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Illinois State Fair Announces Free Randy Houser Grandstand Concert On Aug. 11, 2025

7 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – Fairgoers are in for a special treat at the 2025 Illinois State Fair: Country music powerhouse Randy Houser will take the Grandstand stage for a FREE concert on Monday, August 11. “The Illinois State Fair is a celebration of our state’s people, agriculture, and traditions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud that we can provide opportunities like this free concert, giving families from across Illinois the chance to come together, enjoy entertainment at the Fair, and make lasting summer memories.” With an inimitable voice, Houser has become one of country music’s most celebrated vocalists. His chart-topping album How Country Feels delivered smash hits including “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight,” “Goodnight Kiss,” and CMA Song of the Year nominee “Like A Cowboy.” Houser has since added more No. 1 hits to his catalog, including “We Went,” and continues to wow audiences

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IDOL Inspectors Prioritize Ride Safety Ahead of 2025 Illinois State Fair

7 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – As preparations ramp up for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, inspectors with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) are on site ensuring that every amusement ride is thoroughly examined and approved for operation before the Midway opens to the public. “Public safety is our top priority,” said IDOL Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division Manager Brian Fox. “Each ride is carefully inspected to make sure it meets all safety and structural standards. If you see the IDOL permit sticker, the ride is approved for use.” The State Fair represents IDOL’s second largest annual inspection effort, following only the inspection of rides at Six Flags Great America. For the fair, IDOL deploys a team of six experienced inspectors to examine rides and attractions—not just at setup, but throughout the event to ensure continued compliance. To help families prepare, IDOL encourages parents and guardians to review ride safety tips with

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Jake Maurer Headlines Calhoun County Fair Concert Sept. 4; Cash Goetten Opens

7 months 3 weeks ago
HARDIN — Country music fans can look forward to a lively night at the Calhoun County Fair on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, when Jake Maurer takes the stage at the fairgrounds. The concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m., will feature a blend of modern country and down-home storytelling, promising an engaging experience for attendees. Jake Maurer, a native of Metamora, has been a fixture in Nashville’s music scene since 2007, regularly headlining at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Raised in the Midwest with influences including Garth Brooks and Texas “Red Dirt” country, Maurer combines his background as a former college football player and teacher with his passion for music. He is known for his high-energy performances and ability to connect with audiences through humor and heartfelt songs. Maurer also tours extensively, performing at festivals such as Regina’s Hawgarama and fundraising events in Ontario and Montana. Opening the evening wil

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RiverBender Blog: I'm a Bad Driver

7 months 3 weeks ago
I recently backed into a fence with my car. If you’re a faithful reader, you might be thinking, “But wait, didn’t you also hit a deer not too long ago?” Short answer, yes, that also happened. I’d like to remind you that THE DEER HIT ME, but technically I also had a run-in with a deer. And now a fence. One of the things you need to know about me is that I am a bad driver. I get where I’m going and I get home — thank God — but the in-between time is not that seamless. My own insecurities are my greatest downfall. A few weeks ago, I honked at an Amazon driver that was backing into the road because they almost hit me. I was just trying to alert them that I was there, and it worked: The driver pulled forward and I was able to squeeze by. But immediately, I felt terrible. I tried to justify it in my head. I didn’t want to get hit, and I did what I had to do to avoid that. It was better for both me and the driver, who

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How to Keep Your Kids Busy During Summer Downtime

7 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that children are most likely to experience boredom when left without structured activities for more than three consecutive days? This statistic underscores a common challenge parents and caregivers face during extended periods when school is out: keeping kids engaged, stimulated, and happy. Finding creative ways to entertain children not only alleviates restlessness but also fosters learning, growth, and family bonding. Here are inventive strategies to transform what could be idle time into memorable and enriching experiences. Transforming Everyday Spaces into Adventure Zones One of the simplest yet most effective ways to captivate children’s attention is by reimagining their immediate environment. Turning familiar spaces into themed adventure zones encourages imagination and physical activity without requiring extravagant resources. Examples: Indoor Treasure Hunts: Design a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house or backyard. Incorporate puzzles

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Beer Master Tour

7 months 3 weeks ago

The biggest fans of Budweiser must book a Beermaster Tour while they’re in St. Louis. The two-hour tour gives guests an all-access look at how the King of Beers is […]

The post Beer Master Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

Day Fresh Tour

7 months 3 weeks ago

The most popular tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis explains the life of an Anheuser-Busch beer from seed to glass. Along the way, you’ll visit the Clydesdales Paddock […]

The post Day Fresh Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

The Benefits of Morning Walks During Summer

7 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that just 30 minutes of walking each morning can significantly boost your mental clarity and energy levels for the entire day? This simple activity, often overlooked in the hustle of daily routines, holds remarkable potential, especially during the summer months. Morning walks are more than just a form of exercise—they are a multifaceted practice that nurtures the body, sharpens the mind, and enhances overall well-being. Enhancing Physical Health with Morning Walks Walking is a low-impact, accessible form of exercise that supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves endurance. During summer, early morning walks offer a unique advantage: the cooler temperatures reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, making physical activity safer and more enjoyable. Research indicates that regular walking can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. For instance, a study

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How to Host a Neighborhood Ice Cream Social: Building Community One Scoop at a Time

7 months 3 weeks ago
What if a simple scoop of ice cream could transform a neighborhood? Beyond its role as a sweet treat, ice cream has an uncanny ability to bring people together, sparking conversations and creating memories. Hosting an ice cream social offers a unique opportunity to strengthen community ties, foster new friendships, and create a welcoming atmosphere for neighbors of all ages. The Power of an Ice Cream Social Social isolation remains a growing concern in many communities. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 36% of Americans report feeling isolated from their neighbors. Events like ice cream socials can counteract this trend by providing informal, enjoyable settings for people to connect. Unlike formal meetings or structured events, an ice cream social's casual nature lowers social barriers and encourages spontaneous interaction. Planning Your Ice Cream Social: Key Considerations 1. Choosing the Right Venue The venue sets the tone for your event. Common

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This Day in History on August 4: Britain Declares War on Germany, World War I Commences

7 months 3 weeks ago
August 4th has long been a date marked by moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events associated with this date happened during World War I. On August 4, 1914, the United Kingdom declared war on Germany, officially entering the conflict that would engulf much of the world. This declaration came just days after Germany’s invasion of Belgium, breaching Belgium’s neutrality and prompting Britain’s involvement under treaty obligations. This marked a turning point in the war, signaling the expansion of hostilities and the beginning of a prolonged and devastating global conflict. The impact of Britain's entry into World War I had profound consequences for the geopolitical landscape, influencing the eventual outcome of the war and setting the stage for major political changes in Europe and beyond. Going further back, August 4, 1776, holds a special place in American history. Though the United States celebrates Independence

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