Gerald L Winn
Nov 10, 2026
Trivia Questionâť“What star-studded benefit concert made its debut at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, in 1985? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
At Gallery Art Bar, Tuesday collage night offers Champaign-Urbana residents a free place to make art and unwind, with magazines, glue and cardboard provided. On Oct. 27, members of CU Girls Who Walk arrived in witches’ hats after their third annual Witches Walk, joined by collaborators from Let’s Read C-U Book Club. First-timer Kitty Krueger sifted through nostalgic National Geographic pages, while regular Aren Lundquist described the joy of creating without a plan—and the conversations that follow. Employee Seth Fiscus says the weekly gathering, held from 7 to 11 p.m., gives people a creative outlet and a sense of community. |
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Two new sculptures are bringing color and curiosity to Champaign parks, with one greeting families near a playground and the other brightening a downtown green space.
At Robert C. Porter Family Park, 2310 South Rising Road, Chicago artist John Adduci’s 10-foot aluminum work X Marks the Spot? stands near the playground entrance.
Its vivid colors and playful shape offer a new landmark against the park’s prairie landscape.
At Firefighters Park, 305 South Randolph Street, Scalar adds sweeping white-and-orange steel loops to the downtown setting.
The seven-foot sculpture by La Crosse, Wisconsin, artist Luke Achterberg was selected through a 40North call for artists.
Both works will remain on display for two years, giving residents time to discover them on everyday visits.
The Champaign Park District says more public art installations are planned in the coming months. Read More... |
Papa Del's Pizza brings a family-friendly taste to Champaign, with hearty pizza that makes gathering around the table feel easy.
Whether you're in the mood for its well-known stuffed pizza or a thin-crust pie, there's something satisfying to share with friends, neighbors, and kids alike.
It's a local spot that fits right into a Champaign game night, a casual family dinner, or a meal after a busy day.
This spotlight is presented by Papa Del's Pizza.
Explore the menu and plan your next pizza night at Papa Del's Pizza. |
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Champaign-Urbana holiday markets offer three more weekends to find gifts made by local artists and small businesses.
On Saturday, November 14, shoppers can visit the Arthur Park District Fall Market in Arthur, the CU Flower House Holiday Open House and Martinelli’s Market tasting in Champaign, and the Gather & Give Market at Amy’s Place.
Gather & Give also supports the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County.
The following weekend brings women-owned businesses to The Pollinator’s Market in Mahomet on November 20, followed by Champaign’s Holiday Market and Festival of Trees on November 21.
Thanksgiving weekend offers more chances to shop local: Parcadia’s first Hole-iday Market opens in Urbana on November 27, while the Riggs Christmas Market runs November 27–29.
The CU Yuletide Market returns to The Orpheum in Champaign on November 28, giving shoppers another chance to meet the people behind their gifts. Read More... |
Q&A Questions |
Q: Is the University of Illinois campus in Champaign? A: Yes. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus spans both Champaign and neighboring Urbana. Q: Can you get around Champaign without a car? A: Yes. The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District operates bus routes throughout the area. Q: What airport serves Champaign? A: University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) serves the Champaign-Urbana area. It is near Savoy, just south of Champaign. |
đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question: Farm Aid! The first concert raised money to support American family farmers. |