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Champaign Freedom Celebration fireworks over the State Farm Center
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGN - Fireworks light up the sky above the State Farm Center for the 2026 Freedom Celebration. The United State celebrated its 250th year during Saturday's national celebration. The community celebration featured the annual parade, 5k race, and a performance from Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets.





Learn to build the perfect Charcuterie Board at Illinois Extension workshop



Area residents can learn how to build beautiful, nutritious charcuterie boards during a hands-on University of Illinois Extension workshop on July 15 in Champaign. Participants will create their own mini board while learning practical tips for entertaining and everyday meals.


CHAMPAIGN - A well-crafted charcuterie board can be more than just an appetizer. With the right mix of colors, textures and flavors, it can become the centerpiece of a gathering or even an easy, well-balanced meal.

The University of Illinois Extension is giving area residents a chance to learn those skills during a hands-on charcuterie board workshop on Saturday, August 1, from 11 a. m. to 1 p.m. at the Illinois Extension office, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Suite 3, in Champaign.

Designed for anyone looking to entertain with confidence or simply add some creativity to everyday meals, the workshop will focus on building boards that are both visually appealing and nutritious.

Participants will learn how to choose wholesome ingredients that complement one another while creating an attractive presentation. Organizers say the class will cover practical techniques for balancing flavors, textures and nutrition, making it easy to assemble a spread for family gatherings, parties or casual meals at home.

The workshop also includes a hands-on component. Each participant will create a personal mini charcuterie board to enjoy during the class, giving attendees an opportunity to put the techniques into practice before heading home.

Registration is $20 per person, and enrollment is limited. Advance registration is encouraged.

For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/CharcuterieBoard.




TAGS: charcuterie board workshop, charcuterie board class in Champaign Illinois, hands-on cooking workshop Champaign IL, healthy charcuterie board ideas University of Illinois Extension, July 15 Champaign community cooking class


Editor's note:
This story way updated on 7/24/26 with a new date and time provided by the organizers.


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