Holiday Tourism Times 2017

Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017

DRUMMERS PIPERS LORDS

By Pat White Better than the 12 days of Christmas, ILLINOISouth has 12 community theater groups to be enjoyed all year!

Want a great gift idea?

How about season tickets?

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Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 • 1

la y Glass P g n i k o Lo

Mon roe A ct

hous e

MONROE ACTORS STAGE COMPANY (MASC) Capitol Theater, 202 S. Main,Waterloo

ors S tage Com pany

LOOKING GLASS PLAYHOUSE 301 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon

ad Hard Ro

C

Theatre

WESTERN HARD ROAD THEATRE

from Cover

ommunity theater prices won’t break the budget, and the show is truly the experience…that keeps on giving! Many of these talented groups have been entertaining audiences for years, often in renovated historic buildings. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats! The show is ready to begin.

Highland High School 12760 Troxler Ave., Highland Highland Upper Elementary Auditorium 1800 Lindenthal Ave., Highland The first show in 2018 is Breaking Up Is Hard to Do at the end of January/first of February. This is a “jukebox musical” featuring the music of Neil Sedaka (take Grandma, she’ll love you for it). hardroad.org • 217-556-6399

Lebanon has a personal connection to author Charles Dickens, who stayed at the Mermaid Inn while visiting the American prairies. It’s no wonder that Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol has been performed here for more than 30 years.

Scrooge will once again be visited by the three Christmas ghosts December 7 – 10. And be sure to mark your calendar for the rest of the season.

Founded in 1999 by a group of enthusiastic residents who loved theater, MASC now entertains audiences at five plays each season, and offers a summer camp for children. The 2017-2018 season includes Alice in Wonderland on Nov 10-12 and 17-19, 2017. Although not a typical Christmas show, it’s definitely a holiday treat for the whole family.

Dark of the Moon Feb. 9-11, 16-18, 2018 An Inspector Calls Apr. 13-15, 20-22, 2018 Rumors June 8-10, 15-17, 2018 masctheater.org 618-939-SHOW

Ripcord Nov 9 - 12, 16 – 19, 2017 Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson January 25 - 28; & February 1 - 4, 2018 Almost Maine March 9 - 12, 16 - 19, 2018 Wizard of Oz May 3 - 6, 10 - 13, 2018 lookingglassplayhouse.com 618-537-4962

OPEN HOUSE THEATER New Athens Gym 208 Kaskaskia St., New Athens For 30 years, the Open House players have brought plays and musicals to the stage. In January, they’ll do it again with Lend Me a Tenor. Check for Spring show dates. openhousena.com 618-216-1653

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ILLI-

2 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017

Hello from Dan...

We find ourselves once again amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays! It’s the time of year to enjoy everything the season has to offer, especially…Shopping, Dining, Holiday Theatre, Light Displays, Parades and, of course, Santa! Our communities are set to welcome you and share their “Holiday Spirit”…so come and enjoy what we’re all about here in ILLINOISouth!

Our cover story showcases the many Community Theatre groups across our region. Some are putting on holiday shows, but all of them perform throughout the year. If you’re searching for that perfect gift, consider taking your friends and family to a show, or better yet, give season tickets for a truly memorable experience! On page 4, read about the great things happening in Pocahontas and be sure to put this historic community on your “places to visit” list.

The festivities begin in early November and continue into the NewYear, so don’t miss our Calendar of Events starting on Page 14. It’s packed with tons of fun this time of year.

Beginning in 2018 we’ll be celebrating Illinois’ Bicentennial. Be sure to get your copy of our 2018 Visitors Guide in early January. It’s going to be a very special issue! Celebrating a “200th” Birthday is pretty great, so be sure to check our website and Facebook page frequently for updates on the many events being planned.

I would like to personally “Thank You” for your support during the past year and wish you and yours Good Tidings and a Happy New Year!

Cheers…

Dan Krankeola President /CEO ILLINOISouth

e c n a h Last C

to Enter!

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

We’ll distribute them for you!

We insert your literature into plastic bags which we distribute at trade shows, events, meetings, reunions and to 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 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

BICENTENNIAL PHOTO CONTEST Deadline extended to

November 15, 2017 You could still win the $250 gas card in our 2018 Bicentennial Photo Contest. Submit your photo taken at an attraction or on a trip in any of the 22 counties in ILLINOISouth. Your photo could be used in our Visitors Guide, Tourism Times newsletters or online on Facebook or at illinoisouth.org.

All photos must be submitted electronically at photocontest2018@illinoisouth.org. Include your name, address, phone number and email of the person sending it and the location where the photo was taken.You must be 21 or older and authorized to give us permission to use the photo in the Bureau’s promotional materials.

The drawing for the winner will be held on January 4, 2018. For more information or questions, call 618-257-1488.

Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 • 3

800-442-1488 Salem Community Theatre & Cultural Center

EASTERN FACTORY THEATER 400-498 East Harris Ave., Greenville

Factory

Theater

This building has had many incarnations including housing a steam laundry, ice company, dairy and glove factory. Since 1973, it’s been a theater that draws almost 3,000 patrons each year with a season of up to six plays. 2017/2018: Crimes of the Heart - November 9-11 & 16-18; Romeo and Juliet - December 14-16; Company - February 8-10 & 15-17; Peter And The Starcatcher - April 1921 & 26-29.

618-664-7128

from page 1

CLINTON COUNTY SHOWCASE

SPARTA COMMUNITY CHORUS

SALEM COMMUNITY THEATRE & CULTURAL The historic Avon Theater has been renoCENTER

1325 N. Market St., Sparta The Chorus provides community theater entertainment with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to non-musical plays to cabarets featuring themed musical collections. Every year there is a free Christmas Concert that is a gift to their supporters, patrons and community. This year’s free concert is December 8. The 2017/2018 season’s first show is Addam’s Family the Musical on October 27-29 and November 3-5. Other shows include the play, 39 Steps; a Kids Cabaret for ages 4-8th grade, and Unforgettable, an adult Cabaret that’s a tribute to artists who are gone, but not forgotten.

618-708-6036

Avon Theater, 525 N 2nd St., Breese

vated by a cadre of community volunteers.

Showcase players put on an annual Christmas-themed show that frequently features roles for young performers, so plan to see Everyone’s Christmas Story on December 8-10 & 15-17. Here’s more: Things My Mother Taught Me on February 9 - 11 & 16 -18, and Church Basement Ladies in April, plus the annual youth production in July. In 2017, The Lion King, Jr. broke all attendance records for the Showcase!

cshowcase.com 618-526-2866

CULTURAL SOCIETY FOR LITTLE THEATER PLAYERS

119 S. Broadway, Salem Movies and plays are staged in the renovated Art Deco-style Salem Theatre building. At Christmas, children come dressed in their pajamas for the Polar Express Experience. The “Conductor” punches their tickets when they enter. At the hot chocolate scene in the movie, “elves” pass out cocoa and cookies. Each ticket holder receives a bell like the one in the movie. In January/late February, the play is Southern Fried Funeral. The regular season begins in May/June and runs for a year.

There is a one-week children’s camp in the summer that brings in the Missoula Children’s Theatre.

618-740-0789

1250 E. Rexford St., Centralia

CENTRAL TURKEY HILL PLAYERS Turkey Hill Grange, IL 15 at Green Mount Rd., Belleville The Players run a summer camp for kids and put on at least one play during the year. Currently, it’s a dinner theater murder mystery, Girls Night Out, scheduled for October 20-22, 2017.

Zona Ludlum 618-671-7965

Events staged here include concerts, painting workshops and plays performed by The Little Theatre Players.

They were organized in 1961 and have a rich history of theatrical presentations including musicals, dramas, comedy, dinner theatre & melodrama. For the holidays plan to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on November 10 & 11, 17 & 18 at 7p.m. and Nov. 19 at 2p.m. Other events include Holiday Festival of the Arts on December 3 and Bronze Expressions Holiday Concert December 17. centraliaarts.org 618-532-2951

JOHN STULL PERFORMING ART CENTER Olney Central College, 305 N.West St. Olney Live Broadway-style musicals and plays are staged at the Performing Art Center. They have featured a wide range of shows, including Agnes of God in Black Box form, Little Mermaid and a children’s cast in Lion King, Jr. (@occtheater) iecc.edu/occtheater 618-395-7777

BRUBECK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT WABASH VALLEY COLLEGE Brubeck Performing Arts Center

2200 College Dr., Mt. Carmel Seven or eight shows are scheduled through the year including a Christmas production.

The season can include musicals, plays and variety acts. At press time, a few things were already booked: the Beach Boys Number 1 Tribute Band on Saturday, April 21, 2018, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

618-263-5124

Sparta Community Chorus

Note: Not all 2018 schedules were available at press time, so Facebook, websites and phone numbers are included for show and audition dates and ticket information.

4 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017

W

Historic

By Pat White

hat do a closed antique store, an abandoned theater and mercantile store, an empty church and barn quilts have in common in Pocahontas, IL? They all sparked the interest and imagination of Jennifer and Don Rick this past year. That interest has turned into some major renovation projects that are saving these old buildings and giving them new life. More about the barn quilts later!

On March 15, the Ricks purchased Pocahontas Antiques, which had been closed for a while. They reopened the store in May and now have 36 vendors selling primitives, antiques, crafts and much more. If there are any collectors or people hard to buy for on your holiday gift list, this is a treasure trove. Wander the aisles and you’ll spot beautiful dolls and vintage toy cars, trains and games. Around a corner might be a unique piece of furniture or shelves filled with glassware, ceramics, pottery, old kitchen gadgets, tools and more. Some items will take you back to childhood and visits to Grandma’s house!

ILLINOISouth.org

A few blocks away, the Ricks purchased the DeLaurenti Building, which housed the Strand Theater from 1920-1949 and DeLaurenti Grocery from 1921- the 1960s.The Strand was the major entertainment venue with Vaudeville shows and silent movies in the twenties and early thirties, then “talkies” beginning in 1936.

Next door the market stocked all kinds of general store items and even sold ice cream – two scoops for a nickel. Mr. DeLaurenti would often throw in a third scoop for free.

The Strand will reopen in November as a 1930s-style event venue that can be rented for weddings, reunions, meetings, parties, even musical performances. The Ricks are carefully keeping as much of the original architecture as possible, including the ticket window and stage, while bringing it into the 21st century.

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800-442-1488 The market, now called the Mercantile, will be ready in the Summer, 2018 stocked with merchandise from pre-1900 to the 1950s. Everything will be displayed as in the past with similar items grouped together; for example, cast iron, enamels, glass, etc.

Artisans will offer handmade items like rag rugs, soaps and lotions and even honey from a local beekeeper. One corner will be devoted to nostalgic goodies like different kinds of candy, and eventually ice cream.

The third major renovation is the Methodist Church, which was built in 1912.The basement of the church is a shop called The Refined Cellar that is open Friday – Sunday from 10am – 5:30pm.

Three women share the space stocked with antiques, primitives and boutique items like clothes, candles, scarves, etc.

The Ricks turned the main part of the church into their home.They’ve retained the character of the building while adapting it with a kitchen, bedrooms and living room.

Now, back to those barn quilts! As you drive around town, keep an eye out for the Barn Quilt Trail. It started out with 38 painted wooden quilts made by residents and business owners and displayed on their property. Recently 40 more people met at

the Catholic Church Community Center to create their additions to the Trail. Not only are they unique and fun to find, but Pocahontas is now on the Illinois Barn Quilt Trail.

Check Facebook @thestrandpocahontas for dates for the Treasures of the Trail Vintage Markets in June and October, which includes locations in and around Pocahontas. The Antique Mall is at 311 W. Johnson St. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm. 618- 669-2969

ILLINOISouth.org

6 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017

Who Has Cabin Fever?

The Numbers are IN! State Travel Director, Cory Jobe, spent several days in ILLINOISouth in August bringing good news about the economic impact of tourism in our 22 counties. The board of directors, tourism partners and staff kicked off his visit with a cocktail reception at Gateway Motorsports Park. Owner Curtis Francois welcomed everyone to the Park, which was celebrating bringing INDYCAR racing back to the track. Jobe told the crowd that traveler expenditures in the Bureau’s region topped $1.3 billion in 2016, added $32 million to local tax collections and supported 9,800 jobs.That news got some enthusiastic applause!

The Bureau staff made sure Jobe had some fun while he was here! In addition to taking a spin on the Gateway Kartplex, he climbed Monk’s Mound at Cahokia Mounds before the reception.The second day’s agenda included sailing on Carlyle Lake with the Carlyle Sailing Assoc., touring the Excel Bottling Plant in Breese (where he drank his first bottle of SKI soda) and the McKendree RecPlex in O’Fallon, climbing the 160ft. high tower to the top of the Centralia Carillon, touring the Original Springs Hotel & Bath in Okawville, and visiting MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah and the City of Lebanon – yes, all in one day! The trip wrapped up the third morning with Jobe’s presentation of the economic impact numbers to the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois. Cory, come back soon! There’s so much more to do in ILLINOISouth!

The weather is getting colder. The kids have been back in school for a couple of months. Bet you’re looking for something to do indoors to burn off that pent up energy or entertain holiday guests.

Look no farther than these indoor play places in ILLINOISouth! Check the websites and Facebook for hours, prices, special events and coupons.

Be sure to wear socks (bringing an extra pair is a good idea) when you come to A Jumping Joy in Granite City and Millstadt. There’s a huge selection of inflatable bounce houses and other fun items for children to jump on, slide down and generally play with. Open bounce times are available, or make reservations for a party or group. 2901 State St., Granite City, 618-410-4792, ajumpingjoy.com or 749 W. Washington St., Millstadt, 618-476-6232 Fairview Heights has three amazing facilities for children and adults to blow off steam and get a workout. Monkey Joe’s is 15,000 sq. ft. of 20 ft. tall inflatable houses where kids are encouraged to bounce off the walls and explore the slides, mazes and obstacle courses. There’s even a MiniMonkey Zone for ages 3 and under. Socks are a must here, too. 10855 Lincoln Trail, monkeyjoes.com, 618-398-7800 Wall-to-wall, massive trampolines fill the space at Sky Zone where games like Ultimate Dodgeball, SkyHoops, SkyJoust and Laser Tag are popular. Special programs Toddler Time, Family Night and SkyFit provide a fun workout for all ages!

They recommend filling out the waiver form and even buying tickets online before you go. 10850 Lincoln Trail, skyzone.com, 618-589-1111

When a game is priced by the minute, it’s pretty obvious it’s going to be intense!

Knockerball 618 at St. Clair Square Mall is a workout for adults and children (recommended ages 8 & up). Climb inside the safe, single chambered ball of air. Grab the inner handles and adjust the shoulder straps to almost defy gravity.

Now try to roll, flip or bump another player. This is a terrific teambuilding, family or group activity. For a party or other event, they’ll even bring the game to your location. 129 St. Clair Square, knockerball618.com, 618-726-7561 The EDGE is a favorite destination in Belleville for a variety of activities all under one roof. They have the “World’s LARGEST laser tag arena,” (14,000 sq.ft, multi-level) and two video arcades with the newest, coolest games and some of the classics.

The five screen movie theaters, featuring the two Bistros where refreshments can be brought to your recliner seat, round out the entertainment.

Hungry? d.s. vespers Sports Pub & Eatery has a full bar and table service for meals, or grab a bite at the snack bar. 701 S. Belt W., edge618.com, 618-236-2101

Welcome New Businesses!

From breakfast to barbecue to homemade desserts, three new restaurants offer a variety of menu items.

Miss Barlow’s Café in Martinsville serves breakfast and lunch Monday – Thursday from 6am to 1pm and dinner Friday and Saturday from 6am to 8pm.

Facebook has rave reviews about the food, especially the fish, pulled pork and desserts. 31 W. Cumberland St., 217-382-5782.

Wicked Smoke BBQ is making its mark in Waterloo’s dining scene with wood smoked ribs, pork butt, chicken and brisket. This family-run business caters to families, including a Claw machine with little pigs and balls as the prizes. Open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 8pm (or until sold out).

951 N. IL Rte. 3, 618-939-2271 Little Rascal’s (formerly Mr. Kenny’s) in Chester is open for lunch and dinner Thursday – Saturday and features a variety of menu items, including barbecue, fish, hamburgers and the popular chicken fried steak. 2453 State St., 618-826-1010.

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800-442-1488

The new St. Clair County Event Center hosts a Flea Market the first full weekend of each month where vendors sell antiques, collectibles and merchandise old & new. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. With almost 30,000 sq. ft. under roof this facility is perfect for trade shows, consumer shows, motorcycle swap meets, craft shows, etc. Adams Auction Estate and Consignment auctions, Mannheim Gateway Auto Auctions and Belleville Pickers Markets (Christmas market December 8 – 10) are on the cal-

endar.The Country Café by Roy-el Catering is the concession and catering vendor (yum!). The Café will be open to the public Friday – Sunday beginning in December. 1550 E. State Rte. 15, Belleville, scceventcenter.com, 618-830-7552

Happy 100th Anniversary!

The Flora Depot was built in 1917 by B & O railroad and designed

by Frank S. Nichols. Today, it is restored, and serves as a museum, office space, and community gathering place.

In 1998, the Flora B&O Depot was named one of three sites in Clay County on the National Register of Historic Places. After that, it was purchased by the Flora Community Development Corp. The renovated three-story building includes the Museum, which contains city and county historical artifacts, and the Chamber of Commerce on the first floor; offices on the second floor; and a community room on the third floor. 223 West Railroad Street, 618-662-5646, floradepot.com

Thank You for Your Service Saturday, November 11, events will be planned throughout the region to commemorate Veterans Day. Most of our communities have a place where they honor the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve, our country.

Those who paid the ultimate price from the American Revolution (1775 - 1783) to the present conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world are particularly honored on this day. We encourage everyone to take time to visit a Veterans Memorial in a town near you.

ILLINOISouth.org

8 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017

Indulge Yourself and Someone Special!

The holidays are such a hectic time that it’s easy to forget to relax and enjoy them. Shopping becomes a chore rather than a fun experience, especially if your list includes several “hard to buy for” people. That’s where Soaps McGotes can help with terrific gift ideas. Don’t forget to pick up something for yourself, too! A soak in a tub filled with pumpkin spice latte or vanilla champagne – soaps, of course - can help save your sanity.

Based in Mascoutah, owner Monica Moore has let her imagination run wild making her handmade soaps, bath bombs, lotions, bath salts, shaving soap and lip balm in wonderful combinations of scents.

Monica is a vegan, so she only uses ingredients that are plant based and never tests on animals.

She’s made her products even more fun with the creative names attached. For example, a best seller is a soap called, “Nasty Woman” (that’s the vanilla and champagne). “Nightclubbing” is another favorite, maybe because it reminds everybody of Sweet Tarts. Monica hasn’t left out the guys either. Her “Rough Cut,” a soap with a cherry pipe tobacco scent and her signature shaving soap will be a hit with the men on your list.

Soaps McGotes products are available online at soapsmcgotes.com or on Facebook @soapmcgotes. Watch Facebook for Soap Parties at her home (Small Business Saturday on November 25) and events where she’ll have a booth (Girl’s Day Out at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows on November 18). Shop online for delivery or pick up at her home. Message or email (info@soapsmcgotes.com) for an appointment.

Add Zing to Your Next Meal!

Years of experience in the restaurant industry has resulted in Jim Grindstaff creating and selling Rustic Rub. If his name is familiar to people in the metro area, you’ve probably eaten at Jefferson’s Restaurant in Belleville or Mascoutah.

A variety of spices, some sugar and hickory smoke make the All Purpose Rub a favorite of the BBQ community and home cooks, too. The seasonings elevate poultry, pork, beef, fish, tacos, wings, veggies, and even biscuits and gravy to a new level of goodness.

The recently released Three Kings Rub, made with salt, pepper and garlic with some onion and lemon added, gives steak, seafood and even fried eggs a new dimension of flavor.

In Illinois and Missouri, several retailers and restaurants sell the rub (there’s a list on the website), but it can also be ordered online at rusticrubs.com, on Facebook: Rustic Rub Co or Instagram @rusticrubco. For more information or to carry the Rub, call Jim at 618-304-6046.

800-442-1488

Membership= ROI

Just when you think you can’t afford advertising, ILLINOISouth Tourism steps in with a marketing opportunity that works and fits your budget! Not only will we help plan, design and place advertising or promotions, we’ll help pay for it too! With the Bureau’s buying power and professional help, every member can benefit from marketing their business or community. How’s that for a deal?

“We hold several smaller events throughout the year,” Rensing continued.

“The media utilized expanded our audience, and as such we realized an expanded success. The network utilized by the Bureau is a cost savings and our advertising expenses were at a new low by using this valuable resource.”

The members of ILLINOISouth Tourism who take advantage of the Bureau’s marketing help are maximizing their budgets and bringing more people to their attractions and events.

One of the most recent collaborations included a print flyer and a multi-media ad campaign for the Hofbraufest in Hoyelton last July.

Target marketing was a key factor in placing ads to attract people from a 50-mile radius of this small town. By using the Okawville Times, Centralia Sentinel and Nashville News, local communities found out the “when and where” of this year’s event. Farther out, Country Music station WMIXFM 94.1 broadcasted to Mount Vernon, Du Quoin, Centralia and Flora.

By adding WNSV-FM 104.7, the message reached the audience listening to an Adult Contemporary format in Nashville, Centralia and Breese.

Patricia Rensing, secretary of the Hoyleton Community Club said, ”We

found the Bureau to be a springboard for announcing and advertising our event.

Jon and Tiffany went above and beyond designing the necessary flyers, posters, and most importantly advertising.

In today’s economy with so many venues to choose from for local entertainment, we are pleased to say: the Bureau is a fantastic partnership springboarding your community events throughout the region.The Bureau provided the graphic design for the ads and brochure and paid a percentage of the total costs. It was a terrific way to get the most out of a $1,500 budget!”

Three hundred dollars of the budget was spent on Facebook, and the ad was seen by 45,202 people! This reach went as far as O’Fallon, Carlyle, Salem and Pinckneyville, in addition to the original target audience. It was one of the most successful posts the Bureau has done!

ILLINOISouth Social Media

From April to June, the Bureau had a strong presence on social media with 157 Facebook posts, 17 Blog posts, 150 tweets and 35 Instagram posts. Live videos at attractions, Dining Around with Dan and Christine’s weekly event reminders are proving to be very popular generating 139,248 impressions* with 6,462 clicks.

The best Organic Post was a live video at the Timberwolf rental in Waterloo that had 13,070 impressions! The website continues to be a great source of information for visitors, as well. There were an average of 32,000 page views a month in this time period with the calendar continuing to be the most popular page.

If you need help developing a presence on Social Media or advertising your attraction or event, let us know! Call Jon at 618-257-1488 or email jweaving@illinoisouth.org. *Impressions: how many times a post was seen by a potential visitor.

Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 • 9

ILLINOISouth.org

12 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017

D

H

appy Holidays! Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!

Mele Kalikimaka! Happy Kwanzaa!

Fröhliche Weihnachten! No matter how you say it, we wish everyone a wonderful holiday.

Here’s an idea to help you get into the spirit of the Season. Pile friends and family into the car and take a driving or walking tour through ILLINOISouth’s light displays. With a cooler of drinks and some popcorn or other treats (yes, the next day you’ll have to vacuum the car, but so what?) this can be a memorable road trip!

Some of these are close enough to go through more than one to make a night of it, or take your time and do all the activities at others. Most are free or accept a donation, but even the ones with a fee are reasonably priced. See our calendar for dates, times and addresses.

Western Region Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville as the annual Way of Lights illuminates the grounds. Since 1970, this breathtaking display has been telling the story of the birth of Christ with more than a million lights, life-size figures, including the Three Magi

Road Trippin’ You SEE

What I SEE on camels, and electro-art displays. Other activities on the grounds and in the Visitors Center include camel rides, a LEGO display, choir performances, a room full of beautifully decorated trees, wreath auctions and more. Free to drive or walk through, donations appreciated/fee for some activities; snows.org Add the Magic of Lights at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison to your holidays this year. This dazzling 1.5 mile drive on the track is a light show featuring more than 300 spectacular displays using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Magic of Lights is a great family entertainment value, and every ticket benefits local charities. Car: $20 Advance; $25 at the Gate; $40 Advance Dash Pass; Limo: $40 Advance; $45 at the Gate; $60 Advance Dash Pass; no buses; magicoflights.com Slowly wind your way through the Winter Wonderland of Lights at Horner Park in Lebanon to see the hand painted wooden displays like Victorian Village, a family of polar bears and Santa’s workshop alongside electric scenes of ice skaters, Christmas trees and more. Tune your radio to hear the music and park for a few minutes to watch the Dancing Trees.

It’s an old-fashioned Christmas with a techno surprise! Free/donations appreciated; hornerparklights.com Walk the half-mile Holiday Light Display at Coulterville City Park featuring a million lights and 400 Christmas figurines! Don’t miss the walk-through version of the “Candyland” game with favorites such as Lolli Pop Lane. Open Friday and Saturday evenings, enjoy food, crafts and a visit with Santa and Friends! Free; coultervilleholidaylightdisplay.com

Central Region Twinkling candy canes, a golfing Santa and Rudolf catching some rays are signature features of the Fantasy of Lights at Foundation Park in Centralia! Don’t forget to visit the Traditional Christmas Display at 600 N. Pleasant Ave. (near the entrance to the park) for the challenge of finding “Wanda”! Free; seecentralia.com/ fantasy-of-lights The Christmas Lights Wonderland at the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville is more than a display of animated Christmas boxes and lights. Stop in at the Lil Red Barn for free cookies, hot chocolate, coffee or tea every night.

On Friday and Saturday, Hill’s Fort presents the 1800’s Christmas and Santa is ready for your visit. Ride the Polar Express on Friday – Sunday to make a night of it. Most activities are free, but donations appreciated; Train ride: $3/train ride, under 2/free americanfarmheritagemuseum.com/christ mas-display.html This is the 10th year for Christmas Lights in the Park at Carlyle City Park. It’s no wonder this has become a family tradition with displays like the Enchanted Forest made of hundreds of lighted trees, Dancing Trees (tune your radio to the music) and the animated Elf Workshop. Every year there’s a new special attraction added, but no one will tell what it is in advance. Come often so the kids can look for the Penguin in the Park that moves around every night. Free; carlylelake.com/events

?

About 10 minutes away from Carlyle, drive or walk through the Christmas Lights at Northside Park in Breese and enjoy the decorations and displays including a beautiful Nativity scene. Many of the displays were donated by area businesses. The residents go all out decorating their houses, so check out the side streets.

Free; breese.org The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds are lit up for the Holiday Lights Fair.The three-mile drive is an amazing show open every night with electric displays, thousands of lights and seasonal scenes. On the first three weekends in December, the Expo Hall is transformed into a winter wonderland with Santa, vendors with items for sale, food, a kids corner and musical entertainment. $10/car; commercial carriers & tour buses $1/person; duquointourism.org

Eastern Region Look for the white squirrels in the magical animated and static displays when touring the lights in Olney City Park. Tune your radio to the holiday music and stop to watch the dancing lights.The first three Fridays and Saturdays in December, Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome children to share their Christmas wishes. Free/donations appreciated; cityofolney.com.

The Festival of Lights in Fairfield has more than 100 animated displays and decorated trees in addition to thousands of lights decorating Leo French Park. Volunteers greet visitors who come to drive or walk through.

On December 16, everyone is invited to Special Event Night (weather per-

Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 • 13

mitting) with caroling, a live Nativity and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free; donations appreciated; fairfieldchamberofcommerce.com On the drive through Charley Brown Park in Flora, everywhere you look, it’s Christmas! Thousands of lights and displays elicit “oohs and aahs!” On Friday and Saturday, the en-

gines at Little Toot Railroad are decked out and have a full head of steam, ready to take children of all ages on a magical ride through the Park.

Free; fee for train rides; florail.us Writer’s note: Information for these articles was drawn in part from their Facebook pages and websites.

Christmas Lights November 17 - December 31 Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland Horner Park, Lebanon 618-537-8420 Way of Lights National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville 618-397-6700 November 17 - January 1 Magic of Lights Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison 618-215-8888 November 22 - December 31 Fantasy of Lights Centralia Foundation Park, Centralia 618-532-3214 November 23 - December 30 Holiday Lights Fair Du Quoin State Fairgrounds 618-542-1515 November 23 - December 31 Christmas Light Display Olney City Park, Olney 618-395-4880 November 24 - December 31 Christmas Lights Wonderland American Farm Heritage Museum, Greenville 618-664-9733 Christmas Lights in the Park Carlyle City Park 618-594-5205 November 25 - December 31 Holiday Lights in the Park Northside Park, Breese 618-526-7731 Festival of Lights Clark County Fairgrounds, Marshall 217-826-8084 November 26 - December 17 Train Rides at Little Toot Railway Fridays & Saturdays Charley Brown Park, Flora 618-662-8040 December 1 - 30 Holiday Lights Charley Brown Park, Flora 618-662-8313 December 1 - January 1 Festival of Lights Fairfield 618-847-7396 December 2 - 25 Holiday Light Display Coulterville City Park 618-758-2813

ILLINOISouth.org

14 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017

CALENDAR of EVENTS To submit an event, a Calendar of Event Form must be

completed and submitted for each event. The form can be found at 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.

For more details on events, check our website or Like us on Facebook.

NOVEMBER 2017 November 4 Holiday Craft/Vendor Expo Grand Manor 58 Frank Scott Pkwy E., Swansea Shop 40+ unique, specialty vendors under one roof & enjoy $5 spaghetti lunches from 11am – 1pm.

618-257-1400 Art & Wine Walk Downtown Belleville Stroll the shops, sample wine and view work by local artists.

618-233-2015 Feasting on History St. Clair County Historical Society, Belleville Explore what was for dinner (and breakfast and lunch) in the past with games, tastings and exhibits.

618-234-0600 Raptor Awareness Show Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville Learn about native birds of prey through a demonstration and flight show by the World Bird Sanctuary. Free, but get a token. No admittance after the show begins.

618-346-5160 Holiday Bazaar Olney City Park Shop vendors at the park from 9a.m. – 1p.m.

618-395-7302

November 4 & December 2 Flea Market St. Clair County Event Center, Belleville The first Saturday of each month sees junkers, vendors and shoppers at the market.

618-830-7552 November 4 & 5 Winter Rendezvous & Woodswalk Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher See 18th and 19th century camp life with re-enactors who participate in a muzzleloader woods walk shooting competition. It’s a weekend of colorful clothing, hand-made crafts, period music and delicious food.

618-284-7230 Band Boosters Art & Craft Fair O’Fallon Township High School 350 booths with talented artists and crafters from across the region display their wares. Enjoy Madrigal Singers and a visit from Santa while you shop. No strollers.

618-910-2578 Woodcarvers’ Show Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center Belleville Some of the Midwest’s best carvers display their artwork in one of the largest shows in the country. Pick-up a unique gift or piece of artwork for your home.

618-233-0052

November 5 5-K Run and 1 Mile Walk Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville It’s the annual 5-K Run and 1-mile walk that goes through the site trails.

All ages are welcome to participate and compete for awards.

618-344-7316 Giant Flea Market Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Du Quoin Shop on the first Sunday of the month, January through November.

618-5425-8338 November 10 & 11 Olde Tyme Christmas Downtown Vandalia Shop for special goodies and gifts at downtown stores Fri., 3 – 9 p.m. and Sat., 10a.m. – 2p.m. 618-283-2728 November 10 - 19 Alice in Wonderland Capitol Theater,Waterloo Join MASC for an adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s iconic story. Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. 618-939-7469 November 11 Brewery, Bottle & Jar Show Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville Explore more than 230 tables of beer and brewing collectibles for sale.

618-233-0052 A Few Good Murders Knights of Columbus, Newton Join us for an evening of food, drinks and fun at this Murder Mystery.

618-783-3399 Toast of Marissa Main Street, Marissa Taste the vintages from five wineries, including Alto Vineyards, Fox Creek Vineyards, Hidden Lake Winery, Jo-Al Winery and LauNae Winery.

866-326-4256

Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 • 15

800- 442-1488 RCRC Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Musgrove Park, Olney 618-395-4880 November 23 - December 25 Glockenspiel Sand Sculpture on the Square Public Square, Belleville Bring your camera when you come to see this one-of-a-kind gigantic sand sculpture created by a master sculptor.

618-233-6769 Veterans Day Ceremony Public Square, Belleville This Ceremony honors all veterans of all wars.

618-233-6518, x1245 Holiday Bazaar Floyd Henson Jr. High School, Flora Shop ‘til you drop for gifts and items for your home.

618-662-8313 November 12 & 13 Auto Swap Meet Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville Auto parts and accessories are available to buy and sell.

618-233-0052 November 17 Frauenabend (Ladies Night Out) Village of Maeystown It’s an evening of unique dining, shopping and pampering at Vici’s Front Porch and Tea Garden, the Maeystown General Store, the Village Kaffeehaus, the Sweet Shoppe, Georgia Mae’s Antiques and the Museum.

618-580-5875 Ladies Night Out Main Street, Belleville Grab your girlfriends and shop in style with discounts and prizes. $5 per person.

618-233-2015 November 17 & 18 Victorian Holiday Downtown Lebanon Follow the Ole’ Lamplighter as he strolls St. Louis Street lighting the store fronts.Visit Father Christmas, enjoy carolers and madrigals, children’s activities, horse drawncarriage rides and great holiday treats and sweets.

618-537-8420 November 17 - December 31 The LEGO Display National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville Don’t miss the extensive holiday LEGO Display sponsored by Electric Pros; some are more than 8 ft tall.

618-397-6700

November 18 Girls Day Out National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville Find clothing, cosmetics, crafts, jewelry, handbags, home vendors and more at a day of shopping and fun.

618-397-6700 Santa’s Holiday Avenue Parade and Chili Cook Off Downtown Granite City Vote in the float contest and welcome Santa to town. There will be Bounce Houses, Giant Slide, clowns, facepainting, pony rides, games and more.

618-452-6200 November 18 & 19 Belleville Flea Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville More than 600 tables and 300 - 400 vendors will be selling antiques, vintage, and collectibles.

618-233-0052 Holiday Hunt Historic Main Street Columbia While the guys are hunting, ladies have their own fun! 618-281-4672 The Nutcracker Ballet & Concert Scottish Rite Cathedral, Belleville Tehaikovsky’s Classic Ballet is perfomed by the Belleville Philharmonic Society & Belleville School of Ballet.

618-277-1373 November 23 Gobble Hobble Fun Run Korte Rec Center, Highland A quick Thanksgiving morning run/walk. $10 or $20 fee with a shirt.

618-651-1386

November 24 Lighted Christmas Parade Downtown Square, Highland The Parade begins at 6:30pm and ends with a Lighting ceremony. Santa, entertainment, sleigh rides, carolers, hot chocolate and kettle corn add to 618-654-3721 the spirit.

Head East Concert Public Square, Belleville Head East performs at the official opening of the Christkindlmarkt. Free.

800-677-9255 Santa Parade Downtown Belleville Welcome Santa at the largest holiday parade in S. Illinois with 100 parade units of floats, marching bands and dance groups.

618-233-6769 November 24 & 25 Basketball Capital Classic Lawrenceville This is a 2-day event that is held at Red Hill High School and Lawrenceville High School. A total of eight teams participate.

618-943-3389

November 24 - 26 Holiday Native Market Days Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville Shop for unique holiday gift items made by more than 30 Native American artists and craftspeople: jewelry, painting, herbals, weaving, baskets, pottery, bronze work, etc.

618-344-9221 November 24 - 27 Art and Craft Fall Fair Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center Belleville This is one of the largest indoor shows south of Chicago. Four rooms will be filled with beautiful crafts from six states.

618-233-0940 November 24 - December 23 Christkindlmarkt Public Square, Belleville Shop a unique outdoor market in the tradition of authentic German Christmas Markets.Vendors from Germany, Russia, Poland, Ireland, Egypt, Kenya, Nepal and other craftsmen from around the country will be here.

800-677-9255 November 24 - December 24 Santa On The Square Downtown Belleville Visit Santa’s house with your children.

Photos are optional. See bellevillesantahouse.com for times.

618-233-6769 November 24 - December 31 Gingerbread Walk Display East and West Main Sts., Belleville View the award-winning gingerbread creations displayed in downtown merchant windows.

618-233-1416

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16 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 from page 15 November 25 Christmas Parade Downtown Olney Find a spot to set up your lawn chair on N. East St., Main St., Whittle Ave. or North Ave. to watch the parade hosted by the Rotary Club.

618-395-7302, x 3

November 25 & 26 Craft/Vendor Show The Holiday, Olney A wide variety of nearly 50 craft and direct sale vendors set up for your holiday shopping.

618-843-3470

GLOW Lighted Holiday Parade Downtown Waterloo Bring your family, friends, blankets and chairs to see the beautiful, lighted floats.

618-939-8600 ext. 211

November 25, December 2, 8, 17, 22 Live Reindeer on the Square Downtown Belleville Gather your family and friends and take free pictures with these adorable reindeer or in an antique sleigh.

800-677-9255

Breakfast with Santa Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery Carlyle Photo opportunities abound as children sit on Santa’s lap, eat a scrumptious buffet meal, and hear exciting holiday stories from Mrs. Claus.

618-594-8830

November 25 & 26 Christmas on the Square & Christmas Walk Downtown Waterloo Find great holiday shopping discounts and prizes, free carriage rides, a Christmas concert, cookie walk, Santa and more.

618-939-5300

Hometown Christmas Celebration Caseyville Come for free hot cocoa, cookies and carols and enter the drawing to light the town’s Christmas tree. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on the fire truck. Be sure to sign up for the Christmas Cookie Contest!

618-344-1234

Thanksgiving Tourney Mater Dei Catholic High School Breese 618-526-7731

Lighted Toy Parade Prairie du Rocher Come see where all toys come to “light.” Santa & carolers will be in the Village Park after the parade.

618-284-7308 Shop Local Saturday Newton Support your local businesses around the holidays by shopping local.

618-783-3399 Small Business Saturday Historic Main Street, Columbia Shop local for specialized service.

Many stores offer free gift wrapping!

618-281-4672 White County Christmas Carmi Join us for the Craft and Vendor Fair, Christmas Parade, and the Tree Lighting. Santa will be in his house following the tree lighting. 618-382-7606 Come Home for Christmas Downtown Greenville Watch A Christmas Story, and meet the stars of the film. Enjoy the Courthouse lighting, caroling, the toy train and more.

844-404-9272 Christmas Parade and Lights Breese The Chamber parade begins at 6p.m.

618-526-7731

November 25, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 Breakfast with Santa Eckert’s Country Store & Farms Belleville Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes and get a special gift. Get a photo of your child with Santa to capture the moment. Reservations suggested. $15/adult; $12/child.

618-233-0513 x3 Gingerbread House Workshop Eckert’s Country Store & Farms Bellevile Here’s your chance to create a beautiful display for the holidays. We provide all of the supplies and the guidance. $14/Gingerbread House.

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Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 • 17

800-442-1488 November 26 Emanuele Fontanini Visits Gift Shop National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville The Shrine is one of select retailers to host a member of the fourthgeneration of the House of Fontanini in Bagni di Lucca, Italy.

The limited 2017 Personal Appearance Tour figurine, Seth the boy with cats from the Fontanini® Heirloom Nativity® will be for sale. Collectors can get autographs.

618-394-6230

December 1 - 3 Dog Show Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville The show schedule will be available at the Fairgrounds the week of the show.

618-233-0052

DECEMBER 2017 December 1 Christmas Uptown Mt. Carmel This event offers carriage rides, reindeer rides, story time with Mrs. Claus.

618-262-5116 Old Fashioned Christmas Stroll Centralia Shop downtown businesses for holiday treasures.

618-533-7623 Lighted Christmas Parade Mascoutah The Parade route follows Main St. from First St. to Lebanon St. Parade begins at 6:30 pm.

618-566-2964 December 1 & 2 Mouse House Caseyville Community Building Children can buy a little something for their loved ones. There’s affordable food, drinks, and pictures available for purchase.

618-345-6256

December 1 & 8 Holly Jolly Jasper County Christmas Newton Around the Court House lawn, the celebration honors Burl Ives, the voice of Sam the Snowman in the famous movie Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Lots of giveaways 618-783-3399 and activities.

December 2 Bright Night Christmas Parade & Turner Hall Christmas Social Historic Main Street, Columbia Santa Claus makes his grand appearance at this Christmas themed parade of bright lights. Food & some activities for purchase.

618-281-7144 Candy Canes On Main Downtown Casey All the shops are decorated for the holidays as Santa arrives. A free Breakfast with Santa starts at 8am at the firehouse.

217-932-4460 Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk Day Downtown Belleville Run or Walk with the Gingerbread Man thru the festive streets of downtown. Register at gingerbreadrun.com.

618-233-1416

Hometown Christmas Looking Glass Playhouse, Lebanon Santa, refreshments and a gift basket are part of the fun on St. Louis St. 618-537-5420 Lunch with Santa Centralia Recreation Complex Get your tickets early for that special holiday cheer you won’t 618-532-3214 want to miss.

Christmas Parade Downtown Mt. Carmel The spectacular lighted Christmas Parade awards prizes in several categories. Disney themed floats are featured and, of course, SANTA! 618-262-5116 Shopping Through Our Past St. Clair County Historical Society Belleville Stroll through the shops and markets as you discover what your ancestors bought and enjoyed at this festive time of year.

618-234-0600 Vintage 50’s Christmas Party Blazier House Museum, Belleville Enjoy a 50’s Christmas Party with refreshments.

800-677-9255 Winter Wonderland CARD Activity Center, Collinsville Children between the ages of 3 and 13 will be whisked off to an indoor winter wonderland while parents get a break.

Send a lunch and we’ll keep them entertained.

618-346-7529

Breakfast with Santa St. James Lutheran Church,Vandalia Bring your children to breakfast with the man in the red suit! Sponsored by the Soroptimist Club. 618-283-2728 December 2 & 3 Country Christmas Stroll & House Tours Okawville A craft fair, “Festival of the Trees,” flea market and vendor show, house tours and Breakfast with Santa are all part of the fun. Museum sites and stores 618-243-5694 are open.

Holly Days Harlan Hall, Marshall More than 40 vendors will be at the Hall. Around town, find Breakfast with Santa, a Cookie Walk, caroling and the Christmas Parade at 5pm.

217-826-2034 Christmas in the Barn Rainbow Ranch, Nashville Visit the farm and see the Nativity animals like the ones that were present in Bethlehem.

618-424-7979 December 3 Lights in the Park Village Park, Freeburg Join us to kick off the season with caroling led by the School Choir, hot chocolate and cookies and the lighting of the tree. Santa will be there, too! lmeehling@freeburg.com Breakfast with Santa John Wildi Masonic Temple Highland Each child will receive a free photo with Santa, a Train Ride (weather permitting), and see the New S witzerland Model Railroad Display.

Adults/$10; Ages 6-12/$4 Free/ages 5 & under. 618-654-2227

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ILLINOISouth.org

18 • Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 Weihnachtsfest Millstadt Celebrate the city’s German heritage with arts & crafts, authentic German food, music, dance and St. Nikolaus.

618-476-1812 December 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 Visit with Santa Monroe County Welcome Center Columbia Santa visits with children & poses for pictures. (Bring your own camera).

Children make a craft. 618-281-8812 December 6 Festival of Trees Gateway Center, Collinsville Beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and unique holiday decor will be sold by silent auction with the top 4 prize winning trees sold by oral auction.

Tickets are required for this adultsonly event.

618-304-8198 December 7 “Warm & Fizzies” Night Out Downtown Waterloo Each participating merchant will have a special drink or food item along with the recipe for you! Even find some wonderfully unique gifts along 618-939-8600 ext. 211 the way.

from page 17 Christmas at Willoughby Willoughby Farm, Collinsville Hot drinks and holiday sweets will keep the chill at bay.Visit Santa in the Bank Barn and see the animals roaming the grounds.

618-346-7529 La Fete de Noel American Legion, Prairie du Rocher This Christmas craft show hosts over 25 craft vendors. It’s a Christmas tradition.

618-284-7308 Old Fashioned German Christmas Village of Maeystown It’s a traditional German Christmas with music, shopping, carriage rides and visits with Sankt Nikolaus. Stay for the German carol sing at 3pm and a traditional carol sing and lighting of the village Weinachtsbaum at 4:30pm.

618-580-5875 Tails, Trails & Twinkles National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville Bring your canine friends for a walk through the lights. Pet-friendly vendors will be on hand at the Barket & Expo. Dogs only please (must be on leashes).

618-397-6700

Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration Messinger Cemetery, Belleville Join us for a moving commemoration at one of the oldest monuments to the Pearl Harbor attacks in the nation.

618-234-0600 December 7 - 10 A Christmas Carol Looking Glass Playhouse, Lebanon A yearly tradition, this is one of Charles Dickens’ most beloved classics. Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 and 5pm.

618-537-4962 December 8 - 10 Vintage Christmas Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville Come search for the perfect gift for the holidays! Admission/$3.

618-233-0052 December 8 - 10, 15 - 17 Everyone’s Christmas Story Avon Theater, Breese A young writer looks for a new way to tell the Christmas story only to discover that the original version is pretty special. Friday, 8pm; Sunday 2pm 618-806-9096 December 9 Breakfast with Santa Ravanelli’s Restaurant, Collinsville Kids of all ages will have a delicious hot breakfast buffet and some oneon-one time with the man in the red suit. There’ll be photos and a gift for children. Registration is required.

618-346-7529

Christmas Open House at the Vandalia Statehouse It’s an evening of guided Candlelight tours, music, hot apple cider and cookies. First one hundred families receive a free ornament.

618-283-1161 Christmas Shopping Expo Community Center, Martinsville Visit several vendors, and enjoy the soup and sandwiches available for purchase.

217-276-7578 Gingerbread Cookie Walk Day Main Street, Belleville Purchase a Cookie Bag and collect dozens of cookies at shops, eateries and museums. To purchase a bag & guarantee cookies, registration at BellevilleMainStreet.net.

618-233-6769 Kaskaskia French/Indian Ceremony Kaskaskia Church, Chester The Miracle of the Lilies is the oral history of the Illiniwek culture as told

by John White, Chief at Ancient Lifeways Institute, Inc. Hymns sung in Native American language and a procession of lilies to the statue of “Mary of the Kaskaskias” is part of the event.

618-826-2667 Martinsville Hometown Christmas Linn Park, Martinsville Christmas music, a live nativity, open fires, activities for the children, including Santa, and free food for all are highlights. The Parade of Lights is at 6pm with over 35 amazing floats.

217-276-7578 Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk Downtown Belleville Abend & Garfield Streets are lined with candle-filled luminaries and strolling carolers. Enjoy pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, candy canes and more.

618-233-6769 December 9 & 10 Christmas Pickers Market St. Clair County Event Center Belleville Shop for great vintage, antiques and good old junk or unusual holiday gifts and decorations. 618-830-7552 December 9 & 16 White County Christmas Carmi Public Library Join us for the Craft and Vendor Fair and Christmas Story Hour with Santa. Santa will be in his house from 2-5pm.

618-382-7606 December 9 - 24 Christmas in the Country Country Lamb, Flora Shop in a two-story barn filled with all the sights and sounds of Christmas. Free coffee and refreshments served daily.

217-582-2575 December 9 - 31 Train Show Oliver C. Joseph, Inc, Belleville The Gateway Garden Railroad Club features a giant layout of large scale trains and a 1950’s Lionel department store model layout. 618-233-8140 December 10 Breakfast with Santa and Kids Christmas Party American Legion Post 321 New Baden Come out for the annual breakfast with Santa Kids Christmas Party sponsored by community organizations of New Baden.

618-588-4182

Vol. X, Issue III, Holiday 2017 • 19

800-442-1488 Candlelight House Tour St. Clair County Historical Society Belleville Join us for this cherished tradition as you tour homes decked out in their holiday best.

618-234-0600

Gun & Knife Show Gateway Center, Collinsville For details, visit ecahuntingandtradeshows.com

Christmas Celebration Evansville Right on the Kaskaskia River, the town’s event includes a Chicken & Dumpling dinner, vendors and the 618-853-4435 Country Store.

December 24 Winter Solstice Sunrise Observance Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville Meet at Woodhenge, about 1 mile west of the Interpretive Center, for an informal talk about its importance.

618-346-5160

Christmas Wonders St. Luke’s Church, Belleville The sounds of Christmas are presented by the Philharmonic Chorale & Orchestra.

618-233-3062 Holiday Tour of Homes Downtown Olney Spend the afternoon visiting 4-6 beautifully decorated homes.

618-395-6033 December 10 & 11 The Glory of Christmas St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Belleville The musical drama includes 200 people encompassing choir, orchestra, drama troupe, horse drawn sleigh and parade of the wooden soldiers.

Free will offering. 618-397-5994 December 11 Las Mañanitas National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville Celebrate the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe with Mexican decorations, serenades, dancers, flowers, and prayers beginning at 9pm followed

by Mass (in Spanish) at midnight and breakfast afterwards. 618-397-6700 December 14 Ugly Sweater Contest Historic Main Street, Columbia Wear your ugly Christmas sweater to win prizes. Snacks & beverages will be available.

618-281-4672 December 16 Breakfast with Santa Flora Plan to share a meal with Santa and have those last minute wishes ready.

618-662-8313 December 16 & 17 Belleville Flea Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville Over 600 Tables & 300 - 400 vendors sell antiques, vintage and collectibles.

618-233-0052

December 27 – 30 Holiday Tourney Mater Dei Catholic High School Breese 618-526-7731 December 28 - 30 Holiday High School Basketball Tournament Centralia High School This three day tournament features sixteen teams and attracts over 6,000 spectators.

618-532-7391 December 31 La Guiannee Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher In a traditional celebration dating back to 1722, the La Guiannee singers will visit houses in town and the Fort and sing for the residents.

Residents provide refreshments for the singers at each stop.

618-284-7230 New Year’s Eve Musical Show Lincoln Theatre, Belleville Ring in the New Year with a twohour plus gala threater pipe organ concert of various time periods.

618-233-0018

JANUARY 2018 January 1 Ringing of the Bells Downtown Belleville Bring jingle bells, dinner bells, cow bells, and ring in 2018 at the Belleville Public Square.

618-233-6769 Polar Bear Plunge East Fork Lake, Olney Brrrr..Jump in the lake for the Polar Bear Plunge at noon on New Year’s Day. 618-392-7977 January 6 Way of Lights Run National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville Come out for the 5K Competitive Run and 1.5 Mile Fun Walk through the Way of Lights. 618-397-6700

4387 N. Illinois, Suite 200 Swansea, Illinois 62226

10/17, 45M