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Friday, August 1st, 2025

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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of August.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Final preparations for the Illinois State Fair show that the event will feature a pickleball tournament with youth and adult divisions and a two-day craft beer competition judged by fairgoers – the fair will also offer daily story time for kids, parades with Budweiser Clydesdales, and a naturalization ceremony planning to double last year's 200 new citizens to 400 while providing reduced admission on several days.  25 News

CRIME NEWS

  • The Springfield Police Department’s Pro-Active Crime Unit arrested Gary E. Freeman, a 49-year-old resident, on July 29 after executing search warrants at his home, vehicle and storage unit — officers seized suspected fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and cash.  ABC 20

SPORTS NEWS

  • Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema, his wife Jen and the football team have launched the FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive by donating 150 backpacks to local Champaign-Urbana schools+ marking the second year of the initiative. Fans will donate school supplies at FamILLy Movie Night on Saturday, August 9 at Memorial Stadium to receive a free popcorn bucket+ while area teachers are offered free game tickets for the Sept 13 contest.  ABC 20
  • The UIS men's and women's tennis teams earned ITA All-Academic Team status for the 2024-25 academic year since their GPAs exceeded the 3.2 minimum, with the women's team posting a 3.89 and the men's team a 3.64. Twelve players reached the 3.5 GPA mark and were named ITA Scholar-Athletes.  University of Illinois Springfield

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale

    11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Free entry — Explore a variety of timepieces at this local watch and clock exhibition and sale.

    Sat, 8/2/25

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  • National Button Society Convention 2025

    11 a.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr by IHG — Cost varies — Explore a unique collection of vintage buttons at this year's National Button Society Convention.

    Sun, 8/3/25

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  • Monster Truck Destruction Tour

    7:30-9 p.m. — Illinois State Fairgrounds — $64-$88 — Experience the thrill of the Monsters of Destruction live and feel the adrenaline rush.

    Thu, 8/7/25

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  • The Black Crowes Live Performance

    8 PM — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Experience the raw energy of The Black Crowes in an electrifying rock & roll show.

    Sat, 8/9/25

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  • Megan Moroney Concert

    8 p.m. — Illinois State Fair Grandstand — $47-$122 — Critically acclaimed country artist Megan Moroney performs hits from her latest album Am I Okay?.

    Mon, 8/11/25

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  • Snoop Dogg Concert

    5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Requires Pre-Show Party and Concert ticket — Enjoy an exclusive pre-show party before Snoop Dogg takes the stage.

    Wed, 8/13/25

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  • Ask a Library Techie

    2:30-3:30 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Get one-on-one tech assistance with your devices from knowledgeable staff members.

    Thu, 8/14/25

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  • Def Leppard Concert

    5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with the legendary British heavy metal band known for their iconic anthems and powerful performances.

    Sat, 8/16/25

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  • Vachel Lindsay Home Guided Tour

    9:45-10:15 a.m. — Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site — Free entry — Explore the legacy of poet Vachel Lindsay with art displays and a chance to win his collected works.

    Fri, 8/22/25

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  • Balloons Over 66 5K

    8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.

    Sat, 8/23/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

~ Albert Einstein

About Springfield Sunrise

Welcome to the Springfield Sunrise, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Illinois community. If you like the Springfield Sunrise, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.

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