Fall Tourism Times

Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016

4387 N. Illinois, Suite 200 Swansea, Illinois 62226

7/16, 50M

Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 • 1

nois Made W hen you think of California, what comes to mind? You most likely think of sun, surf and wine country. How about Texas? Maybe the panhandle and BBQ? But how about Illinois? Abe Lincoln? The Chicago style hot dog? Deep dish pizza? ILLINOISouth offers dozens of delicious food offerings outside of the standard issue hot dog and pizza.

Welcome to Made in ILLINOISouth.

The Marcoot family story begins in 1840 when their ancestors sailed from Switzerland to New Orleans. They traveled by steamship up the Mississippi River to the Bond-Madison county area of southern Illinois, finally settling in Greenville— all with a Jersey calf in

tow. Fast-forward to 2010, seventh generation sisters, Beth and Amy along with their parents, launched a cheese-making operation that produces 23 artisanal cheeses in their high-end facility. Their cheese is made solely from the milk of their own registered Jersey cows who are primarily grass-fed, enjoying only natural nutrition; free of any added hormones. The cheeses are aged in a man-made underground cave modeled after the cheese caves found in Switzerland, providing the optimal environment for the cheese-aging process. The creamery has large viewing windows where visitors can watch the cheese-making process first-hand. Guests are welcome to watch their “field-tofork” video on how their cheese is crafted and shop in their onfarm store. For tours, contact the creamery.

Tours include a stop at the calf barn, the milking parlor and a sampling of their cheeses.

Salsa Rose Heading south to Mascoutah, James and Hope Reinneck have been making salsa since the 1980’s. Over the years, James estimates he has given out hundreds of samples of his home-

Country Bob’s

made product, and that, in part, is how the couple’s business venture was launched. In 2012, the first batch of “Salsa Rose” was ready for distribution. Today, the business continues to expand. Product line include: salsa flaMichael W. Smith, Terry Edson, Jeff Foxworthy vored Hickory Smoked Meat Sticks and Salsa Turkey Jerky. Locally, you’ll find Reinneck Ranch products at Rural King and Schnuck’s stores along with some specialty shops and farmers’ markets across the state.

Horseradish & Popcorn

Terry Edso We’ve covered n, Lori Ed son, Harr cheese and salsa but those y Connick , Jr. are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to agricultural goods proIn the small Southern Illinois duced for ILLINOISouth. If you town of St. Francisville circa 1963, haven’t heard, more than 60 percent Black Jewell Popcorn began growing of the world’s horseradish is grown and selling a unique and proprietary in our region! Farms like JR Kelly’s strain of black kernel popcorn. It in Collinsville are famous for pops snow white and virtually free of producing the root. In fact, there is hulls. Over the past 50 years, Black an annual festival held in Collinsville Jewell Popcorn has grown steadily celebrating the root! Along with from a company serving smaller rural horseradish and all sorts of other farm communities, to one that haryummy produce, did you know that vests and offers a broad line of Black special black popcorn is grown exJewell popcorns across the Midwest. clusively right in our own back yard?

continued on page 3

Amy Marcoot, Audie Wall, Beth Marcoot

2 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016

Hello from Dan...

With this change of season, comes a change in our leadership here at ILLINOISouth, I would like to take this opportunity to wish jo Kathmann all the best in her retirement!

Soon summer’s heat will give way to Fall - my favorite time of year. Who doesn’t love a brisk breeze through an open window, crisp colorful leaves and a pot of chili simmering on the stove?

ILLINOISouth will soon be bustling with many Fall events. But before the cooler weather is here, there is still time to enjoy several County Fairs… and don’t forget to take in a once in a lifetime event: the Monroe County Bicen-

tennial Pallooza! Even though the kids are back in school in September, take time some weekend to enjoy Apple Fest at Eckert’s or what about the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit: “Water Ways” in Lawrenceville?

Once October arrives at the Fort du Chartres in Prairie du Rocher, you won’t want to miss the 3rd Annual World War II Days coupled with the Les Amis Du Chartres Brewfest.

For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our Calendar Section beginning on Page 7.

Wherever the road takes you… enjoy your travels in ILLINOISouth!

Dan Krankeola President /CEO ILLINOISouth Tourism

Would you like your brochure or rack card sent to 8,000 potential visitors?

We’ll distribute them for you!

We will insert your literature in plastic bags that will be handed out at trade shows and events, and given to meetings, reunions and sports groups staying in area hotels. They’ll also be added to packets mailed out as fulfillment for web, phone and regional advertising requests.

Call Jon or Sandy at 618-257-1488 and ask about the Brochure Distribution Service.

For a nominal fee, we’ll help get the word out about YOU!

To carry Tourism Times at your restaurant, store, visitors center or place of business, Christine Sopiars, 618-257-1488 or csopiars@ILLINOISouth.org

Comments? Questions? Let us know!

Keep us in the loop. We want your input for the monthly e-newsletter and our website.

618-257-1488 or info@ILLINOISouth.org

Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 • 3

800-442-1488 from page 1 They are a family owned company that is passionate about and committed to high-quality. They’ve even gone the extra mile, to have their Black Jewell popcorn verified as a Non-GMO product.

Country Bob’s Some ILLINOISouth goods are grown and others are bottled.

In 1968, Bob Edson perfected the all-purpose sauce of his dreams in Irvington, Illinois. After years of giving the sauce to friends and family, he began selling it in 1977. By 1982, Country Bob, Inc. found a permanent home in Centralia, Illinois.

Today, Country Bob’s product line has expanded: BBQ Sauce, Seasoning Salt, Apple Chipotle and Honey Habanero All Purpose Sauces and Country Bob’s Marinade. Country Bob’s fan base includes celebrities Harry Connick, Jr., Jeff Foxworthy and Michael W. Smith. Country Bob’s sports fans can enjoy their products at Gateway Grizzlies baseball

Excel Bottling Co.

games and Busch stadium, because Country Bob’s AllPurpose Sauce was recently named the Signature Sauce of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Country Bob’s products can be found at Wal-Mart, Kroger and Schnuck’s stores.

Excel Bottling Way back in the summer of 1936, Edward “Lefty” Meier and his wife, Catherine Meier, received reward money from catching a bank robber. With that reward money, they purchased a used bottling machine for their newly formed business venture: Excel Bottling Company. Located in Breese, Illinois, the Excel bottling plant and attached household

were originally owned by Catherine’s grandmother, in which she had previously operated a general store. Clinton county’s favorite soft drink, Ski, was added in 1961 and accounts for the majority of soda produced. Today, Excel Bottling Company produces flavored soda using cane sugar, returnable bottles and vintage bottling equipment.

In 2012, Excel Bottling Company’s manager Bill Meier, took advantage of new distribution laws in Illinois that allowed craft breweries to self-distribute and established Excel Brewing Company.The company has introduced hoppy, west Coast style beers to the Midwest, along with traditional German-style lagers which celebrate Southern Illinois’ heritage.

These are just a few of our unique and delicious food and beverage offerings from ILLINOISouth. Give them a try...and enjoy!

Meeting the Mennonites in Fayette County Martin Harness & Tack

We consider ourselves to be somewhat of an authority on what there is “to see and do” in ILLINOISouth.

When someone mentions a unique event or attraction that has escaped our view, we HAVE to check it out.

Such was the case when we were informed about the Mennonite community shops located seven country miles south of Vandalia on Hwy 51.

Given this issue’s theme of “Illinois Made” goods, this discovery could not have come at a more perfect time!

The tight-knit community began about 20 years ago along the county roads weaving through Fayette county farmland. Mennonite

people from Pennsylvania and other east coast locations made the journey to start a new life in a quieter location.You’ll know you’re in the right place when you pass Immanuel Lutheran Church, a pretty white church located on HWY 27 (AKA CR 900E, or E. 900 Ave.) Our first stop along the journey was Martin Harness & Tack, located on the 14-acre plot belonging to Douglas Martin. Doug has been doing saddle repair and custom leatherwork for around 6 years. His handmade goods include gun belts and holsters, wallets, saddle accessories, and basically anything else you’d ever want made out of leather.

When asked about how business has been, he joked that it’s great and “maybe a little better than some of my customers would like it to be.” This was apparent from the variety of tools and projects sprawled across his gas-lit workshop.

Custom leatherwork isn’t the only thing keeping Doug busy. He’s also on staff for the Central Illinois Produce Auction.

The wholesale auction featuring ALL locally-grown produce can bring in over $30K in each of their three weekly auctions in the height of the summer.

Whether selling delicious produce to markets from St. Louis to Chi-town, repairing saddles or creating leather goods, Doug has an eye for excellence.

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4 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016

from page 3 “I’ve discovered that if I offer the very best quality I can at a reasonable price, people love it.You can’t get good quality on the cheap” he quipped.

Quality goods abound throughout this area. Doug’s son Austin, the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children works down the way at Country View Furniture. Started in 2000 by Leroy Martin, Country View Furniture is known for gorgeous custom-cabinet solutions made of woods including maple, mahogany and many other fine options. Leroy also produces custom furniture, and often finishes other handcrafted pieces from Simply Amish Furniture to match his custom cabinets. Along with Austin, Leroy has his boy Derek, and a few others working with him. He commented on how they have the work down to a science with each man special-

es file Beehiv

Prairie Pro

Zimmerman’s Greenhouse

izing in one part of the process.

This allows them to efficiently handle the process from the initial measurements through installation.

On the other side of town, Leroy’s mother-in-law Anna Zimmerman runs the popular Zimmerman’s Greenhouse. During our visit over Mother’s Day weekend, Zimmerman’s was the center of a hustle and bustle that seemed out of place on roads traversed mostly by horse-drawn carriages. Zimmerman’s is open from early April through July 4 and reopens in September to sell mums and pumpkins. The gorgeous greenhouse (certainly the nicest I’ve seen) was a buzz with people picking out the perfect entryway display, hanging Country View basket or tropical plant –trucked in di- Furniture rectly from Florida. When asked about the incredible success of her business, Anna responded humbly with “I have to give God all the glory…I can’t make the plants grow. It’s hard work…and it’s worth it.”

That sentiment sums up what we saw throughout this unique ILLINOISouth community. At every stop, members of large families greeted us with a smile. This was certainly true upon our arrival at Prairie Profile. Marian Weaver took a break from her warm chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream to meet us with her toddler daughter in tow. She showed us the workshop where she and her husband build beehives for people in several states. Along with keeping bees, growing spicy peppers and raising sheep, building white pine and cypress beehives have become a booming business for the Weaver family.

The Dutch Prairie Mennonite Shops include variety shops, green houses, florists, hand cut meat, produce and many other goods and services offered by the hardworking, friendly residents. The Country Store on the edge of town offers a deli, bulk foods, gifts and more. They even serve lunch Monday – Saturday.

Make sure to grab one of their famous soft pretzels!

If you find yourself traveling down I-70 Monday – Saturday we certainly recommend you take the 15-minute jaunt off the highway and step back in time...

Visit www.bit.ly/ilsouthmennonites to download a map and directory listing of all the Dutch Prairie Mennonite Shops.

Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 • 5

800-442-1488

Hippie Hill Soaps

More ILLINOIS made…

Since this issue is all about ILLINOIS made, next time you’re in Norris City, check out Sands Consignment Studio. You’ll find originally designed, unique treasures not only by Proprietor Kathy Sands, but other artists as well!

Kathy enjoys printing on cloth and silk scarves; in fact, she actually dyes

and eaving Jon W y Stolberg Sand

WELCOME Several new faces are lighting up the office here at ILLINOISouth Tourism! We are pleased to announce two new Sales/Marketing Managers along with a Visitor Services Coordinator, who have joined our staff. Sandy and Jon will manage promotional projects, memberships and ad sales for members and partners across ILLINOISouth’s 22-county region.

Erin will maintain our master Calendar of Events listing & master mailing lists, coordinate group reservations for Cahokia Mounds and assist with various office projects.

Sandy Stolberg, a Belleville native and current St. Louis resident has 31 years of marketing, public relations and media experience. Along with owning her own PR firm, Sandy has worked for CBS Radio, the Riverfront Times and STL Today/The Post Dispatch. She has also worked in marketing and business development for several premium retail brands.

Jon Weaving is a long-time O’Fallon resident with 17 years of experience in sales, marketing, business development and management.

His resume includes both UPS and GCS Credit Union where he was the Marketing Manager. In 2008, he opened Jonny’s Pizza & Pasta in Fairview Heights as Owner/Operator. Jon holds a MA in Marketing from Webster University and a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing from McKendree University.

Erin Moore, a resident of O’Fallon graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sociology

Erin M

oore

and German. In fact, she was awarded the 2013 Outstanding German Student award from Murray State University Department of Modern Languages. Herzliche Glückwünsche!!

They are looking forward to assisting you in ILLINOISouth!

Silk

tudio

nds S

Sa es at scarv

them as well…then uses the cloth in some of her artwork! Other unique handmade finds include items such as this “Time Out Chair” created by Angie Hoffman of Carmi, IL. Angie has a funky style of painting using bright colors and lots of patterns. Her work is very popular and eye catching. Kay Wiggins from Hamilton County consigns her work at Sands Studio as well and enjoys handcrafting these beautiful baskets.

Make sure you check out the handmade soaps and lotions from Hippie Hill.

Owners Ray and Nancy Mitchell of Carmi make their soaps with Shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, olive oil and hemp oil! With Christmas just around the corner, these make great stocking suffers!

Enjoy these ILLINOIS Made products only in ILLINOISouth!

For further information contact Sands Studio, 618-383-2040.

“Time Out Chair” created by Angie Hoffman of Carmi, IL.

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Abe Cyrus, Gateway Tourist Information Center, New Baden

National Travel and Tourism Week Every year, the first week of May is designated National Travel and Tourism Week. This is a week for businesses and agencies to promote the economic importance of tourism – a top industry and job creator across much of the USA. Christine Sopiars and Erin Moore of our staff visited Tourist Information Centers in rest areas across the southern half of the state.

With goodies in hand (Abe’s Popcorn and SKI from EXCEL Bottling Co.), they said thank you to the people who hand out tourist information and welcome visitors to the area.

Terry Ragin, Rend Lake North Linda Lindsey, Rend Lake South Marlene Mezo, Reno Lake North

Ron Denbow, Rend Lake South

Congratulations!

The American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) recently announced Cahokia Mounds as a recipient of its 2016 Award of Merit for Wetlands and Waterways: The Key to Cahokia project! The 52foot, life-sized diorama exhibit depicts the importance of the extensive waterways and natural resources, to the growth and success of the culture that lived here from about AD 1000AD 1350. It features a 21-foot, 700year old dugout canoe and an accompaniment book.

The presentation of the award will be made at a special banquet during the 2016 AASLH/MMA Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan on Friday, September 16th. The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States.

For more information about the exhibit, visit: cahokiamounds.org

Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 • 7

800- 442-1488

CALENDAR of EVENTS

AUGUST 2016

July 28 – August 2 AIM National Youth Trapshooting Championships World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta 618-295-2700 July 30 – August 7 73rd Annual Novena to Our Lady of the Snows National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville Each evening focuses on a different aspect of healing: emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, etc. Music, special reflections, healing rituals and special prayers will conclude with a candlelight rosary procession. The Oblate fathers and brothers welcome you to this special novena. 618-397-6700

August 3 – 13 American Trapshooting Association Grand American World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta 618-295-2700 August 4 – 7 9–5 The Musical Breese Clinton County Showcase presents 9 –5 The Musical!

618-526-2866 August 4 – 9 Bond County Fair Bond County Fairgrounds, Greenville Enjoy music, food, farm exhibits, parade, animal judging and auctions.

Don’t miss tractor pulls, truck pulls, demolition derby, queen contest, various exhibits and other activities.

618-622-1412

July 31 – August 6 White County Fair Carmi 618-382-7606

August 5 – 6 US Redbone Days Olney 618-392-2241

July 31 – August 7 Marion County Fair Salem The 76th Marion County Fair will feature music, food and concessions.

Enjoy carnival rides, exhibits, children’s activities,livestock shows, motocross, and Queen & Little Miss Pageant. Don’t miss the ITPA tractor pull, rodeo, demolition derby and NTPA Grand National tractor pull.

618-548-1251

Rummage Sale Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo 618-939-6480

August 3 – 4 Old Settlers Days Downtown, Hillsboro The two days will be filled with food vendors, carnival rides, parades and fun for the whole family. Old Settlers is sponsored and coordinated by the Old Settlers Days Association & Committee.

217-313-6299 August 3 – 6 Lucas Oil Regional Drag Racing Series All-American Hot Rod Showdown Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison 618-215-8888

August 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 & 26 – 27 September 2 – 3 Summer Concert Fest Eckert’s Country Store & Farm Belleville Enjoy live music in the plaza area outside the Country Store. This FREE event is perfect for all ages. We will have kids’ activities and custard with appetizers and wine/beer available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a beautiful evening with family and friends. If it rains, the concert will be cancelled. 618-233-0513

To submit an event

, a Calendar of Event Form must be completed and submitted for each event. The form can be found at www.ILLINOISouth.org/events-upload.

Please keep in mind your events should be “visitor-friendly” and bring in people from outside your area. Priority is given to events that produce overnight stays.

Because of space limitations, we cannot include local fundraisers, regularly scheduled weekly/monthly activities (Bingo, Bunko, etc.), church picnics or fish/chicken dinners. We reserve the right to edit submissions.

Deadline for Event submissions: Spring/Summer Issue: January 15th, Fall Issue: May 1st, Holiday Issue: August 1st.

Event information received after this date is subject to exclusion in the Calendar of Event section

August 5 – 7 Mascoutah Homecoming & AugustFest Scheve Park, Mascoutah Live music, carnival rides, games, truck and tractor pulls, 4-H show, food and drinks.

Parades Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the Mascoutah Improvement Association. 618-566-2964 August 6 Lupus Wolfride GranFondo Bolm-Schahkraft Park, Columbia 800-958-7876 Trash & Treasures Village Yard Sale Maeystown Come out early in the morning and tour the village and shop.

618-458-6660 Archaeology Day Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville See demonstrations of ancient crafts, artifact processing, hands-on activities, dig tours and storytelling.

618-346-5160 Grass Fed Mule – Hillsboro Summer Concert Series Sherwood Forest Campground, Hillsboro Grass Fed Mule is a smoky bluegrass band with a healthy dose of jazz and funk. This concert features members from Acoustics Anonymous, Elemental Shakedown and other special guests! Admission is free.

Food and concert merchandise are for sale on site.

217-532-3711

Monroe County Bicentennial Palooza Monroe County Historic Courthouse Square,Waterloo This free event will celebrate Monroe County’s Bicentennial Year. The theme is Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War in commemoration of the speech given by Lincoln at the Courthouse in 1840. Activities include era demonstrations/reenactors, Lincoln & Grant, Fireman’s Muster, live music, food and refreshments.

618-939-8681 Quadruple Bypass 4K – Fit for Life Series Litchfield Lake Lou Yeager, Marina 1 Litchfield The 4K Hill Climb Run is part of the Fit for Life Series. There will be a $30 entry fee. The event is sponsored by M&M Multisport Club.

217-324-3935 RCHS 54th Annual Corn Fest, Charter Oak 8-sided School Charter Oak School, Schuline Join us for guided tours of the historic one-room schoolhouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Other features include the Country Store, music, $9 dinner: corn on the cob, fried chicken, Indian pudding, and more. The event is sponsored by Randolph County Historical Society.

618-826-2667 White Squirrel Triathlon Musgrove Park, Olney RCRC is hosting it’s annual triathlon!

618-395-7302

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8 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 from page 7 August 6, September 3 & October 8 Brick Street Classic Car Show Historic Downtown Lebanon Lebanon’s historic brick street is covered from one end to the other with a vast collection of over 100 classic cars and trucks from Southern Illinois and Missouri. Great 50s and 60s music plays throughout the event. Prizes are awarded for different categories. 618-537-8420 August 6 – 7 Hearts for the Arts Festival Pinckneyville City Park, Pinckneyville The festival at the Pinckneyville City Park serves as a fundraiser for the Perry-Jackson Child Advocacy Center and focuses on arts, crafts, and collectibles. The festival activities include a sidewalk chalk competition, food & craft vendors, wine from Pheasant Hollow, live music and dancing.

618-357-8775 August 7 Berger-Kiel Log House Open House Mascoutah Named to the National Register in 1999, the Berger Kiel Log House was built in 1864.Visit this historic home during Mascoutah’s Homecoming weekend.

618-566-9774 Flea Market Du Quoin State Fair Grounds Expo hall Du Quoin The flea market takes place every first Sunday of the month August through November.

618-542-8338 August 9 The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Area Youth Concert Series Miner Park, Glen Carbon Enjoy music played by talented young musicians.

618-593-2384 August 10 – 13 Ag Days Market Street, Mt. Carmel A 4-day Street Fair featuring entertainment, food vendors and rides! Admission and parking are both free.

618-262-5116 Cisne Reunion Cisne Square Enjoy this 4-day event including: Miss and Little Miss Cisne Reunion Pageant,Tiny Tot Pageant, music, craft and flea market vendors, childrens activities, live music and more!

618-588-0348 August 11 – 14 Gateway Dulcimer Music Festival National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville Enjoy music vendor booths and attend instructional classes for a variety of instruments including: mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, autoharp, guitar and more. The evening concerts feature professional instructors.

618-651-8271

August 12 Cruisin the Dam Car Show and Cruz-In at Carlyle Lake Mariner’s Village Resort, Carlyle Enjoy a late summer car show featuring vintage cars, live entertainment, food, games and plenty of fun. The event is sponsored by Carl’s 4 Wheel Drive of Bartelso and Misfit Motorsports Productions.

618-594-2484 Night at the Museums Waterloo All three of Waterloo’s Museums will be open with special events focusing on discovering historic Waterloo.

618-939-5300 August 12 – 13 St. George Church Picnic St. George Church, New Baden This annual event features games, food, bingo and basket raffles. 618-588-3813 Party at the Beach Veterans Park, Pontoon Beach Village of Pontoon Beach’s Annual Party at the Beach! Enjoy vendor booths, fire/police displays, carnival rides, childrens activities, bands/entertainment, food, drinks and a 5K run/walk.

618-931-6100 Sips & Tastes Community Park, Downtown Shiloh Enjoy delicious food and great music.

618-363-8694 Ceramic & Fired Arts Belle-Clair Expo Center, Belleville Shop for beautiful ceramics and more.

618-233-0052 August 12 – 20 Greenup-Cumberland County Fair Greenup 217-923-1507 August 13 Noble Community Chowder Noble Village Park, Noble 618-723-2212 Winestock Hidden Lake Winery

618-228-9111

August 14 Litchfield Pickers Market Downtown Litchfield, Litchfield This open-air market, specializing in items prior to 1980 with refurbished vintage and antique items, brings hundreds of vendors to the streets of downtown Litchfield. The event is sponsored by the Litchfield Tourism Office.

Admission is FREE. 217-324-8147

August 15 – 21 Clark County Fair Marshall Don’t miss nightly entertainment, the Fair Queen Contest, carnival rides and fair food.

217-826-2034 August 17 – 21 57th Annual Steam, Gas & Threshing Show Perry County Fairgrounds Pinckneyville The show begins on the night of August 17 with activities beginning on August 18. Featured this year are the Rumely Products Collectors 24th Annual Expo and the Allis-Chalmers Triple A Tractor Club. 618-654-9474 August 18, September 15 October 20 Diva Night Main Street, Belleville It’s a girls’ night out with open shops, prizes and a party.

618-233-2015 August 19 – 20 Columbia Days Metter Park, Columbia This summer festival features music, food, drinks, amusement rides, games and a parade.

618-281-7144 Freeburg Homecoming Freeburg Recreation Park, Freeburg A fun filled picnic with games, great food, raffles, music, truck and tractor pulls, washer tournament, art and craft show, rides, beverages and so much more!

618-304-8673 August 19 – 21 Ballon Fest Foundation Park, Centralia The Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival features 40 hot air balloons, races, glows, tethered balloon rides, main stage entertainment, craft fair, free children’s activity area and games, cardboard boat races, car show, fireworks and much more. There is a $3 admission charge per person per day.

618-553-7664

Spassfest Schoendienst Field, Germantown This annual 3-day event includes entertainment, music, food, dancing, games, rides and much more. Don’t miss the huge parade on Saturday and this year’s new event: Bierlauf (Beer Run) on Friday night. 618-523-4202 August 20 Annual West Salem Chowder West Salem The West Salem Chowder is held the third Saturday in August every year.

Come enjoy a bowl of chowder with friends and neighbors. 618-456-3167 Gateway Grizzlies Present: Bad Boys of Baseball GCS Ballpark, Sauget Don’t miss a Q&A with Jose Canseco and John Rocker and of course a great night of Grizzlies Baseball! A spectacular fireworks show will follow the game.

618-337-3000 White Squirrel Cruisers Car Show Olney City Park, Olney The White Squirrel Cruisers host their annual car show, and what a show it is!

618-838-5644

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800- 442-1488 August 20 – 21 September 17 – 18 October 15 – 16 Belleville Antique & Collectibles Flea Market Belle Clair Expo Center, Belleville There are over 600 tables and 300-400 vendors selling antiques and collectibles, with merchandise both old and new, both indoor and outdoor year round.

618-233-0052 August 21 Maeystown Fire Dept. BBQ & Show Us Your Ride Maeystown Enjoy great barbecue with cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors on display!

618-580-5875 Village of Noble Citywide Garage Sale Village of Noble Grab a bowl of piping hot, tasty chowder at this annual outing!

618-723-2212 August 26 Movies at Metter Park Metter Park, Columbia This free outdoor showing of a family movie on a big screen features The Lego Movie. Refreshments will be available. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket.

618-281-7144 ext. 134

August 26 – 27 Waterloo Homecoming Monroe County Courthouse,Waterloo The event features live music, carnival rides, games and plenty of food and drink offered by local organizations. A parade is featured on Saturday with floats and marching bands.

618-830-6293 St. Peter Prairie Days St. Peter Enjoy live entertainment nightly and a parade on Saturday.

618-322-0708 August 26 – 28 Midwest Salute to the Arts Moody Park at Longacre Fairview Heights Juried art show with more than 100 artists displaying and selling their work in eleven different mediums with children’s activities, music, food and a fun festival atmosphere.

Clark County Antique Power Club Clark County Fair Grounds, Marshall This event features a tractor show, demonstrations, kids activities, local vendors, Coon Holler Kids, entertainment, train barrel rides and just good ole fun!

217-826-2034

St. Paul Kirchenfest St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland Join in the fun with something for everyone: food, music, entertainment, auction, flea market, 5k or 2k run/walk, korbball and the EVER popular Bavarian Skillet!

618-654-3721 August 26 – September 5 Du Quoin State Fair Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin The impressive Midway brings families together. Livestock competitions for beef and dairy cattle along with 4-H and FFA entries, a full-fledged Big Top with circus animals, acts and grandstand entertainment are just a few of the offerings at the Fair.

618-542-1515 August 27 Little Pig Cook-Off BCDC Park, Beckemeyer In addition to blind judging awards, attendees will determine, by popular vote, the “Best Porksteak” and the “Best Site.”

Enjoy music and other activities including a bags tournament, raffles, kid’s area and more.

618-227-8331 Annual Fun in the Sun BBQ & Cruise-In Car Show New Baden Village Park Held annually on the 4th Saturday of August, there will be all licensed makes and models, trophies and dash plaques, awards presentations, food, drinks, 50/50 raffle, music and attendance prizes.

618-588-3813

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10 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 from page 9 August 27 Life Changing 10K – Fit for Life Series Litchfield High School, Litchfield The 10K Run is a part of the Fit for Life Series. Entry fee is $30.00. The event is sponsored by M&M Multisport Club in Litchfield, IL. 217-324-3935 Optimist Club 5k Run/Fun Walk Rogers Elementary School,Waterloo Come out for a 5K Run/Fun Walk in Waterloo, IL to benefit the Waterloo Optimist Club.

618-939-3970 Bronze Expressions 10 year Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Concert Centralia Cultural Society Community Arts Center, Centralia The night will begin at 6 p.m. with a social hour including appetizers and a complimentary glass of wine. Dinner and dessert will be served 6:47. The concert begins promptly at 7:30.

Make your Reservations by July 30th!

618-532-2951 A Night in Southeast Asia The Winegarten, Belleville Spend “A Night in Southeast Asia” with a full southeast Asian dinner, multiple dance performance, musical story telling, martial arts and a collection of local artisans and fair trade vendors. 20% of ticket sales will benefit Agape International Missions in Cambodia.

973-668-3032

August 27 – 28 October 1 – 2 Gun & Knife Show Belle-Clair Expo Center, Belleville This hunting and trade show is Illinois’ largest. The event features firearms and knife dealers. Buy, sell and trade guns, knives, ammo, scopes and accessories. FOID cards are processed.

618-233-0052

SEPTEMBER 2016 September 1 – 4 Grayville Days Downtown Grayville Grayville Days will have free live band entertainment, food vendors, craft vendors, big parade, activities for all ages and a spectacular fireworks show.

Don’t miss the challenging 5K on Saturday!

618-375-3671 September 2 – 3, 10 - 12 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Centralia Cultural Society Community Arts Center, Centralia Witness the works of the world’s most famous playwright performed by the Little Theatre Players of the Centralia Cultural Society.

618-532-2951 September 3 Berryville Chowder Berryville Community Bldg.

Berryville Line up and fill a bowl with this local favorite!

618-839-5081 Aaron Kamm and the One Drops – Hillsboro Summer Concert Series Sherwood Forest Campground Hillsboro The final concert for 2016 Hillsboro Summer Concert Series will feature Aaron Kamm and the One Drops.

Hailing from St. Louis, Aaron Kamm and the One Drops merge flavors of reggae, Mississippi River blues, improv-laced jams, and soulful vocals.

Admission is free.

217-532-3711 Vintage Motorcycle Show Olney City Park, Olney New to Olney this year – a Vintage Motorcycle Show! There is a $5 entry fee with prizes awarded!

618-395-7302 September 3 – 4 St. Louis Antique Show Belle Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville Find the best in vintage wares from 90 top quality antique dealers from around the nation. Refreshments are available for purchase. Admission is $6 for both days.

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800- 442-1488 September 3 – 4, 10 – 11, 17 – 18 & 24 – 25 Apple Fest Eckert’s Farm, Belleville Wagon rides, live entertainment, great festival foods, children’s activities and much more make this an apple pickin’ good time for everyone! Whether riding a pony or feeding a goat, your young ‘uns will enjoy getting acquainted with farm animals.

618-233-0513 September 3 – 6 St. Elmo Labor Day Downtown, St. Elmo Experience hometown charm this Labor Day with a parade, car show, gospel sing, vendors and live entertainment!

618-829-3319 September 3 – October 16 Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit: Water Ways Lawrence County Historical Center Lawrenceville The Water Ways exhibit is part of a multifaceted Smithsonian Institution initiative called Water Matters. This initiative includes not only Water Ways, but also H2O Today. Designed for small and rural museums, this exhibit will focus on relationships between people and water.

618-943-3900 September 4 Flea Market Du Quoin State Fair Grounds Expo Hall, Du Quoin The flea market is held every first Sunday of the month during the months of January through November.

618-542-8338 Historic Kaskaskia Church Tours and Picnic Kaskaskia, Kaskaskia Guided tours of Historic 1675 Immaculate Conception Church, Liberty Bell of the West and the first built Randolph County Courthouse and School. The event also features a World War II exhibit, the Tractor & Truck Pull, Horseshoe Tournament, Bingo, Country Store, and games for all ages. Traditional food and drinks are available.

618-826-2667 September 5 Labor Day Parade Downtown, Belleville Come out and see the Labor Day Parade!

618-233-6769 September 8 – 10 City Wide Garage Sale St. Jacob 618-667-8769 September 8 – 11 Antique Power Days Marion County Fairgrounds, Salem Come out for a consignment auction, flea market, toy show & auction, tractor pulls, parade of power, lawn & garden tractor pull, pedal pulls, equipment demonstrations, and church & memorial services. 618-548-1251

Clinton County Showcase Presents: Night of the Living Dead Breese 618-526-2866 September 9 EOCA Color Run Musgrove Park, Olney East Orchard Christian Academy is hosting their annual Color Run 5k with a bounce house and games for children! There will be a $30 early registration and a $35 registration on the day of the event. 618-395-7302 Discover Historic Waterloo: Block Party Waterloo Visit the participating merchants, museums and historic sites to discover what makes the community special.

618-939-8600 September 9 – 10 St. Joseph’s Parish Picnic Freeburg Sample our famous fish fry and chicken dinners. There’s also live music, kids’ activities, quilt raffle, quilt bingo, Country Store and more.

618-539-3209 Village of Shiloh Picnic Shiloh Community Park, Shiloh The 64th Shiloh Picnic begins Friday with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. Both evenings include carnival rides, various vendor booths, great food and music. Parking is FREE! 618-632-2411 x119 Geff Frontier Days Downtown, Geff The event features the reenactment of Frontier Days.

618-897-2592 Shadows of Elmwood The Flora Depot, Flora The historic tour of Flora’s Elmwood Cemetery begins and ends at the Flora Depot. Patrons will board hayride wagons and will be transported to Elmwood Cemetery.You’ll stay aboard the wagon and find several interesting characters waiting to tell their stories.

The tours begin at 5 p.m.

618-713-1764 September 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24 & 30 October 1, 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 & 28 – 29 Haunted Hayrides Eckert’s Farm, Millstadt There’s lots of ghoulish fun for young and old during this hayride through the haunted orchard at Eckert’s Farm.

618-233-0513 September 9 – 11 37th Annual Popeye Picnic Chester Celebrate a special piece of history in the birthplace of Popeye the Sailor Man! The event includes carnival rides, inflatables, food, bands, a flea market, car cruising, bands, balloon art, juggling, cartoons, a statue unveiling, a pet show, a wiener dog race, a 5K, wrestling, trivia and and an RC airplane show.

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14 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 from page 11 Homestead Harvest Days Louis Latzer Homestead, Highland This 3-day event is packed with activities including demonstrations of threshing, old-time crafts, gas and steam engines, antique tractors and tours of the most modern house in the early 1900’s. Enjoy refreshments as you sit in the shade listening to old-time music. Kids can enjoy a pedal tractor pull, tub train rides and a petting zoo!

618-654-3721 September 10 Village Wide Yard Sales Albers 618-248-5154 Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash Monroe County Fairgrounds,Waterloo Thirty-five of the Champion Bull Riders’ greatest cowboys battle against the toughest 2000 lb., four-legged bovine athletes in the country. Activities for the kids, cold beverages and other refreshments are available.

618-477-7240 Court House Cruise-In (Car Cruise) Downtown, Greenville Registration begins at 4 p.m. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 entries. Six $25 attendance prizes for vehicle participants will be awarded, with a drawing every 30 minutes.

Admission is FREE. Proceeds from the 50/50 drawing benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.

618-664-2244 Harvest Festival Downtown, Martinsville This event features city wide yard sales, entertainment, vendors and exhibits.

217-276-7578 Highland Street Art Festival Highland Square, Highland Join us on the downtown Highland Square, where over 50 talented artists turn the streets into canvases using chalk! There will be great food, entertainment, Kid’s corner and Art expo.

Bring the whole family to this unique event. There is something for everyone! The event is sponsored by the Highland Chamber of Commerce.

618-654-3721 Kay Weber Presents Craft & Vendor Show Belle-Clair Expo Building, Belleville The show will have a large amount of quality crafters and vendors and door prizes every hour!

618-233-0940 Olney Bicycle Classic Olney City Park, Olney Join us for the Olney Chamber of Commerce Bicycle Classic, plus the free TrustBank Family Ride and free children’s races at the Olney City Park.

All participants receive a free t-shirt.

618-392-2241 Songs 4 Soldiers Bolm-Schuhkraft Park, Columbia Enjoy free concerts from Clusterpluck, Dave Glover Band, Pettycash Junction, Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys, Where’s Charlie?, and Superjam. Donations are accepted. 100% of the proceeds are used to help our veterans. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Kids will enjoy games and a bounce house!

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St. Mary’s Autumn Fest Centralia The all day festival features a 5K Run/Walk, a kid and pet walk, inflatables, games, a cake walk, food vendors and live entertainment. 618-533-7664 Troy Family Summer of Fun Tri-Township Park,Troy Bring the whole family out to enjoy the Troy Family Festival of Fun, the Troy City-Wide Garage Sale and the Bradley R. Smith 5K run!

618-667-8769 Missouri Atlatl Association Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville Annual competition and demonstration of this ancient spear throwing device.

618-346-5160 September 10 – 11 UBDRA – Black Sunday Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison 618-215-8888 American Indian Education Days Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville Learn about Indian customs, beliefs, dress, programs, crafts and arts.

618-346-5160 Carlyle Wine & Art Festival Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery Carlyle This two day event features wineries, crafters, artists, vendors, live music and more. Admission is $10.

618-594-8830 Jasper County Fall Festival Jasper County Courthouse Square Newton Come celebrate fall in Jasper County at this two day festival featuring free music, games, and crafts for all ages.

Enjoy the Parade of Bands, an antique car show on Saturday morning and gospel concerts on Sunday.

618-783-3399 Muzzle Loading Black Powder Artillery Safety School Fort de Chartres State Historic Site Prairie du Rocher Artillery reenactors participate in yearly safety training and demonstrate live cannon firing. Training runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and live firing demonstrations are on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

618-284-7230 September 11 Litchfield Pickers Market Downtown, Litchfield Sponsored by the Litchfield Tourism Office, this open-air market, specializing in items prior to 1980 and refurbished vintage and antique items, brings hundreds of vendors to the streets of downtown Litchfield.

Admission is FREE. 217-324-8147

800- 442-1488 Litchfield Triathlou Lake Lou Yaeger Beach House Litchfield Sponsored by the Litchfield Tourism Office and joined by RaceMaker Production, Lake Lou Yaeger will host the annual Sprint & Olympic distance triathlon.

217-324-8147 Moment of Remembrance Ceremony Fire Administration Office, Belleville The City of Belleville and the Committee to Construct the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois invite the general public to a ceremony honoring all who perished 9/11/2001 with Phase 1 of the 9/11 Memorial featuring an actual WTC artifact.

618-233-6518, x1245 9/11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois 5K Run/Walk Belleville 618-233-6769 September 14 – 17 Fairfield Fall Fun Fest Downtown Fairfield Welcome Fall, Fairfield style!

618-842-6116 September 15 – 17 Elmwood Speaks Elmwood Cemetery, Centralia The event features a historic tour of Elmwood Cemetery, written and enacted by actors of the Centralia Cultural Society.

618-533-7664 September 15 – 18 Southeastern Vintage Trailer Rally Red Hills State Park, Sumner Visit the Open House on Saturday from 11 a.m – 3 p.m. and see the vintage campers on display.

618-263-2811 September 16 Family Hike Night Silver Lake Park, Highland Follow the trail at Highland’s Silver Lake Park and look for a variety of animals and insects. Then, look to the stars through a telescope and see what hides in the sky. The evening concludes with refreshments by the fire.

618-651-1386 September 16 – 17 Fall Music Festival Downtown,Vandalia Enjoy a variety of vendors, merchants, sidewalk sales, bingo, and activities and inflatables for the children.

618-283-2728 Italian Fest Uptown, Collinsville Since 1983, Collinsville has celebrated the Italian culture and heritage of the city. The Fest is a family friendly event, and there’s something for everyone including a parade, a grape stomp, bands, food, a 5K run, plus much, much more.

618-344-2884 Oktoberfest Celebration Belleville Public Square, Belleville Celebrate a German Heritage Festival in downtown Belleville featuring live bands, a children’s area, beer, wine and food courts.

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September 16 – 18 Whale of a Sail Regatta CSA Harbor, Hazlet Park Carlyle Lake, Carlyle This racing and social event is open to all sailboats and is attended by sailors from places throughout the Midwest.

A package of social events may be purchased for those not participating in the racing. Limited crew positions on cruising race boats will be available with advance reservation.

314-325-WAVE (9283) Fall Classic Trap Shoot World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta This registered trapshooting event is held on the grounds of the Grand American.

618-295-2700 Hill’s Fort Living History Event Farm Heritage Museum Greenville This event features soap making, wood-working, rope making, blacksmith, butter churning, apple butter making, cornhusk dolls, cast-iron cooking and games for kids.

Plus, re-enactors of the Hill’s Fort Battle and 1812 Rangers will be there.

Friday the 16th features School Days.

Admission is free.

618-664-9733 Marshall Autumn Fest Marshall Marshall Autumn Fest is loaded with fun, great food, and amazing shopping that you can’t find anywhere else! The fest features a large parade, a 5k run, craft vendors, fun activities for the kids, top notch entertainment for every age, and a car & bike show.

217-251-3034 Wheat Fair and Festival 511 South Hanover, Okawville Plan to attend this year’s Okawville Agricultural Products Fair! On Friday evening at 7:00 PM, there will be a Queen pageant. On Saturday, there will be Carnival rides, food and beverages, games, an antique tractor pull and a washers tournament.

Sunday will feature farm, homemaking, and 4-H exhibits and school projects. There will also be a large float parade. 618-243-5694

September 17 Country Fest East Fork Arena, Olney The White Squirrel Saddle Club will again host Country Fest! Join us at the lake for live music, food and beverage!

618-395-7302 Paint History Plein Air Art Auction Downtown, Belleville View artists at work during this art exhibition in downtown Belleville.

Artwork will be auctioned to the public.

618-233-6769 Wamac Fall Festival Wamac City Park, Centralia Join the fun with a carnival, entertainment, food, games, sport competitions, live bands, kids games and a beer garden!

618-533-7664 Art on the Bluffs Art Walk Main Street, Columbia Come out and enjoy talented artists, musicians, theater, food and activities for the kids.

618-281-7144 Salem Apple Fest Bryan Memorial Park, Salem Taste the fruit from the apple orchards and enjoy craft vendors, exhibits, food, concessions, live music, apple dessert contest, kids’ games and pony rides.

618-548-3010 Community Yard Sale Freeburg Yard sales are set up all over town. It’s a true treasure hunt!

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16 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 from page 15 September 17 Outrageous Dog Show Downtown Fairfield Registration at 3:30 p.m. and show at 4:00 p.m.

618-599-1107 September 17 – 18 5th Annual Caseyville Frontier Days Caseyville Park, Caseyville Reenactor encampment shows life as it was during the Frontier Days.Talk with reenactors, watch demonstrations and visit the kids’ area. Food and frontier goods are available for purchase. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine.

Reenactors call 618-540-2399 for more info. Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

618-540-2399 September 18 RCHS Creole House Tours Historic Creole House, Prairie du Rocher Guided tours of the Historic ca. 1800 French/American Transitional Creole House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will take place.

618-826-2667 September 23 Free Fall Movie in the Park Laderman Park, Belleville The Belleville Parks and Recreation Department invites you and your family to our FREE Movie in the Park Night!

Bring lawn chairs or blankets and catch Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip.

618-233-1416 September 23 – 24 Norris City Dairy Days Norris City The festival celebrates agriculture in the Norris City area with music and lots of food. The queen contest takes place on Friday night and the parade takes place on Saturday.

618-378-3453 Apple Butter Making The Rock Mill, Maeystown Receive instruction in the art of making apple butter at the restored 1859 rock mill. See demonstrations of various methods of apple peeling and stirring. Friends of Maeystown willing to help peel apples or to donate two hours of stirring time: please call David Braswell.

618-458-6660 Bluegrass Reunion & Jam Session Charley Brown Park, Flora 618-662-8313

Nashville Fall Festival Courthouse Lawn & Square Nashville Come join in on the fun: Angel For Autism 5-K run/walk, craft/vendor and food booths, kids area & petting zoo, live entertainment both days, princess & superhero parade and pet parade.

618-327-3700 September 23 – 25 Gem & Jewelry Show Gateway Center, Collinsville Enjoy a marketplace of gems, beads and jewelry. Intergem brings the largest selections at the lowest prices. There is something for everyone! 301-294-1640 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series AAA Insurance Midwest Nationals Gateway Motorsports Park Dragplex Madison The biggest names in professional drag racing will converge on the GMP Dragplex at speeds in excess of 300 mph. The event includes Top Fuel Dragster, Funny Car and Pro Stock competition.

618-215-8888 September 24 Fireman’s Tractor Pull BCDC Park, Beckemeyer 618-227-8331 Zion UCC Donut Dash 5K/1 Mile Fun Run New Baden Village Park A 5K where you are actually rewarded for eating donuts!

618-588-3813 Appleknocker Festival Flora High School, Flora The festival celebrates all things apple – the best fall fruit. This year, the Kahok Dancers will perform along with other entertainment and activities for the whole family.

618-662-8894

Olney Arts Council Fall Festival Olney City Park The Olney Arts Council hosts their annual Fall Festival! Enjoy the works of various artisans while enjoying entertainment at the Bandshell and a variety of food booths. Don’t miss the fire truck rides for the young ones!

618-395-2868 Chalk It Up! Freeburg Children from kindergarten through 8th grade show off their creativity with sidewalk chalk. Children’s activities and awards are included.

618-539-5429 Wayne City Bean Days Main Street, Downtown Wayne City Annual Festival including a parade, pageant, free ham and beans, music and more!

618-842-4802 September 24 – 25 Fall Festival Courthouse Square, Nashville The 36th Annual Fall Festival, sponsored by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.This is an outdoor event with craft/vendor booths, food booths, a kids’ area, music and entertainment.

618-327-3700 September 25 5th Annual Wheels and Wine Car Show The Weingarten, Belleville Save the date for the 5th Annual Wheels and Wine Car Show hosted by the St. Clair County East Rotary benefiting Hospice of Southern Illinois on September 25th at The Weingarten.

Registration is from 9 a.m. – Noon, or when filled. Awards begin at 4 p.m. $20 for judged cars and $15 for display only.

618-257-9463 Columbia FestiFall Metter Park, Columbia Come celebrate fall with free fun for the whole family featuring music and dancing by Smash Band. Kids will enjoy the rock climbing wall, bounce houses, games and crafts. Adults will delight in the unique merchandise vendors and great food including authentic German pancakes, beer and wine.

618-281-7144 ext. 134 Fall Equinox Sunrise Observance Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville Meet at Woodhenge Reconstruction at 6:35 a.m. to observe the Fall Equinox Sunrise and hear an informal talk about Woodhenge and its importance.

618-346-5160 September 28 – October 1 Enfield Mule Days Enfield The festival celebrating mule breeding in Enfield was established 1921. The festival includes a gospel sing, kids’ games, baby and tot contests, queen contests, street dance, bingo, music, prize drawings and annual fun events such as beard growing or look-alikes.

Don’t miss the pet parade and craft show followed by a parade and mule judging on Saturday. 618-963-2621 Fall Festival Greenup Shop the crafts and flea market and enjoy the entertainment and festival food. Don’t miss the large car show on Sunday! The queen pageant will take place on 9/27.

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September 30 – October 1 Parish Festival Holy Family Church, Cahokia Enjoy carnival rides, raffle, food and entertainment, not to mention basket and cake booths. It’s fun for everyone.

618-337-4548 September 30 – October 2 Archon 39 Convention Gateway Center, Collinsville Archon is an annual science fiction convention.

800-289-2388

OCTOBER 2016 October 1 Fall City-Wide Yard Sale Grayville Pick up a map to all the area yard sales.

618-375-3671 Little Egypt Festival Salem This day-long festival features a car show, children’s activities, a parade, a 5K run, a horse show, arts, crafts, flea market, food, concessions and other entertainment.

618-355-1575 Apple Day Downtown, Greenville Join us on the Square for a biathlon race, an apple dessert contest, live music, bake sales, games and crafts!

618-664-9272 Lebanon’s Fall Festival Lebanon Come see more than 100 crafters’ handmade items and enjoy the food, music and children’s activities at this family-oriented event. 618-537-2764 Fall Farm Day Willoughby Farm, Collinsville Hayrides, live bluegrass music, vintage farm tools, kids’ activities and more make this a fun day.

618-346-7529 Nature Culture Hike Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville Enjoy a three-mile hike through archaeological and natural areas.

618-346-5160 Belleville Fall Museum Day Belleville Join the St. Clair County Historical Society, Belleville Historical Society, Labor & Industry Museum and the Gustave Koerner House for a fun, educational day of exhibits, hands-on activities, demonstrations, food, drink and more. Explore the lives of women in history with us! Admission is FREE! 618-531-7753 Du Quoin Fall Festival Keyes City Park, Du Quoin The 4th Annual Fall Festival features craft vendors from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Enjoy bands and kids activities throughout the day including a bounce house, face painting and pumpkin painting. Don’t miss the annual Chili Cook-off at 12 p.m.!

618-318-0430 Sooeyfest Neoga Come join us for our annual Sooeyfest! Enjoy free ham & bean dinner, kids games, a pie contest, a soup contest, a petting zoo, a pork smoke-off, a beer tent and entertainment! Admission is FREE, and the event is sponsored by Neoga Partnership for Progress.

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800- 442-1488 Tour de Bluffs Bike Ride Prairie du Rocher Enjoy your choice of a 12, 25 or 42 mile Benefit Bike Ride, Scenic flat American Bottom Ride, or Bluff Ride. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the ride beginning at 9 a.m.

Early registration is $20, and registration on the day of the ride is $25.

Lunch is included. The event is sponsored by Randolph County Historical Society and Prairie du Rocher Chamber of Commerce.

618-826-2667 October 1 – 2 5th Annual West Fork Encampment Lake Lou Yaeger, Picnic Area #4 Litchfield Take a walk through this historic reenactment of life in the 1800’s complete with artillery and historical demonstrations. Both campers and public are welcome. Admission is free; a fee is required for time period camping. The event is sponsored by the Litchfield Tourism Office.

217-324-8147 Annual Fort De Chartres French and Indian War Encampment Fort de Chartres State Historic Site Prairie du Rocher See 1750s historically dressed Native Americans, soldiers, militia and camp follower re-enactors participate in everyday camp activities.

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October 1 – 2, 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 22 – 23 & 29 – 30 Jumpin’ Pumpkin Jamboree Eckert’s Farm, Belleville Ride the wagons to the pumpkin patch to search for your great pumpkin. Our pumpkins range from a couple of pounds to more than 150 pounds, so we are sure to have the perfect jack-o-lantern for you! Wagon rides, country music, live entertainment, pony rides, funnel cakes and festival foods, children’s activities and petting farm make this a fun-filled weekend for everyone!

618-233-0513 October 1, 8, 15 Annual Squirrel Count Olney Come help with the Annual White (and gray) Squirrel count of Olney. Each counter will be given a specific area of the town to count.Volunteers are always welcomed.

Please, call today to reserve your counting area today!

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October 1 – 31 Special Exhibit: Mourning Col. Stephenson Col. Benjamin Stephenson House Edwardsville Join us as we explore the macabre side of the Stephenson House history. Col. Stephenson died in the house on October 10, 1822, and visitors will get a glimpse of the mourning customs practiced by the family almost two hundred years ago.

618-692-1818 Pumpkin Pickin’ at Rainbow Ranch Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo & Exotic Farm, Nashville Come to the farm to meet the animals and find the perfect pumpkin for your jack-o-lantern.

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18 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016

from page 17 October 2 Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show Downtown, Grayville 50 trophies will be awarded for the show. Dash plaques and grab bags are awarded to the first 100 entries, plus prizes and giveaways through the day.

618-375-7158 Clinton County Amazing Race New Baden Village Park Enjoy family-friendly challenges at 10 locations throughout Clinton County.

Teams of 2-6 people will follow clues to the next location. Complete the challenge at each location to get your next clue. Enjoy food, raffles, games and an auction.

618-588-3813 Du Bois Center Fall Festival Du Bois Center, Du Bois Come out for food, music, crafts, pontoon boat, hay wagon and arena horse rides at this family-friendly event.

618-787-2202 Ripson Bridge Fall Festival Sorento Enjoy a fun day with crafters, music and food!

618-664-9272 50/50 Antique Auction Col. Benjamin Stephenson House Edwardsville Come find an antique treasure at the annual 50/50 Antique Auction. A variety of collectibles are offered including: ceramics, crocks and jugs, Native American artifacts, antique pocket knives, fishing equipment, holiday decor, costume jewelry, toys and furniture.

618-692-1818 Artificat Identification Day Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville Bring in artifacts for archaeologist to identify.

618-346-5160 Flea Market Du Quoin State Fair Grounds Expo Hall, Du Quoin Visit the flea market every first Sunday of the month, January through November.

618-542-8338 October 3 St. Bernard’s Fall Fest St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Albers Bring the whole family! Join us for great food and fall activities! Good times are guaranteed! 618-248-5112

October 4 – 8 Fairfield Plein Air Paint Out Fairfield Fairfield artists come to town for several days to paint local subjects, have their piece judged in the show and sell their works. 618-842-7318 October 6 -9 Vietnam War Memorial Bryan Memorial Park, Salem Dedicated to the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and all who served in the Vietnam War. 618-548-2222 October 7 – 8 33rd Annual Chili Cook-off Belleville Public Square, Belleville Enjoy samples or bowls of various chilis with a People’s Choice Award competition. Enjoy live music from Fan Fare, Well Hungarians and Queens Boulevard. Activities include the 4th Annual Chili Chase 5k Run/Walk & Kids Pepper Dash, a children’s area, plus the 10th Annual Junior Idol competition!

618-233-6769 Steeleville Octoberfest Front of Steeleville Village Hall Steeleville The fun begins Friday evening with a parade and continues with food, beer, music, craft fair, washer tournament, kids’ activities and a variety show.

618-985-3134 City-Wide Garage Sale & Merchants Sale Breese 618-526-7731 Forever Vintage Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville Experience a gathering of talented vendors who specialize in creating, collecting and selling vintage wares.

618-233-0052 October 7 – 9 Midwest Jr.’s Super Series Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison 618-215-8888 Chestnut Festival St. Francisville Join us for the 41st Annual Chestnut Festival and Riverfest. Activities include carnival rides, games, bike show, live music all in a historic river town. There will be food and craft vendors on hand. Be sure to visit the historic Wabash Cannonball Bridge from Vincennes, Indiana.

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October 7 – 9, 14 – 16 Clinton County Showcase presents: November Avon Theater, Breese 618-526-2866 October 8 11th Annual Red Hill Dulcimer Festival United Methodist Church, Sumner The 11th Annual event features mountain and hammered dulcimer, Irish whistle, ukulele and guitar workshops with a concert in the evening.

618-928-1507 Fall Festival North Park, Breese Head to North Park in Breese for fun and entertainment!

618-526-7731 Fall Festival Moody Park at Longacre Fairview Heights Enjoy games, rides, crafts, food and a monster egg hunt!

618-489-2040 Fall Fest on the Farm Marcoot Jersey Creamery, Greenville Visitors of all ages have lots to do and see at this free, family-friendly event.

Kids can participate in several interactive activities and also have the opportunity to adventure through our hay maze. We have a number of our artisan cheeses available to sample, as well as other delicious treats available for purchase. Our pumpkin patch is also open for pumpkin and gourd picking. During your visit, don’t forget a stop in our calf barn to visit and pet the new calves or to milk one of our simulated cows.

618-664-1110 Freeburg Chamber of Commerce Fall Fest & Chili Cook-Off Freeburg Village Park Make a day of tasting delicious chili and more.

618-410-4077 PumpkinFest Courthouse Square,Waterloo The festivities begin with a 5K Run/Walk and continue with music, craft and merchant booths, pumpkin painting, pumpkin games, and all kinds of pumpkin contests, a washer tournament, demonstrations, face painting, food and lots more!

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3rd Annual World War II Days Fort de Chartres State Historic Site Prairie du Rocher This event is co-sponsored by the LAH Living History Association and the U.S. 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion of St. Louis. It will be a largescale event featuring World War 2 era static displays, demonstrations, and re-enactments.

618-284-7230 4th Annual Chili Chase & Kids Pepper Dash Downtown, Belleville Hosted by: The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce Presenting Sponsor: SSM Physical Therapy Chili Chase Registration Fee: Adults $20, Youth $15 (16 & under). Late Registration Fee: $25 after September 21; $30 day of race. Kids Pepper Dash: $5 (13 &under).

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Applefest Schwartz Orchard, Centralia Enjoy a fun filled day of activities at Schwartz Orchard including games, straw maze and face painting. There will also be baked goods, mums, pumpkins and apple cider available.

618-533-7664 Celebrate Centralia Carillon Park and Downtown Centralia A festival of art, wine and music! Local artisans, musicians, crafters, wineries, craft brewers and food vendors converge for a festival around the Carillon in downtown Centralia.

618-533-7664 Chili Cook Off Hanover St., Okawville Enjoy chili tasting and best chili awards with additional food items available. Beer, soda and other beverages are available. There will also be entertainment and wine tasting.

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20 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 from page 19 October 8 Fall Family Festival The American Farm Heritage Museum, Greenville Enjoy pumpkin painting, the children’s costume contest, games, face painting, train rides, prizes, food. The event also features the Lil’ Red Barn Museum, crafts and vendors.

618-664-9733 Hillsboro Harvest Market Downtown, Hillsboro Don’t miss this European-style Harvest Market sponsored by Imagine Hillsboro!

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes food, music, handmade art, breads, cheese, meat, jellies, cake, wine and coffee.

217-313-6299 Les Amis Du Fort De Chartres Brewfest Prarie Du Rocher The brewfest offers bi-state craft beer lovers an invitation to explore great beers and history together, enticing patrons to explore Southwest Illinois’ explosion of craft breweries in a unique unforgettable setting.

217-284-7230 October 8 – 9 Art in the Park Lindendale Park, Highland The vibrant colors of Autumn provide the perfect canvas to paint a relaxing weekend filled with fine art, mouth-watering food and superb entertainment. Lindendale Park offers a tranquil setting where nearly 70 professional artists display their work.

Attendees can shop for art in 12 categories.

618-654-4727

Berryville Vineyards Harvestfest Berryville Vineyards, Claremont Fun & excitement await you at our Harvestfest commemorating the new vintage.

Live music will flow through the breeze.

Hayrides will be had, bottles busted, grapevine wreaths tossed, and hearts will be gladdened by the juice from the surrounding hills. Admission is $10.

618-869-2054 Carmi Corn Day Carmi Sponsored by the Carmi Kiwanis Club, Corn Day includes a pet parade, a car show and a large parade. There will be evening entertainment.

618-382-7606 Pegasus Productions Psychic Fair Gateway Center, Collinsville Come to the psychic fair for an educational, interesting and spiritually uplifting experience to nurture and encourage all who are on the path of growth and enlightenment.

812-925-3039

October 9 Oktoberfest Maeystown Browse more than 50 artisans, crafters, dealers and numerous food stands. The village specialty shops, bed and breakfast, restaurants and museum are open.

618-458-6660 Motorcycle Swap Meet Belle-Clair Expo Center, Belleville This gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts features over 300 booths of new and used parts for Harley-Davidson Cycles, plus accessories and related items.

618-233-0052 Litchfield Pickers Market Downtown, Litchfield This open-air market, specializing in items prior to 1980 and refurbished vintage and antique items, brings hundreds of vendors to the streets of downtown Litchfield. Admission is FREE, and the event is sponsored by the Litchfield Tourism Office.

217-324-8147

October 13 Witches Ghoulish Night Out Columbia A fabulous night of shopping and prizes. Dress the part –witches costume, hat and broom—for the contest.

618-281-7144 October 14 – 15 Super Chevy Show Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison 618-215-8888

October 14 - 16 American Thresherman Fall Festival Perry County Fairgrounds Pinckneyville This event features daily demonstrations and displays of steam and gas engines, draft horses and pony activities, rope making, saw mill, corn shredding and shelling. Enjoy cider and apple butter making, blacksmithing, steam train rides and much more. This is a family fun weekend!

618-318-0745

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800- 442-1488 October 15 – 16 Highland Civic Woman’s Pumpkin Fest Highland Bring the whole family to this twoday event with rides, concessions, raffle baskets, craft vendors, home sales vendors, food and beverages.

There are pumpkin pie eating contests, and pumpkins are for sale. Music and photography is provided by Voegele Studio.

618-654-3721 Noble Con Gaming Convention Olney Central College,West Richland Center, Noble Noble Con is one of the first gaming conventions to hit southeastern Illinois. This exciting event features games of all types: pen and paper role playing games, board games, miniature war games and CCGs. Registration is only $5.00 per day, and children under 8 are free. Don’t miss the Drone Wars Obstacle Course & Scavenger Hunt for an additional fee!

812-891-3447 October 15 Fall Fest & Chili Cook-Off Mascoutah This annual event has something for the entire family. There’s a Chili Cookoff, Car Show, craft & product vendors, children’s area, food and entertainment. In the Chili Cook-off, you can sample over 20 kinds of chili from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m..

618-566-7355 5th Annual Freaky Five Halloween 5K and Bonfire Caseyville Park, Caseyville Runners and walkers can get in the Halloween spirit with an evening 5K followed by a bonfire, food and music.

Tombstone awards will be given out for overall winners, with medals for age group winners, and event shirts for all participants. Pre-race activities start at 3pm, and the 5K starts at 5pm.

618-540-2399 Chili Cook Off & Arts and Crafts Dupo Community Park, Dupo In addition to the great chili booths, enjoy arts and crafts, prizes, food, music, games and walk-of-honor ceremony.

618-286-3280 Historic Messinger Cemetery Walk Messinger Cemetery, Belleville Join the St. Clair County Historical Society for an entertaining fall stroll through the historic Messinger Cemetery. Learn about the cemetery’s history. The historic Messinger School will be open. The cost to attend is $15 per person to support the Historical Society.

618-234-0600 Scarecrow Festival Cole Memorial Park, Chester This unique fall festival features a craft/vendor sale, art in the park, a scarecrow competition and displays, carnival events for the kids, a hayride, and a marshmallow and hot dog roast.

618-826-1430

October 16 Leclaire Parkfest Leclaire Park, Edwardsville Leclaire Parkfest is a celebration of the Leclaire National Historic District. The event features live Dixieland Jazz and Bluegrass music; wine and beer garden; delicious festival food; artisan booths; games and facepainting for children; narrated trolley tours of the Historic District, a book sale and vintage car display.

618-656-1294 St. Bernard’s Wurstmarkt St. Bernard’s Parish Center, Albers Enjoy fresh pork sausage, roast beef, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, green beans and home-made desserts.

618-248-5154 October 21 – 22 Haunted Trail McDonald’s, Carlyle Climb aboard a hay wagon in the McDonald’s and take a hay ride down to a trail where ghosts and ghouls hide.

618-594-2484 October 22 Halloween Hi-Jinks & Square Scare Columbia Main Street merchants have stocked up on treats for the little princesses, ghosts and all!

618-281-7144 Spooktacular 5K/Costume Contest Mt. Carmel Join in a costume 5K, kids’ fun run and costume contest.

618-262-5116 October 23 Oktoberfest Hidden Lake Winery, Aviston Enjoy German food, beer, wine and live music.

618-228-9111 Youth in Action Fall Fest Mt. Carmel Enjoy free games, free youth activities, hay rides and free food. Admission and parking are both free. 618-262-5116

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22 • Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016 from page 21 October 23 O’Fallon United Methodist Church Craft Fair O’Fallon Methodist Church, O’Fallon The craft fair benefits the missions program in the church. Food and concessions are available on site for purchase.

618-632-2354 October 23 – 31 Annual Halloween Parade & Fall Festival Craft Fair Centralia Recreation Complex & Downtown, Centralia This parade is older than the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade and features floats, marching units, horses, antique fire trucks, costumed characters, school bands and more. The Fall Festival is held during the day with a children’s parade, chili cook-off, mini train rides, haunted house, craft fair, games for the kids, food and car show. Admission is only $1.00!

618-532-3214

Trust Bank Halloween Parade Downtown, Olney Ghouls of all ages are welcome in costume to enjoy the annual Halloween Parade. The parade begins at Trust Bank and end at Bower Park.

618-395-4311 October 28 – 30 Louisville Fall Festival Downtown, Louisville Celebrate Fall in Louisville!

618-665-3348 October 29 The Flora Halloween Parade Flora 618-662-5646 Chili & Soup Cook-Off and Cupcake Wars New Baden Village Park Enjoy a Tasters’ Choice competition for both chili and soup with prizes awarded in both categories. Families will find a craft fair, touch-a-truck equipment display, bounce houses, etc.

618-588-3813

October 24 Toledo Kiwanis Halloween Celebration Toledo 217-849-2000

Greenup Halloween Celebration Greenup Celebrate Halloween in Greenup!

217-923-3401

October 27 Lions Halloween Parade Downtown,Vandalia See this fun annual parade down Gallatin St. featuring floats, marching bands, costumed entries and more!!!

618-283-2728

Miles for Meals 5K/Walk New Baden Village Park 618-588-3813

October 28 Downtown Halloween Trick or Treat Belleville Trick or Treat through 3 blocks of East Main Street (from High Street to Charles Street) Downtown Belleville.

Admission is free.

628-233-6810 Highland News Leader Trick or Treat Trail Downtown Square, Highland This spooky spectacular, offers children,10 and under, a chance to trick or treat in costume at area merchants and collect clues for the scavenger hunt.

Once all clues are collected they are placed in a drawing for a special prize!

The event is sponsored by the Highland News Leader and downtown merchants.

618-654-2366

Pumpkin Patch & Rotary Club Children’s Parade Downtown, O’Fallon Three O’Fallon Rotary Clubs join together to sponsor a children’s bike parade in downtown O’Fallon. Parade is in conjunction with the Downtown O’Fallon Merchants. Trick-or-treating held at participating businesses. Polaroid pictures are taken, at no charge, of the children in their Halloween costumes in front of a colorful hay bale background.

618-624-4503 Howl-oween Hairball Fairfield Halloween costume contest benefit for Animals Requesting Friends. “Cash Prize Awards.”

618-599-1107

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800- 442-1488

Harvest Hootenanny 5K Litchfield Lake Lou Yeager, Picnic Area 3, Litchfield $30 entry fee. Sponsored by M&M Multisport Club.

217-324-3935 Pinckneyville 94th Annual Mardi Gras Pinckneyville Pinckneyville celebrates Mardi Gras on the last Saturday in October. Our 50/50 was not claimed in 2015; the unclaimed amount of $13,677 will start off our 50/50 pot in 2016! Don’t miss out on our spectacular nighttime parade, which kicks off at 7:00 p.m.

618-357-3243 West Salem Fall Festival West Salem 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. enjoy the craft fair, merchandise vendors and food. At 5:00 p.m., participate in the Halloween Costume Contest followed by Trunkor-Treating around the Village Square.

618-456-3167 October 30 Keyboard Praise St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Belleville This unusual concert features: 10 grand pianos, the St. Matthew organ and talented musicians of all ages playing hymn arrangements and light classical music. Admission is free with love offering appreciated. 618-397-5994 Witches Night Out Lebanon Sharpen the point on your hat, oil the broom and fluff up the cat. Leave the little goblins where they’re at and come to Lebanon’s scariest shopping event. Restaurants and shops will be open. A fortune teller strolls the street.

The spooky music and historic buildings provide a haunted backdrop for some wicked good fun. It’s a “ghoul’s night out.” Costumes are encouraged; it’s quite a sight to see! 618-537-8420

Halloween Parade Leu Civic Center, Mascoutah It’s a party with food, costume contests and children’s games, plus a parade at 2 p.m.!

618-566-2175 October 31 EdGlen Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade Edwardsville Over 100 floats, marching bands, school groups and entertainers take to the streets of Edwardsville to experience this 90+ year tradition known as the biggest Halloween celebration in the Metro-East.

618-656-7600 Trunk or Treat Toledo

217-849-2000

Trunk or Treat Courthouse Square,Waterloo Organizations provide a safe trick or treating environment for the kids.

The event features a Candy Check Point sponsored by the Waterloo Fire Department and Monroe County EMS. 618-939-8600

Vol. IX, Issue II, Fall 2016

4387 N. Illinois, Suite 200 Swansea, Illinois 62226

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