“Legends of Rock N’ Roll” is the 2025 Mardi Gras theme. The 2025 Theme was submitted by Allison Szostak. Check out the T-shirts this year featuring this design. Pinckneyville Mardi Gras is now celebrating 103 Years!
board memberS: aShley bathon dan breSlin cheryl coffel
Jeff egbert genevieve hackWorth kim kellerman kim Stotlar kathy kellerman
executive director - dana carney
The Weekly-Press is the successor newspaper of the Du Quoin Weekly and Pinckneyville Press.
2024 Mardi Gras Queen Farewell
They say time flies when you’re having fun, and this year has truly been proof of that. I’ve had the best year of my life as your Mardi Gras Queen. Going into last year’s pageant, I was so nervous because I wanted this title since I stepped on this very stage in 2013 as a page. I knew then that I wanted to be the Mardi Gras Queen someday. My family has a long history with this pageant, and winning this title last year made me the sixth queen in my family, including my mom. Shout out Mardi Gras Queen 1992! Because of this rich history in my family and community, my goal was to not only make myself proud, but my family and community that have supported me as well.
I have had so many opportunities over the past year. My first and probably least favorite was judging the costume competition for the kiddie parade at the grade school; how do you choose, they were all so cute?! I did love that I got to dress up and join in on the costume parade. I was blessed with perfect weather for all of last year’s Mardi Gras weekend festivities, and as we all know, this community really knows how to throw a party! I started the day at 7:30 a.m. at the pancake breakfast. Then we headed to Walnut Street for a day packed with activities, traditions, and community fun. It definitely put a hole in my mom’s wallet, with all the bagels, Taps and Vine drinks, and freeze-dried candy that I had to have. Another highlight of the day was my first on-air interview to kick off the parade broadcast. The big finale of the weekend was the 102nd Mardi Gras Parade. Although I rode on the float as a page when I was little, I had no idea how amazing it would feel to ride on it as the Queen. I did not want the weekend to end and I was sad thinking that most of my duties were already over. I made the most of it throughout the year, though. I attended numerous pageants as visiting royalty, a handful of parades, and lots of community events. I enjoyed handing out the Chamber Citizen and Business of the Year awards and announcing this year’s Mardi Gras theme at the Chamber Annual Dinner.
Another event that I got to reign over was Crackling Christmas. Again, the weather was perfect for people to get into the holiday spirit, but it was COLD. I rode on a fire truck with Santa, rode in a horsedrawn carriage, did some shopping, had some hot chocolate, and then concluded with the highlight of my evening: giving the welcome speech and countdown for the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
For my community service project this year, I hosted a school supply drive for the Pinckneyville Community Center. And Pinckneyville really showed up! I collected 6 shopping carts full of school supplies, snacks, and drinks to be used by the kids in the after-school program. So, thank you to everyone that donated.
None of this would have been possible without my amazing support system. I want to start by thanking my friends and family who came out to support me at last year’s pageant. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for continuing this wonderful event. Of course, Betty and Ashley for putting so much time into this pageant. You guys make it look easy and have treated me like royalty all year. Dana Carney for being everywhere with your camera. Thank you to my sponsor and boss, Haley Stanton, with Belle of the Ball, for supporting me in all things. I want to thank Jamie Witges and Stacey Jones for making me look and feel my best on pageant day. Jacie Limestall for all of the time spent on FaceTime preparing for the pageant and being the biggest support all year long. Thank you to Jane Chapman for always letting me borrow her convertible for parades. Perry County Market Place for letting me set up my school supply drive in their lobby.
Lastly, I need to thank my biggest support system and the people I look up to, my family. My Grandma Birkner for starting this tradition in our family. My sister Carly for not being mad that I forgot to invite her to last year’s pageant. Whoops! She was so sad that she missed it. Thank you to my dad for coming to pageant stuff and driving in parades, even though I’m sure he would rather be absolutely anywhere else. And thank you for not being too upset when you made the mistake of asking how much pageant things cost.
And last but definitely not least, my best friend, shopping buddy, parade driver, pageant sidekick, and the person who always made sure this giant crown was perfectly pinned and straight: my mom. Thank you for your inspiring pep talks, always believing in me, always being calm when I am not, and always loving me no matter what. We have made a ton of great memories together this year.
To the next girl that wears this crown, enjoy every minute, do all the things, and never take it for granted because the time really does fly. Little Mardi Gras Page Eliza would be so proud to say, for the last time, I am forever your 2024 Mardi Gras Queen, Eliza Heisner. Thank you.
Your
2024 Mardi Gras Queen, Eliza Heisner
Perry County Republican Candidates & Elected Officials invite
50/50 Drawing Stop & See Us!
The 102nd Annual Mardi Gras was successful in bringing a large crowd to Pinckneyville to celebrate. 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 2024 was $31,517.
Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce 102nd Mardi Gras 50/50 Winner Victoria Halfacre took home over $11,000. Ticket sales for the 103rd 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 25th. 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 25, 2025. 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, 2025. The winner must claim their prize with the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce by November 30, 2025. In the event that the 50/50 prize for 2025 is not claimed, the winner’s portion will roll over and be the amount to begin the 50/50 sales for 2026. 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 year’s “Legends of Rock N’ Roll” T-shirts, crewnecks & hoodies went on sale October 1, 2025. They are available at the following Pinckneyville businesses: Perry County Market Place The Flower Patch Stotlar Drug L3 Boutique Found on Walnut Pinckneyville Chamber office
2025 Mardi Gras Pageant
The festivities for the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras start off with a queen pageant.
Seven lovely ladies competed for the crown on Sunday, October 12, in the Pinckneyville Community High School’s Auxiliary gym. Contestants are awarded prize money. The pageant co-directors are Ashley Bathon & Betti Mucha.
Judging included a private interview and active wear and evening gown competitions. Interviews were conducted in the afternoon prior to the pageant.
Candidates from all over Southern Illinois were vying for the crown of 2025 Mardi Gras queen, the 99th 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.
Callie Wildermuth of Pinckneyville was crowned the 2025 Mardi Gras Queen. Ella Horn of Carterville was the 1st runner up and 2nd runner-up was Livia Queen of Pinckneyville. Livia Queen was also the Miss Maskerade winner and Spirit of Mardi Gras winner. Ella Horn won the Miss Photogenic award.
2025 Queen Candidates
Heidi Hug
Madilynn Yates
Faith Trail
Ella Horn
Livia Queen Arryn Overturf Callie Wildermuth
Mardi Gras Queen’s Court Pages
Winton James Bigham
Winton James Bigham is the 6-year-old son of Colby Williams and Trent Bigham and the grandson of Rich & Joella Gossett and Dallas & Rhonda Bigham.
He has a 3-year-old sister Magnolia.
Winton is a 1st grader at Pinckneyville District #50.
His favorite things are Pokemon, soccer, and baseball.
Winton’s favorite color is light blue.
Winton wants to be a Lego builder when he grows up.
Leighton Elizabeth Hicks
Leighton Elizabeth Hicks is the 6-year-old daughter of Hayden & Lauren Hicks. She is the granddaughter of David & Kris Harrison, Chuck Payne, and Kevin & Rhonda Hicks.
She has a 4-year-old brother, Halston.
Leighton is a 1st grader at Pinckneyville District #50.
Her three favorite things are dancing, hanging with friends, and PANTHERS.
Leighton’s favorite color is blue.
She wants to be a teacher and a mom when she grows up.
Hattie Eisenhauer
Hattie Eisenhauer is the 6-year-old daughter of Bryan & Alex Eisenhauer and the granddaughter of Ross & Linda Eisenhauer, Gene & Missy Gilliam, and Todd & Trish Dusch.
She has twin sisters, Brynn and Brylee.
Hattie is a 1st grader at Pinckneyville District #50.
Her three favorite things are dogs, her sisters, and her cats.
Hattie’s favorite color is blue.
She wants to be a doggy daycare owner when she grows up.
Marcus Jordan Ruppert
Marcus Jordan Ruppert is the 7-year-old son of Jordan & Jordan Ruppert and grandson of Frank & Connie Ruppert, Donnelle Mitchell, and David & Ruthann Short.
He has an 11-year-old sister, Ellie Grace, and a 10-year-old brother, Jay Jordan.
Marcus is a 1st grader at Pinckneyville District #50.
His three favorite things are playing soccer, wrestling for Panther Powerhouse Wrestling, and playing farm with his brother.
Marcus’ favorite color is teal.
He wants to be a farmer like his daddy when he grows up.
2025 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
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
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
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
2023- Aubrey Lemmon
2024- Eliza Heisner
2025- Callie WIldermuth
1950 - Jackie Lou Greer
1975 - Tirzah Chapman Slechticky
2001 - Brittany High Mosman
2025 Mardi Gras Queen
2024 Mardi Gras Queen Pageant Memories
The 2024 Mardi Gras court with Queen Eliza Heisner, Colonel Pinckney and his Footman, the queen’s pages and the other contestants. Heisner is the daughter of 1992 Mardi Gras Queen Cynthia Hardin Heisner.
Revlyn Willis receives the Miss Photogenic Award.
Heidi Hug receives the Spirit of Mardi Gras Award, the pageant’s version of a Miss Congeniality Award. Second runner-up Malayna Korb.
First runner-up Railan Clark. Clark will represent Mardi Gras in the event the queen cannot fulfill her duties. Railan Clark was also presented with the Miss Masquerade Award.
Children’s Parade
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the children’s parade will kick off the 103rd Pinckneyville Mardi Gras weekend festivities. This parade will feature grade school and junior high students from District #50, C.C.S.D. #204 and St. Bruno 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. In case of inclement weather please contact your children’s school directly for information.
Business Trick or Treat
Friday evening, October 24, 2025, the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce will host the Business Trick or Treat and Costume Contest. Trick or Treat will begin at 4:30 p.m. on W. Mulberry Street in front of the grade school.
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 3:30 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 trickor-treating. The judging of tables will begin at 4:00 p.m. Last year First National Bank was our winner!
Costume Contest judging will begin at 5:30 p.m. The age groups 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. Groups will be divided into 2 groups 2-5 people and 6 or more people. Cash prizes will be awarded.
2024 Best Decorated Business Trick or Treat Table Winner First National Bank in Pinckneyville.
Business Trick or Treat
2024 Group Winners included Barbie characters, the stars of Inside Out and Pinckneyville Fire Department firefighter with his truck and dalmatian.
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 5:30 p.m. Listen to announcements for age groups. You may have to get out of the trick-or-treat line in order to be judged.
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Limelight DJ Live Music - Sponsored by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce
11:00 a.m. - Precious Pumpkin Contest Winner Announced - Sponsored by Delta Theta Tau.
11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Balloon Lady - Sponsored by Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. “Poser’s” Photo Booth - Sponsored by First National Bank.
50/50 Tickets will be available at the Pinckneyville Fire Station
Limelight DJ Live Music will be live at center court this year!
Car Show is Back!
This year’s Mardi Gras Car Show will return on West Mulberry Street featuring DJ Big Elvis! Registration begins at 7:00 am and closes at 11:00 am. Registration Fee: Judged Vehicles
$20.00, Display Only $10.00. Judging starts early - awards 1:30 PM.
Dash Plaques & T-Shirts to the first 100 Judged Vehicles.
Car Show Awards:
Top 50 awards • Top 5 Side By Sides
Queen’s Choice • Mayor’s Choice
Best Paint • Longest Distance
Best of Show
Car Show Sponsors
Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce
Gold Level:
Hutch’s Tire & Lube
Bart’s Speed Shop
Arevon-Panther Solar
Aveyo Solar
Silver Level:
Byrd’s Body Shop
Barr Trucking
Taylor Brothers Welding Service
Ray’s Auto Body
Walt’s Transmission
Kellerman Farms & Excavating
Bauersachs Farms - Coulterville
Napa Auto Parts
Vendor & Craft Fair
The Mardi Gras Vendor Fair will kick off at 9:00 am Saturday. The vendors will have their booths located on South 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.
Other Activities
Locations Announced10:30 a.m. Money Scramble – Ages 3-12. - Sponsored by Murphy Wall State Bank. Located between Reese Tax & Tan Etc. in City Lot on Walnut Street across from City Hall.
11 a.m. Kids games with prizes. Ages 12 and under. - Located between Reese Tax & Tan Etc. in City Lot on Walnut Street across from City Hall.
11:30a.m. Whipped Pie Eating Contest at Taps and Vine Social House
12 p.m.-2 p.m. Golf simulator Closest to the Pin Contest Free at Taps & Vine Social House
Chamber’s Annual Light Pole Contest
The Chamber also sponsors the Light Pole contest. Any business, organization, or family is encouraged to decorate a light pole around the square. The contest is from October 1-21 each year. Contact the Chamber for more details. 2024 Light Pole winners: 1st Place St
Bruno Catholic School •
2nd Place Lucky Clover 4H
3rd Place Belle of the Ball
1st Place St Bruno Catholic School
2nd Place Lucky Clover 4H
3rd Place Belle of the Ball
Delta Theta Tau Sorority’s Precious Pumpkin
T he Precious Pumpkin contest (024mos) 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”.
Hazel Grace Dupuis was the Precious Pumpkin winner for 2024. 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 11 a.m.! The winner is invited to ride in the Mardi Gras parade that evening.
Delta Theta Tau Sorority’s Precious Pumpkin 2024 winner Hazel Grace Dupuis with her mother, Sierra, friends and family.
Perry County Jail Museum Twilight Tour
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 at 6pm Haunted Tales from the Perry County Jail Storytelling will be featured on the Perry County Jail Museum Facebook page. Be sure to check it out!
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
When 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.
No Parking after 2AM on S. Walnut and W. Mulberry Streets for Vendor Fair and Car Show. Signs will be posted.
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.
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
Steve Cannedy 357-1336
Liz Wilson 318-1256
Mardi Gras Band Field Show
Above Left: Pinckneyville Marching Panthers Drum Major Iris Zheng leads the band at last year’s show.
Above Right: The PCHS Marching Panthers perform their 2024 field show. Right: Pinckneyville Drum Major Iris Zheng salutes the crowd as the Marching Panthers prepare to perform alongside Mason Swain on guitar.
The PCHS Marching Panthers perform their exit dance as they leave the field following their Mardi Gras Field Show performance in 2024.
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
PINCKNEYVILLE –
The winners of the Mardi Gras Field Show and Mardi Gras Parade were announced last year, with the Marion Marching Wildcats taking home the Combined Grand Champion award in Class AAA.
The Grand Champion Award combines the scores from both the Field Show and the Mardi Gras Parade to determine the winner.
Marion finished with 1,083.7 points, followed by runner-up Potosi (Missouri) with 1,057.7 points. Carterville took third with 1,012.7 points.
For the parade only, Harrisburg took home first place with 121 points in the parade composite score, followed by Columbia (114.1) and Wesclin (112.7).
The big winners of the Field Show in Class A were Wesclin (674), Wright City (656) and Sparta (518) in first, sec-
ond and third in Class A.
In Class AA, Petosi won first place with 714 points, followed by Carterville (674) and AnnaJonesboro (666).
There were only two schools in Class AAA: Marion and Mehlville. Mehlville finished first with 749 points, with Marion at 719.
As for Pinckneyville, the Marching Panthers performed as an exhibition only.
Mardis Gras Parade class winners are as fol-
lows:
• Class B
1. Carbondale Middle School, 61
2. Du Quoin Middle School, 60.5
• Class A
1. Wesclin, 89
2. Okawville, 69
3. Marissa, 68.5
• Class AA
1. Harrisburg, 94
2. Columbia, 88
3. Potosi, 83.5
• Class AAA
1. Marion, 86
2. Hazelwood, 64.5
103rd Annual Mardi Gras Parade
Celebrating 103 Years of Pinckneyville Mardi Gras
T
he 103rd Annual Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday October 25, 2025 at the intersection of West Parker and South Mill Streets.
Approximately 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 portapotties 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.
Above Left: Dancers from Upbeat Studio perform during the 102nd parade. Above Center: Murphy-Wall State Bank’s parade float is pictured during last year’s parade.
2025 Mardi Gras Parade Grand Marshals
Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce 2025 Citizen of the Year Lewis Schweizer(left) and 2025 Business of the Year
Pinckneyville Community Hospital (above) are this year’s Mardi Gras Parade Grand Marshals.
Ham
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.
HOURS
Thur - Sat 9 am - 5 pm Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm (or by appointment)
Check out our Facebook page for all the happenings here at the museum!
Mardi Gras Parade Live Stream
Live Broadcast from the
103rd Annual
Mardi Gras Parade Broadcast
Above Left: Tony Burke, Clint Mifflin and Cain Porter managed the production of the
Live with Hosts Jessica & Bill!
The Weekly-Press is honored to bring the 12th year of the official parade broadcast, Mardi Gras Live on October 25 at 5:30 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 WeeklyPress. Last year over 16,000 people tuned in live or watched the broadcast after the show. Those who are unable to attend the parade have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the time-honored hometown festival.
Broadcast sponsor, Bill Kemme and former Pinckneyville Press editor Jessica Holder will host with a full agenda of guests and special events during the Pre-Show.
The show will be in person and online at 5:30 p.m. with Jackson Burke Creative managing the production and live entertainment from Limelight DJ and Karaoke at the Pinckneyville Fire Department. Come out at and dance and enjoy the Pre-Show activities followed by the parade a little after 7 p.m. The broadcast and pre-show will be hosted by the Pinckneyville Fire Department. Sparklight & Bill Kemme State Farm are the main sponsors of the event.
Live on the Pinckneyville Press Facebook Page
Weekly-Press’s Mardi Gras Live show. Above Right: Mardi Gras Live commentators Bill Kemme and Jessica Holder discuss the 2024 parade.
Columbian Club
On October 24, Old Souls Revival will play from 8:30pm-12:30am. The costume contest will be held on Friday night, judging will take place at 10pm. On October 25, Beaucoup Bottom Band will be playing from 9pm-1am. Cash only for drink purchases
Taps & Vines Social House
Taps and Vine Social House will be hosting whipped cream pie eating contests October 25 on Mardi Gras with cash prizes starting at 11:30am. and a Closest to the Pin Golf Competition for all ages 12pm-2pm. See their ad on this page for more details!
Check Out the Official Mardi Gras Schedule for more entertainment!
103 Years of Mardi Gras Memories
Eliza Heisner, of Pinckneyville, reacts as she is crowned as the 2024 Mardi Gras queen by retiring Queen Aubrey Lemmon with Master of Ceremonies Rachel Marks holding the sash and plate.
Pictured is 2024 Mardi Gras Queen Eliza Heisner with her parents, 1992 Mardi Gras Queen Cynthia Hardin Heisner and Blaine Heisner.
Above: 2024 Junior Miss Perry County Fair Queen Corra Gilliam speaks as Little Miss Perry County Fair Queen Bly Marks looks on. At right is Miss Du Quoin Grace Phipps. Left: Pages Bly Marks, Killian Brand, Bella Bauza and Carter Helvey pose for a photo.
103 Years of Mardi Gras Memories
The Marching Grannies entertain the Mardi Gras crowd.
Above Left: Mardi Gras Queen Eliza Heisner walks in the children’s parade. Above Right: Pinckneyville 204 pre-kindergarten teachers Tabitha Kellerman and Emily Rakers are a pair of tiger wranglers.
SIU Pre-K students walk in the 2024 children’s parade.
103 Years of Mardi Gras Memories
Above Left: First National Bank’s float is pictured during the 2024 parade. Right: Even Beetlejuice got in on the 2024 Mardi Gras festivities.
Tractor driver Gaylen Greer pulls the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum’s float, which celebrated the history of washing machines.
103 Years of Mardi Gras Memories
Above: Nature’s Wonder float delights the crowd at the 102nd Mardi Gras. Right: 2024 Little Miss Juneteenth of Southern Illinois Ariana Williams waves to the crowd. Below: Perry County Fair queens Corra Gilliam (Junior Miss), Bly Marks (Little Miss) and Aubrey Lemmon (Miss Perry County Fair) ride in the parade.
Members of PJHS’s softball team walk in the 2024 parade.
Above: Local Girl Scout members ride in a float decorated with the names of their cookie products. Right: Pictured is Pinckneyville Garden Club’s Fall Wonders float. Below: Pictured is St. Paul United Church of Christ’s 2024 Mardi Gras float.
Above Left: Members of the Pinckneyville 204 Lady Tigers softball team ride in the parade. Above Right: Mardi Gras Parade grand marshals Cathy and Ted Cunningham lead the parade.
Thank You From the Chamber
The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a sincere Thank You to the following 2025 Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Sponsors for your continued support in making this annual event possible.
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.
