Murdock began his folk career in the Chicago area in the mid 1970’s, expanding his repertoire of blues and popular music as his interest in folk music and the maritime tradition grew. This holiday concert commemorates the turn of the century tradition of carrying Christmas trees to Great Lakes port cities, as the final cargo at the end of the shipping season during the lumber schooner days. Murdock has written a very popular song about one of the most famous of these ships, the Rouse Simmons.

Join the Village of Manteno as we kick off the holiday season with the 7th Annual Lighting of Main Street on Saturday, December 7th. The event begins at 3:00pm with the Holiday Business Walk going until 7pm with over 25 businesses participating. Santa Claus will arrive at 3:30 and the Lighting of Main Street takes place at 5:45pm outside the Leo Hassett Community Center located at 211 N. Main Street. While you are on your way to see Santa on the Square on Second, stop by the Fountain on the Square and watch a live Ice Sculpture demonstration (3-4:30) sponsored by Taylor Ford of Manteno. Walk through our Christmas Tree Lane decorated by local businesses and Santa Claus (sponsored by Silvano’s Pizza) will be taking requests from 3:30-7:45pm. Hungry? You can grab a bite to eat at the Bennett-Curtis Food Truck located at the Square on Second or at one of our local restaurants!

“People need to realize the importance of the census. If everyone is not counted, we are in jeopardy of losing a voice in Congress. We will lose representation on important committees and a large amount in federal funding including Medicaid, federal student loans, food stamps, as well as cuts in more than 100 critical programs across the state. All of this is based on the census,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

In observance of Thanksgiving, the Kankakee Public Library be closing at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th and will be closed all day on...

Tour goers will explore Village of Bourbonnais businesses while indulging in chocolate treats and other sweet surprises. The winter event will be structured similar to previous years: participants will be provided with a tour map, passports to accompany them along their decadent journey and receive a stamp at each tour destination visited. A completed or full passport can be entered to win the Chocolate Tour grand prize, courtesy of Andaul Jewelers in Bourbonnais.

“I received a special request to see if Santa could make a stop in the City of Kankakee before Christmas which led to our team planning this event. We are excited to bring this event to the community for the first time and we expect a good turnout. I’m really looking forward to seeing the joy on all of the kids’ faces,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.