addition to its programs on property, the Mitchell Museum is located on the Cedarhurst grounds. The city is host to an event the first Saturday of each month from April through October called Market Days. This is an open-air market held near downtown and is similar to a craft fair or flea market. There is also the Jefferson County Historical Museum and Village located within incorporated Mount Vernon. The Museum and the Village reflect life in Jefferson County from the mid 19th century to more recent years. The C.E.Brehm Memorial Public Library, built in 1905, is a source of information to the community and is located downtown. Beatles guitarist George Harrison bought a guitar from Fenton's Music store in Mt. Vernon in 1963 while he was visiting his sister in nearby Benton, Illinois. The guitar sold at auction for $657,000 in 2014. Parks and recreation Mount Vernon has multiple community parks with varying amenities. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area is located due south near Benton, Illinois. Rend Lake has almost 19,000 acres of water area for recreation including boating, fishing, camping, and a resort. Government Local government The city of Mount Vernon uses a Council-manager government with a mayor. The Mt. Vernon City Council meets regularly on the first and third Mondays each month. Meetings are moved to the following Tuesday if the first or third Monday falls on a holiday. The elective officers of the City of Mt. Vernon shall be a Mayor, four Councilmen, a City Clerk, and a City Treasurer. At the general election for City officers to be starting in January 1969 and every four years thereafter, there shall be elected a Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and two Councilmen. At the general election held in 1967 and every two years thereafter, two Councilmen shall be elected. The current mayor and council are: Mayor – John Lewis Council – Donte Moore, Joe Gliosci, Ray Botch, and Mike Young. Other Elected Officials Amanda K. Bean, Supervisor J. Kenny Hayes, Highway Commissioner Sheridan "Sherry" Meadows, Assesor Cassandra McDermott, Clerk Charlie Heck, Trustee Terry Moore, Trustee Leslie Sinks, Trustee Nicholas Lemay, Trustee Education Mount Vernon City Schools operates elementary and middle schools. There are four education centers operated by school district 80 within the city: Dr. Andy Hall Early Childhood Center (preschool) Mount Vernon City Schools Primary Center (K-3) J.L. Buford Intermediate Education Center (grades 4 and 5) Zadok