Nov. 13
Starved Rock Lodge hosts the Leinenkugel Dinner at 6:30 p.m. The $40 per person cost includes a dinner with all dishes made with Leinenkugel beer plus a variety of Leinenkugel beers. Also, win great prizes. All ticket holders will be entered to win an official Leinenkugel Canoe. Order in advance by calling 800-868-7625, ext. 386
Nov. 14
The Peoria Park District's W.H. Sommer Park hosts a Civil War Winter Quarters construction from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historians in authentic uniforms will use period tools and construction methods to protect themselves from the approaching winter weather. Activities also include mail call, drill and ceremonies, and daily camp life. The park is located at 6329 N. Koerner Road between Illinois 150 and Charter Oaks Road, west of the Shoppes at Grand Prairie. Admission is $5 per vehicle. 309-691-8423.
Nov. 20
Macy's Holiday Festival of Lights from 4:39-6:30 p.m. in Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis kicks off the holiday season with clowns, face painters, food and Santa's arrival. After a fireworks display, there will be a walking procession led by Santa up 7th Street to Macy's for the unveiling of the holiday windows. Visit www.christmasinstlouis.org.
Through Nov. 22
Blessings of the Table: Thanksgiving at Clover Lawn is at the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission is free, but donations are requested. Sarah Davis brought the New England custom of celebrating Thanksgiving to her home on the Illinois frontier. Tour the mansion and learn how and why these customs evolved into a national holiday.
Nov. 14
Get your picture taken with reindeer at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington. For $15, have three poses taken and transferred to CD. If weather is inclement, a shelter area will be used. Reservations and prepayment should be made in advance at the zoo. Cost is $15 per family (zoo admission not included in this fee). 309-434-2250 or www.millerparkzoo.org.
Nov. 15
The 2009 Jingle Bell Run/Walk will start at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in uptown Normal. Registration begins at 11 a.m. that day. The 5 K run/walk begins at 1 p.m. A 1-mile fun walk begins at 1:10 pm. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Visit http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=309642 , call 309- 451-0785 or e-mail tfunk@arthritis.org.
Nov. 20-29
The annual Quad City Arts' Festival of Trees ushers in the holiday season at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St., downtown Davenport, Iowa. Includes uniquely designed trees from 4 to 9 feet tall, designer displays, handcrafted stockings and ornaments, a variety of miniature designs and more. Admission is $8, adults; $6, seniors; $3, children. 563-324-FEST or www.quadcityarts.com
Nov. 21-22
Toy and Game Fair in Chicago, America's largest and only public toy and game event, offers parents, children, teachers, toy and game enthusiasts a chance to preview the hottest new toys and games, meet toy and game inventors and shop for the holidays. Hours at Navy Pier are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 21 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22. Cost: $10, adults; $5, children. E-mail info@chitag.com for discounts on groups of 10 or more.
Nov. 22
The oldest race in the Peoria area, the Turkey Trot four-mile run, will start at Detweiller Park at 1 p.m. A half-mile Youth Fun Run for boys and girls 12 and younger begins at 12:45. Cost is $15 through Nov. 13, $17 after; $13 for IVS members; and $2 for the Youth Fun Run. Contact Matt at 681-2866 or e-mail msuellentrop@ peoriaparks.org.
Nov. 27
Mike Strickley will give a basic bike maintenance class at 1 p.m. during the Vitesse Cycle annual progressive sale. Topics include pre-ride check, removing quick release wheels, tire/tube maintenance, chain maintenance and lube and brake adjustment. During the sale, everything in the store is on sale.
Nov. 28
Learn about sun bears while you watch the zookeepers at Miller Park zoo feed the critters at 4 p.m.