100th Annual Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Book

Celebrating 100 Years of

A Special Thank You

Mardi Gras is an extremely large community event that doesn’t happen overnight. The Chamber Board starts meeting around July to begin preparation for Mardi Gras, and weekly meetings begin around August.

We would like to thank our Executive Director Dana Carney for all her hard work and dedication to not only Mardi Gras but to the Chamber and the Community as well. She has helped make our vision of the 100th Mardi Gras come to life. Without Dana this all would not be possible.

The Chamber Board’s family and friends deserve a lot of credit for the success of Mardi Gras. The Board members and volunteers spend countless hours planning and working on this event and without the support of their families and friends, none of this would be possible.

Besides the Executive Director and the Chamber Board, there are so many volunteers and people that have met with the Board and lent their expertise, time and talent to helping the board members with this long-standing tradition that Pinckneyville calls Mardi Gras. The Board would like to extend a huge thank you to all those individuals and businesses that are helping the Chamber make the 100th year of Mardi Gras the best one yet!

Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from left to right: Genevieve Hester, Cheryl Bigham, Tara Conner-Vice President, Betti Mucha-Secretary, Dan Breslin, Julie Wilder, Ashley BathonPresident, Kathy Kellerman, Janie Miller-Treasurer, Dana Carney-Executive Director. Not Pictured: Kim Stotlar and Cheryl Clark.

On

Years of Pinckneyville

Gras”

the 100th Annual Mardi Gras

Pinckneyville Chamber of

Weekly-Press

Quoin

Jeff Egbert, Publisher

Waller, General Manager

Holmes, Graphic Design and Layout

Spitler, Editor

Cook, Advertising Sales

Gibbs, Reporter

Bathon, Administrative Secretary

Columbian Club Costume Contest is on Mardi Gras SATURDAY!

2021 Mardi Gras Queen Farewell

Being the 2021 Mardi Gras Queen has been one of the best years of my life. When I entered this pageant, I really didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t even think I’d win. There were so many bad omens leading up to this pageant, I thought the universe was telling me I was going to lose for sure. One, my car got stolen the morning of the meet and greet. Two, it stormed all throughout the stop sign collections, and three, I literally forgot half of my makeup at home the day of the pageant. But, when my name got called as queen, I couldn’t believe it. Being the Mardi Gras Queen has not only led me to be a better person, but it makes me proud to call Southern Illinois home. Every time I wore the Mardi Gras crown, I always had a good time. Every appearance and every event was so much fun. I have a lot of people to thank for not only supporting me, but for making this pageant one of the best. Ashley and Betti, you guys are some of the best pageant directors around. You two are such strong women and I admire you so much for that. You guys have one of the hardest jobs around, but you handle it so graciously. I truly owe my year to you two. Tara, you give the best hugs, and you are one of the sweet est women I know. Dana, thank you for always making sure I’m okay and being so nice to me. Thank you to the Chamber for making all of this possible and making me feel like true royalty. And finally, thank you to the Pinckneyville community for accepting this Cobden Appleknocker as your own. To the next Mardi Gras Queen, get ready to have the most fun you’ll ever have and represent the best community out there. Forever and always,

2021 Mardi Gras Queen, Grace Pitts

50/50 Drawing

Beautiful weather brought thousands of people to Pinckneyville for the 99th annual Mardi Gras last year. 50/50 tickets went on sale Sept. 1, 2021 at local businesses and sales continued until the end of the parade October 30, 2021. The total ticket sales for 2021 was $33,479.00. A trip to Perry County Market Place paid off for Betty Moss. Betty purchased her winning 50/50 ticket while getting groceries. The winning ticket was worth $16,739.50. Betty Claimed her winnings from the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce.

The 100th Pinckneyville Mardi Gras will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Tickets sales began on Sept. 1, 2022. 50/50 tickets are sold at the following Pinckneyville businesses: Perry County Market Place, First National Bank, The Flower Patch, Sweet Leona’s, McDaniel’s Furniture, and The Chamber Office. The Chamber expects the total for 2022 to well exceed the total for 2021.

50/50 Tickets Rules and Regulations

50/50 tickets went on sale September 1, 2022. Ticket sales will conclude after the Mardi Gras parade on October 30, 2021. All ticket sellers have been authorized by the Chamber of Commerce. The Winning ticket will be drawn in the presence of local law officials and the Mardi Gras officials. Winning ticket number will be announced at the end of the parade. Winner need not be present to win. Official money amount will be verified by the accredited financial institution by no later than November 5, 2022. Winner must claim raffle prize before November 30, 2022. In the case the prize is not claimed, the Winner’s portion of the raffle will be rolled over into the following year’s draw ing. Rules and regulations subject to change without notice.

T-Shirts for Sale

A limited number of this year’s “Celebrating 100 Years of Pinckneyville Mardi Gras” t-shirts, crew necks, hoodies and koozies went on sale October 4, 2022. They are available at the following Pinckneyville businesses: Perry County Market Place, The Flower Patch, Stotlar Drug, L3 Boutique, Sweet Leona’s and the Pinckneyville Chamber office.

2022 Mardi Gras Pageant

The festivities for the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras start off with a queen pageant.

Five lovely ladies competed for the crown on Sunday, October 16, in 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 Tamaroa and Pinckneyville were vying for the crown of 2022 Mardi Gras queen, the 96th 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 Speers of Pinckneyville was crowned the 2022 Mardi Gras queen last Sunday. Faith Trail of Tamaroa was 1st runner up.

Speers also won the Miss Photogenic award, with Zoey Kellerman of Pinckneyville winning Spirit of Mardi Gras.

Callie Wildermuth of Pinckneyville was the Miss Mask-erade winner.

In addition, Dr. Melody Ritter Douglas performed a song she wrote in honor of Pinckneyville Mardi Gras, “Mardi Gras Time of Year.”

2022 Queen Candidates

The 2022 Mardi Gras Candidates were, top-left to right: Faith Trail, Callie Wildermuth, Zoey Kellerman, Sarah Issler and Aubrey Speers.

Queen’s Court Pages & Crown Bearers

Arthur Junior Bathon

Arthur Junior Bathon is the 6-yearold son of Patrick and Ashley Bathon and grandson to Scott and Dana Car ney and Francis and Patty Bathon.

He has an 11-year-old sister, Pres ley; and a 1-year-old sister, Pharrah.

Arthur is a 1st grader at St. Bruno, and his teacher is Mrs. Smith.

His three favorite things are spend ing time with family, hunting, and fishing.

Arthur’s favorite color is green, and he wants to be a demolition car driver when he grows up.

Alexander Jerry Kellerman

Alexander Jerry Kellerman is the 7-year-old son of Travis and Amber Kell erman and grandson to Jerry and Carol Kellerman, Ed and Karen Flanigan, and Darrell and Paula Fark.

He has a 14-year-old sister, Addi, and a 9-year-old sister, Emma.

Alexander is a 1st grader at Commu nity Consolidated School District #204, and his teacher is Mrs. Leonard.

His three favorite things are his daddy, mommy, and his four wheeler.

Alexander’s favorite color is orange, and he wants to work at a feed store and raise pumpkins when he grows up.

Madelyn Grace BurdelAddison Lynn Heisner

Addison Lynn Heisner is the 6-yearold daughter of Josh and Holly Heisner and granddaughter to Deon and Barb Johnston and Leonard and Karen Heisner.

She has a 9-year-old sister, McKinley, and a 2-year-old sister, Raegen.

Addison is a 1st grader at Pinck neyville District #50, and her teacher is Mrs. Heine.

Her three favorite things are playing outside with her dogs, grilled cheese & tomato soup, and music class.

Addison’s favorite color is pink, and she wants to be Pre-School teacher when she grows up.

Gracie Faith Conner

Gracie Faith Conner is the 13-year-old daughter of Thad and Tara Conner and granddaughter to Alan and Jean Woodside, Ray and Diana Riley, and the late Fred Conner.

She has a 23-year-old sister, Kayla Conner, and a 23-year-old brother, Jace Leonard.

Gracie is an 8th grader at Pinck neyville District #50. Her favorite teacher is Miss DuVardo.

Her two favorite hobbies are hanging out with her friends and shopping. Grace’s role model is her mom.

Gracie’s favorite color is pink, and she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.

Madelyn Grace Burdel is the 7-yearold daughter of Tim and Renee Burdel and granddaughter to Cheryl Schneider, Marvin Graff, Bernie and Tami Burdel, and Leo and Willadene Skurat.

Madelyn is a 1st grader at Commu nity Consolidated School District #204, and her teacher is Mrs. Leonard.

Her three favorite things are her dogs (Buddy, Duke, and Bella), the beach, and playing outside.

Madelyn’s favorite color is blue, and she wants to be a nurse and work with her mommy when she grows up.

Presley Marie Reeves

Presley Marie Reeves is the 11-yearold daughter of Patrick and Ashley Bathon and Chaz Reeves. She is the granddaughter to Scott and Dana Carney, Chuck and Debbie Reeves, and Francis and Patty Bathon.

She has a 6-year-old brother, Arthur and a 1-year-old sister Pharrah.

Presley is a 6th grader at St. Bruno. Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Pestka.

Her two favorite hobbies are dancing and drawing. Presley’s role model is her mom.

Presley’s favorite color is blue, and she wants to be a dental hygienist when she grows up.

2022 Queen Pageant

Past Mardi Gras Queens

1925 - Hulda Scroeder Singer

- Frances Neising Bischof

- Margaret Zahn Reith

- Viola Cunningham Webster

- Mildred Whittaker Williamson

- Majorie Holmes Johnson

- Pauline Reidelberger Thetford

- Helen McCants

- Betty Lynn Quillman Klinger

- Wilma Bartle Berg

- Virginia McElory Hundhausen

- Dorris Keene Thimmig

- Margaret Keene Robinson

- Betty Roufs

- Helen Warmack Mossey

- Virginia Crawford Mason

- Mary Jane Horner Wilson

- Geraldine Hall Huggins

- No Queen due to WWII

- No Queen due to WWII

- Betty Reel Wilkerson

- Virginia Schilling Bigham

- Pauline Hincke Cawvey

- Mary Ann McElroy Gladson

1949 - Martha Kagle Keene

- Jackie Lou Greer

- Harriet Williams

- Bonnie Sutliff Tolbert

- Marguerite Beninati Smith

- Mary Frances Thomas Rushing

- Judy Roe Phillips

- Jeanne Pillars McDonald

- Betty Bender Mucha

- Carole Dunn Zeidler

- Sylvia Hammack Hagene

- Mary Dean Bartle Johnson

- Erin Roe Witherspoon

- Jane Crawford Walker

- Judy Opp Needham

- Caralena “Connie” Birkner Ramsey

- Susan Denton Wilson

- Joan Mentel Epplin

- Suzanne Wilson Engelhardt

- Martha Kinzey Heape

- Linda Erwin Biby

- Cynthia Pyatt Coleman

- Debra Baker Arett

- Barbara Bender Hagene

1973 - Lisa Williams Bauza

- Barbara Mann Carter

- Tirzah Chapman Slechticky

- Carla Tolbert

- Rose Mann O’Brien

- Donna Gorrel Thompson

- Dana Kujawa Albertson

- Denise Kujawa Gielow

- Rhonda Hardin Shubert

- Theresa Kujawa Kelly

- Cindy Bruns Melvin

- Heather Ramsey Lee

- Betsy Mucha Cacioppo

- Bianca Mohr Bottiaux

- Amanda Ramsey Hepp

- Tibretta Bigham Reiman

- Jennifer Mohr Yeager

- Natalie West Ellison

- Rebecca Eisenhauer Anderson

- Cynthia Hardin Heisner

- Sara Shillinger Amos

- Elizabeth Biby Cheek

- Lori Stricker Mohr

- Angel McCurdy Wildermuth

- Jessica Mohr Hulting

1998 - Lana Bathon Fisher

1999 - Melise Smith Oakley

2000 - Danielle Rieckenberg Fritz

- Brittany High Mosman

- Jennifer Rose

2003 - Brittany Yates Waller

- Sherri Smith Crabb

- Tyra Zoeller Hill

- Rachel Brock Marks

- Kayla Barkau

- Kate Winzenburger Ripley

- Chelsea Reardon

- Holly Weathers

- Maegan Ferguson Keller

- Jenna Harner Herbst

- Kelsey Lober

- Callie Priebe Opp

- Samantha Steely

- McKena Miller

- Haley Johnston

Lexie Tourville

- Shelby G. McKown

- Joelle Shelton

Grace Pitts

2022 Mardi Gras Queen

2021 Mardi Gras Queen Pageant Memories

Above Left: Grace Pitts, of Cobden, shares a touching moment with retiring 2020 Queen Joelle Shelton after being named the new Mardi Gras queen. Above Center: Sarah Issler is presented the Miss Spirit of Mardi Gras award by retiring 2020 Queen Joelle Shelton. Above Right: Presenter Rachel Marks interviews 1952 Mardi Gras Queen Bonnie Sutliff Tolbert.

Children’s Parade

On Friday, October 28, 2022. The children’s parade will kick off the 100th 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 cos tumes. The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the grade school. Parents, Grandparents, family members and friends can line the streets of Mul berry, 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 inclem ent weather please contact your children’s school directly for information.

Left: Al Borland from the TV show “Home Improvement,” walks in last year’s Children’s Parade. Above: Students in Mrs. Hicks’ class walk in the 2021 parade.

Business Trick or Treat

Friday evening, October 28, 2022, 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, commu nity 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 materi als. 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 ap proximately 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 6:30 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 or under. Cash prizes will be awarded.

& STORAGE

Mardi Gras Queen Grace Pitts stands with the first place winners from last year’s costume contest in the Group costume category.

Enjoy the 100thMardi Gras!

Kids Corner

On the corner of North Walnut and West Jackson Street in the old Pinckneyville Community Hospital parking lot a Kids’ Corner will be happening with lots of fun.

Saturday, October 29

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Kids’ Corner – Bounce Houses, Putt Putt Golf, Bubble Station and outdoor games like Jenga will be available to play. Come out and have a great time during Mardi Gras Saturday!

Sponsored by The Twisted Vine, Victory Clothing & Sweet Leona’s.

Welcome to the 100th Annual Mardi Gras

Kim KELLERMAN

Perry County Circuit Clerk &Staff

2022

Court

Perry

Vendor & Craft Fair

Mardi Gras Vendor & Farmer’s Market kicked off Saturday morning last year with over 293 vendor spots. Above: CreativeScapes, owner Dane Mason of Du Quoin stands with his beautiful plants for sale during the Vendor Fair last year.

The Mardi Gras Vendor Fair will kick off at 9:00am. 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.

Above: PCHS Panther Wrestling Coach Garret Hug gins stands with Panther wrestlers, who held a gun raffle and sold shirts to raise money for the team last year.

Left: PCHS Shoot ing Sports athletes hold a raffle dur ing the 2021 Mardi Gras Vendor Fair.

Other Activities

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.

OLD HOSPITAL PARKING LOT ACTIVITIES

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Kids’ Corner – Bounce Houses, Putt Putt Golf, Bubble Station. - Sponsored by The Twisted Vine, Victory Clothing & Sweet Leona’s.

Crude Carnivore, owner Flo Glodde talks to customers about her unique products for pets at her booth dur ing the Mardi Gras Vendor Fair last year.

Perry County Republican Candidates & Elected Officials invite you to

Stop & See Us at the 100th

Delta Theta Tau Sorority’s Precious Pumpkin

T

he Precious Pumpkin contest (0-24mos) 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”.

Pharrah Bathon was the Precious Pumpkin winner for 2021. Pharrah is the daughter of Patrick and Ashley Bathon of Pinckneyville. This year we have 19 adorable Pumpkins! Entries were accepted until October 15. 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.

Pharrah Bathon was the Precious Pumpkin winner for 2021. Pharrah is pictured with her family after Delta Theta Tau sorority announced her as the winner in October 2021 during Mardi Gras festivities.

Perry County Jail Museum Twilight Tour

October 17-31st 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

page.

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

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 ar eas (Front, Wilson, Penina, Murphy, Duckworth, Eliza beth, 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. Viola tors could be towed at the owner’s expense.

If you will be attending the 100th Pinckneyville Mardi Gras parade, be sure to plan to arrive early due to traffic congestion in town. Keep in mind that road clo sures 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 West bound 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.

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Reaches 100

By Pete Spitler

W

hat’s been a year of history in Perry County continues in Pinckneyville, as the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebration has reached the triple digits.

The 100th celebration began with the annual queen pageant on Sunday, October 16, and continues this Saturday with a bar becue kickoff at the Pinckneyville Eagles Lodge before a week end full of activities on October 28 and 29.

“There’s a huge amount of pride, but I think there’s a huge amount of pressure,” said Ashley Bathon, president of the Pinck neyville Chamber of Commerce. “A lot of people have been around for so long and seen so many different things that they’re really expecting a lot.

“We want to, obviously, measure up to what they’re wanting and what they’re expecting, and at the same time, keep ourselves together and grounded to be able to do those things.”

Originally known as “Hallowe’en Mardi Gras” - before

“Hallowe’en”

was dropped from the name in the 1920s - it was intended to mimic Mardi Gras in New Orleans, which takes place in February.

Etta Root Edwards helped organize the first Mardi Gras pa rade in 1922, which began in front of the Windsor Hotel at the corner of Mill and Parker streets.

From there, it traveled east to Schaub’s corner, then north to the Presbyterian Church. From there, the parade turned east to Walnut Street and then north on Walnut to the town square.

While Edwards’ association with Mardi Gras is well-known, there is another woman, Cora Sams, who also played a huge part in helping the event last as long as it has.

Sams was in charge of the Mardi Gras committee for over 30 years, handling the pageant queens, the queen’s float and the judging.

The first Mardi Gras queen pageant was held in 1925, with Hulda Scroeder Singer being named the first queen. The event will celebrate its own 100th anniversary in 2025.

At the beginning, queens would advertise themselves in the windows of different businesses in the town at five cents a vote.

Whoever earned the most votes was named queen, while to day the queens are judged in several different categories before a winner is announced.

“I think they’re all really excited,” Bathon said of her queen candidates. “It’s a small group, so I think that makes it a little more intimate.

Helen Timpner and three of her friends as the “Pinckneyville Dolls” in the early 70’s Mardi Gras. Courtesy of the Perry County Jail Museum.

1960 Mardi Gras Queen Mary Dean Bartle Johnson. Provided by the Perry County Jail Museum. Courtesy of the Perry County Jail Museum.

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Reaches 100

“We’re going to do something for the past queens after the pageant. I think seeing all of them and seeing what they’re a part of will be a huge thing.”

The queens pageant also includes a traditional visit from Colonel Pinckney, who is named after Revolutionary War officer Charles Cotesworth Pinckney - generally accepted as the person Pinckneyville is named after.

Colonel Pinckney, who joined the pageant starting in 1953, attends the event with his two footmen and the real identity of his portrayer is kept a closely-guarded secret.

The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce’s 50/50 drawing is a spectacle in itself, with the 2021 winner pocketing half of the $33,479 total.

“I think the 50/50 is going to be huge,” Bathon said. “I think that’s something that people are going to talk about forever.”

Tickets can be purchased at the chamber office, businesses around town, the vendor fair and at the parade with the draw ing taking place at the end of the parade. The winner has until November 30 to claim the prize.

“Celebrating a 100-year-old festival is a commendable achievement to our town’s ability to stick together,” said Car

rie Gilliam, economic development coordinator for the City of Pinckneyville. “This festival brings cohesiveness and helps to instill a sense of pride.

“You can notice curbs being painted, gutters being cleaned and storefront windows displaying their best. It’s a great way of ‘cleaning house’ just before company comes.”

“I can never thank enough the civic groups and individuals who volunteer their time to promote and put on this time-hon ored event throughout its 100-year history,” Gilliam continued.

Bathon was asked why she feels Mardi Gras has lasted this long.

“The event is so large in the community,” she said. “People have continued to come back home and make an effort for it to last, I think that’s had a lot to do with it.

“Over the years, if you look back, there’s been a lot of things added or come and go and I think the parade is huge.”

“And I think it’s become a tradition,” Bathon continued. “A lot of class reunions, a lot of family come home. People have continued because it’s here.”

Conducting the parade this year are Janie Miller, Dana Car ney, Randy Reiman, Tibretta Bigham-Reiman, Jill Fox and the

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Reaches 100

chamber board.

As far as events Bathon is excited about, Murphy-Wall State Bank has brought back the money scramble and sack races on October 29 at 10:30 a.m.

“When I was little, that was a big deal,” Bathon said. “I’m really excited that the kids are getting to do it and Murphy-Wall was able to sponsor it and the kids are really excited.”

A copy of the poster of the 43rd annual Mardi Gras celebration in 1965. Courtesy of the Perry County Jail Museum.

For memorabilia hunt ers, shirts, sweatshirts and even license plates have been made to commemorate the event.

“The shirts have sold like crazy just because people want to have it,” Bathon said. “I don’t know if it’s for their great-grandkids or just to say they were there.”

Also available for pur chase is a cookbook contain ing recipes contributed from past Mardi Gras queens. A cookbook was also created for the event’s 50th anniver sary, and Bathon said those recipes are being carried over into the 100th anniver sary cookbook.

1934 Mardi Gras Queen Pageant Pages (left) Pauline Hincke Cawvey who later was crowned Mardi Gras Queen in 1947. Courtesy of the Perry County Jail Museum.

“It will be a combined book, so that will be fun,” Bathon said. “There were drawings from kids back then and we pulled some of the drawings out of there to move forward on that.”

2022 Mardi Gras Car Show

Car Show Awards

Top 75 awards

Car Show Sponsors

Mardi Gras Band Field Show

Mardi Gras Band Field Show

Kemme,

Your hometown home & auto team

Your hometown home & auto team

Your hometown home &

team

Farm®,

100th Annual Mardi Gras Parade

Celebrating 100 Years of Pinckneyville Mardi Gras

T

he 100th An nual Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday October 29, 2022 at the in tersection 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

Right: 2021 Mardi Gras Queen, Grace

Pitts from Cobden waves to the crowd with her Pages in last year’s Mardi Gras parade down Walnut Street in Pinck neyville.

Above: The majestic Mardi Gras Queen Float makes its way through the 2021 99th Annual Mardi Gras parade.

100th Annual Mardi Gras Parade

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 avail able at the intersection of Mill and Parker Streets.

BAXTER for SHERIFF

of

The 99th Annual Mardi Gras Parade was held on October 30. Above: The Marching Junior Panthers march through the parade. Below: Everyone enjoys the Annual Mardi Gras Parade on Walnut Street.

in

The Best Qualified Candidate HH

2022 Grand Marshals

This year’s 2022 100th Mardi Gras Parade Grand Marshals are: (above) Murphy Wall State Bank & Trust - Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. (below left) Larry Pfau - Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year. (below right) Dan Herbst - Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year. Photos courtesy of The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce.

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 communica tions 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, al lowing 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 fair grounds, 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.

2021 Mardi Gras Parade Memories

Above Left: Grand Marshall for the 99th Mardi Gras Cheryl Bigham rides in the parade. Below Left: Pinckneyville Fire Departments future fire fighters enjoy riding in one of the big rigs. Below Right: The Illinois Rural Heritage Museum tractor and board make their way through the streets.

The 99th Annual Mardi Gras Parade was held on October 30. Above: The Marching Junior Panthers march through the parade.

Above: Community Consolidated School District #204 Cross Country Team’s float in 2021.

Above Left: The American Legion Daffron Presswood Post 2504 makes their way down Walnut Street. Above Right: Pinckneyville Mayor Robert Spencer smiles as he drives in the parade. Below: PCHS Marching Panthers march during the 99th Mardi Gras Parade.

2021

Gras Parade

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

1948 Mardi Gras Children’s Parade

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

The Twisted Vine

Twisted Vine is back open.

pm

Mardi Gras Parade Live Stream

Live Broadcast from the

100th Annual

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Mardi Gras Parade Broadcast

Live with Jessica & Kate!

Once again, the Weekly-Press will be bringing the official parade broadcast, Mardi Gras Live, to an international audience on October 29 at 7 p.m., opened by the pre-show at 6 p.m. Since 2013 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. People who are unable to attend the parade due to distance or health reasons now have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the time-honored hometown festival. Kate Dale and former Pinckneyville Press editor Jessica Holder are scheduled to host this year’s Mardi Gras Live. The stream will be on multiple platforms including Facebook and YouTube. The show will open at 6 p.m. with Limelight DJ and Karaoke followed by the parade a little after 7 p.m. Bill Kemme, State Farm Agent is the main sponsor of this year’s broadcast. For the second year in a row, Jackson Burke Creative will be the production team on site making the magic happen. The broadcast has quickly become a staple for Pinckneyville Mardi Gras. A direct link will be available on the Pinckneyville Press Facebook page.

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Beautiful Queen Float In The 1947 Hallowe’en Parade

On the float were Miss Pauline Hincke, chosen as Queen; the Misses Mary Ellen Hartwell, Virginia Byer, Nancy Singer, Marilyn Hegler and little Miss Mary Dean Bartle; Bille Roe and Danny Cagle.

Girl Scout Float at Pinckneyville Mardi Gras 1958 or 1959. 2nd from left: Carmen Lemmon, Jane Templeton, Kay Pierce, Vicki Reese, Melva Lie & Jeannie Schwartzkopf. Photos provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

The 1938 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Queen Court Marie Edwards, Norma Dempsey, Mardi Gras Queen Betty Roufs, Nancy Nesbiet, and Linda Lee Ulrich with pages Marjorie Beck, Linda Hansen, Jaci Greer and Mary Rogers. Portrait by C. Cliff Grindle Studios, Carbondale from 1938. Provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

Sophiabelle Coker and Donald Keene as pages.

Billie Pundsack and Gene Stotlar, pages in Mardi Gras at Pinckneyville. Provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Above: Helen, Kathleen, and Phyllis Epplin adjust the win collar in one of three dolls for Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade. Right: Helen Timpner steadies the tape measure as Kathleen Zacher reads 9 feet from the feet of her sister, Georgia Zacher, to the top of the top hat. Provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

Perry County Housing Authority

1935 Wilma Bartle and Virginia McElroy tied for Queen of the Hallowe’en Mardi Gras and Carnival. Left: An article explains the two queen tie in 1935. Above: The 1935 Mardi Queens are shown as the retiring queens in 1936.

Bobby Kelly Perry County Clerk

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Above: Snow White walks through the parade. Right: Kathleen admires the gent’s trousers before they’re hooked to a ‘waistband.’ Photos provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

Elect GREG WILSON TREASURER

Paid for by Wilson for Treasurer

Virginia Benedict Mardi Gras Page in 1964.

Float of King and Queen in Grade School Hallowe’en Parade - Queen Miss Linda Rice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Rice; and King, Don Caron, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Carson.

of

1927 Mardi Gras Queen

Margaret (Zahn) Reith

Rebekah Float in parade at Pinckneyville: Peg, Joyce Margenthaler, Miss Helen Schwartzkopf, June Steele.

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Mardi Gras Queen of 1949-50 and Court - Miss Martha Cagle, daughter or Mr. and Mrs. Dan Cagle crowned queen of the city’s 27th annual Hallowe’en Mardi Gras. The royal court included, back row, left to right, Helen McQuaid, third maid of honor; BeJo Ritter, first maid of honor; Queen Martha Cagle; Shirley Mathis, second maid of honor and Gloria Hickman, fourth maid of honor. Flower girls were Beth Doerr, left, and Susan Keene. Provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

Karen

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

Above: 1946 (25th Mardi Gras) Court Pages Bill Roe, Mary Dean Bartle Johnson (1946 Queen) and Dan Cagle. Right: (Left) Miss Virginia Schilling, retiring queen, crowns Miss Pauline Hincke, 1947 royal highness.

Mardi Gras Rotary Club Float from 1947 parade. Photos provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

100 Years of Mardi Gras Memories

“My favorite Mardi Gras memory was watching the parade together with my family. We did this every year until my sister and I grew older and moved away to college. The last year we were all together at the parade was the year I was retiring as Mardi Gras queen. My sister was the one to drive me in the parade while my parents watched us in their usual spot.” - Danielle Rieckenberg, 2000 Queen

Left: Lego character piece walks through a past Children’s Parade.

Above: 1993 Mardi Queen Sara Shillinger Amos. Photos provided by Perry County Jail Museum.

WE ARE HIRING

Thank

From the

The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a sincere Thank You to the following 2022 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Sponsors for your continued support in making this annual event possible.

Platinum Level: The City of Pinckneyville, Murphy-Wall State Bank, Perry County Market Place, Stotlar Drugs, Pyatt Funeral Home, State Farm/Bill Kemme, Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Freedom Street Partners/ Chad Rushing, Steele Dental, First National Bank.

Gold Level: America’ Best Value Inn, Paulette’s Food Service, Rend Lake Collage, Pinckneyville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Wittenauer Chiropractic, Grecian Steak House, Panther Gym & Fitness, Napa Auto Parts, SI Towing & Recovery, Silkworm, Loyd Hauling, McCoy Construction & Forestry.

Silver Level: Aces & Eights, Barr trucking Inc., Columbian Club, Consolidated Grain & Barge, Edward Jones/Nathan Meagher & Tucker Kuhnert, Knight Hawk Coal, L3 Boutique, McDonald’s/The Short Family, Oxbow Bed & Breakfast, Pinckneyville Ambulance Service, Pinckneyville Moose Lodge, Pinckneyville Save -A-Lot, Place Real Estate, Moore Brothers Auto Sales of Southern Illinois, Sweet Leona’s, The Flower Patch LTD., The Trophy Room, Wright’s Collision Center, Beautifully CaptureD Photography, Pinckneyville Eagles Lodge, You Got Carded, Weekly-Press

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.