Good morning, Decatur.

The Macon County Fair Association will host its 4th Harvest Fest from October 3 to 5 at the Fairgrounds—featuring a carnival, food trucks, vendors, a haunted hayride and a demo derby.

The event will run Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with $10 admission for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5 to 11 and free entry for kids under 4.

Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District joined Byers and CO on September 10 to discuss shows at the Devon and special events at Scovill Zoo — Sports Sampler and Trees on the Tees.

The podcast explains the plans for these upcoming local events.

Decatur's Rock Springs Nature Center will host Treat Trail on October 18th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm with a spooky bike ride through the pine forest—families are invited to wear costumes and visit interactive treat stops.

Registration is open until October 15 with admission at $5 per treat collector and $2 for each guest, and attendees can warm up with apple cider and cookies inside the center.

Millikin University will hold the 8th Annual Nick Project event on September 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance—alumna Sophie Schwalbach started the project after a family tragedy and the event will offer extinguisher demonstrations and fire safety equipment giveaways to students and the public.

On September 9, 2025, Dale Colee joined Byers & Co to discuss being a busy grandparent and preview Pharmacy Facts with Friends — featuring The Brass Horn and United Way — in a podcast that is now available to listen.

On September 10, 2025, Julienne Shields of Millikin University and Grace Ganley of In Good Company joined Byers & Co to discuss the Aspire Summit in partnership with the Center for Entrepreneurship in a podcast.

Their conversation explained how the summit aims to boost support for local entrepreneurs.

State Senator Doris Turner joined Byers & Co on September 10th to discuss her upcoming opponent and her district work—she also highlighted pathway opportunities for students.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker appointed Reverend L.

Bernard Jakes to continue serving on the Chicago Transit Authority Board—he chairs finance and budget at West Point Baptist Church and will help oversee a $74 million transfer by the Regional Transit Authority to tackle a $770-million fiscal cliff.

Decatur City Manager Tim Gleason still commutes from his Goodfield home despite agreeing to move into Decatur by the end of 2024—Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said he is looking for a home on Lake Decatur and his contract may be amended after his upcoming performance review.

Lauren Alaina Live

7-9 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — $41.00 — Experience the country sensation who's taken the stage since her American Idol days.

Arts in Central Park

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Decatur IL Central Park — Entry fee varies — Explore a vibrant showcase of over 60 artists while enjoying live music and art activities for children.

2025 Hispanic Heritage Festival

2-10 p.m. — Nelson Park — Free entry — Celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Hispanic community with music and festivities.

Platinum Rock Legends Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying performances from one of the greatest rock bands with stunning visuals and legendary hits.

Prairie Pedal Bicycle Ride

6:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Rock Springs Conservation Area — $35+ — Participate in a scenic bike ride while supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.

All Fired Up - A Tribute to Pat Benatar

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Decatur Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience an electrifying tribute to Pat Benatar with her iconic hits and dynamic performances.

Rochester vs. Decatur Eisenhower JV Football Game

6-8 p.m. — Eisenhower High School — Free entry — Catch an exciting home game as Decatur Eisenhower takes on Rochester in junior varsity football.

Fight for the Kids 2 Charity Event

6-11 p.m. — Decatur Conference Center and Hotel Heliport — No refunds — An exciting charity boxing event aiming to support children's causes.