It’s Thanksgiving week, which includes Small Business Saturday.
Enjoy time with family, running, bowling, hunting, shopping and of course, eating.
Here are eight things to do in the Freeport area this weekend plus a few coming up next week.
Share Food Give Thanks Fun Run 2023
What: Choose a 5k or 1-mile course for runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. This family-friendly, fun run/walk is open to all. The race will be unofficially timed with a stopwatch; no medals awarded or t-shirts provided. No pre-registration required. All donations will go to Freeport Area Church Cooperative.
When: 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
For more: 815-235-9622
Thanksgiving Day 1-Ball
What: The Thanksgiving One Ball is a Thanksgiving Day tradition. There are men’s and women’s divisions, which will be scored separately.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: 4 Seasons Bowling Center, 1100 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cost: $15 per entry; strike jackpot for $2 and $1 brackets available; $2 Tom & Jerry’s at bowlers bar
For more: 815-235-6145
Sixth Annual Nellie’s Thanksgiving
What: Turkey and fixing’s at 4 p.m. Feel free to bring a dish to pass. Red Beard Karaoke at 7 p.m.
When: 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: Hot Rod Nellie’s Bar, 122 S. Jackson Road, Pecatonica
For more: 815-239-2424
21st Annual Christkindlmarkt
What: This traditional outdoor German Christmas market originates back to the 14th century. Turner Hall’s Christkindlmarkt is held indoors but patterned after the historic outdoor German markets. The two-day holiday market features the work of select artisans and crafters, with handcrafted gifts. The Monroe Swiss Singers, known for their Swiss baked goods in addition to their singing, will offer Swiss specialties such as Brätzeli cookies, Zopf braided bread and Spitzbuben cookies.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Grand Hall of Turner Hall, 1217-17th Ave., Monroe, Wis.
Cost: Free admission
For more: turnerhallofmonroe.org
Small Business Saturday and Astrology with Amanda
What: Doorbuster sales, games, prizes and refreshments. Amanda will be doing Astrology Readings; book your slot today.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Rootz & Branchez, 101 W. Main St., Freeport
For more: 815-616-5422
Small Business Saturday at Flair Boutique
What: There will have in-store and online sales, raffle giveaways, custom hat bar, hot cider and snacks.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Flair Boutique, 14 E. Stephenson St., Freeport
For more: 815-275-4281
Sweet Stitches Market Small Business Saturday
What: There will goodie bags, doorbusters, raffle, drinks and treats.
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Sweet Stitches Market, 306 E. Main St., Lena
For more: 815-238-3739
European Pheasant Hunt
What: Get ready for a day in the great outdoors. Explore our grounds, teeming with wildlife and offering the perfect backdrop for this hunting experience. Seasoned guides will be by your side, providing insights and ensuring a successful hunt.
When: 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: Rock Hollow, Hunt Club, 1891 IL Rt. 75, Freeport
Cost: $350; $300 for members; optional trap shoot and lunch for $50 per person
For more: 815-232-5428
Frosty Family Fun
What: Join FHN and the library for holiday fun with the whole family. Sing Christmas carols, create holiday slime and play holiday bingo. You can also make a healthy holiday treat to take home as well as a reindeer treat.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
For more: fhn.org
Teens Only: No-Sew Blankets
What: Help others in the community by making no-sew blankets to donate to various organizations.
When: 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
For more: 815-233-3000
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
