Illinois celebrates Krampusnacht

The legend of Krampus is a centuries old Austrian tradition that emerged as a dark counter part to St. Nicholas. Instead of a jolly old man bringing gifts for children, Krampus is a goat-derived being with red eyes and fangs that frightens naughty children as punishment for their behavior. Krampus night – or Krampusnacht – is celebrated annually on Dec. 5 previewing the St. Nicholas Feast on Dec. 6.

Krampusnacht is widely celebrated in Austria, Germany and other parts of Europe. Modern traditions include street festivals, known as Krampus runs, with people dressed as Krampus chasing festival goers, predominantly children. Individuals in regions across Europe maintain traditional customs by sporting heavy costumes made from real animal hide and wooden hand-carved masks. Folklore states that Krampus, aside from providing children an incentive to behave, would ward off bad winter spirits.

In recent years, Krampus has gained massive popularity in the U.S. and regions across the country have begun adopting their own Krampus related celebrations, including Illinois.

Here are a few events to check out this week to celebrate:

Crystal Lake Public Library- DIY Krampus Ornament
Crystal Lake Public Library is offering children 6th to 8th grade the opportunity to create their own Krampus holiday ornament on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
For more information, visit the library’s website.

Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House- Krampus the Fright before Christmas
Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House has transformed its infamous space into a Christmas horror fest. For one weekend only, visit the haunted house to see holiday fears come to life. The special event will run from Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday Dec. 10.
For more event and ticket information, visit the 13th Floor website.

Blue Island- Krampus Market
Blue Island will be hosting its annual Krampus Market from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Be sure to check out dozens of local artist and small business vendors at the event along with mystical tarot readers and Krampus himself.
For more information, visit their event page.

Happy Krampusnacht!

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum receives prestigious accreditation

After a rigorous two-year review process, the American Alliance of Museums has accredited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, highlighting their remarkable qualifications.

The ALPLM, which received this recognition on their first application, is now among 3% of museums in the U.S. that hold this accreditation. This categorizes the ALPLM as one of the most notable museums across the country and establishes its national importance. The American Alliance of Museums noted ALPLM’s level of operation, commitment to education and the preservation of former President Abraham Lincoln’s story.

Through their exhibits, educational programs, library services and more, the ALPLM has become a pillar of Illinois and U.S. history and has tirelessly worked to become one of the top operating museums since its opening in 2005.

For more information about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit their website.

National Pie Day: The best pie in Illinois

It’s National Pie Day! Celebrate today by enjoying a delicious piece of this decadent dessert – from apple to chocolate cream to Illinois’ official pie: pumpkin!

Pumpkin pie was designated as the state’s official pie in 2015. The General Assembly passed the legislation as a tribute to how much pumpkin is produced in Illinois. About 85% of consumed pumpkin in the U.S. comes from Illinois.

Pumpkin pie also has a rich history in America. The roots of pumpkin pie go back to a time when European settlers were experimenting with locally grown foods. They learned how to boil or steam pumpkins that were first domesticated by Native Americans. Early recipes for pumpkin pie can be found in both early Colonial and French cookbooks.

An 1827 novel is responsible for pumpkin pie’s connection to Thanksgiving. In “Northwood: A Tale of New England,” author Sara Josepha Hale dedicated a whole chapter to the description of the now-classic Thanksgiving dinner. In 1863, Hale convinced President Abraham Lincoln to declare a national day of Thanksgiving.

In Alton, what is known as a portion of the town titled “Upper Alton” is also known as Historic Pie Town. In 1846, soldiers gathering near Alton, on route to the Mexican war, camped in an area which is now Rock Spring Park. Ladies in surrounding homes delivered pies to the travelers, thus the town’s name became Pie Town.

Here are some of the best spots for pie in Illinois:

• Pies by Ingie, Monticello – made from scratch small-batch pies
• Lucky Moon Pies & More, Mahomet – pie shop with pie of the month club
• Common Grounds Café & Pie Shop, Gridley – specialty coffee drinks and seasonal pies
• The Confectionary Inc., Morton – from scratch pies, open since 1976
• The Apple Barn, Chatham – plants, bakery with homemade pies

Celebrate National Pie Day today by indulging in some delicious pie.

Illinois celebrates National Day of Giving

Giving Tuesday – or National Day of Giving – is celebrated every year the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and serves as a time to give back to our communities and others in need. Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 by a cultural and community center in New York City. It was established in order to bring back focus to what the holidays are all about. Following the commercialized Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday provides people the opportunity to be charitable after scouting for material products.

To commemorate the day, many organizations across Illinois gave back to their communities.

Across the state, countless organizations handed out food products in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday. From turkeys, to pumpkin pies and full dinners, thousands of families in Illinois were able to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving, courtesy of local business and community service-based organizations in their area.

Although Giving Tuesday comes around once a year, it is important to be charitable all-year-round and give back to the community at any given opportunity. Giving back can be simple through volunteering, donating and collaborating with local organizations.

Big or small, any act of kindness goes a long way!