Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the monthly edition of “Cambridge Happening” to talk about the Minds 5K, the closure of the Village Office for Thanksgiving, and Christmas on the Square. Cambridge is gearing up for a season full of community celebrations. On November 22nd, residents are invited to participate in the Miles for Minds 5K run/walk at College Square Park, benefiting Gray Matters and the FFA. As Thanksgiving nears, keep in mind the Village Office will be closed November 27th and 28th. Christmas on the Square returns December 6th, kicking off with a spaghetti dinner at the United Methodist Church, followed by a lighted parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, and visits with Santa. All activities are free, with proceeds supporting local causes. Light Up Cambridge and other holiday contests add to the festivities. Follow the Village of Cambridge on Facebook for updates.
Visitors can enjoy pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides departing from the Cambridge Natural History Museum, face painting, and treats like cookies, hot cocoa, and s’mores with first responders. You can warm up while checking out the Cambridge Natural History Museum, which was started by 10-year-old Anderson Taylor. The FFA will be making and selling wreaths and poinsettias, while Bancory will share reindeer food. The Masonic Lodge is providing free child identification kits, a safety resource for families. Festivities conclude with a barbecue luncheon at Cambridge Lutheran Church and a performance from Grace Knows Trio at the Baptist Church on Sunday.
Cambridge is set to sparkle on December 6th as Christmas on the Square arrives, bringing festive cheer to the United Methodist Church, College Square Park, and local churches across town. Families can look forward to a variety of activities, including a spaghetti dinner for a goodwill donation to Cambridge Cares, a cookie walk for a goodwill donation to Backpack Blessings, a lively Santa parade, the annual tree lighting, and holiday crafts. Children will enjoy cookie decorating, rides, and a chance to join in the caroling. The celebration extends into Sunday, featuring a community BBQ luncheon and a special musical performance that promises to delight attendees and wrap up the weekend’s festivities on a joyful note.
The Lighted Parade leaves the fire station at 4:50 PM, arriving at the bandshell just in time for the village tree lighting at 5:15 PM. To enter the lighted parade, call Corinna Sprung at 309-335-7082. Highlights include cookie decorating, hot cocoa bars, live caroling, crafts, pony and carriage rides, vendor booths, and more. Cambridge Natural History Museum will be open for face painting and refreshments.
The Village of Cambridge is inviting residents to brighten up the holiday season by participating in the annual Christmas Lighting Contest. Homeowners interested in joining the festive competition can call the Village Office at 309-937-2570 to enter. Cambridge’s Christmas on the Square celebration is also set for December 6th, promising holiday spirit throughout the community. Mark your calendars and help light up the village with creative displays. Both events aim to bring neighbors together and showcase holiday cheer, encouraging everyone to add a special glow to Cambridge this season.
The Village of Cambridge invites community members to honor loved ones this holiday season by lighting a luminary during Christmas on the Square. You can pre-order a luminary in someone’s name, with all donations supporting the Backpack Blessings program. Pre-orders are welcome by mail or in person at the Village office, with a deadline of December 2nd. Contact Jeanette Johnson at 309-738-1705 for more details. Luminaries will illuminate the square on December 6th, from 5 to 7 PM. Attendees on December 6th can participate without a pre-order.


Runners and walkers are gearing up for the annual Miles for Minds 5K at College Square Park on November 22nd at 9 AM. The event features multiple age divisions for both men and women, starting at fifteen and under and continuing through to sixty-five and older. Organizers emphasize the importance of both mental and physical health, with proceeds supporting awareness initiatives. Registration is $30, and you can register here. Whether you’re racing for a personal best or enjoying a community stroll, the event promises an uplifting atmosphere for all ages.
Participants can hydrate before the race at a special station sponsored by BANKOrion and enjoy a lively post-race party with complimentary snacks from Country Financial- Katie Spivey. The course revisits the popular route of Cambridge’s old spooky scramble. Secure your spot soon!

ImpactLife and the Cambridge Community and Youth Center are joining forces to host a blood drive at 407 North West Street in Cambridge, Illinois, on December 15th. Organizers encourage residents to lend a helping hand by donating blood, an act that can save lives in the community. Those interested can book a donation appointment by reaching out to Doreen Vincent directly, visiting the website bloodcenter.org, or using Group Code 3661. Event coordinators emphasize the importance of participation, as the need for blood donations remains high during the winter months.
The local blood center is currently urging community members to schedule their next donation. Appointments can be easily arranged by reaching out to Doreen Vincent at [email protected]. Alternatively, more information and scheduling options are available at www.bloodcenter.org. For added convenience, donors can simply scan the QR code found on the center’s official flyers








