The Metro East Messenger 10.22.21 Issue

Ultimate List of Trunk or Treats

Halloween Parades

Fun Fall Festivities

Ghost Cheesecake Brownie Recipe

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Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid 19 restrictions.

“Halloween on the Compound" on Barbarotto Lane in Maryville. This Halloween light show runs nightly from 6:30-10pm through Halloween night. Free to the public.

Magic And Mayhem In Downtown Granite City, Downtown Granite City becomes spooky every Saturday in October!

Catch Ghouls and creepy characters roaming the downtown streets amidst the dance party at the Monster Mash. Test your nerve at the annual haunted house! For more info and full list of events, go to https://www.facebook.com/gcmagicandmayhem/events.

3rd Annual Haunted Hayride, Oct. 22nd and 23rd, 7-10:30pm, Collinsville Recreation Club, 427 S. Mulberry, Collinsville.

Cost: $10 per person, ages 5 & under are free 2021 Haunted Hayrides at Camp Warren Levis Boy Scout Camp, Oct. 22nd-23rd, 7:30-9:30pm, 5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey.

Tractors leave on rides about every 10-15mins. $6 per person, 3 and under are free. To register and pay online, go to https://scoutingevent.com/312-2021HauntedHayrides. Walk-ins are welcome.

20th Annual Art on the Square, Oct. 22nd 24th, 19 Public Square, Belleville. Featuring the original work of over 100 accomplished artists from around the world, fantastic musical and stage performances as well as delicious local food and drink, Art on the Square is a three-day sensation for the eyes, ears and palate. Children will enjoy Art on the Square’s extensive interactive Children’s Art Garden where they will create their own take-away art projects. For more info, go to artonthesquare.com.

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Local Events Fall Festival, Oct. 23rd, 10am-1pm, Edison’s Entertainment Complex, 2477 S. State Rt, 157, Edwardsville. Sponsored by Busey Bank and the Jr. Inventors Club. Face & pumpkin painting, yard games, inflatable slide, free family photo, Jay the Balloon Guy, and more.

E-Cycle Event, Oct. 23rd, 9am-12pm at First Baptist Church, 7110 State Rt. 162, Maryville, IL. Slight charge on TVs. For more info, go to troymaryvillecoc.com or call (618)667-8769.

Big Trucks, Food Trucks and Trunks with Treats, Oct. 23rd, 4pm, at South Roxana Dad’s Club 417 Roxana Ave, South Roxana. An event for everyone! We will have Big Trucks for kids to explore, food trucks, vendors, hayrides, bounce houses and end with a trunk or treat!

Halloween Howl 5K & 1 Mile Run, Oct. 23rd at 9am, Collinsville, Maryville, Troy YMCA. Bring your pet and come for a fun, non-timed race. There will be prizes for best human and dog costumes. The fee includes a t-shirt. Cost: $15 registration.

All ages welcome. Ages 5 and under are free. Open to members and non-members.

Dark Maze At DeMange Farm St. Jacob, Oct. 23rd, 7-10pm, 1352 Cypress Rd, St. Jacob. Grab your favorite horror movie fans and head out to the farm! We will be showing a horror flick while you wait to enter the maze in the dark. Explore 15 acres of corn and find your way back to the fires. $10 per person. Must wear closed toe shoes and dress for the weather on the farm. 6th graders and up are allowed but there will be R RATED content. Small children will not be allowed to enter.

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Local Events Downtown Dog Day, Oct. 23rd, 10am-4pm, E. 1st Street, O’Fallon. Spend the day with your pup in the Downtown District.

Scrub-a-Thon, Microchipping, mini agility course, pop up obedience class, costume contest, and more. For full schedule of events, go to https://bit.ly/3vpVIX0.

Haunted Corn Maze at Rinkel Pumpkin Farm, Oct. 23rd, 7-10pm, 2760 Old Troy Rd, Glen Carbon. Recommended for ages 12 and up. $5 per person. Kettle Corn and Randy’s BBQ on site.

Witches Night Out 2021 Lebanon, IL, Oct. 24th, 6-9pm, W. St. Louis St, Lebanon. Grab your ghoul friends for an evening packed with shopping, dining, drinking, and cackling along Lebanon's beautiful brick street business district. We have contests, music, vendors, and more surprises up our sleeves this year!

Treats on the Streets, Oct. 29th, 1-5pm, Highland. Businesses and Organizations will be handing out candy to kids. Some businesses will be on the square and some will be at their business.

2nd Annual Halloween Party at the Plaza, Oct. 29th, 5-9pm, Eastgate Shopping Ctr, East Alton. Something for everyone: hayride, food truck, beer tent, live music, inflatable playground, and face painting.

Howling Habitat 5K & Kids Fun Run, Oct. 30th, 7:30am. Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and join us for the Howling Habitat 5K benefitting O'Fallon Habitat for Humanity. We'll kick off the event at the O'Fallon Public Safety Building and the 5K course will pass by Habitat homes. Pancake breakfast is provided for all runners/walkers by the Jennifer Mueller Foundation. Register at bit.ly/3k9dj0b. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Collinsville Fall Festival, Oct. 30th, 10am-3pm, Main Street, Collinsville. Trick or Treating on Main St, Chili competition, games and Family friendly activities for everyone. Navigation Church is proud to provide the community with all the fun.

Miners theatre will be hosting the Costume contest this year.

Halloween Party and Costume Contest in City Park, Oct. 30th, 10am-1pm. Edwardsville Parks and Recreation is ready to have a Halloween Party in City Park! We will have festive decorations. Fun Music. Local businesses and organizations "trunk or treating" around the park. 10 AM: Trail of Treats - Trick or Treat around City Park. 12 PM: Costume Contest (All age groups, Pets and Groups). 12:30- 2:30 PM: Downtown Trick-or-Treating to the businesses along Main Street.

Halloween Celebration, Oct. 30th, 9:30am-5pm at Edwardsville Children’s Museum, 722 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville. Come in your Halloween costume and join us for storytime at 10:00 and crafts and a take-home treat all day long. All ages with a caregiver.

Collinsville Library Halloween Walk, Oct. 30th 10am-2pm, 408 W Main St, Collinsville. Come Trick or Treat at the library.

Decorated candy trail outside the library. Costumes encouraged.

TOYS FOR TOTS Collection & Win A Turkey! Now through November 30. Office open M-F 9:00am-5:00pm, MML Insurance, 2166 Pontoon Rd, Granite City, IL. MML Insurance is partnering with GCHS Class of 1970 for TOYS FOR TOTS in November. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or money donation into the agency, and you will be entered in our WIN A TURKEY drawing held here on November 30, 2021. Please help us make a happy Christmas for the kids!

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Friday, Oct. 22nd Taste of St. Jacob & Trunk or Treat, St. Jacob, 6pm Fairmont City Library, 5:30-7:30pm

Friday, Oct. 29th Saturday, Oct.

23rd

Edwardsville Masonic Lodge #99, 6-8pm Alton Physical Therapy, Alton, 7-9pm Calvary Life Church, Granite City, 6-8pm Crossings Church, Collinsville, 7-9pm Edwardsville Masonic Lodge, Glen Carbon, 6-8pm Cassens and Sons, Glen Carbon, 6-8:30pm Newbold Toyota, O’Fallon, 3-6pm East Gate Shopping Center, East Alton, 5-9pm

Makers Market, Maryville, 5pm Trinity Lutheran Church, Edwardsville, 1-3pm McKendree Metro Rec Plex, O’Fallon, 3-6pm South Roxana Dad’s Club, 4-7pm Goshen Elementary School, Edwardsville, 1pm

Sunday, Oct. 24th St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Maryville, 5:30-7:30pm New Bethel United Methodist Church, Glen Carbon, 5-7pm First Presbyterian Church, Edwardsville, 5-7pm St. John’s United Methodist Church, Edwardsville, 3-4:30pm Friendship General Baptist Church, East Alton, 3:30-5:30pm Winstanley Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, 4:30pm Shiloh Church, Shiloh, 4-5:30pm Cedarhurst of Godfrey, 5-7pm

Saturday, Oct. 30th First Baptist Church of Maryville, 3-5pm Hofbräuhaus, Belleville, 1pm Collinsville Memorial Library, 10am-2pm East Belleville YMCA, 4-6pm Beltline Christian Center, Alton, 2pm Westview Baptist Church, Swansea, 6-8pm Faith Lutheran Church, 3-5pm

Sunday, Oct. 31st Collinsville VFW, 5-8pm Troy United Methodist Church, Troy, 4-6pm St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Belleville, 4-6pm Abundant Life Community Church, Wood River, 4-6pm First Christian Church, Edwardsville, 4-6pm Connect Church, South Roxana, 4-7pm Heartland Baptist Church, Alton, 3-5pm R-Church, Granite City, 2-4pm Christ Church, Fairview Heights, 7-9pm

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Boonies Farm

Relleke Pumpkin Patch

8863 Dustman Rd, Worden, IL www.booniesfarm.com

519 Sand Prairie Lane, Pontoon Beach, IL www.rellekepumpkinpatch.com

Rinkel Pumpkin Farm

Mills Apple Farm

2762 Old Troy Rd, Glen Carbon, IL jblumberg16.wixsite.com/rinkelpumpkinfarm

11477 Pocahontas Road, Marine, IL www.millsapplefarm.com

Demange Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Liberty Apple Orchard

1205 Cypress Rd, St. Jacob, IL www.demangepumpkinpatch.com

8308 Kuhn Station Rd, Edwardsville, IL www.libertyappleorchard.com

Heritage Farm and Fruit Trees

Braeutigam Orchards

1821 Winter Ln Godfrey, IL heritagefruittree.com

2795 Turkey Hill Lane, Belleville, IL www.braeutigamorchards.com

Local Events Annual Wreath/Basket Online Auction by Delta Epsilon Educators, Starts November 5th, 7:00 AM, Ends November 6th, Noon-Our Wreath/Basket Online Auction has something for every occasion including Fall, Halloween, Christmas, and more. All proceeds go to Collinsville Schools and community programs including Tote Me Home, CHS Scholarships, Books for Kindergarteners, 4th & 6th grade Honor Books, Summer Reach Program, and Homework Help & Hoops. Payment by cash, check, or Venmo. Further information contact Jan Mattea by email at jmattea2@gmail.com. Visit our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/Delta-Epsilon-Educators-Chapter-101-Collinsville-IL-100916418483644 38th Annual Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 6th, O’Fallon. The annual Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10:30am and proceed down Market Street to Soldiers Memorial. Following the parade, a ceremony and celebration with “Starlifter” (USAF Band of Mid-America) will play at Soldiers Memorial.

O'Fallon Band Boosters 40th Annual Art and Craft Fair, Nov. 6th-7th, 9am-5pm, O’Fallon Township High School, 600 S Smiley St, O'Fallon. You will be sure to find unique holiday gifts from over 200 vendors, filling over 300 booths at our fair. Stop by our Bistro or Bake Sale while you are shopping to support the band and guard's big trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade in January 2022! All proceeds support the amazing OTHS Band and Color Guard Programs.

Annual Tiger Band Art & Craft Fair, Nov. 13-14th, 6161 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville. The Tiger Band Art & Craft Fair is an annual arts and craft fair with handcrafted items from over 200 vendors sponsored by the Edwardsville Band Boosters. All proceeds from this show benefit the Edwardsville High School band program. Concessions will serve breakfast and lunch.

Shoppers can also pick up sweet treats at the bake sale. There will be an ATM on site. Strollers are not permitted. The hours of operation are Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Ultimate Hot Wheels Day, Nov. 13th, 10am-2pm, at Glidden Park, Collinsville. Multiple stations with a family-friendly activity, including Big Wheel Races! Tracks and Hot Wheels will be provided, but feel free to bring your own to build the best course down Glidden Park’s sledding hill! Residents $10, nonresidents $15. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3Dj2vob.

Boot Skootin Boogie Barn Dance, Nov. 19th, 7-10pm, Willoughby Farm, Collinsville. Come out and enjoy a bonfire, have a few brews, and boogie to your favorite country tunes. There will be a 30-minute instructional dance before the dance begins. We will have Taqueria Los Reyes food truck and Sloan's will be providing a cash bar. To pre-register call 977-0941 or go-online to www.willoughbyfarm.org. $8.00 if pre-registered or $10.00 cash at the door.

28th Annual Victorian Holiday, Nov. 19-20th, Downtown Lebanon. Lebanon Victorian Holiday is an annual event to usher in the holiday season with the Lamplighter, caroling, horse & carriage rides, live entertainment, food, desserts, and photos with Father Christmas in the charming town of Lebanon, IL. Brickstreet restaurants and merchants open for dining and shopping.

Follow their Facebook page for more updates.

Fall Craft Fair, Nov. 20th, 8am-2pm, Tri-Township Activity Center, 284 Riggin Rd, Troy, IL. Entrance fee: $1 or non-perishable food donation. 12 & under: free to enter. Vendors: tritownshippark.org/craftfair to apply. Call 618-667-6887 or email jessica@tritownshippark.org for more info.

Kellsie’s Trees of Hope, Nov. 20th, 6-10pm, Gateway Convention Center, One Gateway Dr, Collinsville. Kellsie’s Trees of home is an annual holiday cocktail party featuring tree and wreath auctions to benefit Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. For tickets, go to https://kellsieshopefoundation.com/.

Pictured are Lindsey Keller-Janssen representing Keller Farms and Nancy Berry, Executive Dir. of St. John’s Community Care.

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South Roxana Halloween Parade

Marine Halloween Parade

Oct. 26th at 5:30pm, begins at the Dad's Club, 417 Roxana Ave. S, Roxana.

Oct. 30th at 2pm. Same route as Homecoming Parade.

Bethalto Halloween Parade

Oct. 30th at 1pm, begins at the Hartford Community Gym, 715 N Delmar Ave.

Oct. 26th at 6:30pm, begins Route 140 and Prairie Street.

Hartford Halloween Parade

Rotary Children’s Halloween Parade, O’Fallon

Alton Halloween Parade Oct. 30th at 7pm, begins at Washington and Broadway and turns up Piasa Street.

Wood River Halloween Parade Oct. 30th at 10:30am, begins at Emerick Park, 1001 N. 6th Street.

Oct. 30th at 12pm, begins at corner of State and Vine St, end at corner of E. First and Vine Street.

Edwardsville Halloween Parade Oct. 31st at 6:30pm, begins at Lincoln Middle School, 145 West St, and travels up St. Louis Streett.

Local Events The 12th Annual Edwardsville Turkey Trot 5k and Kids Fun Run, Nov. 25th, hosted by Edwardsville Neighbors is back!

Thanksgiving morning on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville join us for what has become a family tradition for many. Sign up now at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Edwardsville/TurkeyTrot2020.

2021 Millstadt Lighted Parade, Nov. 26th, 7pm, W. Washington Ave, Millstadt. This will start at Frontier Park and end at the VFW. This year is parade only, there will be no festivities at the VFW after.

Art and Craft Fall Fair, Nov 26th -28th, At Belle Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, 200 South Belt East, Belleville. Kay Weber Presents 40th Annual Belleville Art and Craft Fall Fair! Over 400 exhibitors. $4.00 admission on Friday, and $3.00 admission on Saturday and Sunday.

Belleville Santa Parade, Nov. 26th 10am-12pm, 510 W. Main St, Belleville. Join the community of Belleville for this annual parade when Santa comes to town. Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Belleville, this tradition began in 1952 and is the largest parade in Southern Illinois, featuring floats, marching bands, dance groups, and the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Highland Lighted Christmas Parade, Nov. 27th, 6:30-9pm, 907 Main St, Highland. Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season by attending the Highland Chamber of Commerce's Lighted Christmas Parade and staying to watch Santa Clause "light the square" in Historic Downtown Highland. The Parade will step off at 7 pm from the Primary/Elementary parking lot on Lindendale and travel west to Washington, then North on Washington to finish at the square. The Santa Band will be playing on the square, Madgrigal singers will be caroling, there will be carriage ride and holiday refreshments for all to enjoy! www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Winter Market 2021, Nov. 27th, 5-8pm, 3002 N. Donk Ave, Maryville. Join our host Elvis for an awesome evening of local vendors, food, beverages and booze, entertainment and celebrate the holiday “Vegas” style! Shop, eat, drink and be merry and raise some money for Maryville organizations!

Candy Cane Parade in Granite City, Dec. 4th, 2:30pm. The Granite City Area Community foundation is hosting its first Candy Cane Parade and Winter Wonderland Festival. The parade will begin from the Granite City High School parking lot, travel down State St, to 27th St, to Madison Ave, Niedringhaus Ave, and will end at City Hall. Don't miss the other holiday events taking place in Downtown Granite City as well: The Elf Walk, Art workshop, ugly sweater contest, music and more.

Edwardsville Winter Market, Dec. 4th, 9am-12pm, 118 Hillsboro Ave, Edwardsville. Edwardsville Winter Market features items from our neighborhood and surrounding communities: Artisans, Baked Goods, Crafters, Locally Grown Items, Unique, Boutique Gifts and Products. All day, downtown businesses also host open houses as well as a sidewalk sales.

Collinsville Light-Up Parade, Dec. 4th, 5:30pm. Enjoy the annual Light- Up Parade in Collinsville! The parade will begin at 5:30 PM on Main St. Activities will be available at the Collins house following the parade!

Olde Alton Art & Craft Fair, Dec. 4th & 5Th @ Alton High School, 4200 Humbert Rd, Alton. Find all your Christmas goodies at the annual Olde Alton Arts & Crafts Fair featuring a variety of crafters from Illinois, Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky.

Breakfast and lunch will be served. All proceeds benefit the Alton Band and Orchestra programs at Alton Community School District. For more information, call (618) 474-6996. For more info, go to http://abob.net/craft-fair/.

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Local Events Highland Holiday Tractor Parade, Dec. 5th, 4:15-7:15pm. Parade promptly begins at 5pm, route to begin at Old Pylesville Rd. traveling to Street Rd. to Highland Rd. ending at Falling Branch Brewery. Hat and Glove donations for Mason-Dixon Community Services. Vendor tables at Falling Branch Brewery for Holiday shopping, wreaths and poinsettias for sale, a visit from Santa and food trucks on site at Falling Branch Brewery.

Festival of Trees, Dec. 8th, 6-8pm, Gateway Convention Center. The entire event space will transform into a holiday winter wonderland with beautifully decorated live trees, gorgeous wreaths, and unique home décor! Benefiting KAHOKstrong, whose sole purpose is helping people in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District during times of tragedy and need. For tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festival-of-trees-tickets-163419260407.

Vine Street Winter Market, Dec. 11th 3:30-7:30pm, Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station. Winter Market is back and bigger with 50+ vendors, live music, two food trucks and carriage rides! Expect a mix of farmers market vendors with meats, cheeses, coffee, bread and prepared foods as well as a much larger selection of artisans. In addition to the market, Mrs. Claus will be reading stories inside Avenue Realty, Polar Express will be read at the caboose downtown and the local OTHS Madrigals will be performing throughout downtown.

Winter Market, Dec. 18th-19th, 11am-4pm at Gateway Convention Center. Winter Market is a holiday shopping experience for you and your family! Offering fashions and foods, glitter and gifts, music, and a little bit of magic! Admission and parking are free! Interested in participating as a vendor? Booths and small business tables are available. Contact Jeff Foster at jfoster@gatewaycenter.com or 618-345-8998. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Buy One Entrée, Get One Half Off Must Present Coupon Expires 11/19/21

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Ghost Cheesecake Brownies This Ghost Cheesecake Brownie recipe will be a hit at your next Halloween party. And since it starts with a box brownie mix, it couldn’t be easier! Recipe by Dana De Volk, food blogger at This Silly Girls Kitchen.

Ingredients: 1 box fudge brownie mix 3 eggs 1/4 cup water 1 stick 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Cheesecake Batter: 8 ounces cream cheese softened 1 egg 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Brownie Assembly: mini chocolate chips chocolate chips

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, set aside.

Mix the brownie mix, eggs, water, and melted butter in a large bowl. Stir by hand or with a hand mixer until combined and there are no dry patches. Set aside.

Cheesecake Batter: Place everything in a large bowl. With a hand mixer, mix everything until smooth. Set aside.

Brownie Assembly: Pour half of the brownie batter in the baking pan, smooth out evenly. Pour 2/3 of the cheesecake batter on top, smooth out evenly. Pour out and smooth remaining brownie batter on top.

Dollop cheesecake batter all over. Using a knife or toothpick, run through the dollops and form ghosts.

Bake for 25-27 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Place on a wire rack and cool completely.

Once cool, place mini chocolate chips as the eyes and regular chocolate chips as the mouths, press in with a toothpick.

Notes: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, this will ensure that you will get all the lumps out.

Do not place the chocolate chips on until the brownies are cooled, or they will melt.

If you don't want to make ghosts, simply swirl your cheesecake mixture around, this is perfect for any occasion.