2023 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Book

Page 1 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Saturday, October 28 A Special Supplement of

Page 2

A Special Thank You

Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from left to right: Ashley Bathon, Kim Stotlar, Betti Mucha-President, Kim Kellerman, Julie Wilder-Secretary, Dana Carney-Executive Director, Kathy Kellerman-Treasurer, Jeff Egbert, Cheryl Bigham-Vice-Chairman, Brian Oyler, Genevieve Hester and Dan Breslin. Not Pictured: Andrea Banach and Cheryl Coffel.

The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Director work throughout the year to make the Mardi Gras festivities as enjoyable as possible for the community and visitors that have made this event a tradition. With that planning and work comes many sacrifices for not only the Board and Staff but the families that support us.

There are so many people to thank, but we need to first give thanks and appreciation to the family and friends of each of our Board Members and our Executive Director.

Dana Carney is the Chamber’s Executive Director, and she plays an integral role in every single aspect of Mardi Gras. She has kept each of the event organizers on task, and takes the lead on many of the events as well. Every great event needs a great leader, and Dana deserves some recognition and thanks for all she has done this year and last to help keep the tradition of Mardi Gras alive and thriving!

The term “it takes a village” has no exception in terms of planning and working a largescale event such as Mardi Gras. The Chamber utilizes our small village of very talented and giving individuals, and we are always looking for more help.

The Chamber wants to thank all the Chamber Members who continue to support this organization all throughout the year. Our Members and Mardi Gras sponsors make all of this possible.

So many people, businesses, and organizations have played a pivotal role in 101 years of Mardi Gras, and the Chamber Board and Executive Director would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them.

Page 3 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Index

On the Cover..........................Page 3 Schedule of Events...................Page 4 Mardi Gras Queen Farewell....Page 5 50/50 Drawing..........................Page 6 T-Shirts for Sale....................... Page 6 Mardi Gras Reaches 100...Page 7 2023 Queen Pageant..............Page 8 2023 Queen Candidates.........Page 8 Queen’s Court Pages..............Page 9 2023 Mardi Gras Pageant...... Page 10 Past Mardi Gras Queens........Page 10 2023 Mardi Gras Queen....... Page 11 2022 Pageant Memories............Page 12 Children’s Parade.................Page 13 Business Trick or Treat..........Page 14 Center Court Activities......... Page 16

Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce

Craft & Vendor Fair............. Page 17 Other Activities....................... Page 18 Precious Pumpkin................ Page 20 Perry County Jail Museum ..... Page 21 Parade Map............................Page 22 Road Closings....................... Page 23 Mardi Gras Field Show......... Page 24 Mardi Gras Parade.................Page 26 Grand Marshals......................Page 27 HAM Radio.......................... Page 28 MG Parade Live Stream .........Page 29 Live Entertainment..............Page 30 Annual Car Show.................. Page 31 101 Years of MG Memories.... Page 32 Chamber Thank You............Page 46

Happy Mardi Gras!!!

On the Cover “Let’s Glow Crazy” is the 2023 Mardi Gras theme.

This years theme was submitted

by Kristy Meagher.

Check out the T-shirts this year featuring this design.

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras is now celebrating 101 Years!

Executive Board: Chairman – Betti Mucha Vice Chairman – Cheryl Bigham Secretary – Julie Wilder Treasurer – Kathy Kellerman Board Members: Andrea Banach Ashley Bathon Dan Breslin Cheryl Coffel Jeff Egbert Genevieve Hester Kim Kellerman Brian Oyler Kim Stotlar Executive Director - Dana Carney

Published weekly by E&R Media, LLC

The Weekly-Press is the successor newspaper of the Du Quoin Weekly and Pinckneyville Press.

Jeff Egbert, Publisher Stephanie Waller, General Manager Amanda Holmes, Graphic Design and Layout Pete Spitler, Editor Stephanie Cook, Advertising Sales Maddison Dorsey, Graphic Design Lylee Gibbs, Reporter Joey Holmes, Distribution & Photography Pat Bathon, Administrative Secretary Got a news tip, photo, or information about your club, group or organization, let us know: news@pinckneyvillepress.com or dqweeklynews@gmail.com 618.357.NEWS (Fax 357.6390) To advertise your business or place a classified email or call us at: ads@pinckneyvillepress.com or dqweeklyads@gmail.com 618.357.NEWS (Fax 357.6390) 104 East Main Street Du Quoin, IL 62832

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A Reppert Publications Affiliate © 2021

Page 4 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

u

Page 5 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

2022 Mardi Gras Queen Farewell I would like to first say I am beyond grateful for the immense support throughout my reign. It would not have been possible without the people who supported me and guided me this past year. I have enjoyed this title to the fullest, not only did I get involved with the community but I learned a lot about myself and met many new people throughout the process. I would like to give my gratitude to the following people, The Pinckneyville Chamber who made this opportunity possible, Ashley Bathon and Betti Mucha for putting in all the hard work behind the scenes, Danielle Lunnemann with Beautifully CaptureD Photography for capturing every moment possible for me to reminisce on, and lastly, to my family and the friendly little city of Pinckneyville for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way. This was a journey I will never forget, and I am thankful to have the memories to lean on. It is a bittersweet ending, but I owe it to you all for making this possible. To the 2023 Mardi Gras contestants, God has something planned for each of you. For one of you, it will be to experience this next year as the Mardi Gras Queen. And to you I say, cherish every moment, take time to take the picture, and take every opportunity you are given. A year flies by.

Lots of Love,

2022 Mardi Gras Queen, Aubrey Speers

Page 6 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

50/50 Drawing The 100th Annual Mardi Gras was successful in bringing a large crowd to Pinckneyville to celebrate this milestone in our community.

50/50 ticket sales exceeded the Chamber’s expectations. Sales for 50/50 began at the beginning of September and continued throughout the festivities. The total tickets sales for 2022 was $39,050.00. The winner bought his ticket during the parade, and didn’t come forward right away due to the shock of winning.

Ticket sales for the 101st Annual Mardi Gras went on sale September 5th at these locations: Perry County Market Place, Stotlar Drug Co, The Flower Patch, First National Bank, McDaniel’s Furniture, and the Chamber office. The winning ticket will be drawn at the conclusion of the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, October 28th. The Chamber continues their hopes to exceed the sales of the previous year and help to draw people to Mardi Gras.

50/50 Tickets Rules and Regulations

Ticket sales will end at the conclusion of the Mardi Gras Parade on October 28, 2023. All ticket sellers have been authorized by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce. The winning ticket will be drawn in the presence of local law enforcement and Mardi Gras Officials. The winning ticket number will be announced at the end of the Mardi Gras Parade, and the winner does not need to be present to win. The official winning total will be verified by the appropriate financial institution and announced to the public by November 3, 2023. The winner must claim their prize with the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce by November 30, 2023. In the event that the 50/50 prize for 2023 is not claimed, the winner’s portion will roll over and be the amount to begin the 50/50 sales for 2024. The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to change these rules and regulations without notice.

T-Shirts for Sale A limited number of this years “Let’s Glow Crazy” T-shirts, crewnecks, hoodies and koozies went on sale October 1, 2023.

They are available at the following Pinckneyville businesses: Perry County Market Place, The Flower Patch, Skye So Blue Collective, Stotlar Drug, L3 Boutique, and the Pinckneyville Chamber office.

Page 7 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Page 8 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

2023 Mardi Gras Pageant T he festivities for the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Mardi

Gras start off with a queen pageant.

Eight lovely ladies competed for the crown on Saturday, October 14, in the Pinckneyville Community High School’s Auxiliary gym. Contestants are awarded prize money.

Judging included a private interview and active wear and evening gown competitions. Interviews were conducted in the afternoon prior to the pageant.

Candidates from Anna, Carbondale, Pomona, Percy, Tamaroa and Pinckneyville were vying for the crown of 2023 Mardi Gras queen, the 97th queen in the long history of the pageant that stretches back to 1925.

The overall Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Queen pageant winner took home a $1,500 award, while the first runner-up received $500.

Prizes were awarded for Miss Photogenic, Spirit of Mardi Gras and Miss Mask-erade. Miss Mask-erade is a special category unique to the event.

Each candidate is asked to create a masquerade-style party mask and is expected to demonstrate creativity and the spirit for the event in decorating it.

Aubrey Lemmon of Tamaroa was crowned the 2023 Mardi Gras queen last Saturday. Addison Osman of Anna was the 1st runner up.

Madison Braun of Pinckneyville won the Miss Photogenic award, with Lemmon winning Spirit of Mardi Gras.

Braun was the Miss Mask-erade winner.

2023 Queen Candidates

The 2023 Mardi Gras Candidates were, top row-left to right: Faith Trail, Madison Braun, Addison Osman and Zoey Kellerman. Bottom row-left to right: Aubrey Lemmon, Hannah Stillman, Bekkah Schemonia and Eliza Heisner

Page 9 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Queen’s Crown Bearer & Court Pages Ava Hackworth Ava Hackworth is the 12-year-old daughter of Stacy Hackworth and Genevieve Hester and Wayne and Amanda Reynolds. She is the granddaughter of Janet Beetley and the late Ivan Beetley, the late Jerry and Cheryl Kelly. She is the step granddaughter to the late Nancy Hester.

She has a twin brother, J. Gabriel, and step siblings Asa Reynolds and Nikole Reynolds.

Ava is in the 6th grade at the Pinckneyville Junior High, and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Kristina Kujawa.

Her favorite hobbies are painting and sewing.

Ava’s role models are her mother, Amanda Reynolds, and her step mom, Genevieve Hester.

Ava’s favorite color is panther blue. She wants to be a high school art teacher and a locally recognized and respected artist when she grows up.

Dylan Henk Dylan Henk is the 6-year-old son of Matt and Mallory Henk and grandson to John and Cindy Melvin and Ray and Renee Harriss.

He has an 11-year-old brother, Collin.

Dylan is a 1st grader at Pinckneyville District #50.

His three favorite things are playing video games, doing art projects, and doing science experiments.

Dylan’s favorite color is red. He wants to be a scientist and an artist when he grows up.

Mia Castellano Mia Castellano is the 6-year-old daughter of Jeremy and Chelsea Castellano. She is the granddaughter of Diane Petty and the late Reggie Petty, Dave and Bonny Castellano, and Curt and Anita Caraway.

She has a 17-year-old sister, Sofia, a 13-year-old brother, Nico, and a 3-year-old brother, Enzo.

Mia is a 1st grader at Pinckneyville District #50.

Her three favorite things are dancing with her Upbeat family, playing outside with her siblings digging up bugs and playing checkers, and listening and singing to music.

Mia’s favorite color is purple. She wants to live in Paris and be a designer when she grows up. Her passion is learning fun and unique hairstyles and drawing her own clothes.

Roman Karty Roman Karty is the 6-year-old son of Garret and Lynnea Huggins and grandson to Gary and Beth Huggins, Teri Hinrichs and Mike VanDyken.

He has an 8-year-old sister, Emery, and a 4-year-old sister, Kennedy.

Roman is a 1st grader at Pinckneyville District #50.

His three favorite things are legos, kickball, and baseball.

Roman’s favorite colors are blue and gold. He wants to be a firefighter or a stump grinder guy when he grown up.

Brianna Blum Brianna Blum is the 6-year-old daughter of Court and Jacky Blum and granddaughter to Bob and Sheryl Blum and Dave and Sandy Degenhardt.

She has a 7-year-old sister, Josie, and a 3-year-old brother, Colton.

Brianna is a 1st grader at St. Bruno.

Her three favorite things are putting on makeup, spending time with her family at amusement parks, and playing outside.

Brianna’s favorite color is pink. She wants to be a princess when grows up, and if she doesn’t become a princess then she wants to be a famous dancer.

Page 10 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

2023 Queen Pageant

Past Mardi Gras Queens

1925 - Hulda Scroeder Singer 1926 - Frances Neising Bischof 1927 - Margaret Zahn Reith 1928 - Viola Cunningham Webster 1929 - Mildred Whittaker Williamson 1930 - Majorie Holmes Johnson 1931 - Pauline Reidelberger Thetford 1932 - Helen McCants 1933 - Betty Lynn Quillman Klinger 1934 - Wilma Bartle Berg 1935 - Virginia McElory Hundhausen 1936 - Dorris Keene Thimmig 1937 - Margaret Keene Robinson 1938 - Betty Roufs 1939 - Helen Warmack Mossey 1940 - Virginia Crawford Mason 1941 - Mary Jane Horner Wilson 1942 - Geraldine Hall Huggins 1943 - No Queen due to WWII 1944 - No Queen due to WWII 1945 - Betty Reel Wilkerson 1946 - Virginia Schilling Bigham 1947 - Pauline Hincke Cawvey 1948 - Mary Ann McElroy Gladson

1949 - Martha Kagle Keene 1950 - Jackie Lou Greer 1951 - Harriet Williams 1952 - Bonnie Sutliff Tolbert 1953 - Marguerite Beninati Smith 1954 - Mary Frances Thomas Rushing 1955 - Judy Roe Phillips 1956 - Jeanne Pillars McDonald 1957 - Betty Bender Mucha 1958 - Carole Dunn Zeidler 1959 - Sylvia Hammack Hagene 1960 - Mary Dean Bartle Johnson 1961 - Erin Roe Witherspoon 1962 - Jane Crawford Walker 1963 - Judy Opp Needham 1964 - Caralena “Connie” Birkner Ramsey 1965 - Susan Denton Wilson 1966 - Joan Mentel Epplin 1967 - Suzanne Wilson Engelhardt 1968 - Martha Kinzey Heape 1969 - Linda Erwin Biby 1970 - Cynthia Pyatt Coleman 1971 - Debra Baker Arett 1972 - Barbara Bender Hagene

1973 - Lisa Williams Bauza 1974 - Barbara Mann Carter 1975 - Tirzah Chapman Slechticky 1976 - Carla Tolbert 1977 - Rose Mann O’Brien 1978 - Donna Gorrel Thompson 1979 - Dana Kujawa Albertson 1980 - Denise Kujawa Gielow 1981 - Rhonda Hardin Shubert 1982 - Theresa Kujawa Kelly 1983 - Cindy Bruns Melvin 1984 - Heather Ramsey Lee 1985 - Betsy Mucha Cacioppo 1986 - Bianca Mohr Bottiaux 1987 - Amanda Ramsey Hepp 1988 - Tibretta Bigham Reiman 1989 - Jennifer Mohr Yeager 1990 - Natalie West Ellison 1991 - Rebecca Eisenhauer Anderson 1992 - Cynthia Hardin Heisner 1993 - Sara Shillinger Amos 1994 - Elizabeth Biby Cheek 1995 - Lori Stricker Mohr 1996 - Angel McCurdy Wildermuth 1997 - Jessica Mohr Hulting

1998 - Lana Bathon Fisher 1999 - Melise Smith Oakley 2000 - Danielle Rieckenberg Fritz 2001 - Brittany High Mosman 2002 - Jennifer Rose 2003 - Brittany Yates Waller 2004 - Sherri Smith Crabb 2005 - Tyra Zoeller Hill 2006 - Rachel Brock Marks 2007 - Kayla Barkau 2008 - Kate Winzenburger Ripley 2009 - Chelsea Reardon 2010 - Holly Weathers 2011 - Maegan Ferguson Keller 2012 - Jenna Harner Herbst 2013 - Kelsey Lober 2014 - Callie Priebe Opp 2015 - Samantha Steely 2016 - McKena Miller 2017 - Haley Johnston 2018- Lexie Tourville 2019 - Shelby G. McKown 2020 - Joelle Shelton 2021- Grace Pitts 2022- Aubrey Speers

Page 11 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

2023 Mardi Gras Queen

2023 Mardi Gras Queen

Aubrey Lemmon

Page 12 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

2022 Mardi Gras Queen Pageant Memories

2022 Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers poses for a photo with retiring 2021 Queen Grace Pitts and contestants Callie Wildermuth (far left), Zoey Kellerman (second from left), Faith Trail (third from right) and Sarah Issler (second from right). Also pictured are crown bearers Presley Reeves and Gracie Conner, and pages Alexander Kellerman, Madelyn Burdel, Addison Heisner and Arthur Bathon. Photos by Pete Spitler.

Pinckneyville’s Zoey Kellerman is presented with the Spirit of Mardi Gras award in 2022.

Callie Wildermuth poses after be- Aubrey Speers is named as the winFirst Runner-up Faith Trail poses ing named the winner of the Miss ner of the Miss Photogenic award with her plate.

Mask-erade award. with 2021 Queen Grace Pitts.

Page 13 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Children’s Parade On Friday, October 27, 2023. The children’s parade

will kick off the 101st Pinckneyville Mardi Gras weekend festivities. This parade will feature grade school and junior high students from District #50, C.C.S.D. #204 St. Bruno and Tamaroa dressed in their Halloween costumes and Head Start.

The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the grade school. Parents, Grandparents, family members and friends can line the streets of Mulberry, Mill, West South and Walnut to watch the parade.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons will be given to children in each grade. In case of inclement weather please contact your children’s school directly for information.

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Page 14 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Business Trick or Treat Friday evening, October 27,

2023, the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce will host the Business Trick or Treat and Costume Contest.

Trick or Treat will begin at 6:00 p.m. on W. Mulberry St. The purpose of the event is to bring children and adults into the downtown area the evening before Mardi Gras. Attendance for the event in the past was well over 500 children!

All local businesses, community organizations and churches are invited to attend to connect with their community. Businesses must bring their own table and may offer treat and appropriate promotional materials. Set up will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Streets will be closed to traffic at this time. The Chamber suggest at least

two people hand out treats for each business that plans to participate.

Each business should also plan for approximately 600 children to attend this year’s event.

The Chamber will have a contest for the best decorated business table. Each business is encouraged to use their imagination and create a memorable display for the children to enjoy while trick-or-treating. The judging of tables will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Costume Contest judging will begin at 7:30 p.m. The age grouse are 0-23 Months, 2-4 Years, 5-7 Years, 8-10 years, 11-13 Years. Groups can have adults (families welcome) but must include at least one child age 13 Pinckneyville Community Hospital employees prepare to or under. Cash prizes will be awarded. hand out snacks during Business Trick-or-Treat last year.

Happy Fall from

Ryterski Trucking 618-336-5371 336-5371

Located 9 mi N. of Pinckneyville on Rt. 127.

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Page 15 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Business Trick or Treat The American Thresherman Association

welcomes you to the 101st Annual Mardi Gras in Pinckneyville!

2022 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers poses with the 2022 group winners. First place Sing 2, with runner-up Wizard of Oz (left) and third place the Addams Family (right).

Note: If you are a child attending the Business Trick or Treat, and you would like to be judged, please note that judging begins at 7:30 p.m. Listen to announcements for age groups. You may have to get out of the trick-or-treat line in order to be judge.

We hope to see you at the 2024 Thresherman Shows!

Shamrock Real Estate 9

East Jackson St., Pinckneyville, IL • 357-5333 818 South Washington St., Du Quoin, IL • 542-8842 www.shamrockrealestate.net

Liz Wilson, Broker Manager

Courtney Ridgeway 201-4638 Beth Miller-Porter 318-3188

Bill Kimmel 318-1509

Liz Wilson 318-1256

Steve Cannedy 357-1336

Page 16 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

2023 Center Court Activities

Limelight DJ Live Music will be live at center court this year!

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Limelight DJ Live Music - Sponsored by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce 10:00 a.m. - Precious Pumpkin Contest Winner Announced - Sponsored by Delta Theta Tau. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. “Posers” Photo Booth - Sponsored by First National Bank.

50/50 Tickets will be available in front of the Pinckneyville Fire Station

Page 17 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Vendor & Craft Fair

The Mardi Gras Vendor and Craft Fair brought a crowd to Pinckneyville down South Walnut and Mulberry Street on Saturday.

The Mardi Gras Vendor Fair will kick off at 9:00 am. The vendors will have their booths located on Walnut and Mulberry Street. Around 150 vendors are expected to be at this year’s craft fair. Each vendor sells a unique variety of goods. The Vendor & Craft fair closes promptly at 3:00 p.m., in time for people to set up for the Mardi Gras parade.

Welcome to the 101st MARDI GRAS!

Bobby Kelly Perry County Clerk & Staff

Caring & Sharing Thrift Shop • Adult & Kid Clothes • Shoes & Purses • Household Items • Fabrics & Notions

• Crafts & Jewelry • Books & Gifts • Furniture & Appliances • And Much More!

Open Mardi Gras Weekend!

814 South Main Pinckneyville, IL 62274

HOURS: Thursday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Page 18 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Other Activities Since 1959

@BowerTruckService

Happy Mardi Gras Pinckneyville!

City of City Hall

302 E. Poplar St. Du Quoin, IL 62832 542-3841 www.duquoinil.gov

WEST MULBERRY STREET ACTIVITES

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Car Show - Registration 9 am, judging begins at 9:30 a.m. with awards at 1:30 p.m.

-Sponsored by Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce.

10:30 am. Money Scramble – ages 3-12. Sack Races – ages 13 and up. Prizes awarded. - Sponsored by Murphy Wall State Bank.

Grass lot W. Mulberry and Perry.

12:30 p.m. Kids game with prizes. Ages 12 and under. Grass lot W. Mulberry and Perry.

Children point out the areas they plan to search as they wait for the start of the 6-and-under division of Murphy-Wall State Bank’s 2022 Money Scramble.

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Page 19 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Page 20 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Delta Theta Tau Sorority’s Precious Pumpkin T he Precious Pumpkin contest (0-

2022 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Precious Pumpkin winner Swayze Michele Woods claps her hands in celebration as she poses for a photo with Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers and members of Delta Theta Tau Sorority.

24mos) is an annual fundraiser held by the ladies from Delta Theta Tau sorority to raise monies to donate towards PCHS scholarships and give to local charities.

Because of the kindness of our hometown banks, we are able to put out collection cans starting at the beginning of October.

We also collect online donations via our website at https://deltathetatau.weebly. com. Everyone is encouraged to “vote” for their favorite “Pumpkin”.

Swayze Woods was the Precious Pumpkin winner for 2022. Collections will be accepted until October 26 online. We will announce our winner uptown at the main stage on the Saturday of Mardi Gras at 10 a.m.! The winner is invited to ride in the Mardi Gras parade that evening.

Page 21

Perry County Jail Museum Twilight Tour

Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

WELCOME TO MARDI GRAS!

Elessar Electric (618) 542-6893

Residential, Commercial and Industrial Fully Insured and Certified Fair, Affordable, Quality Work Serving all of Southern Illinois

Bob Markotay - Owner

18”x 8”x 8” Bevel Monument starting at

October 16-31st experience a self-guided tour of Mardi Gras Past.

Business windows around the square and Walnut Street will have past Mardi Gras items on this special tour. On October 31st Haunted Tales from the Perry County Jail Storytelling will be featured on the Perry County Jail Museum Facebook page.

Self-Guided Twilight Tour of Mardi Gras Past

October 16th- 31st Around the Square & Walnut Street

Oct. 31st

1947 Mardi Gras Queen Pauline Hincke Cawvey

Join Us for Haunted Tales From Perry County Jail Storytelling on Facebook Only

Happy 101st Mardi Gras!

Perry County Jail Museum 108 West Jackson Street • Pinckneyville

Page 22 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Leave early, plan for traffic congestion.

• Obey the posted speed limit.

•Watch for children who might dart into the street.

Pedestrian Tips

• Always cross at intersections.

Look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.

• As a passenger, get in or out of a car on the curb side of the street.

• Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.

Parade Route

Page 23 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Road Closings During Mardi Gras W

hen parking downtown and/or for the parade on Saturday, please pay special attention to NO PARKING signs all around Pinckneyville. No parking signs and/or barricades will be posted by the street department in the following (general) areas beginning on Friday evening: Post Office/Save-A-Lot areas (Randolph Street), flea market/car show area (Walnut, Mulberry and Douglas and the grade school parking lots), the parade staging areas (Front, Wilson, Penina, Murphy, Duckworth, Elizabeth, Ritter, Oak, Chester) and the parade route (Parker, Walnut, Mulberry, Mill). Please note that if your vehicle is regularly parked within one of the “no parking” areas, it will need to be moved for Mardi Gras events. Violators could be towed at the owner’s expense.

If you will be attending the Pinckneyville Mardi Gras parade, be sure to plan to arrive early due to traffic congestion in town. Keep in mind that road closures will be in effect beginning at 5:45 p.m. and traffic flow will be rather restricted inside the parade route and fairground area. AY Westbound Road.

Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions

5:45 p.m. Mill Street from Parker to Kaskaskia, as well as Chester Street will be closed (band staging area).

5:45 p.m. County Road (leading into the fairgrounds) will become a ONE-WAY Westbound Road.

6:00 p.m. Entire Parade Route closed to traffic (Parker, to Walnut, to Mulberry, to Mill) 7:00 p.m. Parade Begins with Fireworks.

If one needs to navigate within the parade area or to the fairgrounds, please plan ahead and/or consider alternate routes. For example, if you need to access the fairgrounds area, take 154 to Grant St. (across from Mann’s) and head south to County Road (which will be a one-way street beginning at 6:00 p.m.). Or, alternatively, travel westbound on 154, follow the round-a-bout and go west, and continue to Fairgrounds Road.

Above all else: SAFETY FIRST! If driving, be aware of pedestrians throughout town. Leave early and drive slowly! When walking to your parade viewing area, please be sure to take small children by the hand and try to use the sidewalks.

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Page 24 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Mardi Gras Band Field Show

The Pinckneyville Music Association will host the Annual Mardi Gras Band Field Show competition on October 28th at noon.

Admission will be $10.

The following bands will be participating with field times:

Page 25 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Mardi Gras Band Field Show

Left: PCHS senior Carly Heisner performs upside down while being supported by fellow senior Layne Jones.Above Left: PCHS Drum Major Audrey Stevenson guides the Marching Panthers.

Above Right:The Pinckneyville Marching Panthers performed its production of “Valhalla” in exhibition during the Mardi Gras Field Show last October.

The Marion High School Wildcat Band took home the overall Grand Central Golden Hawks. The Westview High School Band won the Class AA Champion among all classes of the 2022 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Division with a score of 1,024.2 points and the Wesclin Marching Warriors Marching Band Field Show on October 29 with a combined score of 1,057.5 took first place in the Class A Division with a score of 993.1 points. points.

The Pinckneyville Community High School Marching Panthers Marion competed in the Class AAA Division with the Hazelwood performed in exhibition during the event.

Helping you protect what matters most

Greg Thompson

Members of the Marching Panthers perform an exhibition at last years show.

(618)357-2124

3979 State Rt 13/127 • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

Page 26 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101st Annual Mardi Gras Parade Celebrating 101 Years of Pinckneyville Mardi Gras

Above: The Pinckneyville Junior High Marching Junior Panthers perform in the 2022 parade. Right: The Marching Grannies perform during the parade. They took home second place in the Miscellaneous category.

The 101st Annual Mardi Gras Parade will begin

at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday October 28, 2023 at the intersection of West Parker and South Mill Streets. Ap-

proximately 75 entries, including floats, marching bands and costumed individuals will be bringing the excitement of Illinois’ oldest night time parade this year.

All float/non-float entries that wish to be judged must be in positions by 5:30 p.m., and judging will begin at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Prior to the start of the parade, judges will award prizes and ribbons. Costumed categories will be judged near the beginning of the parade route at the intersection of Parker and Mill Streets prior to the parade at 6:30 p.m. Parade marshals will be in position at 5:15 p.m. to assist.

Spectators are encouraged to arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. as traffic is very congested around town and the parade route.

Restrooms will be available inside the fairgrounds and porta-potties and concessions will be available along the parade route.

For band marchers there will be porta-potties available at the intersection of Mill and Parker Streets.

Page 27 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

2023 Mardi Gras Parade Grand Marshals

This year’s 2023 101st Mardi Gras Parade Grand Marshals are:Ashley Bathon - Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year.

Stotlar Drug - Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Page 28 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Ham Radio

Assisting in communications once again at this year’s Mardi Gras parade is a group of southern Illinois HAM radio operators that are affiliated with the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (A.R.E.S). ARES is part of the field organization of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Pinckneyville resident and radio operator, Bob Giacomo (N9VKO), has organized the communications support team that has taken part in parade communications for many years.

The group was first put in to keep gaps out of the parade, allowing it to flow more smoothly. Radio operators will monitor the entire parade route and contact any emergency services that might be needed during the parade.

This year eleven monitoring stations around and within the parade route will be staffed with operators. Two of the eleven monitoring stations focus on assistance in enhancing the safety of participating school bands. The operators are stationed near the bus parking area and also near the arch of the Pinckneyville fairgrounds, where band members must cross traffic to move to the staging area on Mill Street. In addition radio operators will also be embedding with the 50/50 ticket wagon to monitor its status and position in the parade route at all times.

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Welcome to the 101st Annual Mardi Gras

Kim Kellerman Perry County Circuit Clerk &Staff

Page 29 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Mardi Gras Parade Live Stream Live Broadcast from the

Mardi Gras Parade Broadcast

101st Annual Powered by

Live with Jessica & Kate!

In its 10th year, the Weekly-Press is bringing the official parade broadcast, Mardi Gras Live, to an international audience on October 28 at 5 p.m. Thousands of viewers around the country and reaching as far as South America and Japan have viewed the parade live online courtesy of the Weekly-Press. Last year over 7,000 people tuned in live or watched the broadcast after the show.

Those who are unable to attend the parade now have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the timehonored hometown festival.

Kate Dale and former Pinckneyville Press editor Jessica Holder will host the event with a full agenda of guests and special events during the Pre-Show.

The show will be in person and online at 5 p.m. with Jackson Burke Creative DJing and running production. The Pre-Show activities will be followed by the parade a little after 7 p.m. Bill Kemme, State Farm Agent and Sparklight are the main sponsors of the event. The recording will be at “Place Real Estate Studios” due to the loss of the Press building resulting from a fire late last year.

The live link will be on the Pinckneyville Press Facebook page.

Pinckneyville Moose

Page 30 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Live Entertainment Columbian Club

On October 27th, One Night Stand will play from 8:00pm-12:00am. The costume contest will be held on Friday night, judging will take place at 10:00 pm. On October 28th, Murphy 500 will be playing from 9:30pm-1:00am.

Pinckneyville Moose

The Pinckneyville Moose Lodge #930 will be hosting their 51st Annual Mardi Gras & Halloween Party! Come out in your Halloween or Mardi Gras Costumes for some awesome drinks with amazing people! Flow Arts encouraged, Good Vibes & Flow Arts are encouraged. Bands start at 9:00 p.m.

Page 31

HUTCH’S

Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Car Show

TIRE & LUBE

606 S. Main St. • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

The Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Car Show will take place on Saturday, October 28th (Weather Permitting) on Mulberry Street in front of the grade school. This years car will be judged in six categories along with an additional motorcycle category. The show runs from 9AM until 3PM. Judging begins at 9:30AM with awards at 1:30PM.

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Page 32 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Above: Ghostface asks the crowd what their favorite scary movie is during the 2022 parade.. Right: Curly, Moe and Larry brought the nyuk-nyuks to the parade.

Left: Harry Potter gets a police escort during the parade.

Above: Stevie Nicks even made an appearance.

Above: PJHS staff members thrill the crowd with their costumes. Right: The Sanderson sisters, a dinosaur and others entertain the crowd. Below: Bart Simpson hopes everyone doesn’t have a cow this holiday season.

Left: Children walk down Walnut Street during the parade in front of the fire station. Above: The Wizard and the Witch may be Marvel’s next movie blockbuster.

Left: A first place Scarecrow attempts to scare the photographer. Above: It’s not a Children’s Parade without a Care Bear Stare.

Page 33 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Page 34 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

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Page 35 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Above: Pictured is part of Murphy-Wall State Bank’s entry in the Mardi Gras parade. Murphy-Wall was named co-Grand Marshal as the Business of the Year by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce and also won first place overall in the float competition, as well as first place in the Business category.

409 S. Main St • Pinckneyville

Come See Phil and Beth for all your tool and automotive needs!

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Page 36 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Empire Earth and Concrete’s entry took second place in the Business category during the float contest of the Mardi Gras parade.

Past Mardi Gras Queen Pageant queens ride on a float during the parade.

Perry Ridge Landfill, Inc 6305 Sacred Heart Road Du Quoin, IL

618-357-5599

Your One Stop Location For All Your Disposal Needs Hours: Monday - Friday : 7am - 4 pm open saturdays by appointment only

Page 37 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

o R o s ’ f k n c g a J

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Queen Pagaent in October 1955. Photo provided by Belva Birkner.

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Page 38 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

ENJOY MARDI GRAS!!

We invite you to stop in and see us on Saturday near the fire station and city hall. enjoy free donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate!

Ad paid for by Perry County Republican Women’s Club. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is or will be available on the Board’s office website: www.elections.il.gov or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, IL.

Page 39 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Pictured are Business Trick-or-Treat Costume Contest winners for the 5-7-yearold group with Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers. First place Aspen Lee (center), runner-up Moxie Dinkelman (left) and third place Landon McConachie (right).

Pictured are Business Trick-or-Treat Costume Contest winners for the 0-23 months group with Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers. First place Henry Eret (center) with runner-up Nela Huggins (left) and third place Millie Kellerman (right).

Pictured are Business Trick-or-Treat Costume Contest winners for the 2-4-year-old group with Mardi Gras Queen Aurbey Speers. First place Mackenzie Robinson (center), runner-up Reed Martin (left) and third place Blaney Kellerman (right).

Pictured are Business Trick-or-Treat Costume Contest winners for the 8-10-year-old group with Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers. First place Tate Logan (center), runner-up Alaina Cook (left) and third place Lauren Hagene (right)

Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers (far left) poses with the Business Trick-or Treat Costume Contest winners in the 11-13-year-old group. First place Presley Reeves (center), runner-up Kate Folden (left) The Manor at Mason Woods shows off its and Jozilynn Stork (right). table during Business Trick-or-Treat

Perry County Housing Authority Contact Us at 618-542-5409 or perrycountyhousing.org Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust Company table during trick or treat.

120 South Walnut Du Quoin, IL 62832

Page 40 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Above Left: The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce’s 50/50 trailer makes its way along the parade route. The final total came to $39,050 and the winner had not yet come forward to claim the prize as of Monday.

Above Right: Precious Pumpkin Contest winner Swayze Michele Woods rides in the parade.

Above: Pinckneyville Community Hospital’s float distributes beads to the crowd. Below: American Thresherman Association’s entry took second place in the Farm/Farm Related category.

Pinckneyville Community High School’s cross country teams ride in the parade.

A Blues Brothers-themed Lawn Chair Brigade dances down Walnut Street. The entry won first place in the Miscellaneous category.

First National Bank’s Mardi Gras float makes its way along the parade route.

Page 41

Lynn’s

Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Hairstyling St. Bruno Catholic School’s float won first place in Colonel Pinckney and his footmen the Youth Group category. walk in the parade.

Above Left: Co-Grand Marshal Dan Herbst rides in the back of the convertible as Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year. Above Right: Miss Carterville Free Fair Callie Wildermuth of Pinckneyville smiles for the camera.

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Page 42 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Dr. Melody Ritter Douglas performs her song, “Mardi Gras Time of Year” during Mardi Gras’ Business Trick-or-Treat.

10.28.2023 rlc.edu/farmers

Page 43 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Above: Mardi Gras Queen Pageant Queen Aubrey Speers waves to the crowd.

Above Left: Little Miss Perry County Fair Queen Mia Castellano waves to the camera. Above Right: A herd of dinosaurs take part in the 100th Mardi Gras parade.

The Mardi Gras Queen Pageant candidates, along with their pages and crown bearers, ride in their float along with Queen Aubrey Speers.

Above Left: Jr. Miss Perry County Fair Queen Claira Folden smiles as she rides in the parade. Above Right: Miss Perry County Fair Queen Kyla Epplin waves while siting on the back seat of her convertible.

Page 44 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

101 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

The Du Quoin Middle School marching band performs during the Mardi Gras parade. DMS took first place overall in Class B, with Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding Drum Major and Outstanding Auxiliary (Color Guard) awards.

Upbeat Dance Studio won first place in the Marching Group category.

Page 45 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Live Broadcast e h t from

101st Annual Powered by The live link will be on the Pinckneyville Press Facebook page

Page 46 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Thank You From the Chamber The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a sincere Thank You to the following 2023 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Sponsors for your continued support in making this annual event possible.

Platinum Level: Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce, Stotlar Drug, Steele Dental, State Farm Insurance – Bill Kemme, SI Towing & Recovery, Pyatt Funeral Home, Perry Couty Market Place, Murphy-Wall State Bank & Trust, Grecian Steak House, Freedom Street Partners, First National Bank in Pinckneyville, Rend Lake College, Pinckneyville Community Hospital, and City of Pinckneyville.

Gold Level: Paulete’s Food Service, Pinckneyville Loyal Order of the Moose #930, Witenauer Chiropratic PC,

Pinckneyville Save-A-Lot, Patern Energy, Loyd Hauling, and Silkworm.

Silver Level: NOTS Logistics, The Manor at Mason Woods, Knight Hawk Coal, Illinois Harvest, Oxbow Bed and Breakfast,

The Flower Patch, Panther Gym & Fitness, Pinckneyville McDonald’s, Pepsi, Kim Kellerman, Wright’s Collision Center, Pinckneyville Eagles Lodge, Beautifully CaptureD Photography, Weekly-Press Newspaper, Tan, Etc. and Red Hawk Golf & Grill.

The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce would also like to thank the Mayor and Commissioners for all of their support during the planning stages of Mardi Gras. We would also like to thank the Police Department and Fire Department for their help. Also, a huge thank you to our Mardi Gras planning committees. Without all of your extra effort and teamwork this event would not be possible.

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Queen Aubrey Speers with city officials and members of the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on the 100th Mardi Gras celebration on October 29.

Page 47 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.

Page 48 Perry County’s News Source. Locally Owned. Locally Staffed.