Friday, May 1, 2009 10:13 PM CDT
COLUMN: 'Stay-cation' doesn't have to mean sitting at home bored
By DAWN SCHABBING, Staff Writer
dschabbing@jg-tc.com
Many of us are always looking for ways to save some dollars, without jeopardizing the idea of having fun with the family.
The word “stay-cation” is common today as folks seek ways to stay close to home — in an effort to cut costs.
Visits to local events should be high on lists for families wanting to realize cost savings this spring and summer.
For families struggling with unemployment issues, maybe visiting something nearby at Eastern Illinois University would be the less stressful way to find a “getaway.”
While some may argue that there’s not much going for this region, as far as entertainment is concerned, I disagree.
Each week the JG/T-C lists plenty of activities and events on its Entertainment/Events Calendar, many which are close by or in our communities.
The events listed are often within a two-hour drive from areas within our readership. While some could allow for an overnight stay, most do not, therefore, making the visit less expensive.
The suggestions are often affordable for singles, couples or families. They may include music, dancing, plays, concerts, festivals and fairs.
For example, this past weekend my husband and I enjoyed a day at the Artisan Fair, downtown Effingham.
It was our second year to visit the arts fest. While organizers for events like this have to compete with Mother Nature each year, this year proved to be nearly perfect for weather.
There’s something pretty special about these small-town festivals.
Events like the Artisan Fair offer culture to some of us who might not often be exposed to it.
An estimated 1,500 people attended this past week’s event, organizers reported.
This year, 46 artists’ booths were set up in order to demonstrate, sell and display their creative, hand-crafted works of pottery, jewelry making, photography, rug weaving, various paintings, outdoor furniture, quilting and a Christian writer’s booth.
Music was on tap, too, as 10 area bands were scheduled to play on a flat-bed trailer outside of Joe Sippers.
Eight area wineries gathered to show their stuff at a wine-tasting booth. Samples could be purchased, as could glasses or bottles of the locally made products including those in Shelbyville, Stewardson and Olney, to name a few.
The Effingham High School art club helped entertain youngsters with face painting and balloon animals, stationed on the courthouse gazebo.
There was chalk art for the younger crowd, and plenty of food from which to select.
Popular local restaurants with food items at the Artisan Fair included the Fire Fly and Joe’s Pizza, which both my husband and I visited. Culver’s served up ice cream, as well.
And the Effingham County Courthouse that now sits empty was opened up and housed many displays and demonstrations of quilting.
This was a sweet little getaway we enjoyed for very little cost. What money we did spend went to local businesses and organizations right nearby our home.
Stay-cations can be as simple as using a community pool, or taking a day trip somewhere nearby. It doesn’t have to be boring. And it doesn’t have to be costly.
Next time you are seeking entertainment, keep in mind that there is plenty to do right here, practically in your own backyard.
Check out the Entertainment & Events Calendar on our Web site, at http://www.jg-tc.com/calendar/.
Add your comments
Not already registered?
Then click Here.
Comment policy:
JG-TC.com encourages readers to engage in civil conversation with their neighbors. Comments that are submitted are not posted to the site immediately. They go into a queue to be moderated and may take several hours to be reviewed. Comments posted on Saturday may not be reviewed until Sunday afternoon.
In order to keep the page a set width, long lines (mostly long links) will be chopped. Try putting spaces in your links or consider using tinyurl.com to make a smaller link that you can include.
We will never edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to remove comments that violate our code of conduct.
No comment may contain:
* Potentially libelous statements; such as accusing somebody of a crime, defamation of character, or statements that can harm somebody's reputation.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults, threats, harassment or inciting violence.
* Commercial product promotions.
If you have any questions, please contact our moderator.
|
|
|
|
|
Kamfong wrote on May 2, 2009 11:23 AM: