It had been 21 years since Jim Hand entered the Champaign County Fairgrounds.

Jeff Brandt has owned Exile On Main St., a record store in Champaign, since it opened in 2004, and does not offer health insurance to his employees. But it is nothing personal.

Jeff Brandt has owned Exile On Main St., a record store in Champaign, since it opened in 2004, and does not offer health insurance to his employees. But it is nothing personal.

Jeff Brandt has owned Exile On Main St., a record store in Champaign, since it opened in 2004, and does not offer health insurance to his employees. But it is nothing personal.

Jeff Brandt has owned Exile On Main St., a record store in Champaign, since it opened in 2004, and does not offer health insurance to his employees. But it is nothing personal.

With the nearest major theme park hours away, Champaign was treated this past weekend to a dose of fun and rides it doesn’t normally see.

Dozens of women, both young and old, gathered Sunday afternoon at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., to get a glimpse of popular ‘chick lit’ author Jennifer Weiner as she stopped by to promote her latest book, “Fly Away Home.”

Squids, sea birds and BP executives were asked to leave the Urbana Market at the Square on Saturday. Or, rather, costumed protestors were.

With the nearest major theme park hours away, Champaign was treated this past weekend to a dose of fun and rides it doesn’t normally see.

Dozens of women, both young and old, gathered Sunday afternoon at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., to get a glimpse of popular ‘chick lit’ author Jennifer Weiner as she stopped by to promote her latest book, “Fly Away Home.”

Squids, sea birds and BP executives were asked to leave the Urbana Market at the Square on Saturday. Or, rather, costumed protestors were.

With the nearest major theme park hours away, Champaign was treated this past weekend to a dose of fun and rides it doesn’t normally see.