NOVEMBER
Our local Menards home improvement store on Christine Drive in Bradley is currently serving as a toy drive drop site until Monday, December 15th. They have a drop box near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped presents for less fortunate children in our community.
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You’re invited to the Parish Hall at Asbury United Methodist Church on South Harrison Avenue in downtown Kankakee for the “Empty Bowls: Kankakee County” event from 5 to 7:30pm on Thursday, November 13th. This is a community fundraiser organized by Hedgeapple Arts to unite artists, businesses, and volunteers to fight local hunger by serving a simple meal of soup and bread, and selling handmade ceramic bowls which symbolize their mission. The proceeds will benefit the Merchant Street Food Pantry, which serves over 210 families each week.
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The local Salvation Army will host its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff ceremony Friday, November 14th from noon to 1:30pm in their chapel at 148 North Harrison Avenue in Kankakee. Our own Denny Case has been named their honorary Red Kettle Campaign Chairman for the second year in a row, and he will be speaking during this event.
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Clove Alliance will host a night of “Cosmic Bingo” in the Expo Center at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds on Friday, November 14th at 6:30pm. This 18 and older event will feature bingo with laser lights, loud music, black lights, glow sticks, prizes, food, and a cash bar. Doors open at 5pm. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance by November 9th at clovealliance.ticketleap.com. They will not be sold at the door. Proceeds provide resources to survivors of sexual violence.
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The Royal Impact Foundation invites you to join them for their “Essence of Royalty Weekend Experience” on Saturday, November 15th at the Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. This is a day of community, celebration and worship that kicks off with a showcase of vendors from 11am to 3pm. That’s followed up at 3pm by a “Red Carpet Experience”, then a powerful Gospel concert begins at 4pm. The church is located behind Bishop Mac, at 1000 North Entrance Avenue in Kankakee.
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Grace Christian Academy on Waldron Road in Kankakee will host a Craft and Vendor Fair along with a bake sale on Saturday, November 15th from 9am to 3pm. All proceeds will go to their athletic department.
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A Veterans Day fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 15th from noon until 5pm at “Mac & Frankie’s” on West Broadway Street in Bradley. Just $5 gets you all-you-can-eat Chicago-style hot dogs and homemade side dishes. It’s free for all veterans. There will also be live music, split-the-pot and raffle baskets. The money raised will benefit disabled American veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project.
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The Cissna Park FFA Scholarship Auction will be held on Saturday, November 15th from 4 to 7pm at the Cissna Park High School and all proceeds will benefit the FFA members. The live auction begins at 6pm and a pork loin sandwich meal will be provided. You can view the items now at cissnaparkffa.com and on their Facebook page.
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Lowell Chamber of Commerce Maria Mink will have Ribbon cuttings coming up for new members at Smokey Bellz BBQ and Sweet Treats on November 15th at 11:30am located 195 Deanna Dr Lowell, IN and Lowell Premiere Health and Wellness November 21st at 2:30pm located at 194 Deanna Dr Suit B Lowell, IN if you have any question email hello@lowellinchamber.com
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The Kankakee Kays Fall Craft Show and Winter Market will take place Saturday, November 15th from 9am to 3pm and Sunday, November 16th from 10am to 2pm at the Kankakee High School on West Jeffrey Street. Hourly raffle drawing will be held and over 40 local vendors and crafters will be selling holiday gifts and home decor. This is a fundraiser to support Kankakee High School’s athletics, activities and clubs.
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The Reddick Community Fire Protection District will host a Craft and Vendor Show in the fire station at 210 East Main Street on Saturday, November 15th and Sunday, November 16th from 8am to 2pm both days. Proceeds will go toward the Reddick Firefighter’s Association Equipment Fund. They will also hold a Pancake Breakfast that Sunday morning (11/16) from 7am until noon in the Community Room. If you are a crafter or vendor interested in renting a 10×10 space, you can send an email to ryankourtni@gmail.com for a vendor application.
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The Kankakee Salvation Army will host their annual Thanksgiving Lunch Wednesday, November 19th from noon to 2pm. The meal is free and there’s no registration required. All are invited to gather for an afternoon filled with food, fun and fellowship at 148 North Harrison Avenue.
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Faith Baptist Church on Armour Road in Bourbonnais will host “Trinkets and Treasures”, a craft and home goods sale in their gymnasium on Friday, November 21st from 9am to 5pm. Attendees will find handmade crafts and holiday gifts, a rummage sale, kids craft corner, concessions and more. Admission is free.
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The Newton County 4-H Council and Building Committee will host a Christmas Craft Show with holiday gifts, decor and more on Saturday, November 22nd from 9am to 2pm in the 4-H building at the Newton County Fairgrounds in Kentland, Indiana. Food will also be available.
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The City of Watseka’s annual lighted Christmas parade will step off at 7pm on Friday, November 28th, following the lighting of the tree at the Post Office which takes place at 6:30pm. The parade’s theme this year is “Characters of Christmas”. Mike Ruble will be driving our radio station van. Folks can gather at Legion Park after the parade for the opening of the Watseka Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday light display.
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Cissna Park will host a two-day “Small Town Christmas” event at the end of the month. It kicks off on Friday, November 29th in the Village Park with the tree lighting ceremony at 6pm, followed by caroling with the Madrigals. There will be hot dogs, cocoa, and a life-size Candyland game at the library. Come back Saturday, November 30th to see Santa Claus, shop craft vendors, enjoy some chili and hot dogs, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the park. The fun concludes Saturday evening with the lighted Christmas parade at 5pm. More information can be found under the “calendar” tab at cissnapark.com
DECEMBER
The Kankakee Valley Park District invites everyone to experience the magic of the season with them at Bird Park on Tuesday, December 2nd from 5 to 7pm during the annual tree-lighting celebration. Enjoy Holiday fun for the family with hot cocoa, face-painting, cookie decorating, live carolers, story time with Elsa, activities in the Reindeer Games Zone, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. More info at KVPD.com
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The Les Artisans Arts and Crafts Fair Holiday Market will be held in the Expo Center at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, December 6th. Shop from dozens of makers, bakers, artists and growers. Enjoy specialty foods and coffee, lunch items and more. Admission is a suggested one-dollar donation at the door to benefit the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society.
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The “Ordinary Dads Christmas Concert” will take place on Saturday, December 6th in support of Bedford’s Inclusive Playground with two entertaining performances. This group of regular dads with average voices, big hearts, and a love for Christmas will bring laughter, music and holiday cheer to the Aroma Park Methodist Church at 3pm, and Grace Baptist Church on Waldron Road in Kankakee at 6pm.
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The annual “Jingle Bell Run” to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation of Illinois will take place at Kankakee Community College on Sunday, December 7th. Holiday costumes and attire are encouraged for this festive walk/run that will begin promptly at 9am. Get all the details and register today at jbr.org/kankakee
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The Peotone “Christmas in the Village Craft Vendor Event” will be held Saturday, December 13th from 8am until noon inside the Peotone High School on North Street.
JANUARY
The Grant Park PTO will be hosting a daddy/daughter dance with a “Candyland” theme on Saturday, January 17th from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Hamman Center on West Taylor Street. They’ll have a DJ, raffles and photo opportunities available. Admission is $15 per daddy/daughter couple, then $2 for each additional child. Tickets will be sold at the door.
FEBRUARY
The Zonta Club of Kankakee will host their annual “Party Gras” event on Saturday, February 7th at the Knights of Columbus in Kankakee. This evening will feature a dinner buffet and a cash bar, raffles, an auction, and live music from the South Side Social Club. Doors open at 5 o’clock and dinner begins at 6pm. It’s $50 per person with funds going toward local, national and international service projects that support women and girls. Find ticket info on their Facebook page or under “Events” at zontakankakee.com
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