2023 Schedule of Major Events for the BHHA and Bishop Hill
PDF of 2023 Bishop Hill Visitors Guide: bh_guide2023_single_pg
PDF of the Bishop Hill Map: MapBH2016
June 3 Dancing Queen: ABBA Tribute Band Concert
To honor the upcoming National Day of Sweden, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association is pleased to announce that an ABBA tribute band will be performing at 1 p.m. in the village park in Bishop Hill IL on Saturday June 3, 2023. DANCING QUEEN: An ABBA Salute is the ultimate tribute to the music of ABBA – sure to capture the hearts of fans and audiences of all ages! This live show is full of musical precision, fabulous flair and fashion, and promises a mesmerizing ABBA experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen around! Fronted by a dynamic Agnetha and Frida duo, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a joyful celebration of these timeless tunes. “DANCING QUEEN: An ABBA Salute” is the Midwest’s longtime #1 ABBA tribute, with a repertoire of over 30 all-time favorite hits. From Waterloo to Mamma Mia, SOS to Knowing Me Knowing You, Honey Honey to Voulez-Vous, audiences won’t be able to help singing and dancing along with this high-energy homage to everything ABBA!
In addition to the two-hour concert, local organizations will be offering food and drinks. The BHHA will be hosting a beer garden and beverage area between the Carpenter Building and the Blacksmith Shop. The Bishop Hill Fire Department will have a food stand at the baseball diamond. In addition, the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will have a hot dog stand, located next to the Colony Store. Finally, the Bishop Hill Methodist Church will also be having a bake sale next to the Steeple Building Museum.
The Dancing Queen concert is free and open to the public, due to the financial support of the Community State Bank, Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, SWEA-Chicago, and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association. Please bring lawn chairs and enjoy this Las Vegas type show! For more information about this wonderful musical performance, please check out www.bishophillheritage.org, call 309 927-3899, or email bhha@mymctc.net.
June 17 Manx Log Cabin Patchwork taught by Angie Anderson
Come and spend a relaxing afternoon learning the how-to and history of this traditional Manx quilt block which originated in the Isle of Man. All materials for making one full block are included in the cost of this class.
The Manx method is well-loved because it requires no machine, no batting and very little skill…and yet the results are awesome! You don’t even need to be able to sew a straight line! In fact, the hardest part of this project is threading the needle. (where help can be provided if needed)
You will complete one full block in class and have a copy of the instructions to take along and repeat more at home. Ideas will be given for what you might create with your blocks and additional supplies will be available to purchase on the day if you wish. If you are a quilter this is a great project for using up scrap strips of fabric.
Angie is an experienced teacher having taught quilting and sewing classes in her own shop in England for the last 11 years. This was always one of the most popular classes.
This is a one-day class sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association that will run from 10:00 – 3:00 in the Dairy Building in Bishop Hill. Choose any of the following dates: May 20 or June 17
The cost is $40 per person and includes materials. Please bring along a spool of neutral colored thread, a fine needle and scissors. We will work at a very leisurely pace (as sewing is meant to be) and will take a break for lunch. Take advantage of one of the local restaurants at lunchtime or bring your own. Coffee and tea facilities will be provided. The maximum number on this class will be 10. Please contact Angie Anderson with any questions or to register for this class on 815 760 2131 or thesewingspace@gmail.com
June 24-25 Midsommar Music Festival
Bishop Hill’s Midsommar Music Festival will return as a 2-day festival this year on Saturday June 24 and Sunday, June 25th with a strong line-up of musical performers. Some of the performers are Bucky Halker, Black Hawk Pipes & Drum, Chris Vallillo, and the Nordland Band. Other highlights of this event include a Scandinavian folk dance workshop, a Swedish Maypole celebration, and much more. Join us for this lively Swedish tradition to celebrate the summer solstice. This festival is free and open to the public. Email bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899 for more information. Organized by the Bishop Hill Arts Council, Bishop Hill VASA Lodge #683, VASA Order of America, Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Old Settlers’ Association, and the Bishop Hill State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to help finance this event.
June 28 Indigo Dyeing Class, taught by Sheri Wood
Class is from 8 am. to 3 p.m. at the Dairy Building. Class size is limited to 10 people. In this class, you will learn about growing and harvesting Japanese Indigo (persicaria tinctoria). We will take a short walk to the indigo garden and harvest fresh leaves, then return to the Dairy Building to use them to dye cotton, linen and silk fabrics. Lunch will be on your own, at one of the local restaurants, or bring a lunch. After lunch, we will vat dye with indigo, experimenting with different patterning techniques.
Please wear old clothes, bring an apron and gloves if you want. You may also bring some small pieces of natural fiber fabrics to dye as we have time. Class fee: $75. includes $25 supply fee. Fabrics, plus all dye and safety supplies will be provided. Each person will leave with their own dyed fabrics, written directions for what we did, and how to finish fabrics at home. Extra fabrics and supplies will be available to purchase to use during class. You will also be able to take home cuttings of Japanese Indigo to plant and raise. Please contact Sheri Wood with any questions about the classes or to register for classes at (309) 299-8007 or at sheri_jeanne@hotmail.com . Partially sponsored by the BHHA.
July 8 Concerts in the Colony
July 23 Antique Car Show
Antique and classic car show at the Bishop Hill Village Park. Registration is 9-11:30; Judging is noon-1:30; Award Presentation at 3:00. www.bholdsettlers.org; bholdsettlers@gmail.com
Sponsored by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association
August 5 Concerts in the Colony
Aug. 12 Hummingbird Festival and Pollinator Festival at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons
We will start with an early morning Bird Hike, beginning at the Twinflower Inn at 7:00. There will be bird banding in the prairie near the cemetery and a Master Gardeners Workshop on Designing and Planting Your Own Pollinator Garden. A native plant sale, crafts, make & take bird house building kits, lectures, storytelling, music, and a live bird of prey program with hawks and owls will ensure there is great fun for the whole family. An evening dinner theater with John James Audubon rounds out the day. FREE (Donations appreciated) Reservations required for the dinner theater, $35. Contact Brian “Fox” Ellis for details at 309-696-1017 or at foxtales@foxtalesint.com
Aug. 26-27 Bishop Hill Chautauqua
Join us for this 2-day historical re-enactment brought to life through storytelling and music. Spend the weekend in the village park with several characters from our past such as Bob Dylan, Abraham Lincoln, Jenny Lind, Carl Sandberg and many more. Saturday afternoon, enjoy Fika with some of the performers. Saturday evening, enjoy a dinner theater at P.L. Johnson. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309 927-3899 or bhha@mymctc.net. Organized by the BHHA, Fox Tales International and the Twinflower Inn. Sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to help finance this event.
Aug. 30 Indigo Dyeing Class, taught by Sheri Wood
Class is from 8 am. To 3 p.m. at the Dairy Building. Class size is limited to 10 people. In this class, you will learn about growing and harvesting Japanese Indigo (persicaria tinctoria). We will take a short walk to the indigo garden and harvest fresh leaves, then return to the Dairy Building to use them to dye cotton, linen and silk fabrics. Lunch will be on your own, at one of the local restaurants, or bring a lunch. After lunch, we will vat dye with indigo, experimenting with different patterning techniques.
Please wear old clothes, bring an apron and gloves if you want. You may also bring some small pieces of natural fiber fabrics to dye as we have time. Class fee: $75. includes $25 supply fee. Fabrics, plus all dye and safety supplies will be provided. Each person will leave with their own dyed fabrics, written directions for what we did, and how to finish fabrics at home. Extra fabrics and supplies will be available to purchase to use during class. You will also be able to take home cuttings of Japanese Indigo to plant and raise. Please contact Sheri Wood with any questions about the classes or to register for classes at (309) 299-8007 or at sheri_jeanne@hotmail.com . Partially sponsored by the BHHA.
September 9 Old Settlers’ Day
This event celebrates the founding of the Village on Sept 23, 1846. Events for the day include a free band concert at Noon followed by a program at 1:00 pm, and a free will offering Dessert Social/Reunion for Henry County Schools at the Colony School following the program. For more information, go to www.bholdsettlers.org or bholdsettlers@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association.
Sept. 16 Indigo and Black Walnut Dyeing Class, taught by Sheri Wood
Class is from 8 am. To 3 p.m. at the Dairy Building. Class size is limited to 10 people. In this class, you will learn about how to dye natural fabrics with Black Walnut hulls. We will take a short walk to gather fresh walnuts, then return to the Dairy Building to use them to dye cotton, linen and silk fabrics. Lunch will be on your own, at one of the local restaurants, or bring a lunch. After lunch, we will vat dye with indigo, experimenting with different patterning techniques. Please wear old clothes, bring an apron and gloves if you want. You may also bring some small pieces of natural fiber fabrics to dye as we have time. Class fee: $75. includes $25 supply fee. Fabrics, plus all dye and safety supplies will be provided. Each person will leave with their own dyed fabrics, written directions for what we did, and how to finish fabrics at home. Extra fabrics and supplies will be available to purchase to use during class. Please contact Sheri Wood with any questions about the classes or to register for classes at (309) 299-8007 or at sheri_jeanne@hotmail.com . Partially sponsored by the BHHA.
September 17 Honor Flight Fundraiser
Fundraising event for the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. All day breakfast buffet at The Filling Station. Silent Auction. Brown bag Raffle. Live Music. Be there! Call 309-927-3355 for more info.
Sept. 23-24 Agriculture Days – Jordbruksdagarna
As always, there will be a variety of traditional craft demonstrations, music, food, dancing, vendors, and hands-on activities for the children during Jordbruksdagarna (Swedish for “earth work days”). Enjoy the petting zoo and the antique tractor display, with demonstrations. This 19th century harvest festival is free and open to the public. Email bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899 for more information. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Organized by the BHHA. Funded by the Illinois Art Council Agency, Nature Creation’s, State Bank of Toulon, and the Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to help finance this event.
Oct. 14-15 Bargain Hunter Weekend
Come celebrate the bounty of fall in Bishop Hill as various stores, museums and restaurants offer special discounts, events, and activities. Collect signatures from 6 businesses or museums and be entered for a gift basket drawing at the Colony Store. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.
October 14 Pottery Festival
The Bishop Hill Pottery Festival will include demonstrations in pottery and the art of Raku firing. This event will also include a number of various artists from the surrounding area featuring glass, wood, textiles, candle and soap making. Help us welcome back Special Needs Bakery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 21 Woodcarving Workshop
Learn basic woodcarving skills and take home your own Tomte ornament! Students will be provided the wood blank, along with a quality carving knife, protective Kevlar glove and thumb guard. This class is designed as a beginner’s class but some experience handling a knife and working with wood will be helpful. The participants will learn proper carving techniques with emphasis on safety. The class will be taught at the Dairy Building. Register by calling 309 927-3899 or emailing bhha@mymctc.net
November 4 Dala Pig Painting Workshop
Carol Curry will be conducting a PIG painting workshop at the Dairy Building in Bishop Hill, Illinois. Participants will hand-paint a small pig using traditional Swedish colors and designs that you can take home. Paint, brushes, rooster, and other supplies will be provided. To reserve your spot, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net .
Nov. 24-26, Julmarknad- Christmas Market
Visit traditionally decorated shops and museums. Encounter Swedish folk characters roaming the village. Special music, Swedish foods, unique gifts, and more. Enjoy the Christmas Cookie Walk at the Colony School Friday and Saturday only.
Event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net
Dec. 2-3 Julmarknad
Sights, sounds, and aromas of Christmas past. Swedish folk characters will roam the village. Special music, Swedish food specialties, abundance of handmade wares, and antiques. Chocolate Walk fundraiser at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons
Event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net
Dec. 8-9 Lucia Nights-Festival of Lights
Experience a unique Swedish holiday. Luminaries line the sidewalk and candles are in every window. Live music at several locations. Young girls dressed as St. Lucia serve drinks and sweets in shops and museums throughout the village. All Bishop Hill restaurants and shops will be open. December 8 is the Christmas Tree lighting in the park at 6 p.m. On December 9, Barn Dance at the Colony School.
Festival is free and open to the public. For more information, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net
This is a listing of the major events only. Not all programs are listed, due to the large number of activities. Please confirm events details by emailing bhha@mymctc.net, visiting the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook Page, calling 309 927-3899, or visiting www.bishophillheritage.org
*The programs of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency.
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