Community Calendar

The Effingham Central Business Group will host the 2nd Annual Chili Fest in downtown Effingham Friday, October 14 from 5-8pm. Everyone is welcome to this family fun event.

More than two dozen businesses will host a chili tasting stop throughout the evening. A team of celebrity judges will sample each chili and present the "Chili Fest Favorite" Award to the winning entry. For those planning to participate in the chili tasting, four locations will be available throughout the downtown area to obtain a wrist band, which will be your ticket for the chili tastings. Additional treats and refreshments will also be available at participating businesses. Proceeds from the chili tasting will benefit improvements to Effingham's Santa House. 

You can also do a little late night shopping and see what the great stores in the Central Business District have to offer. Many family friendly activities are also planned throughout the evening including a cake walk, bounce houses, and face painting for the kids. WS Broom and the Ainad Heart Shrine Club are partnering to sponsor the Child Identification Program (CHIP), offering FREE Safety ID packages for your child. The Baseball Card Connection and Effingham Retired Firefighters will be accepting donations for the preservation the old Caledonia fire truck which will be on display. This 1937 Central Fire Truck, built in St. Louis, was one of two Effingham fire trucks that responded to the St. Anthony Hospital fire in 1949. Jansen's Dance Studio students will also give a performance in front of the studio on Banker Street at 5:30pm.

The Old Courthouse Museum will be open for tours throughout the evening; area Veterans will be available at the Effingham Veterans Memorial; and many local vendors and artisans will be located on the Old Courthouse square offering fall garden items, baked goods, and other items for sale. Live entertainment kicks off at 5pm on the Jefferson Street Central Stage featuring LP & Honey Bee and Bill Poss & the Useful Tools. The FACE Orchestra will perform on the Courthouse lawn from 6 - 7pm. We are also looking for street musicians to play anywhere on Jefferson Street throughout the evening. All that is required is your instrument & vocal chords. It's a great way to meet other musicians and make new friends; and of course, you can play for tips too!

Bring the entire family and enjoy this Effingham Central Business Group Event, sponsored by The First National Bank of Dieterich, Midland States Bank, Washington Savings Bank, Taylor Law Office, and Premier Broadcasting's 979 XFM KJ Country 102.3.