Arthur Freedom Celebration 2026
Category Archives: News
ETML tile art psychedelic
•June 24, 2026•
On Tuesday, June 16th, the YA group came together at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library to create tile coasters. Using Sharpies, isopropyl alcohol, air, and fire, the YA group had a blast watching how their colored designs on the tile transformed each step of the project. From the original Sharpie colored designs on the tiles to the placement of the alcohol, using air to direct the colors, to the firing, each piece transformed in beautifully unpredictable ways. There were smiles, laughter, and excited exchanges of ideas as the YA group worked together, each trying to predict what their final tile coaster would look like. Once ‘fired’, all of the tiles were sprayed with a durable sealant, making them ready to serve as coasters, making great gifts and keepsakes. The project was a resounding success, thoroughly enjoyed by all. To stay current with the many events offered at ETML for all age groups (of which there are many), visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082637979457.
250 fireballs to honor America’s 250th Birthday at Arthur Freedom Celebration
•June 24, 2026•
The Arthur Rotary Club and the entire Arthur community are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors on Saturday, June 27, for the annual Arthur Freedom Celebration featuring a downtown parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in central Illinois.
This year’s celebration carries the patriotic theme, “Celebrating 250 Years…One Nation, One Community,” in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
Festivities begin with the annual Freedom Celebration Parade, which steps off promptly at 2:00 p.m. on East Progress Street. Parade line-up begins at 12:30 p.m. at the former Progress Industries property on the north side of the street.
Read MoreBethany Celebration 2026
All about horses; event informs-entertains
•June 17, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, June 13th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Society (IAHC) held its “All About Horses” event, and both horse-lovers as well as those newly introduced were in for a treat. People came from near and far, with some traveling in their motor homes and others carpooling to attend the event from surrounding communities, as well as upstate and out of state. Many had questions which were happily answered with a tinge of good-natured country humor, and most importantly, everyone left with newly acquired knowledge and having been entertained in the process. From shoeing horses with farrier craft, adorable puppies to fawn over (as many did, with one young girl asking her mom why puppy breath was the ‘best smell ever’), to an equine therapy and horsemanship demonstration, the IAHC was bustling with activity and craftsmanship, all deeply steeped in their own distinctive histories.
Read MoreDash, Bash and Splash for St. Jude’s
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, June 13th, from the parking lot of the Sullivan American Legion to the far end of Wyman Park, one could find something in motion: from the early 5k run, raffles, bake sales, car show, to the Kids Korner (with some impressive, well-used, and appreciated bounce houses), kids pedal pulls, food on offer from vendors, live music and the new dunk tank, there was not a dull corner to be found. When the dunk tank opened to a line of waiting kiddos, Mrs. Becker got in, ready to be dunked for a good cause. The first ball thrown was by Jasper Rhodes, 6, who hit the mark and dunked Mrs. Becker right at the start, and then two more times before throwing all six. This set the tone moving forward, with a surprising number of hits/dunks from the youngsters, and a good-natured Mrs. Becker laughingly said, “It’s all for a good cause!” All proceeds raised at the 2-day event will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, $32,338 was donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Photos by DM Williamee
Read MorePOW/MIA Honor Chair placement
•June 17, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 p.m., Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 placed a POW/MIA Chair of Honor prominently beneath the flags at the Sullivan American Legion Post No. 68 in Sullivan. POW/MIA Chairs of Honor are perpetually empty seats placed in public spaces to solemnly commemorate the tens of thousands of American service members who are Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) and have not yet returned home. The empty space is to remind the public that even though missing soldiers are absent, there is always a reserved space waiting for them upon their return; these chairs symbolize a steadfast vow that America will never stop searching for those who have not returned.
Read MoreLovington June Fest 2026
MISS Dine with a Doc: Anxiety
•June 10, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On Tuesday, May 2nd, Mid Illinois Senior Services of Sullivan’s monthly ‘Dine with a Doc’ had guest speaker, Dr. Wesley D. Allan, PhD, give a presentation on anxiety. Dr. Allan is an Associate Professor, Coordinator of Clinical Psychology, M.A at EIU.
Dr. Allan, a warm and engaging speaker, covered the various aspects of anxiety, including what it is, its causes, and what can be done about it. First focusing on its multiple effects on the body and what it feels like, he then shared that older adults are most worried about health and financial issues as they age, which resonated with many in attendance.
Read MoreMCHGS: tune in for local history
•June 10, 2026•
Are you curious about the radio stations that shaped Moultrie County? Then consider “tuning in” at the Moultrie County History Center on Thursday, June 18th at 7:00 p.m. for an engaging look at the history of radio broadcasting in Sullivan and Moultrie County with radio veterans Larry Oathout and Scot England. Larry and Scot will spotlight the creation of Sullivan radio station WFWA in 1974 and trace its journey through multiple owners and name changes over the years. The History Center is located at 1303 South Hamilton in Sullivan. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (217) 728-4085 or email mocohgs@gmail.com.