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Happy weekend, Springfield!
In today’s happening-today edition: Route 66 centennial celebrations, an exhibit honoring Sylvia Fedrick, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and more. + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Illinois drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*
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📰 In the news
Resilience, faith and hometown pride: At the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, an exhibit honors Chicago native Sylvia Fedrick and her journey in music and acting, on view through June 1, 2026 — read the full story.
Offices in Peoria and Normal: Kelley Construction Contractors, a family-owned firm in Pekin, is expanding tech-driven remodeling across Central Illinois, bringing AI design and budgeting tools to Springfield homeowners and businesses with workmanship warranties — see the service area and warranties.
International visitors set to surge: Route 66’s centennial arrives in Springfield this year, bringing nearly twenty themed events, from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon and the Great Race Start — see what’s planned this year.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Fries under a cheese flood: When the craving hits, D’Arcy’s Pint turns humble spuds into Springfield’s iconic horseshoe: Texas toast, your choice of topping, a pile of fries, then a silky cheese cascade. It’s weeknight comfort that tastes like civic pride, fries happily drowning under a glorious flood.
Glow-up, but subtle: Spring feeling winter-weary? Prima Bella Medical Aesthetics has injectables, lasers, and skin treatments, with consults tailored to your goals. Subtle updates, smoother skin, brighter tone… all with a refresh that’s thoughtful, not overdone. A gentle cue for routines that need a lift.
Time to bang chains: Lincoln Park North loops a scenic lagoon with 18 classic holes in Springfield, perfect for a midweek reset. It pairs with a quick round and easy company, letting you soak up the calm park vibe while you insist those missed putts were merely ‘lay-ups’… sure.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Last call for the CVS Epic Beauty Sale: Today’s your last chance to save on all sorts of self-care products at CVS, including makeup, beauty tools, skin care, hair masks, moisturizers, and more from all your favorite brands. *Shop the sale before it ends →
Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →
Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →
Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →
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📆 Around town today & tomorrow
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎨 Spring Fling Crafting Weekend @ Springfield Masonic Center | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Springfield, dust off the washi and claim your throne at the Masonic Lodge for a no-drama crafting weekend. $75 for the run, $45 for a day, nets you a dedicated table, Saturday dinner, a Stampin’ Up goodie bag, door prizes, and license to label everything.
👣 Give Foot Pain the Boot: A Foot Workshop @ Balance Yoga | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – If your feet creak like old floorboards when you get out of bed, this workshop will teach you how to give foot pain the boot. Expect practical fixes, smarter movement, and a little anatomy you can actually use. Yoga Alliance continuing ed available on request.
🥚 Easter Egg Hunt @ New Salem State Park Petersburg Il | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Bring the kids to New Salem for TCWC’s Easter Egg Hunt, your annual excuse to let them sprint for candy while you catch up with neighbors. Expect colorful eggs, squeals, easy photo ops, and the warm glow of a well-loved local tradition.
☘ 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade @ Historic Downtown Springfield, IL | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – St. Pat’s in Springfield means the downtown parade at the Craic O’noon, and neighbors you know. This year salutes A Bridge Across the Centuries, with Court and Karen Conn as Grand Marshals, $1 wristbands for street sips, Sixth Street kid-friendly, and proceeds boosting local charities.
🛍 Flea Market @ Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds | Sunday (3/15) at 8:00 AM – Springfield’s favorite treasure hunt fills the Illinois Building at the Fairgrounds, with aisles of vintage finds, oddities, and that Pyrex your aunt swears she had. Two bucks gets you in, kids 12 and under free, and yes, haggling is half the cardio.
🚆 2026 Train Fair @ The Orr Building | Sunday (3/15) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats watching miniature trains do what the big ones rarely do anymore, show up on time. The largest train show in downstate Illinois fills the Orr Building with HO, N, and O layouts, plus hundreds of tables, parts, and nostalgia. Bring the crew.
🍝 Mother’s Day Pasta Class – Moms & Kids @ Sam’s Italian Pizza | Sunday (3/15) at 11:00 AM – If you’d rather skip the Mother’s Day brunch gauntlet, roll up your sleeves on North Grand for a mom-and-kid pasta class that’s equal parts carbs, chaos, and bonding. Make fresh noodles from scratch, then eat them together. Kid friendly, ages 5 plus, limited cozy spots.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Springfield report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 55°F – Low: 50°F – Precip: 4%
Partly sunny, with a high near 55. East southeast wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 12 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 68°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 86%
A chance of rain between 7am and 10am, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 68, with temperatures falling to around 63 in the afternoon. South wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 21. West wind 22 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
This house is wild
This 5-bed, 3-bath ranch in sought-after Panther Creek West pairs a Springfield address with Chatham schools. An open layout centers on a kitchen with a large island, breakfast bar, and walk-in pantry. Luxury vinyl plank flooring anchors the main level with a split-bedroom plan and primary suite. A finished lower level adds two bedrooms and a second living area.
Take a peek inside →
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