'Here Comes The Sun:' Beatles-themed Town & Country Days opens tonight

Eldorado has added a new dimension to Town & Country Days, held Wednesday through Saturday in downtown Eldorado. Already a popular Saline County festival, this year Town & Country Days is teaming with the Saline County Tourism Board to commemorate the first Beatle on American turf.

In September 1963 (pre-Beatlemania), George Harrison, lead guitarist for the British rock band The Beatles and in southern Illinois to visit his sister, sat in with a local band at Eldorado VFW Post 3479. This was the first public performance in North America by a member of The Beatles.

During the festival, a state historical marker honoring Harrison's appearance will be dedicated by the Saline County Tourism Board and the Illinois Historical Society. To celebrate this rare moment, the Liverpool Legends, a world-renowned Beatles Tribute Band will perform. Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience!" are four incredibly talented musicians and actors hand-picked by Louise Harrison - sister of the late George Harrison.

All concerts are free.

<b>Town & Country Days Schedule</b>

Wednesday, Sept. 15

5 p.m. Opening ceremony. With Eldorado American Legion Post 169 & Eldorado VFW Post 3479 Honor/Color Guard; national anthem by Momma T; singing from the Eldorado Pre-K classes and the Eldorado Alumni Band.

5-9 p.m. Carnival open (armband, $20)

5:30 p.m. Cake Walk

6-10 p.m. Bingo

6:30 p.m. Eldorado Women's Club Baby Photo Contest

7 p.m. Eldorado Women's Club Beauty Pageant. Little Miss & Mister pageant at 7 p.m. Junior Princess (K-2nd) and Princess (3rd-5th) pageants at 8 p.m. Junior Miss (6th-8th) and Miss (high school) pageants at 8:30 p.m. Pageant questions, call Wanda Burklow at (618) 273-3639.

Thursday, Sept. 16

5 p.m. Lite-A-Bike/Bubble Gum Blowing Contest

5:30 p.m. Big Wheel Races

5-9 p.m. Carnival open (armband, $20)

6-10 p.m. Bingo

6 p.m. Gospel Night opens with Dave Clark, on Main Stage

7 p.m. Little Chapel Church on Main Stage

8 p.m. The Freemans, on Main Stage. This Nashville family is deeply rooted in more than three decades of singing Southern Gospel Music.

Friday, Sept. 17

5 p.m. Cake Walk

6-10 p.m. Carnival open (armband, $20)

6 p.m. National POW/MIA Recognition Day Observance, at Old City Hall

6 p.m. Cake Walk

6-10 p.m. Bingo

7 p.m. Pat Abell on Main Stage

8 p.m. Saline County Tourism Historical Marker Dedication, Main Stage.

8:30 p.m. Beatles Night featuring The Liverpool Legends, Main Stage.

Saturday, Sept. 18

7-10 a.m. Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast at T&C Building. $6 per person (3 & under eat free). Proceeds to benefit Junior Beta Club and Town & Country Days

9 a.m. WEBQ live radio broadcast

9 a.m. Corn Hole Tournament registration, on grassy area across from First Southern Bank.

10 a.m. Corn Hole Tournament.

11:30 a.m. Parade lineup at Clearwave on 4th Street.

11:30 a.m. Cake Walk

1 p.m. Giant Town & Country Parade, "Here Comes The Sun"

2-4 p.m. Carnival open, tickets $2.50.

2:30 p.m. Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony by the Illinois State Historical Society at the VFW Hall.

3 p.m. Cake Walk

3 p.m. FFA Kiddie Tractor Pull registration at First Southern Bank drive-through.

3:30 p.m. FFA Kiddie Tractor Pull at First Southern Bank drive-through.

5:30 p.m. Cake Walk

6-10 p.m. Carnival open (armband $20)

6-10 p.m. Bingo

6:45 p.m. Ron Gidcumb, Main Stage

7:30 p.m. Jason Eady, Main Stage

8:30 p.m. Asleep At The Wheel, Main Stage. With special guests, Jason Eady and Ron Gidcumb.