The Metro East Messenger 7.22.22 Issue

Local Events, Coupons, Lemon Cheesecake With Fresh Fruit Recipe & More Inside!

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Upcoming Local Events Live Music Every Weekend at The Cabin at Judy Creek, 3730 S. State Rte. 157, Glen Carbon. Upcoming Music: 7/22Midlife Duo, 7/23-Lanny and Julie, 7/24-Rocking Horse Trio, 7/29-The Double Wide Duo, 7/30-Edwin Linson, 7/31-Crossed The Line. Follow their Facebook page for more updates!

Summer Arts in the Park Friday Night Concert- Steve Ewing Band July 22nd, 8pm, City Park, Edwardsville. Free concert, bring a lawn chair or blanket, snacks, and drinks.

Edwardsville Fishing Derby 2022, July 23rd, 8:30am-11am, Leclaire Lake, Edwardsville. All kids are invited to bring their fishing pole and bait to Leclaire Lake Park for the Leclaire Lake Fishing Derby. This derby is designed for youth up to 15 years old, accompanied by an adult. The Edwardsville Parks and Rec. Dept. is also partnering with the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources to offer youth up to age 15 free fishing lessons: Mon., July 18th through Fri., July 22nd at 9:00-11:30am and 1:00-3:30pm. For more info, go to cityofedwardsville.com/522/Fishing-LessonsDerby.

The Belleville Indie Market: After Dark! July 23rd, 6-10pm, 7 S. High St. Belleville. The Indie market is coming back to Belleville this summer bigger and better than ever! On July 23rd you can shop over 35 local vendors, grab some delicious food, and hear some incredible live music at the Belleville Indie Market: After Dark.

Movie in the Park- “Spiderman, No Way Home”, July 23rd, 8:30-10-30pm, Drost Park, Maryville. Enjoy a free movie and Bobby’s Frozen Custard. Bring blankets and chairs. Movie will begin at dusk. Presented by the Maryville Park & Rec Committee.

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Upcoming Local Events Gateway Wedding Show, July 24th, 1-4:30pm, Gateway Convention Center. The Gateway Wedding Show takes the stress out of planning your next event! In just a few hours, you can meet more vendors than you could visit in a month. We bring you a face-to-face sampling of virtually everything you'll need to plan your perfect event! To register for this free event, go to gatewaycenter.com/event/gateway-wedding-show-3.

Edwardsville Symphony Concert, July 24th, 6:30-8pm, Edwardsville City Park. Joins us for a free summer symphony in the park with pre-concert by “Inner Ear Youth Orchestra” and the Edwardsville Symphony featuring local soloists.

Free Fishing Clinic, July 26th-29th and Aug. 1st-8, 9:30-11:30am & 1-3:30pm, Woodland Park, Collinsville. We're teaming up with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a Southern Illinois Urban Fishing Program to provide free fishing clinics for kids, parents, seniors, and other interested groups. Participants don't need to bring anything! All fishing rods, reels, bait, and equipment is provided. Spots are limited. Free registration is required by calling 618-346-7529.

Madison County Fair, July 26th -31st, 2025 Park Hill Dr, Highland. Each year exciting events at the Madison County Fair including livestock shows, tractor pulls, demolition derbies (both automobile and combine!), musicians, 4-H exhibits, pageants and stock car races draw over 216,000 exhibitors, families, vendors and visitors from all over Madison County and the surrounding area. With areas of interest ranging from livestock to stock car races – there is something for everyone at the Madison County Fair! For a full list of events, go to www.madcofair.com.

Summer Arts in the Park Friday Night Concert- Dueling Pianos, July 29th, 8pm, City Park, Edwardsville. Free concert, bring a lawn chair or blanket, snacks, and drinks. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Upcoming Local Events Movie Night at the Ball Park- “Elf”, July 29th, Glazebrook Park Baseball Diamonds, Godfrey. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

We will be offering concessions. The movie will begin after the 6:00 pm games end, approximately 8:15 pm.

Code 3 Spices Smokin On Main, July 30th & July 31st, 11am-5pm, Uptown Collinsville. Code 3 Spices is hosting its 5th annual Smokin' on Main BBQ Competition and Festival! Join the top professional teams and backyard teams from all around the country. There will be amazing BBQ and drink vendors from near and far, and great entertainment from local groups! Nisit www.smokinonmain.com for all event info.

Party At The Beach Festival At Pontoon Beach, August 5th & 6th, 4pm-11:45pm, Randall D. Dalton Veteran’s Park 5111 Hwy 111, Pontoon Beach. The Village of Pontoon Beach welcomes back its annual Party at the Beach Festival with carnival rides, food and drink booths, and live music. On Friday, listen to special guest BUMP with rock and roll at 7pm, followed by a performance at 9pm by Freebird USA (music of Lynyrd Skynrd). Then on Saturday, special guest band The Outlaws at 7pm and Randy Houser at 9pm.

Movie Under the Stars- “Moana”, Aug. 5th, Sykes Field at Wilson Park, Granite City. Grab your blanket and your snacks and settle in for a fun evening because Movie Under the Stars is back in season! Movies begin at dusk. Future movies: “Encanto” on Sept. 9th, “The Haunted Mansion” on Oct. 14th.

Sunflower Festival 2022, Aug. 6th, 5-9pm at DeMange Farm, St. Jacob. Golden Hour at the Sunflower Patch is magical Fun photo ops, wine tasting with Crooked Creek Winery, great eats from D&M Farms, live music with Kaylene Vineyard, sweet treats and special guests!

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Upcoming Local Events A Midsummer Night’s Dream Performance, Aug. 6th, 6:30pm at Bellevue Park, Belleville. The Belleville Parks and Recreation Department brings the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival to perform "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in Bellevue Park - 401 Bellevue Park Drive. This event is Free!

Outdoor Family Movie Night, Aug. 12th, Woodland Park, Collinsville. We'll be showing "Sonic 2" on our GIANT movie screen. Event attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Don't forget your movie snacks! The movie starts at dusk.

Hops for Heroes, Aug. 13th, 12-4pm, Edwardsville Moose Lodge. Ticket for each attendee includes four hours of beer tasting from local breweries, a complimentary beer tasting glass. Food will be available for purchase as well. Participating breweries include 2nd Shift, 4204 Main St. Brewing Co, 4 Hands, Bluewood, Brewminati, East Side Brewers, Excel, The Ferm, Ferguson, Hendricks Brewthers, Main & Mill, Maplewood, Millpond, O'Fallon, Old Bakery, Old Herald, Peel, Perennial, Recess, Schlafly, Scratch, Shoehorn, Stubborn German, and Urban Chestnut! For tickets, go to bit.ly/3ojQLw2.

The Greatest Showman Movie @ City Park, Aug. 13th 101 S. Buchanan St, Edwardsville. Movie begins at 8:30pm. Premovies activities! Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks, and drinks. Free event.

Edwardsville Rotary Criterium, Aug. 20th, 3-11pm, Downtown Edwardsville. Edwardsville Rotary Criterium is a series of high-speed bicycle races, free kids' races, live music, food trucks, and an open container perimeter, all on the streets of Downtown, Edwardsville. For more info and registration, go to edwardsvillecriterium.page. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Upcoming Local Events O’Fallon IL CityFest, Aug. 20th. Join us for bands, parade, food, drinks, rides, games, and more. For more info, follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/Ofallonilcityfest.

Shakespeare in the Park ​“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Aug. 20th, 8pm, City Park, Edwardsville. Free event. The Festival’s 20-year-old touring program returns for the second time as the free and outdoor public park tour, TOURCO, throughout Missouri and Illinois with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Come and enjoy the imaginative story on a night beneath the summer stars!

Mimosa, Margarita & Music Walk, Aug. 20th, Ticket Price $30 - Enjoy 10 - 4 oz. samples of Mimosas and Margaritas and LIVE Music all along your stroll through Downtown Belleville. Proceeds will benefit the Belleville Oktoberfest Committee.

Proceeds will be used to pay for all the Bands at the 41st Annual Belleville Oktoberfest! Click on the ticket link to purchase your tickets NOW! Smoke N for the Kids, Aug. 20th and 21st, 11am-6pm, Tri-Township Park District. Troy. Family Friendly Music Festival and BBQ Competition to help Troy Edwardsville Shrine Club support Ainad Shrine and Shrine Hospital. Events for children, live music, food vendors and refreshments.

30th Anniversary D.A.R.E. Car Show, Aug. 21st, 12-4pm, Edwardsville High School. Vehicle Registration begins at 8:30am, ends at 1pm. Entry fee is $15 to have your vehicle judged and $10 to display your vehicle. Join us for food, entertainment, 50/50 and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the local D.A.R.E program.

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Upcoming Local Events Movie Night at the Ball Park- “Sing 2”, August 26th, Glazebrook Park Baseball Diamonds, Godfrey. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. We will be offering concessions. The movie will begin after the 6:00 pm games end, approximately 8:15 pm.

Second Annual Vendor Fair, Aug. 27th and 28th, 10am-5pm, Rinkel Pumpkin Farm, Glen Carbon. We have room for 30 local small businesses, so let's show them our support! Randy's BBQ will have food available to purchase at the event as well. Admission for the event is a non-perishable item or monetary donation to the Glen-Ed Food Pantry! If you would like to sign up to be a vendor, fill out the form on https://www.rinkelpumpkinfarm.com/.

Alton Food Truck Festival, Aug. 27th, 4pm, Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater. Over a dozen food trucks will provide everything from burgers, tacos, BBQ, and cultural dishes to ice-cream, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Live music will take the Liberty Bank Amphitheater stage throughout the afternoon. Grab a bite and take a stroll around Riverfront Park along the Mississippi!

Bethalto Homecoming 2022, Sept. 2nd, 5pm, Bethalto Central Park. Event to include local vendors, carnival rides presented by Luehrs’ ideal rides, live local bands, and the Bethalto Fire Department Fish Stand.

Midwest Wing Fest 2022, Sept. 2nd, 5-11:30pm, 275 St. Clair Sq, Fairview Heights. Each year we host 30k or more in attendance, have upwards of 20 or more local and national wing vendors, live music all weekend and a huge bounce area for the little ones. All food vendors must sell wings but can sell any other food item they like, making us an all-out food festival. Midwest Wing Fest purpose is to raise money for combat wounded and fallen soldiers. There will be a $5.00 cover charge for anyone above the age of 13. For more info, go to midwestwingfest.com. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Aqua Park & Splash Pads This may seem like an obvious first choice, but nothing beats the heat faster than a day in the water, especially for kids. We are very lucky to have several options to choose from in the Metro East. Have little ones under 6? Take them to one of the many local splash pads such as Splash Pad in Bethalto, Leon Corlew Splash Pad in Edwardsville, O’Fallon Family Sports Park in O’Fallon or the Schranz Memorial Park in Swansea. Planning a family outing? Head over the Collinsville Aqua Park that has 7 slides, Monsoon Mountain, lazy river, leisure pool, lap pool and Aqua Climb Wall.

Live Theatrical Performances The Goshen Theatre Project is performing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University on Aug. 5th7th. goshentheatreproject.org Curtains Up Theatre is performing the School Of Rock The Musical Aug. 13th -14th at the Nazarene Community Theatre in Roxana. curtainsuptheater.com

Ice Skating When temperatures rise, lace up some skates and hit the ice rinks!

Check out these rink’s websites for times and fees.

McKendree Metroplex offers open skating to the public on the weekends. metrorecplex.com

East Alton Ice Arena also has public sessions several times a week.

See their calendar at eastaltonicearena.org.

RP Lumber Center in Edwardsville just opened their doors a few months ago. They are offering open public skating daily. cityofedwardsville.com/685/Public-Skating-Sessions www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Live Music and Movies Wildey Theatre, in Edwardsville, has an amazing line up of live events from all different genres (80’s, 90’s, blues, rock) and comedy shows. They even have $3 movies on Tuesdays. wildeytheatre.com Lincoln Theatre, in Belleville, also has upcoming live music shows along with the latest released movies. lincolntheatre-belleville.com

Virtual Reality Escape from reality (and the heat) with virtual reality gaming at OmidomeVR in Maryville. They offer a wide variety of Virtual gaming options and over 25 games to play solo or compete with family friends or play against people online. Not into gaming? Grab some friends and check out their virtual escape rooms. Learn more at omnidomevr.com.

Axe Throwing & Entertainment Centers Get your friends together and tryout axe throwing! Duck out of the heat in one of these locations: Riverbend Axe Throwing in East Alton, The Axe Company in Glen Carbon, and Sure Shot Axe Throwing in Mascoutah.

Edison’s Entertainment Complex, in Edwardsville, is a great way to stay cool on hot summer day. They have bowling, laser tag, arcade games, large TVs everywhere and full-service bar and restaurant.

The Edge, in Belleville, has everything under one roof: laser tag, go karts, bowling, bumper cars, and arcade games, along with a movie theatre with 5 showing screens.

Roller Skating Nothing beats a classic. And skating is a classicway to beat the heat. Here are a few rinks to check out this summer: Skateway in Pontoon Beach stlskateway.com Tri Township Skate Rink in Troy tritownshippark.org/skate Skate City Fun Spot in Belleville skatecityfunspot.com

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Upcoming Local Events Run, Wizards, Run 5K & 1-Mile Walk, Sept. 3rd, 8am, Edwardsville Township Comm. Park (Airplane Park). Put on your best wizard robes and join us on the course for this magical fun run in Edwardsville Township Park. Gates of the park open at 7:00 a.m. Race begins at 8 a.m. and 1-mile walk at 9 a.m. For more information visit https://stephensonhouse.org/5kinformation.

2022 Millstadt Homecoming, Sept. 3rd-4th, Liederkranz Park, Millstadt. Parade on Sat. Sept. 3rd at 5:00 pm. There will be food stands open 4 pm both days. Rides by Tribout's $1 Ticket / $20 Armbands. Sat night - The Bobby Ford Band. Sun night – Superjam.

Alton Expo, Sept. 8th, 5pm, Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater. The Alton Expo returns for another year of carnival rides, live music, food, and fun! Bring your friends and family to enjoy an evening of amusement at this festival on the Mississippi with games, classic fair food like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and lemon shake-ups, and more! Food and shopping vendors will be available every day of the event and drinks will be available through the Alton Amphitheater.

BaconFest 2022, Sept. 10, 10am-5pm, SGT Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805, O’Fallon. Join us at the 6th Annual BaconFest and enjoy an amazing variety of food vendors with tons of creative "bacon themed" offerings, kid's games, live music, cold drinks, street vendors and LOTS of FUN! This is the don't miss food event of the year. Right here in O'Fallon's Downtown District hosted by the VFW Post 805 Auxiliary in support of our local vets!

City Wide Garage Sale, Village of Marine, Sept. 15-17th, 7am -2pm, Marine. Be sure to mark your calendar for all our citywide community garage sales. https://www.troymaryvillecoc.com/city-wide-garage-sale.

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Upcoming Local Events 41st Annual Belleville Oktoberfest, Sept. 16th & 17th, 11am-11pm, Belleville. Enjoy 3 stages of live entertainment allweekend long, + authentic German cuisine, a children’s area for the youngsters to enjoy, complete with rides, shaved ice, cotton candy, wiener dog race, a car show, and so much more! For more info and details, go to bellevilleoktoberfest.com.

Italian Fest, Sept. 16th and 17th, Main Street, Collinsville. The Italian Fest is a terrific street fair that celebrates everything Italian. Since 1983, Collinsville has been celebrating the Italian culture and heritage that the city was built on. Parade, live music, grape stomp, bocce ball tournament, 5k, vendors, Italian food and more. For updates and full event list, go to italianfest.net..

Annual Fall Craft Fair at Anderson Hospital, Sept. 17th 10am-4pm, Anderson Hospital, Maryville. Shop over 40 unique crafters while enjoying lunch from one of our food vendors! We will also have a raffle to benefit the Anderson Hospital Auxiliary! If you have any questions, please contact us thru email: craftersconspiracy@yahoo.com.

Street Art Fest, Sept. 17th, 11am-7pm, Highland Downtown Square. Meander down the streets of Highland and watch as talented artists create artwork of amazing color, depth, and complexity - with chalk! Sponsored by the Highland Chamber of Commerce. Follow their Facebook page for a full list of events.

MEHS Woofstock, Sept. 17th, 11am-3pm, Triangle H Farm, 2082 S. Moreland Rd, Edwardsville. We'll have a groovy time supporting MEHS with live music, entertainment, adoptable animals, food & drink and more.

Foodstock 2022, Sept 17th, Noon-12am, Cottage Hills VFW. Join us for a day of CommUNITY. Live music, food, activities for the kids and vendors. The heart of the event is our Stack Off challenge which welcomes local business, groups, teams, organizations or simply a group of friends to compete against each other to collect the most nonperishable food donations for local food pantries. $5 entry fee for all ages (children under 3 are free). All proceeds benefit local charities, the Cottage Hills VFW, and one local cancer patient (to be selected) in honor of our late co-founder Andrea Davis.

2022 Italian Fest Parade, Sept. 17th, 4pm, Downtown Collinsville. This year's parade theme is "Festeggiamo” aka (let’s celebrate) 150 years of Collinsville. The parade steps off at 4pm on Main Street at Hesperia. The parade goes East on Main Street, turns North on Seminary, then goes West on Clay Street and concludes at Hesperia.

Finding Nemo at City Park, Sept. 17th, 101 S. Buchanan St, Edwardsville. Movie begins at 7:30pm. Pre-movies activities!

Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks, and drinks. Free event.

Hot Air Balloons Over Marine, Sept. 23rd- 24th, Marine. Family event with bounce houses, face painting, barrel rides, car show and balloon glow. For more info, go to facebook.com/hotairballoonsovermarine, Edwardsville Art Fair, Sept. 23rd- 25th, City Park, Edwardsville. Edwardsville Art Fair is a juried fine art show located at City Park in beautiful downtown Edwardsville. Featuring the original works of approximately 100 accomplished artists and scrumptious local food and drink. A three-day opportunity for the family see art, make art, and buy art!

30th Annual Leclaire Parkfest, Oct. 16th, 12-5pm, Leclaire Park, Edwardsville. Live music all day, food, vendors, kids' activities, used book sale, pet adoptions and more. Proceeds help fund planning, promotion and execution of the festival and the preservation and beautification of public spaces in Leclaire, including the park grounds and the Edwardsville Children’s Museum.

Annual Chili CookOff, Oct. 16th, 11am-3pm, Madison County Fairgrounds. Join us for our Annual Chili CookOff! Minimum 3 gallons Chili Made. Set Up Begins at 8am. Judging at 1pm. $10 Donation/Entry. Rusty Rodz Car Cruise, Free Bounce House and our Side X Side Raffle Giveaway. For more information contact: Sarah (618)882-8478. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit

If you’re craving something sweet, try this sweet Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit. It’s tangy and rich and allows you to escape to the summer oasis, at least for a few minutes. Find more recipes perfect for summer at Culinary.net.

Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit Servings: 6-8 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup butter, melted 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 3 eggs ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 orange, peeled and separated 8 raspberries 3 mint leaves, for garnish

Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Pour into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed.

Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled. Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle. Top with mint leaves.

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