Courtney & Sarah joined Big Jake's show to chat about a BUSY September for Cedarhurst. Make sure to visit cedarhurst.org to get full details on everything talked about in today's interview!

 

The Painted Cowgirl Market on N. Old Salem Road in Mt. Vernon is hosting a Harvest Festival & Veterans Salute this weekend, Saturday & Sunday from 9a-3p both days. The Festival will feature over 60 vendors, antique tractors, food trucks, and a blacksmith demonstration. Gwen Hails is the owner of The Painted Cowgirl Market. She says while this weekend is for her business and area vendors to come together to provide a kickoff to some great holiday shopping for the community; she says it's also about honoring those that made weekends like this possible. Cowboy Church will take place on Sunday morning at 10am on the grounds of The Painted Cowgirl Market. This is a rain or shine event.

 
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United We Stand: A Weekend of Unity, Culture, and Community Connection

Mark your calendars for August 8th and 9th as United Way of South Central Illinois proudly presents United We Stand, a two-day celebration dedicated to embracing diversity, building bridges of understanding, and strengthening the bonds that tie our community together.

Friday, August 8 – United We Stand

A Meal with Meaning

(Centralia)

Begin the weekend with a moving community gathering at the United We Stand Dinner in Centralia.

 Featured Speakers:

  • Alex Kor, son of Holocaust survivors Mickey and Eva Kor, will share his family’s powerful story and speak about compassion, remembrance, and the importance of standing united in the face of injustice.
  • Dr. Linda & Carl Flowers, respected community leaders and educators, will offer insight on the importance of connection, understanding, and resilience in building a stronger Southern Illinois.

 Dinner Provided By:

Chammies Food for the Soul — enjoy a delicious soul-filled meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

 This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited - ticket required - click here for ticket.

Saturday, August 9 – United We Stand Cultural Festival (Mt. Vernon)

The celebration continues Saturday at the brand-new Commons Park in Mt. Vernon with a full day of global flavors, local artists, music, and cultural exploration.

 Speaker: Alex Kor

Alex will speak with a heartfelt message about healing, resilience, and the power of shared history.

 Featured Artists:

  • Brandy Mount
  • Cortez Hodges
  • Robbie Edwards
  • Janis Steury
  • Vanessa Thomas

 Live Entertainment:

  • Performances by Center Stage
  • Local talents throughout the day.

 Food Vendors:

  • Chammies Food for The Soul – Southern cuisine
  • Joe's Pizza – Local favorite
  • Jee Family – Representing Canada
  • Papa Knocks – Comfort food & soul favorites
  • Crazy Asian Eats – Asian fusion flavors

吝 Family Fun:

A fun and educational way to explore the world!

 Free and open to the public — bring the whole family!

Why It Matters

In a time when connection matters more than ever, United We Stand is an opportunity to share stories, build bridges, and create lasting memories with neighbors near and far. Let’s come together to celebrate who we are — and who we can become — side by side.

 Save the Dates:

  • Friday, August 8 – United We Stand Dinner (Centralia)
  • Saturday, August 9 – United We Stand Cultural Festival (Mt. Vernon Commons)

 
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Drew joins Big Jake's show to discuss the whirlwind that comes with a #1 song and where he goes from here. Also, the pair chat about the 3rd Annual BIG Baldridge & Bonfire Fest in Patoka on Friday, September 20th featuring local acts like Jake & Mikayla, The Invaders, and Dylan Wolfe. And Saturday, September 21st Drew will headline his festival following performances from Mark Wills (19-Something & Jacob's Ladder), Matt Poss, and Cody Phillips. Get your tickets for this weekend at drewbaldridgemusic.com and know that $1 of every purchased ticket goes back to the Warrior Nation Cancer Foundation out of Marion County, IL.

 
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