Entertainment
It seems like there’s always something happening in Saline County. Whether it’s a festival or a fair, a musical or a play, or a movie or bowling, residents and visitors are sure to find entertainment and events that will amuse and delight all ages.
Southeastern Illinois College is home to the 412-seat George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center that provides Saline County area audiences with a wide range of entertainment from symphony orchestras to dinner theater. The college's Cultural Arts Series brings to its stage such groups as the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the National Shakespeare Company, dinner theater by the Repertory Theater of America, and entertainers who appeal especially to children. Just a short drive away is Southern Illinois University where Shryock Auditorium host everything from symphony to blue grass to Broadway.
Saline County is home to many festivals such as Eldorado Town & Country Days, the Past to Present Festival, Old Settlers’ Days, and the Stonefort Reunion just to name a few. The shining star of all Saline County festivals has to be the Saline County Fair, one of the oldest and most traditional fairs to take place each year. Held in July, it features carnival rides, food booths, livestock and homemaking exhibits, and a series of shows in the grandstand area, including a demolition derby, motorcycle races, and other special events.
One of Southern Illinois’ most unique attractions is the Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum. Located at 1600 Feazel St., the museum is home to The Poor House which was built in 1877. The Poor House was the effort of the citizens of that era to take care of the poor. The Poor House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Art exhibits can be found all around Saline County. The Art Gallery of the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center is in the upper lobby of the complex. Monthly exhibits run from June through December and feature artists from around the region, the country, and the world. The Renaissance House Art Gallery in Eldorado hosts a variety of classes in art as well as original art and gifts for sale. Exhibits and events in the performing arts are scheduled throughout the year. The Eldorado History Museum showcases collections and historical displays of local times gone by.
Both the Harrisburg District Library and the Eldorado Memorial Library schedule programs of interest to their patrons. These include local history, travelogues, author presentations, and music appreciation. Local art is always on display in the downstairs conference room at the Harrisburg District Library. Four to six exhibits are held each year and the public is invited to view the exhibits any time the library is open, unless the room is booked for a meeting.
Southern Illinois is known for tremendous golf courses and Saline County is no exception. Saline County has an 18 hole course located between Eldorado and Raleigh called Saline County Country Club and the other, Shawnee Hills Country Club, is in Harrisburg and is a beautiful 9 hole course.
Perhaps you would rather be a spectator for your favorite high school or college sporting event. Saline County has 4 high schools: Carrier Mills, Eldorado, Galatia, and Harrisburg. Saline County is also home to the Southeastern Illinois College Falcons. Just down Highway 13 to the west is the Southern Illinois University Salukis. For schedule information, click the respective team. Saline County has a brand new drag strip underway and information will be posted soon.
One of the up and coming industries in Southern Illinois is wine making and vineyards. Saline County is home to Flint Hill Winery. Several others are just minutes away and boost award winning wines and beautiful tasting rooms.
Saline County is also home to great shopping and dining. For a list of area merchants, please click the membership tab.