Big Show Bites

Tommy B talks with Rheanna Pierce (City of Danville Community Relations Administrator), and Amanda Brooks of Brooks Farms (an event vendor) about the 2026 Vermilion River Fall Festival, coming September 18-20 to Ellsworth Park in Danville. More info online, and on the Facebook Even Page

The Designer Open House for the 2026 Festival of Trees will be Thursday, September 17th from 4-8pm at the Palmer Arena in Danville.  It's a chance for new designers as well as season veterans to share ideas leading to this year's theme ... "Where The Treetops Glisten."  Tommy B talks with Scott Mathis & Cristin O'Shaughnessey for the details. For more information visit their website at FestivalOfTreesDanville.com.  

The First Fridays event for September is "Discover Danville!"  A vibrant celebration of the people, flavors, sounds & stories that make our community unique. Tommy B talks with Maci Davis from the City of Danville, along with Tracey Fentem from the bDanville Area Visitor's Bureau to get the details. Click HERE for more information, of vist their Facebook Page.

Tommy B talks with Ashton Greer, Executive Director at Fischer Theatre, about their 'Take Your Seat" campaign.  A fundraiser to replace the seating at the theater. Find out how you can help at FischerTheatre.com.

Tommy B talks with Tracey Fenton from the Danville Area Visitors Bureau about a few events that are coming to the Danville area.  They include the Chicago Snowballs baseball game at Danville Stadium on August 22nd, the unveiling of a new Walldog mural in Downtown Danville on September 4th, and the Walldogs Trick-or-Treat Mural Trail on October 28th. Get more information on these, and many other events, at https://www.visitdanvillearea.com/  

The First Fridays event for August is "Science in the City!"  A free, family-friendly event that comes to life with hands-on experiments, interactive booths, and exciting demonstrations.  There's even a parachute assisted egg drop contest.  Tommy B talks with Maci Davis & Kiersten Jackson from the City of Danville Community Relations department to get the details. Click HERE for more information, of vist their Facebook Event Page.

Brooke Truscelli, the Library lady, stops by The Big Show to talk about the Summer Reading Program and much more that is going on at the Danville Public Library. https://danvillepubliclibrary.org/  

The Georgetown Fair begins this Saturday, July 11th and runs through July 18th at the Fairgrounds in Georgetown.  Board Member Bethany Boose talks with Tommy B about this year's fair.  The Grandstand attractions, carnival, agriculture activities, entertainment, and the Queen pageant. Visit the Georgetown Fair online at https://www.georgetownfair.org/

The Fischer Theater in Danville is looking to replace its seats with new, modern seating, designed to look like the original seats from the 1880's.  Ashton Greer, Executive Director at the Fischer, tells us how you can donate to the fundraising campaign, ad how it will help improve the experience for future patrons. Click HERE for more information on the "Take Your Seat" campaign.

The 2026 Arts in the Park is June 27-28, and will be at a new locations this year due to the recent storm damage in Lincoln Park.  This year's event will be held at Ellsworth Park just off US 150 west of Downtown Danville.  Lots of artists displaying their work, many of which have items for sale.  Plus, a full schedule of stage performances.  You can even grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks.  Tommy B gets all the details from Greg Hilleary & Pat Bowers. Get full event details at https://danvilleilaitp.org/ or on Facebook.

Tommy B talks with Brooke Truscelli about upcoming events put on in co-operation with the Danville Public Library. More info at https://danvillepubliclibrary.org/  

It's 10 years Above & Beyond as Balloons Over Vermilion is celebrating its 10th anniversary with big changes.  A new date ... June 5-6, and a new location ... Kennekuk County Park.  Dean Carton, Todd Spicer, and Gary Moore stopped by Tommy B's Big Show to talk everything BOV.  Balloons, Kites, Drones, Entertainment, Kid's Zone, Up & Away 5K, and so much more. Full details at BalloonsOverVermilion.com and on Facebook.

The next First Fridays event is the "Artisan Summer Luau," coming Friday, June 5th from 5-8pm in Downtown Danville.  An island-themed meal, perfectly crafted mocktails, and great music on the Temple Plaza stage.  There's also a showing of the 70's blockbuster "Jaws" at the Fischer Theater. Tickets for the meal are on sale HERE.  For full details, visit their event page.

The annual Splash N Dash over Lake Vermilion is this Thursday, June 4th at the Danville Boat Club.  Jack Antonini & Deb Fridy talk with Tommy B about this year's event, along with their Thunder Over Lake Vermilion fireworks celebration coming June 27th. For more, visit Danville Boat Club on Facebook.

It's 10 years Above & Beyond as Balloons Over Vermilion is celebrating its 10th anniversary with big changes.  A new date ... June 5-6, and a new location ... Kennekuk County Park.  Pat O'Shaughnessy & Jim Anderson stopped by Tommy B's Big Show to talk about the beginnings of the event 10 years ago, and what opportunities the new location is bringing. Full details at BalloonsOverVermilion.com and on Facebook.

Balloons Over Vermilion is hosting its first "Up & Away 5K" on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30am.  The route goes through the scenic Kennekuk County Park before day 2 of the 10th annual Balloons Over Vermilion. Full details at BalloonsOverVermilion.com and on Facebook.

Tommy B talks with Cam Pepper from Longview Bank about their connections to the local area, and about their sponsorship of the free Remote Area Medical Clinic, coming June 13-14 to Paris High School. Click HERE for more information on the RAM Clinic. Visit Longview Bank online.

Balloons Over Vermilion has an event called "Balloon School" where you can learn what it takes to fly a hot air balloon.  They also need volunteers to 'Crew' the balloons during the event.  Tommy B talks with Donna Carlton-Vish & Amanda Callahan about these two parts of the 10th annual Balloons Over Vermilion, June 5-6 at Kennekuk County Park. Full details at BalloonsOverVermilion.com and on Facebook.

Balloons Over Vermilion has announced that a professional Kite Show and a Drone Show will fill the skies at this year's event.  Dean Carlton & Todd Spicer talk with Tommy B about how these two events will add to the excitement of the 10th annual Balloons Over Vermilion, June 5-6 at Kennekuk County Park. Full details at BalloonsOverVermilion.com and on Facebook.

Tommy B talks with Bailey Thompson of Spotlight Performing Arts about this weekend's production of "She Persisted: The Musical, Jr."  It will be arch 27-28 at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Danville.  We also talk with McKenzie Butler, who plays Naomi in the show. Get more info at their Facebook page.

Tommy B talks with Lea Miester from Survivor Resource Center about the 2026 Dancing For The Stars, coming Saturday, March 14th at 7pm to the historic Fischer Theatre in Downtown Danville.  Find out about the event, and how SRC helps those in our community that are victims of sexual assault. Visit them online at SurvivorResourceCenter.org, or their event page on Facebook.

The Danville Symphony Orchestra presents "Celebration" this Saturday, March 14th at 7:30pm at the Dick Van Dyke Auditorium at Danville High School.  It celebrates the 200th anniversary of Vermilion County with musical selections that celebrate the county, and includes a world premiere of "Where The Rivers Meet," a composition commissioned by the DSO by Illinois composer Tim Corpus. Get more details online or on Facebook.

Tommy B talks with Lindsey Franz from the City of Danville Community Relations Department, along with Ashton Greer from the Fischer Theatre about "Danville's Got Talent."  It's the First Fridays Danville event for March, and it will be March 6th at 6pm at the Fischer Theatre in Downtown Danville. For more, visit their event page.  

Tommy B talks with Ross Darby from Greenwood Inc. about the upcoming Coalition Career Fair, to be held Sunday, February 22 from 1-5pm at the Palmer Arena in Danville.  Ross talks about why he wanted to put on the Career Fair, and some of the extra opportunities that will be available that day. For more, visit their Facebook page.

Tommy B talks with Brooke Truscelli about upcoming events put on in co-operation with the Danville Public Library. More info at https://danvillepubliclibrary.org/  

Tommy B talks with Vermilion County Clerk Robyn Heffern about the upcoming General Primary Election on March 17th.  She discusses early voting, which happens February 5th thru March 16th, along with voter registration. For more information, call 217-554-1900 or visit https://www.vercounty.org/county-clerk/  

First Fridays Danville's next event is "Glow in the Galaxy" this Friday, February 6th from 5-8pm at Illini Skateland on Brewer Road east of Danville. Tommy B talks with Lindsey Franz & Gavin Baugh about this event and everything you'll enjoy when you attend. More info at FirstFridaysDanville.com and on their Facebook page.

First Fridays Danville's next event is "Fire & Ice" this Friday, January 2nd from 5-8pm at the David S. Palmer Arena in Downtown Danville.  Tommy B talks with Lindsey Franz about this year's event and everything you'll enjoy when you attend. More info at FirstFridaysDanville.com and on their Facebook page.  

Tommy B talks with United Way of the Danville Area Campaign Co-Chairs Reggie Warfield & Kate Cox about the upcoming "Dolly Turns 80" event.  This Dolly Parton birthday celebration will be Friday, January 16th at the Exit 210 Saloon with Big Hair & Big Fun!  Honoring Dolly's support of the United Way, children's literacy, and her Imagination Library. Full event details at https://www.unitedwayda.org/dolly-turns-80  

The City of Danville is hosting its annual Holiday Bazaar at the Harrison Park Clubhouse on December 12th & 13th.  Tommy B had the chance to talk with Community Relations Coordinator Lindsey Franz about the event, and what you'll be able to find when you get there. Find more event details on Facebook.

The annual "Night of Lights Parade" is Friday, December 5th at 6pm in Downtown Danville, a @FirstFridaysDanville event.  Tommy B talks with Rheanna Ollis & Lindsey Franz about this year's parade, along with the annual Holiday Bazaar at Harrison Park Clubhouse December 12-13, and a preview of next month's event, "Fire & Ice." For more information, visit FirstFridaysDanville.com or their Facebook page.

There's a new date, and a new location for Balloons Over Vermilion in 2026.  Event Co-Chairs Carly Goodwin & Dean Carlton stopped by Tommy B's Big Show to talk about an earlier date of June 5-6, 2026 ... and the new location at Kennekuk County Park.  It's going to be an exciting weekend as plans for the 10th annual Balloons Over Vermilion are underway. Details soon at https://www.balloonsoververmilion.com/ and on Facebook.

Tommy B talks with Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr and Community Relations Administrator Rheanna Ollis about the city's new slogan "You Decide What's Possible," along with other good news items going on about town.

Mission K9 Warrior is holding its "MK9W Exclusive" this Saturday, November 15th at 6pm at the Catlin Banquet Center.  Tommy B talks with Dave Hughes & Neal Stephens about how money raised will go towards getting highly trained service dogs with veterans in need. Click HERE for full event details.

First Fridays Danville presents the 2025 "Potterfest!"  Coming Friday, November 7th to Downtown Danville.  Tommy B talks with Rheanna Ollis & Lindsey Franz from the City of Danville Community Relations Department about this year's event. For full event details, visit https://www.firstfridaysdanville.com/event-details/potterfest-2025  

Tommy B talks with Ashton Greer from the Fisher Theatre, along with Bryan Jenkins who will play Dr. Frank N Furter in "The Rocky Horror Show."  Dates are Oct 24-25 & Oct 31-Nov 1 with curtain opening at 8pm each night. Find more info and get your tickets here.     

Tommy B talks with Ami Siefert (Director of Career & Veterans Services at DACC) and Jodie Ingram (Workforce Education Director at Vermilion Advantage) about the Building & Construction Trades Expo on Thursday, October 23rd from 10a-2p in the front DACC parking lot on East Main Street in Danville.  Many local employers and union representatives will be on hand with lots of information to help guide your future in this growing field. More info here.

Tommy B talks with Vermilion County State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy, and Community Affairs Director Lucy Overlander, about their Domestic Violence Awareness Month Supply Drive, going on through October 31st, to benefit victims of domestic violence. Get more info, and a list of items needed on their Facebook page.

Rheanna Ollis, City of Danville Community Relation Administrator Rheanna Ollis, and Grant Manager Cailee Sanchez talk about how Grant money has been used, and is helping the Danville community.

Get ready to "Jingle All The Way" at the 2025 Festival of Trees, November 15-19 at the Palmer Arena in Danville.  Special event tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 14th at 10am.  Tommy B talks with Jana Goodwin & Pat O'Shaughnessy about this year event and how to get your tickets. For more, visit https://www.festivaloftreesdanville.com/  

First Fridays Danville invites your to "Discover Danville," Friday, September 5th from 5-8pm in Downtown Danville.  From free samples of authentic local cuisine, to live dancing and cultural crafts, there's lots to see and taste.  There will also be a passport scavenger hunt, along with Cupcakes for dessert (available for purchase). Lindsey Franz & Mayor Williams talk with Tommy B about all of these activities, and more. Get full details at https://www.firstfridaysdanville.com/upcoming-events  

Tommy B talks with Michael Remole from Gateway Family Services in Potomac, IL about their new Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Chad!  Find out more about how this addition adds benefits for their patients who might need medications to support their care. More at https://www.gatewayfamilyservices.org/

Tommy B was joined by Mary Lovejoy from the Danville Kiwanis Club to talk about this year's Kiwanis Pancake & Sausage Day, coming Thursday, August 28th to the Palmer Arena in Danville.

The Lynch Area Fire Protection District is holding a Golf Outing Fundraiser on Saturday, September 6th at Turtle Run Golf Club.  Tommy B talks with Janna & Dustin Heiser about all the details, and how you can win prizes during the event. For more info, visit https://lynchgolfouting.com/

"You Decide What's Possible" is the title of the rebrand campaign for the city of Danville, and Tommy B talks with Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr & Community Relations Administrator Rheanna Ollis about the campaign, and many of the projects and improvements that are going on in Danville.  We also hear about why people are choosing Danville as their home.

The Danville Police & Fire Fighters will battle each other at Danville Stadium on August 23rd in a charity game to support the Mike Stephens Scholarship.  D102's Tommy B talks with Lt. Kyle O'Brien & Ofcr. Patrick Carley about this event, held in memory of former DPD Ofcr Mike Stephens. Gates open at 3pm. Opening ceremony at 4:30pm, with first-pitch at 5pm, plus fireworks after the games. For full details visit their Facebook Event Page.  

Tommy B talks with Julie Colby & Tom Sechrist, board members on the Vermilion County Conservation Foundation, about the upcoming "Pack the Park" event.  It's a Cruise-In and Concert at Kennekuk County Park on Saturday, August 2nd at 4pm.  It's a fundraising event that features a classic car cruise-in, along with music from Crozier & Company, the Feudin' Hillbillies, food trucks and more. For more, visit the Vermilion County Conservation Foundation online.

Tommy B talks with Pete Blackmon about "United We Rock."  A summer concert series a Temple Plaza in Downtown Danville to support the United Way of the Danville Area.  Pete talks about upcoming bands and how the series benefits the community. For the summer schedule, visit them on Facebool.

Tommy B introduces you to the 2025 Georgetown Fair Queen Jordyn Fourez.  Find out more about her, along with what will be going on during the rest of this year's Georgetown Fair.  Plus, find out what Jordyn gets to do at the beginning of the Quarter Midget Races. Full details on this year's fair at GeorgetownFair.org

Tommy B talks Balloons Over Vermilion with Kayla Fleming & Pete Blackmon.  Kayla talks about everything that will be part of Kid's Zone, and Pete talks about the line-up of bands that will be on the Busch Light Stage.  Balloons Over Vermilion runs July 11-12 at the Vermilion Regional Airport on Bowman Avenue just north of Danville. Also ... volunteers are still needed to help crew the balloons.  For info email BOVBalloonCrew@gmail.com Full details at BalloonsOverVermilion.com