Looking for something to do this weekend that doesn't entail getting anywhere close to an airport?
Here are a few ideas:
Palestine, Ill., hosts the 2nd annual Betsey Reed Festival. Who's Betsey Reed? Apparently she was the only woman put to death by hanging in the state of Illinois. Now, she has a festival named after her. There's a wine tasting, dinner, art show, carnival, ghost hunters, mock fortune telling and, of course, casket races. Let the good times roll June 6-7 and find out more at www.betseyreed.com.
Got milk? If not, you can find plenty of it in downtown Harvard, Ill., during Harvard Milk Days, June 6-8. It's the longest running festival in the state. Street dancing and 30 plus events round out the activities, and thousands of people line the two mile route through the town of Harvard. Get the skinny at www.milkdays.com.
One hundred years ago, there was a race riot in Springfield that destroyed homes, businesses and the American dream for many people. Men were shot; some were lynched in the streets. Learn the stories that led to the formation of the NAACP during the Springfield 1908 Race Riot Walk on June 7. If you can't make it then, tours will also take place throughout the summer, with a special anniversary tour planned for Aug. 16. Go to www.springfieldwalks.com for info.
Lori Rackl writes a weekly Travel section that runs Wednesdays in the 
Leave a comment