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The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is excited to bring back the Illinois Product Holiday Market to Downtown Springfield! The market will be held on December 6th, 7th, and 8th at the âY Block,â located north of the Governorâs Mansion. This festive market will feature a wide array of Illinois products that are perfect for everyone on your shopping list this season, and don’t miss the visits from Santa!
Shoppers will find a diverse range of Illinois products that are ideal for everyone on their gift list this season. The market will feature local vendors, including Rolling Lawns Farm, Jon Ellis Woodworking, 17th St BBQ, MKS Meats, Ropp Jersey Cheese, and Berries and Flour: Bakery and Harvest Goods, among many others. Visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious ready-to-eat foods, such as Kurtos pierogies and Polish sausage, while they shop for unique gifts. LINK is accepted for all eligible food items at the market.
In addition to Illinois products, there will be daily giveaways! Attendees are encouraged to stop by the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent to take the Illinois Product Pledge, which invites individuals to commit to spending $10 of their weekly grocery budget on local items. Those who participate in the pledge will receive a special Illinois Product sticker as a token of their commitment to supporting local businesses.
The Illinois Product Holiday Market is designed with families in mind. Kids can take part in a free holiday workshop where they can create festive ornaments and write letters to Santa. There will also be opportunities for children to visit Santa himself, with specific times provided at the event. Visitors will also be able to enjoy live music throughout the event All activities are free!
For those aged 21 and older, Illinois Wine will host a wine tasting experience featuring seven wineries from across the state. Admission to the wine tent is $10, which includes six tasting tickets and a special commemorative tumbler.
The market is proudly sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Wine, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Downtown Springfield, Inc., and Sangamon Mass Transit District.
Hours of operation for the market are as follows:
| Friday, December 6 | 4pm – 9pm | Visit Santa from 5pm-7pm |
| Saturday, December 7 | 11am – 6pm | Visit Santa from 1pm-4pm |
| Sunday, December 8 | 11am – 4pm | Visit Santa from 11am-2pm |
For a complete list of participating vendors, visit www.illinoisproductholidaymarket.com or check out the Illinois Product Facebook page and @illinoisproducts on Instagram.Â
A great way to liven up holiday break from school is to enroll in half day or full day soccer camps at UIS for kids age 6 through age 14. Check out the details at the link here. Half day runs 9:00 a.m.- Noon and full day runs 9:00- 3:00 p.m. Dec. 31 & 31, 2024.
You can register online here.
https://www.ussportscamps.com/soccer/nike/nike-soccer-camp-illinois-springfield
Hot off its Off-Broadway premiere, A Taste of IrelandâThe Irish Music & Dance Sensation hits stages across the USA this fall, performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation. It’s coming to UIS Performing Arts Center Friday, October, 25 order your tickets online here.
Performed by former World Irish dance champions, and featuring dancers from the West Endâs Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland transports the audience through the story of Irelandâs tumultuous history delivered with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, live jaw-dropping acapella tap battles and heartwarming story telling.
Featuring revamped classics of Danny Boy, Tell Me Ma, Wild Rover, and many more well known songs, the showâs reimagined contemporary score blossoms alongside the brash Irish charm of the live dance cast. A Taste of Ireland merges cultural traditions, modern ďŹair, and craic galore, to deliver a performance that has been leaving audiences across the globe jigging on their feet for the last decade.
With over one hundred and ďŹfty 5-star Facebook reviews, A Taste of Ireland is exactly what it promises: a taste of everything you love about Ireland with a generous helping of more! A Taste of Ireland is a show with 100% live singing and dancing that bridges the gap between storytelling, modern Irish dance, tap and contemporary dance to tell a historic story, live on stage.
With a strictly limited USA run, see A Taste of Ireland this fall for limited performances before it takes off around the globe once again. 
ALL October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Free breast cancer screenings will be available at all five Memorial Health hospitals for women aged 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured as part of Mammogram Mondays during the month of October. Patients can call the numbers listed below to schedule an appointment:
For Decatur Memorial Hospital call 217-876-2320
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital call 217-479-5696
Lincoln Memorial Hospital call 217-605-5108
Springfield Memorial Hospital call 217-757-4211
Taylorville Memorial Hospital call 217-707-5550
It’s our favorite time of year at SpringfieldMoms, this page features area pumpkin patches and apple orchards.Â
Are you looking for corn maze adventures only? Access our Top 10 corn maze list here.
About the farm: Over 160 varieties of pumpkins and squash, colorful mums, ornamental corn, corn stalks, and straw bales. Corn maze and farm animals too. No pets please. ackermanfamilyfarmsllc.com
Where is it? This farm is a 70-minute drive north of Springfield.
Season Dates: Open year round
About the farm: Fall dĂŠcor. No u-pick options, but Apple Barn has a great variety of pre-picked pumpkins and apples. Also, check out their farm fresh produce, delicious baked goods, apple cider donuts and fall mums.applebarn.net
Where is it? Located south of Springfield, accessible via Route 4 or I-55 South.
About the farm: Black Bartâs offers u-pick pumpkins, already-picked pumpkins, wood maze, corn maze, craft store, pirate ship play area, scarecrow stuffing, goats, and a small haunted house. Some activities require a small fee. No pets please. blackbartspumpkinpatch.com
Where is it? Located about one hour east of Springfield (northwest of Decatur.
About the farm: Experience old-fashioned farm life at this pumpkin patch. 50 varieties of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes. You now have the option to PRE-BOOK activity wristbands for regular season and tickets for night events through its website. This means you have the option to purchase your wristbands ahead of time, ensuring your spot on the farm for your desired day. Walk-ins will be allowed if the maximum capacity is not met through pre-booked sales. You can book online at bomkespatch.com, click on the “book fall events online” button, and complete your purchase! Check out their Facebook page for special events. bomkespatch.com
Where is it? Bomkeâs is located at 605 Country Lake Drive, just west of Springfield.
Season Dates/Hours: check website
About the farm: Already-picked fruit is available in the market or u-pick option available. Check out their Facebook page for information on their annual Apple and Pumpkin festivals. broomorchard.com
Where is it? Located about 1 hour south of Springfield, just outside Carlinville.
About the farm: This historic family-run farm features apples, pumpkins, outdoor activities and a large country store. Specialty food items, fresh apple cider, donuts and pies. Free admission and parking. Free activities include a playground and petting zoo. Ticketed attractions include a giant slide, obstacle course, rope maze, corn maze, putt-putt golf, and pony rides. Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins are also available. curtisorchard.com
Where is it? Located about 1.5 hours east of Springfield.
Season Dates: Open year-round
Operating Hours:Â Hours vary by location (check their website or Facebook page for more information.)
About the farm: The Belleville farm is by far the largest of the three locations, and has a restaurant, general store, ice cream shop, garden center, childrenâs attractions/rides, as well as rides to the orchard to pick apples or pumpkins. The restaurant/store are open year-round (check out their fried chicken!). Refer to their website or Facebook page for information on fall events. eckerts.com
Where is it? The Belleville farm is located about 90 minutes south of Springfield.
About the farm: Owners Gail and David are fourth generation farmers in central Illinois! This farm offers pumpkins, mums, straw bales, jams, jellies, ornamental gourds/corn, local honey and more. Antique tractor fun! Donât miss this great family tradition. 217-447-3409Â gailspumpkinpatch.com
Where is it? Located about 1 hour northeast of Springfield (east of Lincoln).
About the farm: This farm has diverse pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, as well as gourds, squash, ornamental corn and mums. Let the kids check out the cotton maze, corn box, rock pile and straw stack. FREE admission, kidsâ activities and parking. greenefieldsfarm.com
Where is it? Greenfield is about an hour southwest of Springfield.
About the farm: Â A unique and fun tour destination in Central Illinois that features a different corn maze treasure hunt on 10 acres. The ranch also has the Jack Splat Pumpkin Cannon, a paint ball gallery, pedal race cars, hay rides, reindeer tours, cookouts by reservation and food / drink concessions on weekends. https://www.reindeerranch.com
Where is it? About 90 minutes from Springfield, the farm is located at 1356 City Road 2900, Rantoul.
Indian Creek Farmstead (Petersburg, IL)About the farm: Pumpkins available pre-picked and u-pick. Food and beverages available for purchase, as well as a retail shop and entertainment. Wagon rides, barnyard animals, and Sunday Crawler Cruises. Also available for private events. indiancreekfarmstead.com
Where is it? Located at 19468 Curtis Blacktop Road in Petersburg. Phone 217-717-4401.
About the farm: This patch has over 70 varieties of pumpkins, specialty pumpkins, gourds and squash. Also offers beautiful bittersweet, locally grown mums, and ornamental corn. The barn features local and handmade artisan crafts and fall decor. Free activities for children 
include corn box, farm animals to visit and a free wagon ride through the âjack patch.â There is a fee for the outdoor barnyard obstacles, family game area, and play area for young kids. indianknollpumpkins.com
Where is it? Located about 20 miles SE of Springfield or 10.5 miles east of Rochester. 2850 N 1000 E Rd, Mechanicsburg.
Season Dates: Open daily (April-mid November) with seasonal produce.
About the farm: This family-owned market has been open for 65 years. Check out their website to see whatâs in season before you visit. jefferies-orchard.com
Where is it? Jefferies is located about 5 miles northwest of Springfield, on Route 29.
Operating Hours: Check website or call
About the farm: Kristinâs will provide you with clippers and a wagon so you can head to the patch and find the perfect pumpkin. Many photo opportunities as your little ones pick out their perfect pumpkin. kristinspumpkinpatch.com
Where is it? Located in Springfield off of Toronto Road and Crows Mill.
Operating Hours: check website or call.
About the farm: Enjoy the fun picking out your favorite pumpkin or get lost in the corn maze. Hay rides and corn maze are free. millcreekfarmquincy.com
Where is it? Quincy is about a 90-minute drive west of Springfield.
About the farm: This family-owned farm has pumpkins, gourds and fall dĂŠcor. Check out their Facebook page.
Where is it? Sidney is located about 2 hours east of Springfield
About the farm: Â Be sure to save room for their famous apple cider donuts! General Admission includes Haystack Mountain (slide), a petting zoo, 3-acre corn maze, corn bin, hay rides, barrel train and there is a playground with a number of activities. pumpkincreekfarms.org
Where is it? Located at 7392 Barclay Road in Sherman.
About the farm: Family Farms has become a tradition for many families and friends. Grab a wagon near the entrance and take a leisurely stroll to the field to select that perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating. Free admission to our U-Pick Patch. Also corn stalks, gourds, squash, hay bales and mums. Donât miss their 12-acre corn maze with four bridges that offer views and perspectives. Pumpkin picking at Rader and, the one-acre maze for lilâ farmers! Plan a whole day for this one! Check their site or Facebook page for special events and hours. http://www.raderfamilyfarms.com/
Where is it? Located about an hour north of Springfield.
About the farm: Established in 1947, Tanners Orchard is a family destination with U-pick apples and pumpkins, bakery, market, food, and a childrenâs playground with farm animals. www.tannersorchard.com
Where is it? Located about 2 hours north of Springfield (north of Peoria).
About the farm: Located in the heart of Amish country, this farm has 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from over 30 countries around the world that are all grown on the farm. Beautiful surroundings with picture-perfect displays, over 5,000 hardy mums, various mazes and gardens grace the grounds. Diverse animals including goats, pigs, exotic chickens, rabbits, a llama and an alpaca. Several places to eat and drink at the farm and entertainment on the weekends. Check out their website for information on events and admission fees. the200acres.com/pumpkin
Where is it? This patch is about 90 minutes east of Springfield.
Season Dates/Hours: Call 217-779-4185 for information on dates and hours.
About the farm: U-pick pumpkins, decorative and giant pumpkins (60 pounds or more).
Where is it? Pittsfield is located about an hour west of Springfield.
About the farm: Free admission and activities for kids. Check out their website for more information and special events. wagonwheelpumpkinfarm.com
Where is it? Located about one hour northeast of Springfield.
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Toddler Tunes is a NEW group designed specifically for students aged 1-5 that are interested in music! Weekly classes at Hoogland Center for the Arts will encourage all aspects of music, movement, instrumentation, story-telling, dancing and singing. Classes meet on Thursday mornings starting at 10:00am. Students can sign up for all 4 quarters, or pick and choose. No previous experience is required to participate. Learn more and register here: https://www.hcfta.org/education/toddler-tunes
Start this conversation early. Will you be willing to take out a loan for your childâs expenses? If so, what are the parameters of the loan? When does repayment begin? Will you be willing to co-sign on a loan for your child? Your student should be aware of your plans before they apply to college.
This is an important discussion families should have.
Tip #1: “We started a 529 when our student was born and contributed $100 a month every month. We explained to him that we had a set amount of $$ we could contribute, but that he would have to save spending money and contribute anything over the top of what we had saved. We strongly encouraged working before and while at college.”
Tip #2: It’s hard to look at your child as an adult, but when they get to college they will be. So you have to sit down and have an open, honest conversation about money, what you expect grade-wise for the money you are spending, the scholarships you expect them to earn and keep. Show them the money in the college account if you have one then pull up the school info on tuition, housing, meals, books and spending money. Make it real for them. Our student knows that if she doesnât keep her scholarships, the money will be gone by junior year and she will have to get loans that she will have to repay. We discussed those payments and how the interest works and how long it takes to pay those loans back.
Tip #3: “We began talking about finances fairly early, but we did not limit where our son could consider applying. We explained to our son that we committed a set amount of money per year for his college expenses, and beyond that, he would need to contribute. That fact played a role in where he ultimately decided to go — he was willing to have some “skin in the game” but he did not want lifelong debt.”
We have numerous article dedicated to college prep on our website! Keep reading here.
The Women and Infants Center at HSHS St. Johnâs Hospital has been providing high-quality, family-centered care to mothers like you for generations. They offer a wide range of classes to help you and your family members prepare for babyâs arrival. View the schedule online here.
They currently offer the following classes and support groups:Â
The Birth Circle: A safe, judgment-free space for pregnant and postpartum women to share and hear birth stories. Last Wednesday of each month | In-person | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Free*
Preparing for Childbirth: In-person | $30 fee | 4-hour class | Educational childbirth booklet included
Baby Basics: In-person or virtual | Free*
Breastfeeding Your Baby: In-person or virtual | Free*
Parenthood: In-person | Free*
Daddy Boot Camp: In-person | Free*
All About Car Seats: In-person | Free*
Women & Infants Center Tours: In-person | Free*
The Joy of Grandparenting: In-person | Free*
Super Siblings: In-person | Free*
Infant and Child Safety: In-person | Free*
First Steps Mother and Baby Breastfeeding Support Group: Every Wednesday | In-person | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Free* No registration required.
Located at HSHS St. Johnâs Women & Childrenâs Clinic, 400 N. Ninth St., 1st floor conference room.
Unless otherwise noted, all classes require registration. Click here or call 217-744-2229 to register or learn more about our prenatal classes.
*Class is free for expectant parents delivering at St. Johnâs Hospital. For expectant parents delivering at a different hospital there is a $25.00 fee payable the evening of class.
August 3rd, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm ALPLMâs Back to School Bash Anyone who thinks learning is boring clearly hasnât come to this event. Join their education team and community partners in Union Square Park for a fun filled, hands-on day of games and learning as we get pumped to start the upcoming school year.
Free haircuts for students ⢠Story time and hands-on activities ⢠Face Painting * Conservation and recycling activities ⢠Special visits from first responders ⢠Safety education for youth and adult * Explore a fire truck, police car, and EMT Ambulance!
The event will be offered, rain or shine; in case of inclement weather, all activities will be moved into the Library.
We’re continually updating our outdoor directories: Parks, Bike Trails and Dog Parks so you can plan quality time outside with your friends and family! Enjoy the fresh air and clear your mind.
We all need to disconnect more often from our phones, social feeds and laptops, and participating in any of these activities will force you to do so. Â As always, we welcome your pictures out and about.
Email your favorites to springfieldmoms.org@gmail.com.
