This weekend in Benton, IL

Explore a fall flea market and yard sale at the Williamson County Fairgrounds, featuring yard sale discoveries, flea market finds, antiques, crafts, and seasonal items. Admission for shoppers is free. Sellers can reserve space, with a 10 by 10 area priced at $10 and a 10 by 20 or trailer spot at $15 when paid in advance. A limited number of covered spaces are available for $15. For details or to reserve, contact Fair Board Member Cassie at 618-964-4987.

The Moonshine Run is the final stop of the Fire & Iron MC Station 77 Benefit Ride supporting Veterans Honor Flight. A pre-ride breakfast will be available for $10 per plate, and every dollar from breakfast goes directly to Veterans Honor Flight. All vehicles are welcome to participate. Ride registration takes place at Full House Gaming Parlor on Old 13 in Marion, and the finish is at The Moonshine Run in Johnston City, where attendees can enjoy food, drinks, live music, raffles, and door prizes while supporting those who served.

A supportive class for women and their partners to get ready for birth. Ideal for the second trimester, the session covers coping strategies for labor, relaxation techniques, and options for managing pain. It also addresses the transition after delivery with guidance for postpartum adjustment. Participants receive an introduction to newborn care and instruction on car seat safety, and the experience includes a guided tour of the Women’s Center. Registration should list only the expectant mother as the registrant, and do not add guests. SSM Health students may be asked to give their place to an expectant parent if the class reaches capacity.

Residents can clear out unwanted electronics at a community e-waste collection organized by CJD E-Cycling in partnership with the City of Marion. Items with power cords and metal items are accepted, including servers, switches, desktop towers, printers, landline phones, cable boxes, cell phones, wireless modems, audio and video equipment, holiday lights, home electronics, additional telecommunications equipment, and lead acid batteries. Televisions and computer monitors of all types, including CRT, console, projection, plasma, and flat screen models, are welcome, along with dehumidifiers and refrigerators. Some items cannot be accepted. Do not bring radioactive materials, alkaline batteries, light bulbs, household smoke detectors, oil, antifreeze, paint, or other hazardous materials. Non-electronic waste such as tires, wood, asbestos, office waste, furniture, fiberglass, insulation, roofing materials, or dirt is not allowed. Flammable materials, pesticides, oil filters, air bags, lead, mercury switches, fluorescent lights, firearms, ammunition, shells, and media such as DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes, and VHS tapes are also excluded.

This benefit ride directs a portion of proceeds to veterans honor flight. Participation helps raise funds for the cause.

Drop in at the library for come-and-go activities for kids. Participants can have their activity cards stamped each month they take part in these activity days, and completed cards can be turned in for a prize at the end of the year.

Dance Monkey brings a festive, full-production show to Just Add Water. The Chicago-based group, formed in 2024, has performed across the Midwest at casinos, state fairs, weddings, corporate events, and bars and clubs. Their set spans multiple eras and genres, tailored to connect with audiences of all ages, and they add their own twist to familiar favorites. With smoke, lighting, video elements, and costume changes enhancing the performance, the band presents a musical journey through hits people know and love, creating a night to remember.