May 2021
May 2020
A Special Supplement to
Name Newspaper
Yourto guide to good times all summer! Your guide good times all summer! Free events activities • &Free events & activities ••Events & Fesitvals WaterPools safety for kidssafety •&Water for kids ••Area Splash Parks • Pool care FAQs • Pool care FAQs • Bike Trail Map
2 SUMMER FUN
MAY 2021
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MAY 2021
Summer 2021
SUMMER FUN
festivals & fun May
21 Grand Opening Tenderloin Farms Lavender 6368 St. James Rd., Edwardsville 21 Spring Fling Barn Dance 6 to 10 pm, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville 22 Silver Bullet Stl: A Tribute To Bob Seger, 8 to 10 pm, Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville 22 Grafton Riverside Flea Market, 9 to 5, Loading Dock, Grafton 22 Kayaking on Elllis Bay, 9 am to 2:30 pm, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton, MO 23 Carillon Concerts Sundays thru Sept., 5 pm Rose Garden and Gordan Moore Park, Alton 27 River Dragons Summer Collegiate Baseball, 6:35 pm, Lloyd Hopkins Field, Alton 29 2nd Annual Drive-Thru Baby Shower, 10 am to 3 pm, TreeHouse Wildlife Center, Dow 29 3rd Wood River Food Truck Festival, 11 am to 6 pm, Downtown Wood River 29 Opening Day at Raging Rivers WaterPark 29 Opening Day at Collinsville Aqua Park 29 Good Vibes Concert on the Water, 6 to 9 pm Milnot Beach Lake Lou Yeager, Litchfield
June
03 Night Market every Thursday through July 29th, 7 to 10 pm Jacoby Arts Center, Alton 03 Music in the Park, 7 to 9 pm The Grove Memorial Park, Grafton 04 Boogie Chyld 6 to 9:30 pm, Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, Alton 04 Eric Gales Band, 7:30 pm, Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville 04-05 International Horseradish Festival, Collinsville 05 Camp Du Bois June Rendezvous, 10 am to 5 pm, Wood River Camp Dubois, Wood River 05 Yoga by the River, every Saturday in June 9 am, Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, Alton 11 Madison County Garden Tour, 9 am to 2 pm, tickets available online 12 Route 66 Festival, Edwardsville City Park, Edwardsville 13 All Wheels Drive In Car Show 8 am to 4 pm Downtown Alton
2021
area farmer’s markets Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Open every Saturday 8 to noon and Wednesdays 4 to 7 pm Located at Henry Street & Landmarks Blvd. Alton.
Bethalto Market in the Park
Located at East Central Street, Bethalto. Open 9 am to 1 pm on Sunday’s
Brighton Farmers’ Market
414 N Maple St. (Schneider Park) Brighton. Occurs weekly on Thursday evenings 4 to 7 pm
Jersey County Farmers & Artisan Market Open Tuesdays 4 to 7 pm beginning on June 29th Located at 902 S State St. (Outrageous Outdoors Parking Lot) Jerseyville
Land of Goshen Market
Every Saturday from 8 to noon. Located in downtown Edwardsville near the Courthouse
Maryville Farmers Market
Located at Fireman’s Park, Maryville every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm
Carlinville Market Days
First Saturday of every month from 8 am to 3 pm on Carlinville Square Carlinville
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4 SUMMER FUN
The Benefits
Bikeway Map mcttrails.org MCT Bluff Trail
SIUE Delyte W. Morris Trail
MCT Goshen Trail
Heritage Connector Trail
MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail
Highland Sursee Trail
MCT Nature Trail
MEPRD Eagle Points Trail
MCT Nickel Plate Trail
Riverfront Trail (MO)
MCT Quercus Grove Trail
West Alton Trail (MO)
MCT Schoolhouse Trail
On-Road Connectors (ORC)
Great River Road Trail
PARKING
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Farmers markets have grown in popularity in recent years. Nowadays, consumers interested in farmers markets can likely find one near their homes whether those homes are in rural communities, the suburbs or bustling cities.
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People who have never before shopped farmers markets may be curious as to why many people find them so appealing. The following are a handful of benefits of shopping farmers markets that might turn market novices into full-fledged devotees.
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• Freshness: Many people visit farmers markets because the fruits and vegetables sold at such markets seem to taste more fresh than those sold at chain grocery stores. People are not mistaken, as the produce available at farmers markets often comes from local farms, meaning there’s no long-distance shipping necessary. Locally sourced foods need not be frozen en route to the market, meaning foods purchased there tend to taste especially fresh. • In-season foods: Some grocery stores may sell fruits and vegetables even when those foods are out of season. Farmers markets only sell in-season fruits and vegetables. To grow fruits and vegetables out-ofseason, farmers may need to rely on chemicals or other unnatural methods. No such means are necessary when farmers stick to growing foods inseason.
• Environmental benefits: According to the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to consumers’ plates. Such journeys burn natural resources, pollute the air and produce sizable amounts of trash that ultimately ends up in landfills and/or the world’s oceans. Because food sold at farmers markets is locally sourced, considerably fewer natural resources are necessary to transport the food from farm to table, and the relatively short distances the food travels translates to less air pollution.
• Biodiversity: Many farmers market shoppers find unique foods not readily available at their local grocery stores. This is not only a great way to discover new and delicious foods, but also a way to promote biodiversity. • Hormone-free animal products: Farmers markets do not exclusively sell fruits and vegetables. Many farmers markets also are great places to find meats, cheeses and eggs. Animal products sold at farmers markets are typically antibioticand hormone-free, which is both more humane to the animals and healthier than animal products produced with hormones or antibiotics. Farmers markets are more accessible than ever, and the benefits to shopping such markets are endless.
MAY 2021
SUMMER FUN
safety guidelines
Backyards have long since transformed from places to grill a few burgers and play with the dog to homeowners’ private sanctuaries. Pools and spas can help turn backyards into the oases modern homeowners crave. Soaking in a hot tub can ease aches and pains and help people overcome stress. According to the health and wellness resource Healthline, a 2012 study examined the effects of hydrotherapy on sleep quality and physical function for people with fibromyalgia. Hydrotherapy was shown to improve sleep quality along with other fibromyalgia symptoms. Hot tubs also may relieve pain by relaxing tense muscles, tendons and joints. Hot tubs can prolong the outdoor entertaining season by serving as heated retreats when the weather turns chilly. Whenever hot tubs are in use, certain safety protocols should be followed.
Maintain cleanliness
Hot tub water must be kept sanitary through testing and a careful balance of chemicals that will inhibit the spread of bacteria and
other microorganisms, indicates Valley Pool & Spa, which has locations across Pennsylvania. Those new to spa maintenance should consult with a spa expert on how often to test water. Inquire about which products can help to maintain peak sanitation.
Be health smart
If you have a health condition or are pregnant, consult with a health care provider to determine if it is safe to use a hot tub. Individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure or diabetes should not enter a spa without a doctor’s approval. In addition, do not enter the water if you have an infection, open wound or illness. Wait until you are symptom-free for 48 hours, suggests the Canadabased company RnR Hot Tubs and Spas.
Be especially careful with children
Children may want to enjoy the hot tub along with their parents and other adults. While neither the American Association of Pediatrics nor the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued hot tub guidelines for youth, the Centers for Disease Control
5
Golf’s Best Buy. and Prevention advises that children under the age of 5 not use hot tubs. If children do want to use the hot tub, consider dialing back the water temperature, as high temperatures can lead to heat stroke and loss of consciousness in young people, according to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. The PHTA recommends turning the thermostat down to 98 F and limiting children to five minutes at a time in the water. Play should never exceed 15 minutes.
Exercise caution around water Adults and children alike should be aware of the hazards of drowning. It is possible to drown in a hot tub, even though it’s not as deep as a pool. Prevent access to the hot tub when it is unsupervised. Exercise caution when entering a hot tub while taking medications that cause drowsiness or while under the influence of alcohol.
Hot tubs are coveted home amenities. When adding a hot tub to a property, homeowners should ensure safety guidelines are followed at all times.
Belk Park
Hot tub
For over 39 years, Belk Park Golf Course has been one of the premier Golf Courses in the State of Illinois. In 1953, the City of Wood River received a generous land donation from the Belk family of approximately 234 acres to create of an 18-hole championship public golf For over 37park. years,Today, Belk Park Golf Course course and this estimated has been one of the premier Golf Courses $12 million facility draws more than in the State of Illinois. In 1953, the City 50,000 visitors a year through numerous of Wood River received a generous tournaments, special events. land donationopen fromplay the&Belk family of Itapproximately has been recognized as onetoofcreate the most 234 acres of popular publicchampionship golf courses inpublic the St. golf an 18-hole Louis addition, Course courseMetro and area. park. In Today, this the estimated $12 the million than was winnerfacility of Golfdraws Digest’smore “Places to 50,000Star visitors a year through numerous Play-4 Award”. tournaments, open play & special events. It has been recognized as one of the most popular public golf courses in the St. Louis Metro area. In addition, the Course was the winner of Golf Digest’s “Places to Play-4 Star Award”.
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6 SUMMER FUN
MAY 2021
staying safe in the great outdoors Vaccinations are helping many people across the globe return to something resembling normalcy after more than a year of living in unusual circumstances. Sports venues are welcoming fans back in limited capacities, and many schools that had offered strictly virtual learning began to welcome students back for in person learning by the end of the school year. Though the world seems to be on the cusp of getting back to normal life, public health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization continue to emphasize the importance of staying vigilant to stop the spread of COVID-19. Officials with the CDC have urged political leaders to keep social distancing and mask mandates in place even as the number of vaccinated Americans exceeded 100 million. This summer people may be more comfortable getting out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors than they were a year ago, especially
if they’re fully vaccinated. Those who want to follow the advice of public health officials can consider these strategies to keep themselves and others safe as they spend time in nature. • Visit beaches during off-peak hours. Crowded beaches were a significant cause for concern in the summer of 2020. Many beach-goers did not wear masks and it proved difficult to practice social distancing on crowded beaches. This summer it may be most safe to visit beaches during offpeak hours, such as during the late afternoon. Beaches tend to be less crowded as the sun starts to set and dinnertime approaches, so people who want to stay safe but still hear waves crashing on the shore can visit the beach later in the day, even brining dinner so they can enjoy a beach picnic. • Wear masks when hiking. Hiking is a great way to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Hiking trails likely won’t be as crowded as sunny beaches, but it’s
hard to stay six feet apart on narrow trails, especially when encountering hikers going in the opposite direction. Wear masks throughout your hike and afford fellow hikers as much room as possible on the trails. • Consider private experiences. Whale watching adventures and group fishing excursions are popular among vacationers and others who want to have a fun day on the water. Unfortunately, crowded boats can make it easy for the virus to spread, especially if mask mandates have been lifted. Before booking a day on a boat, inquire about the company’s safety protocols, including whether or not they’re limiting capacity and insisting all guests wear masks. If not, consider a private boat just for your family or the people within your bubble. • Bring everything along. Bringing meals, water and snacks along on your trip into the great outdoors can minimize your exposure to others. That reduces
the likelihood that you will catch the virus or potentially spread it to others. Bringing your own food and water along also ensures you won’t go hungry or thirsty
Reading Colors Your World WITH OUR ANNUAL SUMMER READING PROGRAM
The Kick-off and Registration date is Monday, June 7, beginning at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Alton Square. Highlights of this year’s program Take-Home-Crafts • Virtual Puppet Shows • Virtual Performers • Virtual Stories Times • Weekly Prizes Location: Hayner Library, Alton Square Mall Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If patrons register on haynerlibrary.beanstack.org or at the Alton Square Library between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 they will be entered for the kick-off prize basket.
while on the trails or relaxing on the beach. People may feel more safe about enjoying the great outdoors this summer than
they did a year ago. But safety measures like mask wearing, social distancing and avoiding crowds should remain a priority in the months ahead.
MAY 2021
Beginner’s
SUMMER FUN
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guide to kayaking Kayaking is a water sport that can be beneficial to the mind and body. Just about anyone willing to spend a day on the water can benefit from learning about kayaking and how to get started with this rewarding activity. The history of kayaking is interesting. The word “kayak” means “hunter’s boat,” and the Inuit used to rely on these small vessels to catch food by sneaking up on their prey from the water’s edge. Some people still hunt and fish from their kayaks, but many are happy to use them for sightseeing and exercising. “Paddlesports are increasing
in popularity among Americans who desire to connect with the outdoors,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. The Outdoor Foundation and The Coleman Company, Inc., found in a Special Report on Paddlesports that 21.7 million Americans enjoyed paddling on rivers, lakes, streams, and other waterways in 2014, the most recent year for which data is available. Paddlesports include canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. Learning how to kayak does not involve a significant
initial financial investment. The outdoor experts at REI say there’s a good chance a novice kayaker will not go out and buy a boat immediately. It’s important to first get a feel for the sport and then go from there. Although it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s recommended that novices take paddling lessons to hone their kayaking skills. Learning the proper technique can help people avoid strain on their neck and back and safeguard their arms from fatigue. Novices should practice on calm waters until their technique is honed. Lakes
are a great place to learn, as rivers and places with mild currents can overwhelm those new to the sport. One of the easiest ways to get introduced to kayaking is to go with an experienced paddler or tour company. Such companies charge a set price for an excursion that will provide transportation to the drop site as well as the equipment needed for the voyage.
Tours may include travel down several miles of a relatively calm waterway, allowing novice kayakers to get a feel for paddling and take in the scenery. Getting in and out of a kayak can be challenging for beginners. The resource Kayakpaddling.net offers helpful illustrations and animated tutorials about entering and exiting kayaks as well as paddling
techniques and safety. Kayakers should bring some essentials along. A dry pack can keep electronics, food and equipment dry. Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat to keep safe from the sun. A life vest also is essential. Exercise, fresh air and enjoying the open water are just some of the many draws of kayaking.
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8 SUMMER FUN
MAY 2021
2021 Junior Golf Camp Monday, June 21 - Thursday, June 24 • $100 per Camper
entry includes four 75-minute class days lead by PGA Director of Golf Kyle williams, tee gifts, camp contest prizes, drinks during class, free walking round on the learning Center after each day of class ($7 value per round), and Junior Player’s Club Coupon ($50 value).
This camp is open to all junior golfers age 6 – 13, but will be structured primarily for the benefit of beginner and novice junior golfers.
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SUMMER FUN
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Enjoy the Great Outdoors at these nearby Campgrounds!
Lazy Days Campground - Litchfield KOA Campground - Granite
City
5 Diamond Campgrounds - Hartford Country Bend Campground-
Litchfield
Bur Oaks Campground - Alhambra
Carlinville Lake - Carlinville
Town & Country Lakes - Bethalto
Greenfield Rives Lake Camping - Greenfield
Rustic Acres - New
Douglas
Pere Marquette Campground - Grafton
Beaver Dam State Park -
Carlinville
Horseshoe Lake State Park - Pontoon
Beach
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MAY 2021 Artist’s rendering of the future Riverfront Park in Alton
CITY OF ALTON SPLASH PAD COMING SUMMER 2021 EVERY CHILD DESERVES AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY AND HAVE FUN. This splash pad will not only help families enjoy the wonders of water, but also learn how every drop counts. The project also includes new restrooms and concession facilities. AMERICAN WATER CHARITABLE F O U N D AT I O N
MAY 2021
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Get your feet ready for summer at Cleary’s biggest selection of brands, styles and sizes!
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12 SUMMER FUN
Hair-raising
info about roller coasters A trip to the amusement park wouldn’t be complete without a ride or two or three on a roller coaster. As businesses slowly begin to reopen after COVID19 social distancing closures, theme parks may once again begin to welcome the public back for thrills and chills. In the meantime, future thrill-seekers can build up their bravery in anticipation. While you wait for amusement park gates to reopen, read up on these roller coaster facts. Roller coasters are designed to give a person a seemingly close brush with danger ® through speed and hair-raising AUTO • HOME • LIFE drops and flips. The Roller Coaster database indicates there are currently more than 2,500 roller coasters in the world. The first roller coasters
were not the thrill-inducers found today at parks. The Switchback Gravity Railway, for example, which was a patented coaster that visitors to Brooklyn’s Coney Island could ride in 1884, faced riders outward. This was so they could enjoy a fabricated landscape scene while coasting at less than six miles per hour.
feeling to weightlessness,” says Damien Arness-Dalton, from Science Museum. “There is no upwards force from the ground to cause your organs to be compressed, so they are floating inside of you, even though you are falling.”
Many of the thrills associated with roller coasters are due to drops and dips from various heights. According to How it Works, changes in gravitational forces explain why the body, particularly the stomach, feels weird when riding a coaster. =
Gravitational forces affect how roller coasters are designed, too. Many extreme coasters have vertical loops. Roller coasters are teardrop-shaped instead of circular because, if they were circular, riders would be subjected to a force of 6-g on the body. That could cause blackouts, according to Gizmodo. The inverted teardrop shape helps to
This is new territory for the human body, so mixed signals are sent to the brain, indicating something is awry.
It’s your Getaway!
“When in freefall, every part of you is accelerating at the same rate, which gives you a similar
It’s your Getaway!
counter these high forces on the body. Of course, speed and spins are not the only things that draw thrill seekers to roller coasters. Those who like the feeling of being in the clouds also enjoy reaching new heights. While many coasters inch riders up a steep incline gradually, “Kingda Ka” at Six Flags amusement park in New Jersey goes from zero to 128 miles per hour in only 3.5 seconds to speed riders up the rails 45 stories high at a 90-degree angle. At 456 feet in height, it’s the tallest coaster in the world. Roller coasters are here to stay. When amusement parks reopen, chances are the lines to enjoy some hair-raising fun will be long.
Fun Holidays June
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Flip a Coin Day Repeat Day National Donut Day National Frozen Yogurt Day National Chocolate Ice Cream Day Donald Duck Day Peanut Butter Cookie Day Monkey Around Day Go Fishing Day World Juggler’s Day Summer Solstice Go Skateboarding Day Onion Rings Day Swim A Lap Day Take Your Dog To Work Day Sunglasses Day Hug Holiday
MAY 2021
MAY 2021
SUMMER FUN
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Simple safety tips for water sports enthusiasts Bodies of water like lakes, rivers and oceans often elicit fond memories of fun times spent under the sun. Safety should always be a priority when spending time on the water, especially when participating in water sports, including swimming and water skiing.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 40 people die by drowning every hour of every day, which equates to around 372,000 deaths each year. Many of those deaths, the vast majority of which occur in low- or middle-income countries, are preventable, and safety is at the core of drowning prevention. Though drowning incidents are not as prevalent in the United States and
Canada as they are elsewhere in the world, the popularity of water sports in both countries underscores the importance of revisiting the various ways to stay safe when out on the water.
• Take water sports lessons. The carefree nature of spring and summer can make it easy for water sports enthusiasts to forgo lessons before trying their hands at water skiing and wakeboarding. But such lessons can teach people techniques that can keep them safe on the water. Courses teach everything from how to get up and out of the water to how to properly handle a tow rope. They also can teach boaters how to navigate waters while towing skiers, tubers and wakeboarders.
• Learn hand signals and go over them before getting in the water. The National Safety Council emphasizes the importance of basic hand signals, which can be used to help boaters communicate with the people they’re towing. Hand signals are vital because water sports tend to be noisy, so nonverbal communication may be the only way boaters can communicate with the people they’re towing. Signals can be used to communicate anything from directions of turns to speed requests to the condition of the person being towed. A list of hand signals can be found at www. boaterexam.com/safety/ safety-common-hand-signals. aspx. • Inspect tow lines. The NSC
advises inspecting tow lines prior to beginning. Such inspections can confirm that tow lines are not caught in the propeller or wrapped around anyone before the activity begins. • Wait for the propeller to stop before getting back on the boat. People being towed should always wait for propellers to stop before climbing back into the boat. It doesn’t take long for propellers to stop, and those extra few seconds can dramatically reduce risks for accidents or injuries. • Avoid water sports at night. Visibility is compromised once the sun goes down. That can make it hard for boaters to see any obstacles that might
POOLS
“Pool eyes” are red, itchy eyes that result from swimming underwater. There are a number of factors that can make pool water irritating.
Prevent Burning, Red Eyes While Swimming Burning, irritated eyes can turn a normally enjoyable swimming pool experience into one that a person would prefer to avoid. Swimming with itchy, red eyes can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. If people complain of burning eyes or throat while swimming, it’s not necessarily a problem of too much chlorine sanitizer, but could be caused by poor overall pool chemistry. Pool water needs to have a careful and proper mix of factors for clean, safe water. If one of these factors is not right, there can be a chemical imbalance. There are a number of reasons why burning eyes can occur. Improper pH: Either it is too high or too low. Use a pH tester to check the levels. The water should be neutral. Low total alkalinity (TA): When this occurs, the pool’s walls and floor can stain, the water can turn green, eyes may burn, and the pH can bounce from high to low. High calcium hardness: Scale formation can occur on pool surfaces and pipes and filters may become clogged. Due to the level of diffuclty involved when addressing high calcium hardness, a pool professional may have to help resolve this issue. Presence of chloramines: Chloramines form when chlorine reacts with ammonia. Ammonia enters the pool through sweat and urine. It is important to teach children not to urinate in pool water. Also, showering before swimming can remove excess sweat that interacts with chlorine. Too much chlorine: Individuals who use high doses of chlorine to “shock” the pool when it’s particularly dirty or has a lot of algae may find that red eyes occur. This is one instance when the chlorine itself could be the cause. No one should swim in the pool until the chlorine levels have dropped to an acceptable range. To prevent “pool eyes” it’s best to treat the chemical imbalances first and see if that resolves the problem. One can also use goggles when swimming underwater to protect sensitive eyes even more.
appear in the water, and it also makes it very difficult for them to communicate with the people they’re towing. As a result of such difficulties, the NSC urges water sports enthusiasts to only engage in
such activities during daylight hours. Water sports make summer even more fun. Safety should always be the utmost priority for anyone involved in such activities.
Donor Pool
300 June St., Jerseyville
Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Community Pool Recreation Dr., Edwardsville
Roxana Community Pool 2 Park Dr., Roxana
Carrollton Municipal Park Pool 56 Walnut St., Carrollton
Highland Community Pool 2123 Park St., Highland
Splash Pad
211 E Central St., Bethalto
Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad 337 S. Main St., Edwardsville
Collinsville Aqua Park 10 Gateway Dr., Collinsville
14 SUMMER FUN
A collection of must-see destinations for antique and vintage enthusiasts.
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Browse the oUTDoor VenDorS With Antiques • Collectibles Vintage Primitives • Home Decor Furniture • Artistic Items and Much More Then Come Inside to See. DeALer BooThS Full of Goodies for You to Explore... Who Knows What You’ll Find!
Chirping Frog Antiques & More
interstate 55 to exit 33 7479 State Route 4 Worden, IL • 618-633-2320
OPEN DAILY 9-5
MAY 2021
SUMMER FUN
15
16 SUMMER FUN
MAY 2021
RISTER’S
AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSMISSIONS • Brakes • Every vehicle gets FREE 27 pt. • Shocks/Struts inspection with service • Cooling Systems • We specialize in complete • Oil Change vehicle maintenance and repair • Check Engine Light
$10 OFF Any Service $100 or more expires 7/31/21
618-465-5591
Family owned & operated Serving the Community since 1991 Complete Auto Care
www.ristersauto.com 1322 MILTON RD, ALTON