Good morning, Springfield.

The 33rd Annual Earth Fair (11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26th) will be held at Union Square Park as the City of Springfield teams up with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to promote Earth stewardship, resilience, and sustainability.

City departments, non-profits, and organizations will join the event to share exhibits and activities that support local efforts.

The Illinois State Fair will host its 100 Days Out Celebration on Tuesday, April 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the Fairgrounds — the free event will feature popular vendors like Taft’s Mr. Ribeye, Food Baby, 17th Street Barbecue, Vose’s Korndogs and Hae’s Bakery & Coffee Shoppe while raffle tickets and discounted passes are sold.

Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County announced that applications are now open for its 2025 Junior Volunteer Program for youth ages 12—15, with sessions running Tuesday through Friday from June 24 to July 18.

The program kicks off with a cookout on June 21 and concludes with an Awards Ceremony on July 23, and applications must be submitted by May 1 at the shelter on Taintor Road.

Aetna Better Health of Illinois hosted a free farmers market in Springfield that provided fresh seasonal fruits and veggies—and community resources like health screenings—to help residents deal with rising grocery prices; the next pop-up market will be held on May 24th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Intricate Minds.

Today, health and human service advocates organized by Illinois Partners for Human Service kick off the Living Wages, Thriving Communities Week of Action in Chicago—then head to Springfield on April 23 to urge lawmakers to invest in fair compensation and sustained funding for essential services.

Chatham Glenwood senior Taryn Griffith credited 12 years of gymnastics training for her quick moves behind the plate & her role in securing a 6-1 win over Springfield High.

The three-time all-area honoree will play at Kaskaskia College after graduation & now volunteers as a gymnastics coach at the local YMCA.

The Illinois Springfield men's golf team is competing in the 2025 GLVC Championship at Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club in Bolivar, Mo; after completing stroke play rounds that began April 20, the team is playing the final 18 holes today — they will move to medal play Tuesday if they finish in the top four.

LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: Get Your Brand Out There

10 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Discover how to use LinkedIn to enhance your business networking and marketing efforts.

Starting Your Own Business

9:30 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain essential knowledge and confidence to launch your business with planning, setup, and financing tips.

Lawn Mower Clinic

Get your lawn mower ready for the season! The Springfield Jaycees will service push mowers that are in working condition (Must be able to start prior to servicing and we will start it with you at pick up) for $65.

Financing Your Business: Loans, Capital, And Financial Visibility

12:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Explore funding options and strategies to secure capital for sustainable business growth.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Concert

7:30 PM - 12:30 AM — UIS Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classical music featuring Ravel and Shostakovich performed by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Milkweed Giveaway

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. — Washington Park — Free — Celebrate local pollinators with a milkweed giveaway and learn about planting pollinator gardens.