Street Art To Bring Beauty to Downtown

The Pioneer Newspaper

HIGHLAND - Leonardo da Vinci once said that “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”

While the artwork that is seen on the streets here after StreetArt, is none the less valuable and appreciated by everyone who takes part in the event.

This year, the 2023 Street Art Fest will be held on September 16.

According to the Highland Chamber of Commerce, the following schedule and events are planned.

Artists Creating Art on the Streets: Street Art Fest attendees stroll the streets and watch as talented artists create artwork of amazing color, depth and complexity - with chalk!

Music: Everyone is invited to enjoy the RX Blues Band.

HIGHLAND - The St. Paul Kirchenfest is set to return this weekend, August 25 - 27.

The event kicks off Friday night with The Cheers Band playing under the south tent, while the annual bags tournament is played nearby, with the Mega Flea Market opening to the public from 6-9 pm.

Saturday features the 40th edition of the Strassenlauf run, with a 10K, 5K and 2K option.

For the first time this year all runners 12 and under in the 2K will receive a finishers medal.

The famous “Breakfast Bavarian Skillet” will be served during the run, with great food, games, German dancing and entertainment available all day.

Among the entertainment this year, former “Americas Got Talent” finalist “Serengeti Steve” will perform his “Reptile Experience” show at 12 p.m. at the South Tent.

Sunday features the return of the “Tour Von Brats” bike race, the annual “Polka Mass” at 10 a.m. a chicken dinner with a both drive through and dine-in option, and the korbball free throw contest.

The festival will conclude at 8 p.m. with the Mega Raffle Drawings immediately following the “Fabulous Mo. Town Revue” performance in the South Tent.

The Mega Raffle offers $40,000 in cash prizes along with many non-cash prizes drawn throughout the weekend.

Tickets for the Mega Raffle may be purchased at the information stand throughout the weekend as well.

Entertainment: There will be local dance studios who will perform. Food & Drink will be available for purchase, including: brats, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, charcuterie boxes, ice cream, as well as sno cones.

Bags Tournament: Players will enjoy the day with a friendly game of bags with a 70 percent payout.

Makers Market: The Makers Market will include hand crafted items, soy candles and wax melts, air and linen sprays, glitter tumblers, acrylic wine glasses, handmade jewelry, Pocket Prayer Quilts, Mug Rugs, and soap.

Kreative Kids Korner: Kids will have their own special “Kreative Kids Korner” at this family-friendly event where they will have the chance to make their own works of art. Kids can enjoy a bounce house and have some imaginative fun as well as games, thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the IFBW club.

Monster Mural - Discover Downstate Illinois offers an immersive experience for artists of all ages with their Monster Mural.

Art, music, great food and beverages, all at Highland’s beautiful downtown square, combine to make this an enjoyable annual event.