Events Calendar

2026 will mark the inaugural Forgottonia Fling, a unique event featuring traditional Highland Games brought to Forgottonia's Argyle Lake State Park by the Ancient Athletics organization on Labor Day weekend.
DEMOS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 1:00 - 7:00 PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 - Competition begins at 9:30 AM.

Where the general public can participate and enter to compete in the tournament!!

Ancient Athletics, along with the St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois, is dedicated to promoting the Celtic culture through athletic competition. With 8 events across Central Illinois per year, Ancient Athletics organizes one of the most active game schedules in the country.

From April through October, Ancient Athletics hosts, on average, 1 game per month. The events range in scope from full Highland games competitions, which can draw up to 90 athletes, to demos where Highland athletes work one-on-one with interested spectators to explain the sport.

Ancient Athletics also hosts an annual judges clinic to help standardize the scoring and safety aspects of the Highland Games events.

The 9 events:

-Caber Toss

-Braemar Stone

-Open Stone

-Lightweight for Distance

-Heavy Weight for Distance

-Light Hammer

-Heavy Hammer

-Weight Over Bar

-Sheaf Toss

Ancient Athletics also hosts an annual judges clinic to help standardize the scoring and safety aspects of the Highland Games events. 

** HELD RAIN OR SHINE**
Pre-registration will ensure the correct size T-shirt is ordered. Open to All Physically and/or Mentally Challenged Kids and Adults!! This Rodeo will be wheelchair accessible.

Simulated Events include: Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc, Horseback Riding  

Check-in will begin at 9:30 AM. *NEW TIME*

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW, OR DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE AND MAIL IT TO THE ADDRESS LISTED.

Prairie Land Conservancy is your local land trust in west central Illinois! Join them for a Mindfulness Walk at their Stony Hills Nature Preserve property. An opportunity to slow down, be in the moment, and practice nature observation skills at this 200-acre nature preserve located near the Mississippi. Experience the health benefits of being in nature yourself! Please note the trails are mowed grass on easy to moderate terrain.

Learn more about PLC at prairielandconservancy.org and register for the event.

Please note: this event is in Hancock County

Join local historian, *Terry Abrisz, for some refreshments and Burlington history. Terry uses the local newspaper to share the story of the community with a different topic each month. This month, follow Terry as he explores the local newspaper articles reporting the Holocaust and exploring the themes related to Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit coming from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. No registration required; all are welcome.

Join our last Conservation Tour of the year! Slow down, be in the moment, and practice observation skills during a Mindfulness Walk at our Stony Hills Nature Preserve. Hancock County Health Department will also be guest hosts and talk about outdoor safety!

Stop by our Science lab and experiment with apples!

Free with Admission

Admission Cost:
Adults: $13.00
Children: $13.00
Infants (under 1): Free
Seniors (60+) & Military personnel: $10.40
Members: Free

Say goodbye to the workweek and hello to the ultimate Labor Day unwind
90 Proof Stu will be starting your Saturday night off right with amazing high energy Rock & Roll music with a splash of country tunes - you don’t want to miss!

Write this date down, going to be an AWESOME time. Cars, trucks, and bikes are welcome!

Saturdays throughout the year, enjoy live music at the bar and grill at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Shows featuring country, folk, and classic rock begin at 5 p.m. each night. Learn more at Kickapoo Adventures online.  

Logan Kirby will be at Kickapoo Adventures on September 5 from 5- 7 p.m.!

It's that time of year again. Come join us and Rising Phoenix for good time and catch up on all the winter stories. Hope to see ya there!!!