Compiled by Andy Waterman – awaterman@illinoisouth.org
CENTRALIA, IL: Construction is underway for the Gaetti Sports Academy in Centralia, Illinois. The multisport facility is slated to open in September, and will feature state of the art technology for athletes across several different sports; including baseball, softball and volleyball. The Gaetti Sports Academy is named for Centralia native and two-time MLB All-Star Gary Gaetti, who helped found the facility – which will offer the Hit Trax technology system, special instruction from former pro players, and retractable batting cages that can be rented out.
CHESTER, IL: It’s almost time to celebrate everyone’s favorite cartoon sailor – Popeye! The 40th Annual Popeye Picnic is scheduled for September 6th-8th in Chester, Illinois. There’s a whole weekend full of fun planned – from Wimpy’s Wiener Dog Races to the always popular Popeye Parade. For more information, visit popeyepicnic.com.
SPARTA, IL: Thousands of trapshooters from around the world will make their way to Sparta in August for the 120th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships. The Grand American consists of 24 events over an 11 day period, and attracts tourists and shooters alike to partake in all of the action. This storied event has evolved into the premier shooting event in the world – and only the modern marathon has more participants in a single of competition than the Grand American.
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL: Fairview Heights is the place to be the last two weekends in August – for two very popular events. August 23rd-25th is the 31st Annual Midwest Salute to the Arts Festival, which features 100 artists, live music and crafts demonstrators. The next weekend will be all about chicken wings, as 40,000 wing enthusiasts flock to Fairview Heights for Midwest Wingfest. It’s a two-day event where vendors compete for Best Gourmet Wing, Best Hot Wing, and Best Overall Wing. There’s also a wing eating contest for those who really show up hungry.
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