The Metro East Messenger 7.9.21 Issue

In The Metro East…

Local Business Spotlight: EXO Lounge and Nail Bar The Perfect Summertime Pie Recipe Calendar of Local Events Coupons And More!

Local Events

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

Children's Arts in the Park, Saturdays - 9:00-10:30am, 101 S. Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL.. Free art activities. Arts in the Park 2021’s theme is scale and perspective. Please wear a mask if not vaccinated and remember to dress for mess! Registration is on-site at City Park, Edwardsville.

O’Fallon Summer Movies in the Park, Event sponsored by the O’Fallon Parks & Recreation. Join us at 6pm at the Community Park, 401 E. 5th St. O’Fallon, on fields 4/5 for a different movie on a Friday during the summer months.

All movies are family friendly and FREE, so bring your popcorn buckets and blankets for family movie night.

Upcoming movies: July 16th- Spiderman Homecoming, Sept. 17th- Raya and the Last Dragon, Oct. 8th- Jumanji II: The Next Level.

UFCC (ultimate Flip Cup Championship), Every Wednesday night, 6:30pm at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. We are still accepting team registrations at visitexo.com. Not quite ready for a team? We've got a wild card option available. Come down and play with our wild card team, meet new people and showcase your skills!

Free Summer Movie Series, Free summer Movie series every Tues & Wed, July 6 thru August 11, 10am at Lincoln Theatre, 103 E. Main St, Belleville, IL. Sponsored by The Bank of Belleville. July 13 & 14: Scoob!, July 20 & 21: Trolls World Tour, July 27 & 28: How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World, Aug 3 & 4: Pokémon Detective Pikachu, August 10 & 11: Croods: A New Age.

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Local Events Maryville Firefighters Homecoming 2021, July 9th-10th, 5-11:55pm at Fireman’s Park, 300 N. Donk Ave, Maryville, IL. Acoustic duo Lanny & Julie and the Blue Marlin Band will perform both nights. There will be rides, games and food. A children’s parade brought to you by the Maryville Women’s Auxiliary will be Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m.

Advance tickets are available at all Maryville banks and Maryville City Hall for $18 per sheet of 20. All proceeds go toward the Maryville Fire Department.

Lebanon Firemen's Picnic 2021, July 9th-10th. Please join us for the annual Firemen's Picnic, for the 5th straight Picnic, to be held at the firehouse! (760 N. Monroe St.) Friday & Saturday July 9th-10th from 4 PM till 1 AM each night!

Parade, inflatable bounce houses, rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, food, drinks, funnel cakes, live music and more. For more info, go to https://bit.ly/3grSoVB. St. Jacob Homecoming Parade, July 16th @7pm and July 17th @ 6:30pm at St. Jacob Township Park, 239 W. Main St, St. Jacob, IL. Our parade theme this year is MUSIC! Come rock with us on Friday night!

Summer Movie in the Park- Raya-The Last Dragon, July 17th, 8:45pm, Edwardsville City Park, 101 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL. Pack your blanket, chair, snacks and kiddos. We will bring the movie! It will start at dusk. This movie is sponsored by our very supportive partner, Edison's Entertainment and City Scoops Creamery.

Well Hungarians Stripped Duo, Friday, July 16th, 7pm-11pm, playing at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. visitexo.com.

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Buy One Entrée, Get One Half Off Must Present Coupon Expires 8/20/21

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Local Events City of Collinsville’s Movies on Main, Saturdays in July. July 17th: “The Croods: A New Age”, July 31st: “Trolls” World Tour”. Movies start at dusk at the corner of Main and Seminary. No registration required for this free movie series.

For more information, visit www.collinsvilleil.org or call the City of Collinsville Parks & Recreation Department at 618346-7529.

Round Pond Estate Wine Tasting at EXO Lounge, July 23rd, 7pm-9pm. This is a free wine tasting and open to the public. We will have a DJ on site spinning chill beats to set the mood for this fabulous event. Complimentary snacks and competitive pricing on wines and artisan products. For more info, go to visitexo.com.

Movie in the Park, July 24th, movie begins at dusk @ Drost Park, Myron Provence Parkway, Maryville, IL. Showing: Rudy.

Code 3 Spices Smokin on Main, July 24th-25th, Uptown Collinsville, IL. It's Official! The City of Collinsville is shutting down Main St. for our 4th year! Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com is hosting its 4th 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! Please visit www.smokinonmain.com for ALL event info. This year's entertainment will consist of acoustic duo Lanny and Julie, The Blue Marlin Band and Shotgun Creek, Kids entertainment to be announced at a later date. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE COLLINSVILLE FOOD PANTRY & THE U.S. VETERANS FOUNDATION. Learn more about our products and mission in giving back to those who serve at www.code3spices.com. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-1286

2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-1352

301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 624-6013

6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269

(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220

536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-4581

1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 632-4807

702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-9777

Pilot Travel Center Shell

970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787

pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com

TA

819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9931

www.ta-petro.com

Circle K

Huck's Convenient Food Store Moto Mart

www.circlek.com

www.hucks.com www.shell.com

Retail & Services Bike Surgeon

201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-1693

https://bikesurgeon.com/

Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist

2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062

(618) 410-0882

www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist

Chiropractic Works

410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 477-8364

www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com

Code 3 Spices

302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8855

https://code3spices.com/

DogWatch Hidden Fences

Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com

(618) 692-9131

www.dogwatchofillinois.com

Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell

303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com

(618) 622-4977

www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell

Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli

804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-6268

https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/

Lonnie's Liquors

2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-3430

1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-0611

25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260

(618) 476-7490

7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111

(314) 638-2710

Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com

(314) 241-8873

Mike's Automotive

Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf

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www.mikesautomotive.net

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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name

Address

Other Features

Website

American/Bar & Grill

Denny's

1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471

Gulf Shores Restaurant 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 & Grill

IHOP

Lottie's Café

1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400

www.dennys.com

Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh www.gulfshoresrestaura Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times)

Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.

www.ihop.com

1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe

Mady's

623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188

Bar/Casino

Mady's Facebook Page

McDill's Irish Pub

334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875

Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing

https://www.facebook.c om/McDills

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244

www.peelpizza.com

Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+

The Command Post Bar and Grill

104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892

The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill

171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL (618) 288-2141

Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily Specials/Occasional Live Music

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill

111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221

Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music

China King (Edwardsville)

1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888

Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery

www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com

China King (Troy)

535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886

Dine in/Carry Out

See Menu

https://www.facebook.c om/WoodenNickelGlenC arbon/ www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com

Asian

Mexican Zapata's Mexican Restaurant

1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474

Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday

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Local Events Edwardsville Arts In City Park – Symphony Concert Series, 101 S. Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the beautiful music of the Edwardsville Community Symphony on the last Sunday of the month from May to August. July 25th - "Side by Side" with performances by Edwardsville High School Orchestra as a mentoring collaboration. Not to be missed! August 25th - Summer Symphony Finale with guest conductor Jay Harkey and special guest Aza Duo.

2021 Madison County Fair, July 27th-August 1st, 2025 Park Hill Dr, Highland, IL. 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 everything from livestock to stock car races – there is something for everyone at the Madison County Fair! For the 2021 Fair schedule, go to http://www.madcofair.com/fair_schedule/.

Southern Illinois Urban Fishing Program-IDNR, beginning July 27th at Leclaire Park, Edwardsville, IL. Come and fish at Leclaire Lake! The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be running clinics the week of July 27th and August 5th. These clinics are for everyone! No matter your age or ability level. All fishing rods, reels, bait, and equipment provided. For more info and reservations, call (618) 692-7538.

Outdoor Movies with the Family! July 30th, Glen Carbon Library, 198 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL. Showing: “Home.”

Free snacks will be provided. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. This event is free. Registration is required. glencarbonlibrary.org/calendar

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Local Events National Champion Arm Wrestling exhibition practice at EXO Lounge! Presented by National Champion, Brent Rakers. July 31st, 3pm-7pm practice matches, 7pm-midnight after party. 30 arm wrestling champions will be on site.

Learn from some of the best arm-wrestling champions in the country! Watch the matches, learn basic arm-wrestling skills, have a few cocktails, and then test your strength!! Are YOU the next champion? This is a free event and open to the public.

Maryville Kids Concerts in the Park with Big Papa G DJ, August 6th, 7-8pm. Firemen’s Park, 300 N Donk Ave, Maryville, IL. Bring the whole family out for a night of family fun music from Big Papa G DJ! The Kid's Concert in the Park begins at 7 pm in the beautiful Firemen's Park in Maryville.

Annual Party at the Beach Festival, August 6-7th, Randall D. Dalton Veteran's Park, 5111 IL-111, Pontoon Beach, IL. Free event. LIVE Music, Carnival Rides, Food Trucks, Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Games, etc. August 6thMusic by Chris Jansen with special guest Tyler Hammond. August 7th- Survivor with special guest Shooting Star.

Mascoutah Homecoming Und Augustfest 2021, Aug. 6th-8th at Scheve Park, 890 N 10th St, Mascoutah, IL. Join us for Parades, Great food, bands and seeing your neighbors. More details to come.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK, August 14th, 7pm at City Park, 101 S. Buchanan St. Edwardsville, IL. TourCo's inaugural production of Othello will visit 24 parks and gathering spaces across Missouri and Illinois in August. The 90- minute adaptation will feature Courtney Bailey (Desdemonda), Charlie Barron (Iago), Ricki Franklin (Emilia), Hannah Geisz (Roderigo), Jason J. Little (Othello) and Jesse Munoz (Cassio). Bring your blankets, coolers, lawn chairs, and family.

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“Summer” Word Search

O’Fallon City Fest, Aug. 20th & 21st, O’Fallon Community Park, 401 2. 5th St, O’Fallon, IL. Save the date and be sure to follow their Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/Ofallonilcityfest/.

Staunton Illinois Balloon Glow 2021, August 21st, 4pm, 900 Montgomery St, Staunton, IL. The Staunton Illinois Balloon Glow will be held at Fireman's Park in Staunton IL on August 21st at 4:00pm! Free Kids activities starting at 4:00pm with crafts, face painting, bounce houses, & clowns! LOTS of food trucks! Tethered Balloon rides. Glow starts at dusk!

2021 EDWARDSVILLE ROTARY CRITERIUM FESTIVAL, August 21st, 3-11pm. 2021 will be the 11th year for the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium. It's a series of high-speed bicycle races, free kid's races, live music, food, and an open container perimeter, all on the streets of Downtown, Edwardsville. Event held rain or shine. Hosted by the Edwardsville Rotary Club since 2010 as a fund-raiser for community enhancing projects. Preregistration for the races coming soon! For more info, go to https://edwardsvillecriterium.page/

Alton Food Truck Festival, August 28th, 4-8pm at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Dr, Alton, IL. This festival, sponsored by Sauce Magazine, features food trucks from around the region offering global street food cuisine. Live music by The Breakdown Shakedown. The Breakdown Shakedown is a high energy Top 40 and Rock & Roll cover band. Hear your favorite songs from Maroon 5 to Led Zeppelin and Chris Stapleton! This band will get you moving! The Alton Food Truck Festival is FREE to the general public. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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What makes a business unique? Is it the brand, the location, the concept, the people, the product, the innovation? When we asked this question about EXO Lounge & Nail Bar, we found it was a little bit of everything; it's the total EXO experience.

EXO was born out of a burning desire to merge the American service culture with an Asian nail culture. This infusion of quality service and nail prowess has catapulted EXO into the spotlight on a national level, a status we see them holding for some time.

When you first walk into EXO Nail Bar, you are greeted by a stunning design, enhanced by attention to detail and craftsmanship. It's a space that illuminates excitement, fun, and all-around positive energy. A far stretch from your standard run of the mill nail bar location - where one can often sit crammed in a space with an overpowering aroma of nail polish. EXO is fitted with ventilation points at every manicure table, reducing the impact of harsh chemicals and fumes given off by nail polish. Offering a safer environment for its staff and customers, which aligns with the brands' desire to be a socially responsible location that cares for its clientele.

The minute you walk in EXO Lounge, you will notice the exquisite design and catch the signature scent EXO is known for. A beautiful café lounge by day and a bar by night – EXO Lounge hosts internal and external events, including corporate get-togethers, after-hours networking events, birthday celebrations, wedding celebrations, and custom parties tailored to the occasion. EXO's upcoming events include the Ultimate Flip Cup Championship (UFCC) Summer League, which is running through August, Round Pond Wine Tasting (July 23), and The National ArmWrestling Champion Exhibition Practice (July 31).

Perhaps the most exciting element of EXO that piqued our attention has been its burning desire to give back to the community. Known for its engaging and creative events - EXO never fails to wow its audience, a statement that remained true during its recent July 2 event– ROCK'N THE USA. The celebration included a DJ, Live music by Johnny Rock-itt and the Double Wide Symphony, axe throwing, a local celebrity dunk tank, giant Jenga, and a live and silent auction, which raised $10,800 in support of an impactful organization called Partners For Pets. P4P is a licensed 501(c)3, no-kill animal rescue that visits animal control facilities and rescues animals that have used up their time, need medical care, and are too fragile for shelter life. (Learn more at partnersforpetsil.org.) www.metroeastmessenger.com

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To further elaborate on EXO's charitable endeavors since its inception only 14 short months ago, and through the testy waters of COVID-19, EXO Lounge and Nail Bar has raised and donated over $25,000 to local organizations. You could say a community-first approach is in their DNA.

So, what is the future of this world-class and first-of-its-kind destination?

In 2020 we witnessed the launch of their new 2,000 sq foot patio, equipped with custom fire and water features (if you haven't been there for an afternoon cocktail or a morning coffee, you're missing out), and private seating spaces.

Guests can take advantage of the outdoor televisions, surround-sound audio and enjoy live entertainment while cozied up to firepits during the colder days. 2021 we have learned, will be the launch of EXO's very own kitchen.

It's hard to imagine Edwardsville without EXO Lounge & Nail Bar. The buzz since its inception has not subsided, and it's not irregular for you to meet someone who has traveled hours to visit this EXtraOrdinary destination. As a business, EXO has contributed to the local economy and strived to take the standard of service and experience to the next level.

Although the project remains tight-lipped, we can tell you that we were left to salivate after viewing their preliminary menu. Not only will it inspire your taste buds, but in true EXO fashion, you'll see items and flavors which you never thought possible.

In talking to customers, and EXO regulars, we have come to understand that EXO's bold and 'be better than yesterday' attitude has inspired other local business owners to think outside the box. The company and brand have blazed a trail of innovation in a town often overlooked as business conservative. We are proud to enlist EXO Lounge & Nail Bar as this month’s local business spotlight, and we can't wait for you to visit and take their journey of the senses. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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4-Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268

302 E. Main St, Collinsville, IL (618) 855-8855

$9.99/LB Must present coupon.

Expires 7/30/21

10% Off Any Merchandise In Our Store! www.Code3BBQSupply.com

CHELSEY REED

Save 10% On Grooming, 1 Day of Lodging Or Day Camp !

Hair Designer & Makeup Artist 2400 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (618) 410-0882

25% Off New Client Cut & Color Service

www.bennysbnb.com

*Must mention ad when booking

(618) 344-4096

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2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

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The Perfect Summertime Pie Summer is the time to relax, refresh and indulge in sweet and heavenly treats. This luscious Coconut Key Lime Cream Pie has a smooth texture with toasted shredded coconut on top. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and will leave your taste buds wanting more as soon as you take your first bite. Fresh out of the refrigerator, it’s ideal for everyone to share on those days when it’s just too warm outside to not have a chilled snack. Find more summer recipes at Culinary.net.

Coconut Key Lime Cream Pie Servings: 6-8

1 1/3 2 1/4 1/2 1 1

package (11 ounces) vanilla wafers cup butter, melted cups heavy whipping cream cup confectioners’ sugar cup Key lime juice, divided package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk teaspoon coconut extract cup shredded coconut cup toasted shredded coconut

1 1 1/4 lime zest maraschino cherries

In blender, pulse vanilla wafers into crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until combined. Press crumbs into bottom and up sides of greased 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

In large bowl, beat whipping cream until it thickens. Add confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon lime juice; beat until stiff peaks form. Remove 1 cup; set aside.

In separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and coconut extract; beat until blended. Add remaining lime juice and shredded coconut; stir until combined. Add reserved whipped cream. Stir until combined. Pour into crust.

Refrigerate 4 hours.

Before serving, garnish with toasted coconut, lime zest and maraschino cherries. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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