PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR THE LAKE OF EGYPT & SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST
LAKE OF EGYPT
In the Eye of the Storm
NEIGHBOR
LAKE OF EGYPT
LIVING
Lake of Egypt Living 75 Egyptian Parkway, Creal Springs, IL 62922. Lake of Egypt Living cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors, absences, or the services provided by advertisers in our publications. Material in this magazine is property of Lake of Egypt Living and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher.
CONTACT US egyptianhillsresort@gmail.com or call (618) 751-4556.
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
Each year four print issues of Lake of Egypt Living are distributed to Lake of Egypt residents free of charge. If you live outside of the Lake of Egypt, you can purchase a subscription by visiting lakeofegyptliving. com. Subscriptions are $30 for one year (four issues).
STORY IDEAS & EVENTS
Want to have your story and home featured in Lake of Egypt Living? Have an upcoming event you'd like to share with the community? Have a great idea for a story? Then send us an email at egyptianhillsresort@gmail.com! We'd love to hear from you.
What's inside
The Eggertsens' Comeback
About the Cover: Bobby King captured this amazing image of the May 26th tornado over the Lake of Egypt with his drone.
Publisher's Note
Dear Lake Friends,
As the final weekend of a bustling summer approaches, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for making this year the most remarkable we’ve ever experienced. Since opening our doors as the Marion / Shawnee National Forest KOA campground on April 1st, we have been truly blessed. We've had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people from all over the world, including New Zealand, Germany, England, Norway, Spain and Japan, who chose to spend their time and resources enjoying the beauty of our lake. Whether renting boats or jet skis, dining at our local restaurants, or exploring the many attractions Southern Illinois has to offer, all the while pouring countless dollars into our local economy.
Looking ahead, we are excited for an even bigger and better years to come. However, as we continue to monitor activity on the lake, we’ve noticed that lake safety remains a critical
concern. We are immensely thankful that no serious injuries have occurred this year, but there are several safety issues that we’ve observed. These include water skiing and tubing outside of designated ski areas, operating jet skis in the wrong direction, and excessive speed in no-wake zones. Many of these challenges stem from newcomers who are unfamiliar with the lake’s rules.
In response to these concerns, the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) has taken steps to address safety on the lake. In their most recent letter dated August 1, 2024, they reminded all property owners on Lake of Egypt of the following:
“Please remember; Lake of Egypt Shoreline Agreement #1: OWNER shall use SIPC’s property for personal and family recreational use only; no commercial or business use of any nature is permitted. Boat rentals from your dock are prohibited."
One of the primary reasons for this mandate is the lack of proper instruction provided to those renting boats. Commercial renters, on the other hand, are required to enforce strict guidelines, including time limits for boat returns, assessing whether individuals have consumed too much alcohol, and ensuring that boats used for rental are only for leisure cruising—not for pulling tubes or skiers. These rental companies also carefully review the lake’s rules and provide renters with maps that clearly indicate where they can and cannot go, as well as how to navigate the lake safely. This level of oversight is essential for maintaining a safe environment for everyone on the water.
We thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work together to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who visit Lake of Egypt. We look forward to next year for what promises to be an even more extraordinary season.
Sincerely,
Micah Merrill
Marion Shawnee
National Forest KOA Holiday Lake of Egypt Living
The Pavilion is the crown jewel of large capacity event venues in the Marion area. Owned and operated by the City of Marion since 2011, southern Illinois' premier event center is the go-to host for some of the most prominent and well attended events in the region. With 28,000 square feet of completely flexible indoor event space, a 12-acre lake and 3 acres of outdoor event space, The Pavilion can make any event shine!
• Ballroom with a 388 guest banquet style capacity
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• State of the art event technology & lighting Call us today at (618) 993-2657 or email us at information@thepavilionevents.com!
Photo by Tony Kendrick
by DIXIE TERRY
(Writer's Note: Micah Merrill is one perfect example of a good neighbor, so it was decided to sneak in a tribute to him, although he probably would not agree to being in the limelight, but he was outnumbered.)
If you want a volunteer for a community project, ask the busiest person you know to help out. In the Lake of Egypt community, that person could very well be Micah Merrill. He has become a tireless advocate of the lake.
Micah has been instrumental in creating the communication products that keep the lake rsidents together as a community. Lake of Egypt Living Magazine and The Resort's social media are the backbone of the community and keep lake neighbors informed of important topics, like the property tax increase and changes of lake rules.
It is a universal thank-you and smile from lake residents, when the no-charge publication arrives, like a friend, in their mailbox, four times each year.
Micah has labored at Egyptian Hills Resort for over a decade to make a place for residents and visitors to come out and enjoy good food , accommodations , water toys and great entertainment.
Micah created the "Legends of the Lake" concert series, bringing outstanding tribute bands to the lake. It was an amazing site to see the multitude of boats and hundreds of concert goes enjoying the music each Friday night. The Resort with the help of area business partners, donated over $30,000 per year from the concerts to the homeless crisis center in
Williamson County.
Hundreds of weddings , family reunions , corporate events, movie nights and other free music events over the years, have been held at The Resort, to be enjoyed by guests. People don't realize the planning and expense that goes into these event shows.
Micah has spent his working career as the managing partner at The Egyptian Hills Resort, building the restaurants, including the weekend burger bar, and the outdoor activities, such as the game patio and the inflatable water park, geared for kids to have wonderful activities to enjoy, while the entire family can enjoy delicious food, ice cream treats and special cocktails.
The Resort and the dedicated staff of women who manage the kitchens, spare no expense in the quality of ingredients used in the food and beverages it serves, and the quality does not go unnoticed.
The Resort is known as far as St. Louis and Chicago, for the best pizza, ice cream treats, burgers, deli sandwiches and cocktails in Southern Illinois.
This year Micah created The General Store at The Resort, that features special Lake of Egypt items and a nice shopping atmosphere, to add to The Resort experience.
Micah grew up in Bountiful, Utah, an attractive town near Salt Lake City. He attended the University of Utah and earned his law degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. This is where he became acquainted with the beautiful Lake of Egypt.
Micah and his wife, Michelle, who is a lake realtor, are the proud parents of ten children, with only one presently remaining at home. All the kids worked at the resort at one
time or another it has been a real family affair.
Their children all grew up enjoying the lake life and all that it offered. All have been involved in playing sports, with their dad as the best cheerleader ever.
Most people don't know that Micah grew up in one of the founding families in the ice cream business. His grandfather, Casper Merrill, the founder of "Fat Boy's Ice Cream Sandwiches," invented a key process of making single-serve ice cream treats.
Micah and his father, George, helped build "Casper's Ice Cream" into a national brand. Little wonder that Micah helped create the Lake of Egypt tradition of the famous "Boozy Shakes."
The Lake of Egypt has so much more to offer because of Micah’s tireless efforts to build The Resort as a one of a kind destination. There is a special spirit when one walks around the lake front patio, flowers, waterfalls and breathtaking lake views it truly has been transformed into a resort!
Micah knows no strangers and everyone is a welcomed friend. Most everyone has a "Micah-helped-me" story to share.
He is truly the lake's gentle friend to all. We salute Micah and his good works as a good neighbor!!
New Names New Era of Care
Deaconess Illinois is ushering in a new era of care for Southern Illinois communities. As we turn the page on the past, we invite you to embrace a future of enhanced health and wellness.
At Deaconess Illinois, we bring a renewed commitment to excellence, innovative medical
advancements and compassionate, patientcentered care. We elevate health care standards and prioritize your well-being — every single day.
Experience the Deaconess difference as we redefine health care, together.
Micah loves to have his kids get big air on the tube and boating with his family
REBUILDING AFTER THE STORM
by LES WINKELER
The April 2nd, 2024 tornado that struck Lake of Egypt turned Adam and Susan Eggertsen’s world upside down … literally.
The Eggertsen’s, entrepreneurs of the first degree, owned several businesses on the Lake of Egypt Road, just east of the power plant. The localized tornado took out the Eggertsen’s businesses … a bar, a bait shop and a boat winterization and wrapping enterprise.
In addition, Adam’s operates a fishing guide service out of the bait shop, The Just Add Water Guide Service. His fishing boat was heavily damaged, causing him to miss the spring crappie and bass seasons.
“It was sure unexpected,” Adam said. “You never expect anything like that to happen. It was a terrible mess when we got here that morning. Our phones were ringing at 6 a.m., people going to work and had seen it, calling us and telling us. It took us over an hour to get here that morning because trees were down across the road. It was a mess.”
The Eggertsens, who live a short distance away, were still at home when they got the word. Susan was up and ready to go
to work early, but changed her mind because it was raining and didn’t want to mess up a fresh hairdo.
“A friend of mine had done my hair,” Susan said. “I was going to come in early but it was raining, so didn’t want to get my hairdo wet. So I thought I’d wait a little bit. I always tell her your hairdo saved my life.”
However, they were soon to learn there was more to worry about than a few hairs out of place. The tornado passed through the area about 4:45 a.m. and by 6 a.m. the Eggertsens were being inundated with phone calls.
Upon learning their businesses had been destroyed, the Eggertsens hopped in their car. However, downed trees impeded their progress. It took them nearly an hour to drive the short distance. They were distraught by what they saw.
“It was devastating for sure,” Adam said.
One of the buildings contained Susan’s office with the paperwork for all the businesses.
“It rained paper for two days after the tornado,” she said. But, immediately help began pouring in.
“We were so overwhelmed,” Susan said. “People were calling in sick from their cars as they pulled in that morning. We probably had 50-some people here all day. By 8 a.m. one of our
friends had all these containers here, dumpsters here. People were just stopping and bringing food.”
What’s more, eight different businesses held fundraisers for the Eggertsens following the tornado. As a result of the fundraisers, the Boat Motor Bar will had a small mini-golf course to its campus. Each of the contributing businesses will have a hole dedicated to them in the nine-hole course … Par-T Cove.
Since April, it’s been non-stop work for the Eggertsens as they try to get back on their feet. They had opened the bait shop 11 years ago, a package liquor store seven years ago, the bar five years ago and the boat wrap business three years ago.
By mid-August the shell of the bar and their bait shop, Just Add Water, had been rebuilt. A pole building that will house their wrapping and winterization operation, the Lake of Egypt Boat Yard, was standing. However, there was still a lot of work to do.
The Eggertsens were hoping to be back in business by Labor Day. The experience of losing everything to a tornado and rebuilding has been eye-opening.
“People are really really …” Susan said, her voice trailing off. “We didn’t realize how loved we were. People would call
every day looking for bait. We didn’t realize how much of a need that part was. I’ve always blew that part off because it’s not very profitable. It does serve a need. When we saw all these customers calling in and crying with us.”
Patrons of the bar said they just didn’t feel comfortable patronizing other establishments in the area. The new bar will be called the Boat Motor Bar because several antique outboard motors will be displayed in shadow boxes in the bar itself. Susan said the bar is more than just a drinking establishment. She said the facility hosted 71 birthday parties last year. She has wedding receptions booked. The facility also hosts dart and bags leagues.
“We lost our most profitable time, April to July,” Susan said. “People think it should still be busy in August, we’re busier in December than we are in August.”
However, after dealing with contractors and insurance companies for months, the Eggertsens are starting to sense the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I’m just getting impatient,” Susan said. “It’s been a minute since April 2. And, I have a lot of pressure because people are asking, ‘When you opening, when you opening?’ Because even if
we were finished, I’d need two weeks right now. I have to order beer, I have all these fixtures that need to be put in. People say you can do it the way you want it. To try to make all the decisions at once… I haven’t thought about this stuff.”
And, she laughs when people suggest that shutting down the businesses for the summer constituted a break.
“We haven’t had a break,” she said. “We have seven grandkids. We’ve hardly seen our grandkids. Just to make all these decisions, we don’t even know where stuff is. (They have items stored in six different locations.) We don’t even know what we’ve got.
“When it’s all done I think we’re going to go, ‘How did we just survive that?’ We haven’t really had time to think. There are errands you have to do every day. You have to get paint … You need to get flooring …”
At the same time, the Eggertsens will be coming out of the tornado bigger than ever. They will be adding a new business to their little empire – The Reel It Inn. Ground was broken recently on a four-room hunting/fishing lodge.
Finally, the experience has left Susan a bit gun shy where the weather is concerned.
“I’m scared to death of storms now and I never was before … ever,” she said.
The Eggerstens are steadily making progress on their rebuilding efforts after the storm.
Captured by the Community
The aftermath of the April 2 and May 26 tornados that struck the Lake of Egypt was marked by significant damage to homes, businesses, and the natural landscape. Many properties around the lake suffered severe structural damage, with trees uprooted and power lines downed, leading to widespread power outages. The community came together to aid in recovery efforts, with local authorities and volunteers working tirelessly to clear debris and restore essential services. Despite the destruction, the resilience of the Lake
of Egypt community shone through as they began rebuilding and supporting one another in the wake of the storm.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who submitted their photos for this issue of the magazine. Your contributions have truly captured the spirit of our community, especially in light of the recent challenges we've faced. Each photo tells a story and adds a personal touch that makes this issue special.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BROOKE RICKERT
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CHRISTINE KING-HAYES
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CLINTON MARSHALL
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LINDA MEDLEY VOELKER
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JULIE HILL
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JEN HOLTMAN
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KENT DEEN
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BETTY SCHNAKE
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JUSTIN WAID
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CHARLOTTE CLOVER
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BRANDI STOUT
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MARIAH PARR
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JULIE HILL
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MATT BLUE
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DOUG CRITES
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MATT BLUE
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY RYAN DIEDERICH
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KATE DUTTON WHITE
"I bumped into Michelle at The Resort and recognized her fr advertisements. While casually chatting, I mentioned that my wi considering looking for a new place that had more of a yard for activities. We exchanged numbers and I told her to keep me in mind. Michelle was quick to act! She sent me several properties that met the details we discussed. On a soggy, Saturday morning, Michelle trudged all across the yard in her new white sneakers determined to show us the entirety of the listing. When we decided to make an offer, Michelle navigated the complicated process of getting our house listed and getting our offer on the new one accepted ike a pro! She made what could have been a painful experience into an easy one! Thanks Michelle!"
Nathan & Stacy Trexler
TALES
The Story of Pizza and Survival
by LES WINKELER
Editor's Note: This is a two-part feature due to the impact of the recent storm. Once the Gray's home is fully restored, we'll present our full house feature, showcasing both the beautiful interior and exterior.
The worst part of the story is, they didn’t even get to eat the pizza.
Strange as it may seem, an uneaten
Whiffle Boys pizza plays a key role in Gary Gray’s remembrance of the May 26 tornado that struck Lake of Egypt.
Gray, a financial planner from Carterville, was spending an otherwise uneventful Memorial Day weekend with his family at their summer home at Lake of Egypt.
“We had spent the whole day out there with all of our kids,” Gray said. “We’ve got three boys and one girl. My daughter is married. She lives in Lake St. Louis and she had spent the Memorial Day weekend with us.
“It was Sunday afternoon and we had some friends come by in their boat and ask, ‘Hey, do you want to go out?’ My wife is always following the weather. She said, ‘No, it’s supposed to get bad here in a little bit. I don’t think it’s a good idea.’”
Thankfully, the family heeded her advice and hung around the house.
Gray’s sons had already headed home, but he, his daughter and son-in-law decided to sit on their dock while his wife went inside for a nap.
Enter the pizza.
“The weather started looking a little bit rough so we went inside<” Gray said. “I said, “You know what, let’s go to Whiffle Boys in Goreville and get a pizza and bring it back. So, we drove to Whiffle Boys and while we were there in line I said, ‘Wow, those clouds don’t look too good.’ Then we got our pizza and started heading home.”
The weather was still ominous when they arrived at the house, but the weather is never too bad for pizza.
“I literally put the pizza on the bar, and looked up out of our window,” Gray said. “You can see the lake on the other side and I saw a big swirling debris field. I said, ‘OK, let’s get downstairs’ My sonin-law may have even said it at the same time.”
“The scene the Gray family saw through the window was surreal. Gray said the tornado was well above the ground, passing over a line of trees. On the other hand, the funnel appeared to be bearing down on their home.
The elapsed time between throwing the pizza on the counter and fleeing to the safety of the basement was about a minute.
“We went to the furthest point back, it’s a walk-out basement. As soon as we sat down and hunkered down, I heard the loudest sounding wind. My daughter said it sounded like a train, but it just sounded like the loudest wind I’ve ever heard.
“I remember what was going through my mind, ‘Am I putting my family in the best spot to protect them? I was just going through my mind real quick in those few seconds I had, is this the best place to be in this house?’”
Just a few moments later, they experienced the calm after the storm.
“It only lasted for maybe, 30-45 seconds,” Gray said. “And, then, it was just quiet. I walked outside of the room we were barricaded in. The first thing I saw, I looked out the window, I saw a big tree down that was blocking our view. The wind was so loud I didn’t even hear the tree fall, and it was right next to the house. So, I walked outside to see if it hit the house in anyway, and no, it looked like we escaped that. But, then I saw three other trees down, some big ones. Then I heard my son-inlaw behind me say, ‘Gary, your dock is gone.’”
Gray’s house managed to escape damage from fallen trees, but his boat dock, complete with a boat and a pair of jet skis, had disappeared, much like Dororthy Gale’s house spun into space in “The Wizard of Oz.”
After assuring neighbors they were safe, Gray and his family surveyed the rest of the property to confirm that the house had miraculously escaped serious damage from a tornado the National Weather Service classified as EF-3. The roof did sustain some damage, but that was from hail, not the tornado.
In the meantime, the dock was still MIA.
A short time later, a neighbor appeared on a jet ski, saying he had located the Gray’s dock, boat and jet skis further down the cove.
“The next morning we were able to get the dock back and it’s mangled,” he said. “Since then, I’ve had it worked on, had some pieces taken off. It’s just temporarily set up to use until we get it rebuilt. The jet skis and dock were totaled.”
On the other hand, his family escaped unscathed. Anyone who has ever survived a direct hit from a tornado will tell you the experienced is always followed by moments of introspection.
“You feel extremely lucky it didn’t hurt your family or yourself,” Gray said. “You do count your blessings. You think about what could have been and you feel very fortunate when you get out of that. It does give you a different perspective. I tried to ask myself is God punishing me, or have I been good because it didn’t hit the house?”
While surveying the damage, the Grays noticed one of the oddities that always surface in the aftermath of a tornado.
“I had leaned a fishing pole up down there near the dock,” Gray said. “We were fishing earlier that weekend, and that pole was right there in that same location. It was still there. That’s the weird thing about tornadoes, you hear about straw going through trees and how they affect one person and the neighbor doesn’t get a scratch.”
Indeed that was the case in Gray’s case. The damage was incredibly isolated. Although there were several trees down in the neighborhood, one of Gray’s neighbors suffered no structural damage and the other only had minor damage to landscaping.
However, surviving a tornado can leave invisible marks.
“The funny thing is my wife and I were going to stay at the lake” Gray said. “I was going to drive into work (his office is in Herrin) and we were going to stay at the lake all summer. That night, we lost our power and everything. We packed all our stuff and drove into town. The bad vibes… we just didn’t feel like staying out there. We still had all this damage. We’ve only been back a few times on weekends. Those first times back are kind of eerie.”
Oh, and the pizza.
The next day Gray found a paper plate with a single slice of pizza in the room where they had taken shelter during the tornado. He never did get to eat it.
UNIQUE + UPSCALE
L
Cheers without the Buzz: The Story of Non-Alcoholic Beer
by DUSTIN ZOELLER
In a world where the clinking of beer glasses is no longer synonymous with drunken revelry, the rise of non-alcoholic brews has transformed the toast from a tipsy tradition to an enlightened choice.
Once considered a niche product with limited appeal, today's non-alcoholic beers boast diverse styles and robust flavors, catering to an expanding audience of health-conscious consumers and those seeking to reduce their alcohol intake without sacrificing taste. This renewed popularity is not just a modern phenomenon but has deep historical roots that trace back thousands of years.
The concept of non-alcoholic beer is not as modern as one might think. Early civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Chinese were brewing beer long before the rise of modern brewing technology. Although their beers contained alcohol, they also brewed non-alcoholic versions, primarily for medicinal or dietary reasons. In ancient Egypt, for instance, beer was a staple of daily life and was consumed by people of all ages, including children. Non-alcoholic variants were often used for their nutritional benefits, offering sustenance without the effects of intoxication.
During the Middle Ages, beer became a cornerstone of
European diets. Monastic brewers were among the first to perfect brewing techniques, including the creation of lowalcohol beers. The purpose was often practical—providing a safe beverage for children and the elderly, as water sources were frequently contaminated. Monks, particularly those in the Bavarian region, developed methods to produce lighter beers that had lower alcohol content, though these were not classified as non-alcoholic by today's standards.
The 19th century marked significant advancements in brewing technology, but non-alcoholic beer was still a niche product. In the late 1800s, brewing techniques began to evolve with the advent of pasteurization and the development of lager yeast, which made it easier to produce beers with controlled alcohol levels. However, non-alcoholic beer remained largely experimental, and it wasn't until the Prohibition era in the United States that non-alcoholic beer gained mainstream attention.
The 1920s Prohibition in the United States acted as a significant catalyst for the development of non-alcoholic beer. With the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages outlawed, breweries had to innovate to survive. Many turned to producing "near beers," which contained less
than 0.5% alcohol by volume, the legal limit to be classified as non-alcoholic. Brands such as Bevo and Pablo emerged during this time, and despite being a far cry from today's nonalcoholic beers in taste and quality, they set the stage for future developments.
After Prohibition ended in 1933, the demand for nonalcoholic beer diminished, and many breweries returned to producing alcoholic beverages. However, the concept did not disappear. During the World War II era, non-alcoholic beer was again produced to cater to soldiers and those in need of a non-intoxicating option. It was during this time that the term "non-alcoholic beer" began to take shape as we know it today.
The late 20th century saw a significant evolution in nonalcoholic beer production. Advances in brewing technology, such as improved filtration techniques and the development of new yeasts, led to significant improvements in taste and quality. The introduction of reverse osmosis and vacuum distillation allowed brewers to remove alcohol while preserving the flavor profile of the beer. This period also saw a growing health consciousness and changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption, which contributed to a rising interest in non-alcoholic options. Brands like Clausthaler and O'Douls helped popularize non-alcoholic beer in Europe and the United States. Their success demonstrated that non-alcoholic beer could be a viable and enjoyable alternative to traditional brews.
In the 21st century, nonalcoholic beer has undergone a renaissance. Breweries have embraced innovative brewing techniques to produce
high-quality non-alcoholic beers that closely mimic their alcoholic counterparts in flavor and mouthfeel. The rise of craft brewing has further spurred interest, with many craft breweries now offering non-alcoholic versions of their popular beers. As more people seek to reduce their alcohol consumption for health reasons or personal choice, non-alcoholic beer provides a satisfying alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Today's non-alcoholic beers are not just a pale imitation of their alcoholic siblings. They come in a wide range of styles, from IPAs to stouts, and are crafted with the same care and creativity as traditional beers. Brands like Athletic Brewing Co., Sam Adams Just the Haze, and Heineken 0.0 have achieved remarkable success, offering diverse options that cater to various tastes and preferences.
At Speakeasy Liquors and Lucky’s Beer Wine Spirits, we take pride in offering our customers with a wide assortment of non-alcoholic beers and beer substitutes. Let’s take a look at a few of these fine products:
Budweiser Zero: Budweiser Zero is an alcohol-free brew with only 50 calories and zero grams of sugar and is made for those who want to cut back on alcohol without missing out on the full flavor and refreshment of Budweiser.
Corona: The taste of the original in a non-alcoholic brew. It has the same crisp and balanced taste of your favorite Mexican Lager. Add a lime wedge and enjoy anytime.
Athletic Brewing Company: Athletic Brewing Company was founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker. The company was born out of a desire to create high-quality, flavorful beers that cater to those seeking a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing the enjoyment of a good brew. Athletic Brewing uses a unique brewing process that combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce non-alcoholic beers that rival their alcoholic counterparts in taste and complexity. Their commitment to excellence and their diverse range of offerings, from IPAs to stouts, have garnered widespread acclaim, positioning Athletic Brewing as a trailblazer in the growing market for non-alcoholic beverages.
Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher: Hoppy Refresher is a zippy and zingy highly carbonated dry-hopped sparkling water. They added a pinch of brewer’s yeast to biotransformate the hops and pull out terpenes (AKA aroma compounds) of lime, lemon, tangerine, and a bit of pine. Sparkling water? NA seltzer? IPAinspired Refresher? However you see this clear beverage, we view it as a fresh take on an old tradition.
FALL CRAPPIE FISHING ON THE LAKE OF EGYPT
by 3 POUND FISHING
Fall Crappie Fishing on Lake of Egypt is one of the best times of the year. Crappie are plentiful and basically everywhere. You can catch em shallow, you can catch em deep, and you can use just about every technique to get it done. Fall is truly a great time to be on the water.
Fall Crappie are influenced by the temperature change mainly. Although some would also say the moon phase plays a part as well. I’ve noticed over the years that as soon as the water temperature dips into the 75-78 area, the bite starts to heat up.
I focus mainly on brush piles and any structure on Lake of Egypt. I fish spots that I won’t fish any other time of the year BUT during the fall. Simply because crappie tend to be on anything and everything. A simple stick can hold several crappies worth catching so I’m stopping at all structure that I typically drive past during any other season. This is a great reason to mark structure on your electronics throughout the year regardless if it has crappie on it.
The most favorably technique used is casting. This allows you to stay off the structure. Staying 30 feet back and throwing a 3 Pound Fishing paddle tail with a 1/32oz jig most defiantly will give you the edge. I like to pair a natural color with a bright head to spark the bite. You can see a lot of examples of this technique on my YouTube channel where I post weekly. And for the die Hard, every day on TikTok.
Another technique on Lake of Egypt I frequently use is shallow water fishing. This takes a bit of control of your bait as you will need to keep it up in the top 2-3 feet of the water column. Focus on structure and keeping the bait above it. Slow is the key here as the crappie will come up at it from the brush. 3 Pound Fishing Hair jigs are great for this as I specially designed them to be light for these techniques. All of these products are available at Just Add Water or you can go online at www.3poundfishing.com
Fall Crappie fishing is an incredible time of the year. If you would like a fast pass to success book a guide trip with 3 Pound Fishing. 618-694-5162. I focus in on A+ service and equipment. You will learn the techniques needed to be a success. Have a great Fall!
$684,999
• 300+ ft
• WATERFRONT
• 5 Bedroom
• 3 Bathrooms
• 2 Slip Dock
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• Vaulted C
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• Basemen
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• Central V
HOMES LOTS &
Your One-Stop LIQUOR STORE
NSavoring THEFall
o matter how much I love the summer I just can’t fight that fall feeling. The first cool day as summer comes to an end seems to jump start my urge to make soup and bake anything that requires cinnamon and cloves. If you are like me then you will enjoy welcoming in the fall with these two autumn recipes that have been used in our family for as long as I can remember.
I almost chose not to do this recipe because it really is just a guideline in terms of ingredient quantities. To be honest, I usually start with the amount of meat I want and then I build the soup based more on a visual and taste rather than following an exact recipe. Sometimes I might thicken with flour at the roux stage or I might feel like a clear soup so I skip the flour. Sometimes I want it to have more of a tomato base and will add more paste and more diced tomatoes. It really just depends on my mood and what I have in the pantry. Sometimes I don’t add the spinach because the kiddos don’t appreciate the “green stringy stuff”. That is really the wonderful thing about this soup…you can make it your own even if it is different every time.
The most important thing about making this soup, or any soup really, is taking your time and creating it in a slow fashion allowing the flavors to build and mingle. It’s like you are “creating levels of flavor”. You can really understand what I mean by tasting the soup at its different stages. Taste how the flavor goes from bland to seasoned to flavor rich after it has simmered slowly and soaked up all the flavors in the pot. One very effective way to enhance the flavor profile in vegetable beef soup is to make your own beef stock. (See note below.) I never underestimate the value of making my own stock…It can be the difference between a good soup and an amazing soup rich
by VICTORIA SPREHE
in savory goodness. Even doing something as simple as adding a rind or two from wedges of parmesan cheese can give it a new “level” of flavor, which will also add a bit of saltiness, btw. My family loves a gooey, cheesy, yummy toasted cheese sandwich with their vegetable soup. Crackers or cornbread are, of course, other good accompaniments! Enjoy!
Vegetable Beef Soup
12 servings (This is a big batch…it’s always nice to have some to freeze or to take to a neighbor. If you want a smaller batch just cut the quantities in half.)
Ingredients
• 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 4-5 lbs. chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes) (qty. depending on how meaty you like your soup)*
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 6-7 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-6 stalks celery (sliced in 1/3” slices
• 6-7 large carrots (sliced in 1/4” slices)
• 1/8-¼ cup flour (optional- makes the broth thicker, if you prefer clear broth just leave this step out)
• 12+ cups of beef broth (add more or less, depending on how you like your soup)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 4-6 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4-5 bay leaves
• Parsley and thyme, tie a bundle of these two herbs with kitchen twine (a bouquet garni)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons coarse ground pepper
• 2 15-oz. cans of diced tomatoes plus the juice
• 1-28oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 4-5 golden potatoes, depending on size (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 can cream corn (adds a little thickness and a little sweetness at the same time)
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 2 cups frozen green beans
• 2 cups frozen spinach
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Set a large stock pot or a dutch oven over high heat. Add the olive oil and make sure that it is hot. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and generously season with kosher salt and coarse black pepper.
2. Once the oil is hot add half the beef to the pot and cook for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through to brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining half of the chuck and then set the beef aside.
3. Return the pot to the stove top and set to medium heat. Add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions and cook until they begin to soften and are becoming translucent.
4. Add garlic, carrots and celery…saute for a couple more minutes.
5. If using flour, stir it in now and then slowly add the beef broth while stirring constantly. Start with a smaller amount of
stock and add as you determine how much liquid your soup will require.
6. Add the wine, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, pepper and the parsley/ thyme bouquet garni. Stir.
7. Add the browned beef back into the pot.
8. Adjust the heat to a medium low temperature and bring it to a gentle simmer.Cover and simmer for about an hour to an hour and a half or until the beef is tender.
9. Add the potatoes, peas, corn, green beans and spinach. Continue to cook another 30 minutes or so or until the potatoes are done.
10. Adjust your seasonings. Maybe a little more salt and pepper and sometimes a hint of sugar will balance out some of the acidity if you feel it needs it but really shouldn’t if you used the creamed corn.
11.Garnish with parsley and serve.
*I always wonder where exactly the already-cut stew meat comes from so I prefer to cut my own chuck. If you put the chuck roast in the freezer for a bit it makes cutting it into uniform pieces a lot easier.
*Recently I came across a chef that shared a pressure cooker technique for making stock. I gave it a go and I felt like the flavor depth of the stock was exceptional. If you are interested in trying this check it out at https://seriouseats.com/pressurecooker-beef-stock. I promise you you won’t be disappointed with the intensity it will add to your dish.
HONE YOUR KNIFE SKILLS!
This is a picture of one of my timed knife skills exams in culinary school. The chef instructors would measure each piece with a ruler verifying the uniformity of size and precision of the cut. Small dice, large dice…those are pretty easy. Try to
tournée potatoes under the gun! To tournée a potato you have to cut an oblong piece of potato (or any root vegetable) into a seven-sided football-like shape. One is a challenge but getting two or three the exact same size is a work of art. Oh, but so worth it when you see these perfectly shaped little footballs in your finished dish. While cutting vegetables to a uniform shape will no doubt enhance the visual presentation of your dish more importantly it will ensure that the ingredients are cooked evenly. When one piece of potato is done we want them all to be done.
Tips for Making An Amazing Grilled Cheese
-Make sure your ingredients are all room temperature.
-Use good quality bread…I like a nice rustic sourdough.
-Spread butter or mayo on one side each of two slices of bread. (I am a butter girl, but mayo will not brown as quickly as butter does, giving your cheese more melting time.)
-Place one slice of bread butter or mayo side down on a cold pan over medium heat.
-Place cheese on top of the slice of bread. (And any other ingredients you want to add…I love a little thyme in my gooey cheese.) I love using a creamy cheese along with a tangier cheese for an interesting flavor. For instance, try slices of brie or camembert with a slice of sharp cheddar. Gruyere is a good mix with sharp cheddar as well. It’s all up to you.
-Place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese with the butter/mayo side up.
-Keep heat medium and cook slowly to avoid burning the bread before the cheese has had time to melt.
-Once the first side is browned, flip over and brown the second side.
-When both sides have browned and the cheese is melted, remove from the pan and place on a cooling rack so that it gets air flow from underneath which will prevent it from getting soggy.
Apple Sauce Cake
You can tell right away this is an old recipe based on the simplicity of the ingredients and the instruction. My mother made this cake a lot when we were growing up. It always made the house smell wonderful and exactly like fall. Sometimes she would just dust it with powdered sugar, sometimes she would slather it with cream cheese frosting…either way it was a slice of fall spice comfort.
Ingredients
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cup applesauce
• 2 teaspoons soda (dissolved in a little warm water)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 2 cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 cup walnuts (optional)
Directions
1. Cream sugar and shortening.
2. Beat in the egg.
3. Add the soda mixture.
4. Sift the dry ingredients and add alternately with the applesauce.
5. Pour into a greased 13” x 9” baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees until done.
Shawnee Communications continues to respond to the needs of our Southern Illinois friends and neighbors by expanding our Fiber to the Home network to more rural, underserved communities. Whether you work from home, have students in remote learning programs or just enjoy a high-tech lifestyle, Fiber Internet will provide immediate benefits to your household. What can you do with Fiber Internet? Virtually anything. Register for Fiber Internet at shawneefiber.com!
Decorating Kid's Rooms
by ANGELA ROWE, DDCD
As a designer, decorating children’s bedrooms is a favorite project. They usually present special opportunities to create personality, whimsy, fantasy, or even another locale. Children’s rooms sometimes also offer the homeowner more than one chance for a redesign as children grow.
Let’s start at the beginning, the baby’s nursery. Creating the perfect nursery is such a fun and exciting project. Begin with a theme, and then look for fabrics, accessories, lighting, area rugs, and window treatments that match your theme. Look for furniture that’s as maintenance free as possible and furniture that will grow with your child as they age. You’ll be spending
lots of precious moments in this room with your new arrival, so above all, put a lot of love into decorating your nursery. It's always nice when a design can grow with your child. But as our little ones grow and develop their own personality, we may have pegged them one way as a baby, and now they are interested in sports, not dinosaurs. Be flexible with your child’s room. Normally a child’s bedroom isn’t near the public rooms of the house, so if it doesn’t flow with your decorating preferences, it is okay. Allowing your children to have a say in the décor of their bedroom will instill confidence and belief in themselves.
Keep in mind storage. As our little ones grow, they accumulate lots of toys, clothes, and prized possessions. Typically, the second, third, and maybe fourth bedroom in a home is short on square footage. Dressers, chests, desks, and shelves should all have a purpose and have as much storage as possible. If storage and space are super limited, consider a storage bed. Most have drawers that either open at the foot or on the sides of the bed. Keeping these pieces neutral will allow you to decorate several times reusing the casegoods again and
again, while updating the theme until they want a more grownup space.
Somewhere between “little girl” and “teenager,” most girls begin to develop an increasing interest in their bedroom décor as well as fashion. When planning your theme for this often-used room, keep in mind that teen fads can be fleeting, so consider achieving your thematic approach through easily replaced accessories such as pillows, lamp shades, and artwork. For the young men in our homes, who’s passion for
sports, race cars, animals, video games, or music can be all encompassing in their lives, we need to allow them to express themselves, too. Think about starting with a bolder color palette to enhance whatever theme you and your son agree upon. And, above all, allow him to express his own decorating opinion as the design process expands.
With careful planning, all your ideas along with your child’s will come together to create the perfect space for your child, no matter their age.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW LOOK:
We are thrilled to announce that MidAmerica Institute of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery and The Spa at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery are uniting under a new, rebranded name: MidAmerica Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa. Just like the professionally performed facelifts by Dr. Ryan Diederich, our brand is getting a little "lift" of its own! But while we may look a bit different, our dedication to patient care remains as strong as ever.
At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, our primary goal is to ensure that each patient receives the highest standard of care. Whether you’re visiting us for a surgical procedure or a spa treatment, we will continue to uphold the values that have defined us from the beginning: expertise, compassion, and personalized attention. Our commitment to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals in a safe and
welcoming environment is stronger than ever.
Our comprehensive range of services includes cuttingedge plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and facelifts. We also specialize in non-surgical treatments, including injectables like Botox and fillers, as well as innovative skin rejuvenation techniques such as laser treatments, chemical peels, and microneedling.
In addition to our surgical and non-surgical offerings, our medical spa provides an array of luxurious treatments designed to enhance your natural beauty and promote overall wellness. From relaxing facials and body treatments to advanced skincare regimens tailored to your unique needs, we are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.
As we embrace our new identity as MidAmerica Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, we invite you to experience the same exceptional care and state-of-the-art services that have earned us your trust. We may look different, but our commitment to our patients remains unchanged. Thank you for continuing to choose us as your partner in beauty and wellness.
Looking Backwith Dixie
From the '"Round the Lake" column of the August 12, 1992, issue of The Goreville Gazette comes this:
"The wild goose family, the seven goslings as big as their parents, dropped in for a visit this week, spending an afternoon in our back yard, offering us free fertilizer in exchange for grazing rights, not a good trade.
Our resident ducks, Drake and Duchess, have deserted Dutch Uncle, or vice versa, as they are no longer a threesome. The two waddled onto the front porch one morning quacking for some cracked corn.
When our son, Jay, brought home a bushel of not quite ripe field corn, we watched as dozens of squirrels made off with it, cob and all, to store it for the winter ahead.
Bruce Smith of Eagle Point Bay, who fell from a ladder, is recuperating from a broken pelvis bone and will be going to a Champaign nursing home near his daughter, to recover.
Broken bones seem to be the thing this summer. Mary Petty fell in her garden in Eagle Point Bay and broke her arm. Her neighbor, Daisy Swafford taxied her to the emergency room. And, both my dad and my mother-in-law are in the Marion Hospital with broken hips
An auction was held in EPB for Mary Jarman, who is moving into Goreville.
Brian Pritchett and son, Cory, dropped by one morning to try their hand at fishing off our boat dock, but the sudden thunder and clouds scared the fish away.
I've been hearing about 5 and 6 pound catfish catches, many being caught in 12-15 feet of water, using large minnows and caltalpa worms, although I am told they will bite most anything, from bacon strips to peanut butter dough balls. Plastic worms and jigs are being used to catch large bass in 8-12 feet depths and they are starting to school off the points. Crappie are being caught at about 20 feet with small minnows. Bluegill catches were said to be very slow last week.
However, with changes in the weather, which we have experienced this summer, the fishing conditions can change too.
Another heat wave arrived last week, along with scattered
by DIXIE TERRY
thunderstorms and lots of lightning. We watched the sky on Saturday evening as we drove home from Marion, seeing the moon shine brightly to our left and lightning flashing severely to our right.
The Lake Egypt Fire Protection District is still seeking volunteers to train for Emergency Medical Technicians, firefighters and dispatchers. Ladies with time on their hands (is there any such thing?) are welcome to join up and help out our community."
And, from the September 1, 1993 edition of the newspaper " 'Round the Lake" column comes this:
"We watch the moon these hazy August evenings from our vantage point on the back deck, as it sails high, half-hidden by the trees. In another week, the moon will be rising straight across the lake, full and gold, reflecting in the lake water.
Night fishermen continue to pursue the big catch, and the lake is more crowded at 9 pm than in the morning hours.
Catfish are the big draw, and the catches have been good to excellent, depending on which fisherman I consulted. Most agreed that minnows, the large ones, are the best bait right now. Crappie fishing remains fair to good and they are schooled up over the brush beds around the weed beds on buzz baits, ratl-traps at 15-18 feet and are biting small minnows. The bass are also schooling up and can be caught best on rat-l-traps and around the weed beds on buzz baits as well as jerk baits. And, now you know!
LEAPO members, remember the annual meeting on Sept. 11 at 1 pm at r the Eagle Point Bay Association Building. Help elect officers for next year, enjoy a barbecue meal, and maybe win a door prize. Blanche Jones, Secretary, has sent out 3000 invitations to members. Fire Chief Norm Ruth will speak on the proposed 9-11 plan for the lake area and Williamson County.
The Lake Egypt Fire Protection District Auxiliary is still needing your used stuff for their annual fundraising auction, which will be on Sept. 18, at fire station #4. Give a call to pick up bulky items.
The LEFPD firemen spent all day on Aug. 25 at a CIPS transformer when oil was drained and a chemical washdown was required. This occurred over in the area served by station #5 in the Little Grassy Road area. No fires were reported last week.
Thirty-.five geese arrived, landing near our boat dock, where they spent the morning hours, leaving their feathers, since this is their molting season.
Our cat, Sinbad, the great hunter, continues to bring us gifts of dead birds, always at the front door, even though I tell him that mice, not birds, are what he is supposed to pursue.
We enjoyed an evening out last Tuesday, along with our granddaughter, Leah, attending a piano recital at Byassee's Music Store in Marion. The performer was Tony Caramia, an associate professor at the Eastman School of Music in New York City, with a great selection of ragtime and jazz pieces. Also attending was our neighbor, Marge Sipe and her brother, Buck Goot, of Goreville, who are both excellent musicians.
On Sunday, we took a quick look through the Williamson County Flea Market, which recently opened in the former Fair Furniture Store and then we enjoyed dinner at The Hideout, our first time there. We shall return!"
And, so it was on the Lake of Egypt, way back when!
Crossword Puzzle Sudoku
CLUES ACROSS
1. Spiritual leaders
7. A solution
13. Fortified wine
14. Edible mollusk
16. Blood group
17. A way to compare
19. Gov’t lawyer
20. Actor Ciaran
22. Calendar month
23. Very willing
25. __ ex Machina
26. Satisfies
28. Type of berry
29. Distinctive practice
30. Popular pickup truck model
31. Dekagram
33. Naturally occurring solid material
34. Company officer
36. Villains
38. Cricket frogs
40. German founder of psychology
41. Endured
43. A female domestic
44. A situation you can be in
45. Cigarette (slang)
47. Fiber optic network (abbr.)
48. Belgian composer Walter
51. Employee stock ownership plan
53. Belonging to the bottom layer
55. Musical or vocal sound
56. Yankees’ great Judge
58. Dickens character
59. Beloved late sportscaster Craig
60. South Dakota
61. Exposing human vice or folly to ridicule
64. Atomic #79
65. Former Braves pitcher Julio
67. Humor
69. Shawl
70. Hospital unit
CLUES DOWN
1. Animal disease
2. Commercial
3. Arts and crafts supplies
4. Containers
5. Investment vehicle
6. A way to greet in a friendly way
7. Bulged downward
8. “A Day Without” singer
9. Lay about
10. Intestinal
11. Negative
12. Caused to be loved
13. Prominent in Islamic eschatology
15. Sincere
18. Not in
21. Number above the line in a fraction
24. Bill Murray chased one
26. Pouch
27. Swedish krona
30. Start over
32. Wild white or yellow flower
35. Fourteen
37. Visual way of interacting with a computer (abbr.)
38. Up-to-date
39. Campaigns
42. Touch lightly
43. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen
46. Violent seizure of property
47. One who supports the Pope
49. Malaise
50. Body fluid
52. Inauthentic person
54. Title of respect
55. Chilean city
57. Central Japanese city
59. Garment
62. Draw from
63. Automobile
66. The man
68. Top government lawyer
UnlockingSolar Potential
by AES SOLAR
The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant is a significant financial incentive for businesses and agricultural producers looking to adopt solar energy. This grant can cover up to 50% of the total project cost for solar installations, making it an attractive option for eligible applicants in rural areas. In Southern Illinois, most businesses and farms qualify, thanks to the USDA's broad definition of rural areas, which includes towns with populations of 50,000 or fewer.
Eligible applicants include rural small businesses and agricultural producers. The grant provides substantial financial support, reducing the upfront costs of solar projects and making the switch to renewable energy more accessible. Many businesses in our service area have already leveraged this grant, enjoying lower energy bills and contributing to environmental sustainability.
In addition to the USDA REAP Grant, businesses that install solar energy systems can also benefit from several other financial incentives. These include the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which offers a significant tax reduction, and the
Illinois Shines program, which provides additional financial incentives through Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Businesses can also take advantage of utility rebates and depreciation, further enhancing the financial viability of solar investments.
At AES Solar, we are dedicated to helping businesses navigate these opportunities. Our commercial solar team includes an in-house grant writer who assists clients throughout the USDA REAP Grant application process. We offer a full range of services from consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, ensuring a seamless transition to solar energy. We use high-quality, American-made products and have strong partnerships with industry leaders.
Choosing AES Solar means not only investing in highquality solar installations but also supporting a local company committed to the community's growth and sustainability. We take pride in our role in fostering economic development and environmental stewardship in Southern Illinois.
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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Calendar of Events
September 7
Southern IL Big Foot Conference
The countdown is on for the Southern IL bigfoot conference September 7th and VIP meet and greet with dinner and live entertainment September 6th . Guest speakers include Lyle Blackburn, R. Scott Nelson, Ron Morehead, Ron Boles, Zachary Stamm, and Charlie Raymond. Purchase Tickets Today! Cover Photo by andrew-charney unsplash.com
September 7
Super City Brew Fest From hop heads, to cider sippers, to
grape gulpers, the Super City Brew Fest is an adult beverage festival in Metropolis IL. The event will take place on September 7th, 2024 at Harrah’s Metropolis. Enjoy an evening of seasonal selections from some of your favorite breweries and vendors new to you. Every Ticket is a VIP, Souvenir Tasting Glass and 30 samples . The fantastic evening will end with a live concert. Not a drinker, just a dancer? Concert only tickets are available.
September 7 Veterans on Parade
Marion proudly presents a parade to honor all Southern Illinois veterans.
Bands will march and perform plus floats and over 1000 veterans from all branches of service will ride or march. Entertainment and food at the Fairgrounds along with a memorial ceremony. The annual Veterans on Parade is being held to honor all the men and women veterans throughout Southern Illinois, who have ever served our country in both war and peacetime. For more information, email etdvita1@ mchsi.com
September 11-14
Murphysboro Apple Festival
Four-day festival, with numerous activities and events drawing large
crowds such as live music, a carnival with concessions, many contests featuring everything from apple pie eating to the crowning of Appletime Royalty. Celebrating the area apple harvest. Events include a downtown street carnival with rides and concessions, live nightly entertainment on the Appletime Stage, an arts & crafts fair, two parades, a high school marching band competition, car/truck/motorcycle show, queen scholarship pageant, walk/run race, and much more.
Septmber 13
Quiet Riot
Get out to Walker's Bluff Casino Resort for this rock and roll phenomenon! Quiet Riot takes the stage at the event center on September 13, 2024, at 8 p.m.
September 13
Stone Temple Pilots
Adding to its already eclectic 2024 line-up, Mtn Dew Park in Marion, IL presents rock icons Stone Temple Pilots in concert on Friday, September 13, 2024.
September 14-15
Fall Farm Crawl
The Farm Crawl is an excellent opportunity for families and friends to meet farmers, see demos, and take tours of local farms in Southern Illinois. Every year the Co-op works with local farmers to create this unique event that is fun and educational for all ages. Farmers will share the history of their farms, talk about crops, livestock, and the unique ups and downs in farming. This kind of interaction gives tremendous insight into the region's agriculture and the food supply in our area. You don't need to be a farmer to enjoy this crawl! So come on out, see the sights and learn about the diverse landscape of farming that Southern Illinois has to offer!
September 14
Market Days Flea Market
Market Days is Mt. Vernon's very own outdoor flea market and vendor fair. Now located at Veteran's Park, 800 S. 27th St., Market Days occurs on the Second Saturday of every month between May and September. At Market Days, a variety of vendors sell diverse items such as antiques, collectibles, handmade items, plants, jewelry, blacksmith, flea market finds, produce, baked goods, kettle corn pet items, and much more. Admission is free!
September 21-October 30 Bandy's Pumpkin Patch
Open annually from mid-September through October 31st, this fun fall destination is host to many family fun activities. Walk the corn maze, ride the hayride, slide down the slides, or play in the corn pile in the barn. If you think you're a sure shot, take aim with the corn cannon, or just sit back by the fire and drink a hot chocolate. Grab a snack from the concession stand (try the sweet rock candy) before heading home with the perfect Southern Illinois-grown pumpkin!
September 21
Art In The Garden
This event is free for all to come & enjoy! Spend a day making arts and crafts, eating food, listening and making music, and enjoying fun and sun! An amazing group of vendors, artists, and musicians is lined up for the 2nd annual "Art in the Garden", on September 21, 2024. "Art in the Garden" is a unique art festival experience made for the Southern Illinois community to connect, create & celebrate the arts. The mission of this festival is to bring together the Southern Illinois community for a one-of-a-kind celebration of creative synergy! “Art In the Garden” will feature live art, music, and a diverse selection of vendors showcasing & selling their work. Creative activities will be available where kids can take home what they make! Throughout the experience, live music will be performed by talented local musicians, and there will be a rhythmic drum circle led by experienced drummers.
September 21 Rocky Ledges 5K/10K
After completing your scenic run or walk, enjoy quality food, fantastic
BANDY'S PUMPKIN PATCH - SEPT. 21-OCT. 30
beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and a live band. SIU Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center is thrilled to offer the eighth year of the Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk. The RL5K/10K takes place on the beautiful trails of the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. This event is open to individuals and teams of all ages.
September 23
Burton Cummings
Dunbar Music Group presents Burton Cummings of the Original ‘The Guess Who'. Burton brings the 60th Anniversary Hits Tour to Marion, IL, on September 23, 2024, at 7pm.
September 27-29
Magpie Market Days
From boutique clothes to cinnamon rolls, this market has it all! Shop from over 100 vendors from 14 states. Grab some grub from your choice of local food trucks and snap that Insta-ready photo all at one place.
September 27-28
Mt. Vernon Fall Fest
Free Games in the Kids Zone, Free parking, Free admission, Free entertainment. Enjoy fall in Mt. Vernon at Fall Fest 2024! Get ready for the 12th annual Mt. Vernon, Illinois Fall Festival on September 27th and September 28th! Free live entertainment both days on the main stage. Enjoy festival foods, kids zone complete with Free Lazer Tag, listen to great music, shop from a variety of vendors, participate in the ever growing Fall Fest parade, visit the beer/ wine tent, view classic cars and trucks, and so much more!
September 28
Buffalo Day at Bison Bluff Farm
Buffalo Day, an event that happens twice a year, is an extremely important day for both us and the animals. It is a day in which we assess the animals, get their weights, tag this year's calves, and give the animals any help they may
require before releasing them back out on pasture to roam. Buffalo Day is a free event starting around 8am and lasting until the last animal makes its way down our chutes to be assessed, typically around 2pm.
September 28
Carterville Art Stroll
Downtown Carterville will come alive with artists on September 28th from 10 am to 3 pm. You will find painters, barn quilters, crochet, pottery, and much more. Local Artists, Local Vendors, and Free Rock Painting for Kids. The Founder of the Art Stroll is Suzann Starchild Shepard, a cancer survivor and artist. The Art Stroll supports the Strong Survivors Program, a free therapeutic exercise program for cancer survivors and their caregivers, housed at SIU-C.
September 28
Nate Smith
Catch American country music sensation Nate Smith live at Walker’s
BUFFALO DAY AT BISON BLUFF FARM - SEPTEMBER 28
Bluff Casino Resort Event Center. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances, Nate Smith promises a night of unforgettable country music!
September 28
Hunting and Fishing Days
Join us in celebrating the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days. We have 200 plus vendors crowd onto our campus that weekend and 35,000 plus sportsmen that show up every year. We will have many food vendors and various music and entertainment. Attend a casting workshop, watch the dock dogs compete, listen to the waterfowl callers try archery, and check out all the latest gear and much more! Saturday, September 28th, 9 am-5 pm through Sunday, September 29th, 9 am-4 pm.
October 5
Big Muddy Monster Brewfest
The Big Muddy Monster Brewfest at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, is a Craft beer lovers dream. Taste from over 25 craft breweries. There’s a sanctioned
Puzzle Answers
home brew contest, live music, local food & much much more! Come join us for excellent craft brews, live music, and great food.
October 5
Jesse
McCartney
Jesse McCartney opens up more than ever on his 2021 fifth full-length album, New Stage. The New York-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, artist, and actor hits the stage on October 5th at 8:30 at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville, Illinois!
October
11
Lorrie
Morgan
Clay Campbell Productions presents: Lorrie Morgan at Marion Cultural and Civic Center on October 11th at 7pm. Tickets range from $58 to $98. She is one of the most eloquently emotive vocalists of modern times.
October 11-13
Little Grassy Music Festival
Get Down to Makanda, IL for 3 days of live music, campfire jams and art,
environmental and music education. Barn dance, kids trick-or-treating and a full service dining hall. The Little Grassy Get Down at SIU Touch of Nature
Outdoor Education Center is a familyfriendly music festival featuring mostly original acoustic Americana music from around the Midwest. Americana and bluegrass focus will perform on the beautiful lake stage as well as the main stage, located at the heart of the festival grounds. Music will be relocated to Indoor stages in the event of inclement weather.
October 11-20
Arsenic and Old Lace
Come see the talented actors and actresses at John A. Logan College perform Arsenic and Old Lace in the O'neil Auditorium. This 1939 play has become best known for its screen adaptation in 1944, featuring Cary Grant.
October 19-20
Fort Massac Encampment
See what life was like back in the
1700s and early 1800s at Fort Massac State Park’s 44th annual Fort Massac Encampment. This annual reenactment of late-1700s Illinois life on the frontier prairie features blanket traders, merchants, military units, fife and drum corps, and period-style food from more than 20 vendors. The encampment offers military drills, mock battles, along with storytelling and children's activities.
October 19
Oak Ridge Boys
Experience the iconic harmonies of The Oak Ridge Boys live at Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort on October 19 at 8pm!
October 20
Haunted Hollow
Free, fall family fun festival returns! The Haunted Hollow provides a perfect Halloween atmosphere for everyone with a balance of laughs and gasps in a safe and fun environment. Participants will also learn about and
have the chance to hold snakes and other “creepy crawlers.” Everything is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Touch of Nature is wheelchair and stroller-accessible. A parent or guardian must accompany children to the event. The Haunted Hollow will go on rain or shine, we encourage participants to dress accordingly for the day’s weather.
October 26
Carbondale Halloween & Great Pumpkin Race
Halloween officially returns to Carbondale for a week full of frightening fun, thrilling events, and spine-tingling music for the whole family! It’s that time of year again to fill your days and nights up with spooks and thrills! Carbondale Halloween will be jam packed with family friendly events such as the The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race, Downtown Candy Walk, Green Earth’s Pumpkin Glow, Touch of Nature’s Haunted Hollow, and a spectacular
concert, Live at Washington and Main, with Nashville artists Lindsay Lou and Kyle Tuttle, and local gem, Miss Jenny. We will wrap up the season’s festivities with a brand new event hosted by SIU sustainability, The Great Southern Illinois Pumpkin Smash.
October 26
Spooky Catalyst Race
You can expect flow, chunky rocks and roots, lung and leg burning climbs and some of the fastest downhills in all of the Shawnee! The professionally designed and built MTB trails at SIU Touch of Nature in Makanda, IL. All proceeds for this racing series are dedicated toward the ultimate goal of constructing 30 miles of trails at Touch of Nature. Each course will be between 8 and 10 miles per lap. The course will be taped and spray painted for fun and fast racing, helping even first time riders on these trails easily fly through the woods.
SPOOKY CATALYST RACE - OCTOBER 26
