Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, is the annual Spring Fling in Bishop Hill. Area businesses and organizations have planned several activities and events to kick off the start of tourist season.
Here’s what is happening:
The Vasa National Archives and Museum heads into the 2025 season with its opening reception for Fraternal Legacy. Titled “Reviving 20th Century Art”, it showcases a stunning collection of masterworks and original creations by Vasa Order members, spanning multiple mediums. Their website includes the special notice, “With so many incredible pieces, we’re showcasing them across both floors of the building—don’t miss this unforgettable experience.”
This is also the last year to see the Rocky Mountain Lodges exhibit that explores the history of the rise and fall of the Rocky Mountain District #11. Bishop Hill’s lodge #683 was established in 1968 and meets monthly.
For bargain hunters, the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association is hosting its “This and That” rummage sale at the Colony School, located at 405 West Main Street, with a large array of items for sale. Organizers encourage visitors to stop by the Colony School to find a special treasure, trinket, or tchotchke while they are visiting opening weekend in Bishop Hill. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“A portion of the proceeds will be directed to our Town Flag Fund,” said Association’s President Joella Krause.
“Part of what we raise provides the maintenance of the American and Swedish flags that line the village’s roads,” she said.
The Bishop Hill Creative Commons is hosting a sidewalk sale on Bishop Hill Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 5. It will include a range of items for sale, along with special discounts on merchandise at the Commons.
For hands-on fun, Jeff Goard’s Pottery is starting the weekend on Friday, April 4, with a 3-day pottery workshop. The event is open to all levels and taught onsite at the Cobbler Shop at 108 Bjorklund Street.
The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning students will learn the fundamentals of the potter’s wheel, while returning students will expand their skills. Goard encourages students to bring a sack lunch or to visit one of the Village’s restaurants during the lunch break.
For fee information and registration, contact Goard at 309-883-1035.
P.L. Johnson’s Restaurant will have its season opener on April 5, with its special Swedish menu and an offering of spring planters and flower-filled pots for sale.
As a bonus for visitors, if they collect signatures from 6 businesses or museums, they can be entered into a drawing at the Colony Store for a gift basket.
For more information on what’s available, go to www.visitbishophill.com.
