On April 1 and 2 is the Spring Fling in Bishop Hill. Come welcome spring and the beginning of the tourist season 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. Sponsored by the BHAC.
Also on Saturday April 1 is the Bishop Hill Book Fair & From the Page to the Stage Storytelling Workshop at The Commons. Storytelling Workshop from 10-11a.m. and Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet local authors and hear them read from their recent work. Attend a workshop to cultivate the storyteller within you. Purchase books and collect autographs from your favorite local authors. Contact Brain “Fox” Ellis for more details about this free event at 309-696-1017 or foxtales@foxtalesint.com
Finally, the Vasa National Archives will have their exhibit opening on Saturday April 1. Join the Vasa National Archives and Museum as they open their doors for the 2023 season with an Opening Reception for two new exhibits. One looking at where some of the Vasa Lodges get their names. Many lodges honor famous or influential Swedes by naming the lodge after these people. The other exhibit will be A Sampling of our Sampling (collection) featuring pieces that don’t get to be seen very often. Free and open to the Public. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.