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Since
1940, Carbondale's parks have been maintained and operated by
a state authorized Park District. The district manages more than
485 acres of land, including eight parks, an indoor pool, a golf
course and an arboretum. The district coordinates programming
year round for adults and children's sports, arts & crafts and
wellness programs. Kids' Korner is a summer child care program
for kindergarten through fifth graders. The district publishes
quarterly activity guides, which are available at the district's
Hickory Lodge offices on West Sycamore Street.
In addition to the dozens of programs and events available through
the Park District, Carbondale is home to several very noteworthy
homegrown events. The annual Lights Fantastic, held on
the first Saturday evening in December, features dozens of lighted
floats, and winds it's way around the downtown area to the awe
of onlookers from miles around. Carbondale Cascade Community
Arts, Inc. sponsors a wonderful pair of bi-annually alternating
events. Arts in Celebration , held in the fall at Evergreen
Park on even years, is a wonderful blend of the visual and
performing arts. Hundreds of participants and a dynamic orchestration
make this the premier community arts event in the region. On odd
years, the Midwest Harvest of the Arts takes over. The
event, which is held at Turley Park, features works by
some of the midwest's most acclaimed artists and artisans.
Carbondale is the Region's Cultural Jewel
SIU provides Carbondale with the main thrust of cultural activities
and events . During the fall and spring semesters, the acoustically
splendid Shyrock Auitorium offers an outstanding bill of
cultural fare. The Celebrity Series features a wonderfully
eclectic mix of music and dance performances; the Family Series
strikes a chord with performances for the whole family, while
the Special Events Series rounds out this excellent performing
arts schedule with the national talents. The school's Theater
Department also offers performances at McLeod Theater that
are open to the public, and students from the School of Music
offer youth programs that include training on instruments not
normally found in public schools, like Suzuki violins and pianos.
Each year, the school also hosts the Big Muddy Film Festival featuring
independently produced films and award-winning productions. The
residents of Carbondale are also invited to the University's lecture
series held throughout the year. The SIU Museum displays traveling
exhibits from around the world and also sponsors an educational
outreach program to area schools. Most all of the University's
cultural activities are shared with students and non-students
alike.
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