Hello, Athens

11/27/2025

Nothing gets us into the Christmas spirit quite Christmas in the Country Athens-Cantrall Illinois! 🎄

This Saturday from 8 am–3 pm, make plans to stop at any (or all!) of the 18 locations to shop decor, gifts, and maybe even grab a sweet treat while you’re out.

Save this link for the online map to help you tour the Athens & Cantrall countryside!
cantrallcreative.com/christmas

11/25/2025

One thing’s for sure… when there’s a need, Athens shows up! ❤️

Our community is hosting a Salvation Army kettle at Casey’s this year, and there are still one-hour shifts available! 🎄🔔

It’s a simple way to spread some cheer and support families right here in Menard County.

Interested? Tap this link to sign up or get in contact with Jackie Hines!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KOWfSLf98OMA-K8bJ_0Sdwhnz1jN68Vb87IqAcTuw9o/htmlview

Let’s do what Athens does best — show up for each other! ✨

11/24/2025

Local businesses making a difference! Nice job, Jessica Lauren Paints!

11/24/2025

Love this 💚

We’re so excited for the 39th Athens Christmas in the Country! Especially because we will be at the Athens Community Building with the most adorable Christmas backdrop for DONATION ONLY photos that benefit a sweet, sweet family in our community 💜

11/22/2025

It’s a nice morning to stop by Little Bluett Bakery’s stand and enjoy a bread or sweet treat!

11/21/2025

🎄 Have Yourself a Hello, Athens Christmas! ✨

We’ve got some fun things happening this season—check out the link in comments for not only this calendar, but also an interactive map of all the Christmas in the Country Athens-Cantrall Illinois stops!

Here’s where I’d love YOUR help:

Are you one of the Christmas in the Country stops?
Send me your details (menu items, craft highlights, specials, etc.) and I’ll add them to the map!

Hosting another community holiday event?
Message me and I’ll gladly add it to our Hello, Athens Christmas lineup!

Let’s support one another, shop local, and make this Christmas season magical together.

11/20/2025

We’re wrapping up the very first month of the Warrior Way Awards—and wow, Athens showed up in a big way! 💚🏆

A huge THANK YOU to our Hello, Athens Insiders for making this community recognition possible. Their support helps us celebrate the people and places who go the extra mile—showing Character, Pride, and Community in everything they do.

And now it’s your turn again!
✨ Nominations for next month’s Warrior Way Awards are officially OPEN! ✨

Even better? This month’s winners—The Corner Cup, Ginger Newingham, and Carol Basso—will help select the next recipients from your nominations!

If you know someone who lives out the Warrior Way, tell us about them using the nomination form (link in comments). Let’s keep celebrating the good that’s happening right here in Athens. 💚

Burris Livestock The Corner Cup Justice Graphics Jug’s BBQ Seasoning Cantrall Taxidermy Little Bluett Bakery Jessica Plummer Real Estate Team Sales & Staging, Land & Home Real Estate Jessica Lauren Paints Amy-David O'Dell T É A B A K E R- Hairstylist Karen Stott JG Parties Darin Fritz, Realtor- Land & Home Real Estate Indian Point RV Roofing

Welcome to our newest Hello, Athens Insiders!
Route 29 Fitness Simply Equanimity Short and Stout Designs

11/18/2025

You know what your turkey needs this year? A little local spice from Jug’s BBQ Seasoning!

All Purpose, Sweet Heat, and SPG rubs available. Locally owned in Athens, Illinois, priced at $10 per bottle or $25 for all three.

11/18/2025

🏆 Warrior Way Award Winner!
If you’ve ever seen kindness, effort, and integrity in action… you’ve probably seen Carol Basso. 💚

Nominations described Carol as someone who:

“shows heart, strength, and unwavering dedication to others.”
“leads with compassion, gives selflessly, and sets an example of integrity and kindness for all generations to follow.”
“always shows up — wholeheartedly and without hesitation.”

Carol, thank you for loving this community so deeply — from years serving students in the cafeteria to the countless ways you continue to encourage, support, and show up for others.
You truly embody the Warrior Way in every season. 🏆

11/18/2025

🏆 Warrior Way Award Winner!
Today we’re celebrating Ginger Newingham — a passionate librarian who inspires people of all ages to love reading! 💚📚

As one nomination said:

“She really cares about people — not just helping them find books, but about their lives, too. She’s community-minded and wants to see Athens grow and do well.”

Thank you, Ginger, for putting heart into everything you do and for helping our community learn, grow, and thrive. You live the Warrior Way through character, pride & community—every single day. 🏆

11/17/2025

🏆 Warrior Way Award Winner!
Help us cheer for Dawn & Brian Ratliff of The Corner Cup!

They were nominated by a neighbor who shared:

“For being an amazing small business, for being supportive and all-around great human beings. They pour their hearts into the Athens community and have brought such joy to our little town.”

We couldn’t agree more. Whether it’s a warm smile, a favorite drink, or a festive day at the shop, Dawn & Brian show what the Warrior Way looks like—Character, Pride & Community—every single day. 💚