Local Sports Calendar

The 9th Annual Effingham Artisan Fair kicks off Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10th. Come out Friday night and join the Effingham community for the "Arts & Hearts" celebration. This year, we are again expanding to include an "Artist Soft Opening," where over 20 artists will display their art for the community one day early. From 5 to 8 p. m. a variety of events will be held to raise awareness for the arts in the community, including a live art auction benefiting A. R. C., not-for-profit community informational booths, and dance performances from Jansen's, along with TREC tricycle races. Jansen's Dance will perform at 5:00 p. m. and the TREC races will begin at 5:30 p. m. The ARC Art Auction will begin at 6:30 p. m. In addition, we've brought back beer tasting to the ever-popular wine tasting event. Friday evening will also include sidewalk chalk art, Can-Do-Art, a food fair featuring Martin's IGA, Gabby Goat American Pub and the Sausage Haus. We're also offering some specialty food for all you food-lovers, including Holli's Flour Shop, Doris Yoder's Kitchen, Oma Gisi's German Bakery and Tropical Snow both Friday and Saturday.

Come back downtown Saturday from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. for the Artisan Fair where downtown is transformed into an art gallery with works from over 40 artists, on display for purchase.

Artwork for sale includes oil paintings, pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. Several artists will demonstrate their craft at the event.

As mentioned, as part of the event, the Artisan Fair features wine and beer tasting. There will be approximately ten regional wineries and several different craft beers available for tasting. This event will open from 5 - 10 p. m. Friday and 12 - 5 p. m. Saturday.

Other activities during the Artisan Fair on Saturday include the Helen Matthes Library's "Get Bookin" 5K Run and Walk, Kids Korner, sidewalk chalk art, "Can Do Art," food fair, and live musical entertainment at the gazebo. The Historic Court House Museum will also be open both Friday evening and Saturday for tours.

We're also thrilled to bring you an added bonus for Saturday in the downtown area. The Effingham Central Business Group is sponsoring a Coffee Crawl. Get your passport from the information booth at the Artisan Fair, and take a stroll down Jefferson Avenue to some of our great local shops. At each host site, get your passport punched, and bring it back to be entered to win a great prize. Each host site plans to have free samples of different types of coffees and/or drinks, etc. Start the crawl anytime after 10 a. m. but be sure to get your passport back to the booth by 3:00 p. m. to be eligible to win.

The Effingham Artisan Fair continues to be a favorite with new events and booths added each year. Come out to support our community and enjoy the arts!

For more information about the Artisan Fair, phone 800-772-0750 or 217-342-5310. Also, visit www.effinghamartisanfair.com or our Facebook page "Effingham Artisan Fair."