Good morning, Normal.

Central Illinois news highlights include Miller Park Zoo receiving AZA accreditation, Prairie Central's Caiden Schulz being named Pantagraph Player of the Week, and new interim executive director for the B-N Visitors Bureau among other local updates.

Illinois State's homecoming, Houchin Family Alpacas' open farm, and a concert by Shovels & Rope offer diverse weekend activities for the community from Sept.

27-29, 2024.

The Gold Star 500 is a five-day, 510-mile bicycle ride across Illinois to honor and remember fallen service members, stopping for the night in Normal.

The Sugar Creek Arts Festival, a 40-year community tradition in Uptown Normal, will return on October 5-6, 2024, featuring over 100 artists, live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.

Heartland Community College is hosting an Agriculture Open House on October 9 to showcase their agriculture programs and new facilities.

In-person early voting has started in Illinois, offering multiple locations and mail-in ballot options ahead of the 2024 election.

The Lamu Center of Preventative Health, supported by the Bloomington-Normal community since 2007, is hosting its 15th annual friendraiser to fund a free health clinic in Kenya.

BCA Homecoming 2024: Scholarship Brunch

Celebrate the achievements of current scholarship recipients and connect with alumni over a delightful brunch experience.

Paint Nite: Gourd-geous – Unleash Your Inner Artist

Experience a creative evening where you can paint your own masterpiece while enjoying food and drinks at BloNo Pizza Co.

Strategies for Effective Reading Workshop

Learn practical strategies to enhance your reading skills and engage actively with the material in this interactive online workshop.

Sugar Creek Arts Festival

Experience a vibrant celebration of the arts with over 100 artists, live music, and delicious food in the heart of Normal.

Networking Meetup with IEEE Central Illinois in Normal, IL

Experience an informal networking opportunity organized by the IEEE Central Illinois Section at a local Italian restaurant, welcoming members and their guests.

Time Management Workshop: Achieve Your Goals

Learn effective scheduling techniques, how to overcome time management challenges, and the art of prioritization to achieve your personal goals.

Overcoming Test Anxiety Workshop

Learn effective strategies to manage and overcome test anxiety in an interactive workshop designed for students.

Missouri State Bears vs. Illinois State Redbirds Football Game

Experience the excitement of collegiate football as the Missouri State Bears take on the Illinois State Redbirds at Hancock Stadium.

Family-Friendly Paint Nite Experience

Experience a creative evening of painting and fun with step-by-step guidance, perfect for artists of all ages accompanied by an adult.

Exploring Modern and Contemporary Art Exhibition Practices

Learn about the evolution of exhibition practices in modern and contemporary art through four engaging sessions at Illinois State University.