are currently providing free tax preparation and E-filing services to qualified individuals at the Salvation Army of Kankakee. This is for people making $67,000 or less who need assistance in preparing their own federal and Illinois state tax returns. Their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program can offer appointment times between 9am and 3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the month of March, and on Mondays and Thursdays in April until the tax-filing deadline. To make an appointment, stop by the Salvation Army at 148 North Harrison Avenue in Kankakee or call between 9am and 3pm at (815) 933-8421 extension #1107.
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Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School will host a Freshman Showcase on Wednesday, March 5th for current 8th grade students who are interested in attending BBCHS next year. Incoming freshmen will learn about the different sports, clubs, and activities that the high school has to offer. There will be two sessions taking place between 6pm and 8:30 in both the main and north gymnasiums. BBCHS is located at 700 West North Street in Bradley.
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A Daddy-Daughter Dance called “Me & My Lucky Charm” will take place on Friday, March 7th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Manteno Elementary School. Admission is $25 per couple and $5 each additional “date”. You must RSVP by March 1st to gabesmama7611@gmail.com This is not a school-sponsored event.
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Easy Street Theater for Actors with Special Abilities will present a youth edition of “The Wizard of Oz” at 7pm on both Friday, March 7th and Saturday, March 8th. A third and final performance will take place on Sunday, March 9th at 2pm. This show will be held in the Settles Center at Saint John Paul The Second Catholic Parish, 956 South 10th Avenue in Kankakee. All tickets are $15 each and will be available at the door.
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The Central FFA Auction will be held in the Clifton high school cafeteria on Saturday, March 15th. Doors to the event open at 4pm, there will be a complimentary meal at 5 o’clock, and the auction begins at 6pm.
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The 2025 State of the County Address will be held Tuesday, March 4th from 11am to 1pm inside Olivet Nazarene University’s Chalfant Hall at 1 University Avenue in Bourbonnais. Registration opens at 10:45am. This annual event gives the County Council the opportunity to acknowledge partnerships, reflect on the accomplishments of the previous year and outline the county’s future goals. The ticket cost is $35 for members of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, or $65 for prospective members. Register now at kankakeecountychamber.com
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Wright in Kankakee presents an evening with Mike Block. The talented cellist will be returning to Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous B. Harley Bradley House at 701 South Harrison Avenue in Kankakee for an intimate solo concert on Friday, March 7th at 7pm. The doors open one hour prior to his performance and seating is limited. Tickets are $60 and available at wright1900.org/events
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The Chebanse American Legion Post 408 and their Auxiliary will be holding a Fish Fry on Friday, March 7th in the Chebanse Community Building at 185 South Chestnut Street from 5 until 7pm. Dine-in or carry out. The cost is $12 for adults, just $6 for children ages 6 to 12, and kids 5 and under eat for free. You’ll get fried fish, potato salad, coleslaw, chips and a drink. A hot dog option will be available for the kids.
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The famous X-Line Sportsmans Club “Door County-Style” Fish Boil will be held on Friday, March 7th from 4:30 to 7:30pm or until the food runs out. It’s all-you-can-eat for $15. Just $7.50 for kids 12 and under. A cash bar will be available. It’s at 4800 East Exline Club Road in Kankakee.
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On Saturday March 8th at 11am, join this year’s 5K emcee Roy Gregory from WIVR 101.7-96.1-103.7 and, in the parade representing Milner Media, Antone from WFAV 95.1 at the 2025 Manhattan Irish Festival! The festival takes place Friday March 7th and Saturday March 8th in downtown Manhattan. Enjoy Irish Dancers, live entertainment, the Manhattan Irish Fest 5k, parade & more. Visit villageofmanhattan.org for details.
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The “Rockin’ 30” Easter Seals Celebration of Giving Telethon will be taking place from noon until 6pm on Saturday, March 8th at Heroes West Sports Grill in Joliet. Your donations will support Easter Seals and their life changing programs for children and adults with disabilities. Enjoy performances from local bands and hear inspiring stories from Spotlight Ambassadors as you help them change lives. The telethon will broadcast live on community access channels throughout the region and online at joliet.eastersealsccom. You’re also invited to attend the telethon in person at 1530 Commerce Lane in Joliet.
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The Kankakee Public Library will host their annual FantasyCon from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, March 8th. Fun for the whole family, this is a small pop culture celebration of fantasy, anime, sci-fi, superheroes, and more. The event will feature authors, artists, collectors, creators, and sellers. Games will be played and cosplay is encouraged. Visit Lions-Online.org or contact the library for more details at (815) 939-4564. They’re at 201 East Merchant Street in downtown Kankakee.
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Laugh For A Cause with The Second City on Saturday, March 8th at the Quality Inn & Suites in Bradley. Along with improv comedy, you can enjoy a happy hour with appetizers, a split-the-pot raffle, and participate in live and silent auctions. Doors open at 5:30 and the show is at 7pm. Tickets available now at HarborHouse.BetterWorld.org. All proceeds raised at “Laugh for a Cause” will support domestic violence survivors in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties through Harbor House.
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Relay For Life of Kankakee County will host a kickoff event at 700 Main Street Northwest in the Bourbonnais Municipal Center’s Robert Latham Community Room on Monday, March 17th. You can join them from 6:30 to 7:30pm as they share the impact their cancer-fighting efforts have made in our community. You’ll be able to register, pick up team captain and member information, win prizes, enjoy light refreshments and more. RSVP by March 12th to michelle.pruitt@cancer.org You can also register for the local relay online at relayforlife.org/kankakeeil This is for the American Cancer Society.
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You could have a one-on-one meeting with an attorney and receive some free legal advice from a representative with Prairie State Legal Services at the Kankakee Public Library during their next “Lawyers in the Library” event on Thursday, March 13th from 9:30am until noon. Find more info on the library’s website at lions-online.org
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The Limestone Township Public Library invites yarn crafters to attend their Crochet and Knitting Club from 6pm until 7:30 on Thursday, March 13th. This is a time to bring in your current project and work with others, share your knowledge, and ask questions about techniques being used by someone else. The library is at 2701 West Tower Road in Kankakee.
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Join the Kankakee Public Library for fun with free Bingo, prizes and light refreshments from 10am until noon on Friday, March 14th at 201 East Merchant Street in downtown Kankakee. To learn of other upcoming events that the library has to offer, visit lions-online.org
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Many stories exist about our area’s connection to Al Capone and you can find out which ones are true during the Limestone Township Public Library District’s next Coffee and Friends program when Research Coordinator Jorie Walters of the Kankakee County Museum drops by the library at 10:30am on Friday, March 14th to host “Al Capone in Kankakee County”. Enjoy a hot drink and a sweet treat during this fun and informative program while listening to an interesting discussion. Registration is required by stopping into the library at 2701 West Tower Road in Kankakee or by calling (815) 939-1696.
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Love A Latte’s 3rd annual Gift Card Bingo Fundraiser will take place in the private room at Breakaway Bar on West Broadway Street in Bradley on Friday, March 14th. The doors open at 6:30 and the games begin at 7pm. Only 100 tickets will be sold at $25 each and snacks are included. Get your ticket at lovealattecoffee.com Their organization offers coffee, treats and sweet eats prepared by special people.
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The Bradley Lions Club will host their next monthly Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 15th from 7:30 to 11am at 428 West Broadway Street inside the Bradley Community Center. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and biscuits & gravy for $8 per person. Kids 5 and under eat for free. In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, they will have a “Showing Of The Green” contest where attendees can try to guess the number of candy pieces in the pot of gold to win! For deliveries of 5 orders or more, call (815) 932-9180. There is no delivery fee.
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The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association will be presenting two performances of “Shrek The Musical, Junior” at the Lincoln Cultural Center in Kankakee on Saturday, March 15th at 2pm and 7pm. A third and final performance will take place on Sunday, March 16th at 2pm. Tickets are available now at KVTA.org
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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School will host their 160th Anniversary Blast Party on Saturday, March 15th in the Banquet Room at the Quality Inn & Suites on Route 50 in Bradley. Doors to the event open at 6 o’clock and the dinner will be served at 7pm. Local cover band “Cosmic Rewind” (featuring Bill Dyche on drums) will provide the entertainment. There will be live and online auctions taking place throughout the evening. Event tickets are $50 per person and they include a 3-course meal, one cocktail or mocktail and entertainment. Visit “ST Pauls Lutheran (dot) net” for additional details.
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Celebrate the Luck of the Irish at the Limestone Township Public Library on Monday, March 17th. Grade school kids can look for clues from their local leprechaun during a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt and Craft time from 5 until 6pm at 2701 West Tower Road in Kankakee.
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The next “Women In Networking” luncheon for the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce will feature the “CNG” Converging Networks Group and they will explore the world of Artificial Intelligence. This will be held on Thursday, March 20th from 11:30am to 1pm at Adventure Commons, 70 Ken Hayes Drive in Bourbonnais. Lunch will be provided. Tickets are $20 for members or $60 for prospective members. Register today at kankakeecountychamber.com
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Don’t miss the area’s original glow-in-the-dark bingo experience when Clove Alliance brings back “Cosmic Bingo” on Friday, March 21st inside the Expo Building at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds. Bingo will be played with chances to win fantastic prizes in an atmosphere full of laser lights, loud music, black lights and glow sticks. Bingo starts at 6:30pm and the doors to the event open two hours prior. There will be a cash bar and food available for purchase. Your $35 ticket includes 10 bingo cards along with a glow hat and bingo dauber. Get your tickets now at clovealliance.ticketleap.com
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You can learn how to create Junk Journals by registering for the Limestone Township Public Library’s free Scrapbooking and Junk Journal class on Friday, March 21st from 11am to 12:30pm. Supplies will be provided. The library is located at 2701 West Tower Road in Kankakee.
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The springtime “Collector Con” will be held in the Expo building at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds on Sunday, March 23rd from 10am until 4pm. Admission is $3. Early admission at 9:30am is 5 bucks. You’ll find new and vintage toys, cards, comic books, coins, video games, collectibles and more at 213 West 4000 South Road in Kankakee.
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The Kankakee Public Library will offer free therapeutic Tai Chi sessions every Friday throughout the month of March from noon until 1pm. An instructor will guide participants through slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and meditation. The program is designed for beginners who would like to learn more about Tai Chi and this will take place in chairs on the third floor of the library at 201 East Merchant Street in downtown Kankakee. For questions, call the library at (815) 939-4564.
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The Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau invites you to sip, savor and explore along “A Craft Beverage Trail Adventure” on Thursday, March 27th. There will be morning and afternoon tours. The Coffee & Cafe Crawl will be from 9am to noon, then Brews & Bubbles from 2 to 5pm. Transportation between locations will be included with refreshments at each stop, and a guided experience through Kankakee County’s finest beverage spots. Choose your time at checkout or grab tickets for both sessions. More information under the events tab at visitkankakeecounty.com Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
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The Kankakee Moose Lodge #2721 and Knights of Columbus #745 will host a Cash Bash with over $3,000 in prizes on Saturday, March 29th from 4 until 10pm in the Cameo Room of the Knights of Columbus at 187 South Indiana Avenue in Kankakee. Your $100 ticket admits two adults 21 and over. They’ll have food, beer, wine, pop, raffles, Blackjack Poker and more. Tickets can be purchased at the Knights of Columbus or by calling Lyn Norton at (815) 933-7871.
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The Bradley Lions Club will host an Easter Ham Dinner on Saturday, March 29th open to the public from 4 to 7pm in the Bradley Community Center at 428 West Broadway Street. The dinner is $12 per person and it will include ham, a vegetable, potato, a roll, salad, dessert and a drink. For children 6 to 10 years-old it’s just 6 bucks. Kids 5 and under eat for free. This is a fundraiser for the Bradley Lions and the Easter Bunny will be there for photo-ops. Call (815) 932-9180 for more info. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite, and will also be available at the door.
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The Manteno United Methodist Church will be hosting a Craft Fair on Saturday, March 29th. Shop from several different vendors and crafters from 9am until 2pm while enjoying treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes, inside the church at 255 West Second Street in Manteno.
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Your Bradley Menards is serving as a drop site for a local food pantry through the end of March. From boxes of cereal to cans of soup, Menards offers a wide variety of non-perishable food items in their grocery department which can be purchased for immediate donation to the food pantry. Our local Menards is located at 1260 Christine Drive in Bradley.
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The Bourbonnais Township Park District would like all community members to take a moment between now and March 31st to complete their online Recreation Needs Assessment Survey. This will help them shape the future of parks and programs. They would like your opinion on what they are doing well, what they can do to improve, what programs you would like to see, and how they might better serve you. Take the survey now at BTPD.org/Survey
APRIL
You could promote your company to over 800 Juniors and Seniors from 17 area high schools and recruit students for currently open and future positions during the “Emerging Workforce” event at the Kankakee Area Career Center on Friday, April 11th from 8am until 2:30pm. It’s at 4083 North 1000 West Road in Bourbonnais Township. Space is limited and participants must RSVP by April 1st to rattinj@KACC.org
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The Momence Anchor Club hosts an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the first Sunday of every month and it’s open to the public from 8 to 11am. They offer scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy, hash browns, sausage links and pancakes for $12 per adult and $6 for children 7 to 12 years old. Kids 6 and under can eat for free. The next one will be held on Sunday, April 6th at 3360 North Vincennes Trail in Momence.
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Good Shepherd Manor in Momence, a residential facility for men with developmental disabilities, invites you to attend its 50th Annual Brunch Auction taking place at the Chicago Marriott Southwest in Burr Ridge, Illinois on Sunday, April 6th. Doors to the event will open at 11:30am followed by a 3-hour open bar. Brunch begins at 1pm. There will be silent and live auctions. You can find all of the information online at goodshepherdmanor.org
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A “Dueling Pianos” fundraiser for the Child Network will be held in the Aspen/Bristol Room at the Quality Inn & Suites on Route 50 in Bradley on Saturday, April 12th at 6pm. Fun Pianos will present a high energy, all-request rock & roll and comedy piano show that you can sing and clap along with. There will be a cash bar, appetizers split-the-pot and a silent auction. The event starts at 7pm and doors open one hour prior to showtime. Tickets are $40 each and available now at childnetwork.org/events
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The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival will issue four different scholarships this year to qualified individuals within our community. The Friendship Scholarship, Mianna Malone Scholarship and the Patte Thompson Scholarship are intended for people enrolling or who have already enrolled in college or vocational training. The Lee Braford Scholarship is intended for High School Seniors with a demonstrated dedication to community service. All applications are due Wednesday, April 30th. Learn about these scholarships and find out how to apply under the “contests” dropdown menu at bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com
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Clove Alliance is celebrating 25 years of compassionate service and impact in Iroquois County, where it has provided support to survivors of sexual violence since 1999. They invite the community to help celebrate their legacy of hope and healing by attending a Business Before Hours event in partnership with the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, April 2nd (2025) at 1801 North State Route 1 in Watseka. To donate or volunteer to assist in their work of supporting survivors in Kankakee, Iroquois and Ford Counties, visit CloveAlliance.org
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The 2025 Createur Conference and Pitch Competition will take place Thursday, April 3rd and Friday, April 4th at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. This two-day event to gain insights and connect with a thriving community will feature world-class speakers, inspiring spark speakers, expert panels, cash prizes and more. This year’s keynote speaker will be renowned athlete, author and philanthropist, Tim Tebow. You can register now for free at “Createur.Olivet.edu”.
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A dedication ceremony for Alexis McCullough’s Gold Star Eagle Project memorial monument for Gold Star families will take place at 10am on Saturday, April 26th and you’re invited to attend. This will take place at Marcotte Park, 1140 West State Route 102 in Bourbonnais. The venue will be wheelchair accessible.
MAY
The 15th Annual Benefit Car Show for the Caleb’s Prayer Foundation will be held on Sunday, May 18th at Phillips Auto Group of Bradley. In memory of Caleb Hoggins, this is a fundraiser to help local families impacted by cancer. It’s $20 to enter your vehicle and the first 30 people to pre-register by April 11th will receive a free event T-shirt. Day-of registration is from 9 to 11am and trophies will be awarded at 3pm. For more information, email JMB1257@sbcglobalnet or call (815) 347-4831, or visit the “Annual Benefit Car Show” page on Facebook.
JUNE
The Manteno Sons of the American Legion Squadron Post 755 are selling raffle tickets at $20 a piece for a chance to win a 2-night getaway at Blue Chip Casino and Spa. Only 500 tickets will be sold and the drawing will take place on Sunday, June 1st at 5pm. You need not be present to win. Tickets are available now through the American Legion bartenders at 117 North Walnut Street in Manteno.
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