Blues at the Arch, other festivals highlight this week’s metro-east calendar

Belleville News-Democrat
·15 min read

Noon Friday, Aug. 11, is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions.

Due to the number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print. Submitted event info will be edited and run the week before the event date.

Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.

Events

▪ Defense Information Systems Agency Open Info Session — 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10. Four Points Sheraton Conference Center, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is hiring contract specialists at Scott AFB. Meet with members of the team and learn more. Internships also available.

▪ Toss the Tusk and World Elephant Day Celebration — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11. The Living World, lower level, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. Turn in unwanted ivory items to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the lower level of The Living World. Visit with representatives from other organizations and learn about their conservation efforts. Meet keepers who care for the Zoo’s multi-generational Asian elephant family and learn how the Zoo cares for elephants at the Zoo and in native habitats through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for Asian Elephant Conservation. Free and open to the public. stlzoo.org/tossthetusk

Raja, an Asian elephant at the Saint Louis Zoo
Raja, an Asian elephant at the Saint Louis Zoo

▪ Peanut Butter & Jam Festival — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11. Downtown Square, Highland. Spend time with family and friends on Fridays during the summer. There will be free PB&J sandwiches, popcorn, family entertainment, food vendors. This week featuring music by Silver Creek Bluegrass Band and Special Guests. For more info, visit the Highland Parks & Recreation Facebook page.

▪ Smoke on the Water Fest — Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13. Castle Ridge, 1 Castle Ridge Lane, Centralia. View the National Boat Racing Association Boat Races, shop local vendors, and enjoy the beer garden (21+ only) and free live music. Visit Stonewater restaurant or III Rooftop Bar & Bistro for lunch or dinner. For the event schedule and ticket info: castleridge.com/events.

▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 12. Public Parking Lot, 227 W. Main St., Collinsville. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232.

▪ Brandon E. Scott Back to School Giveaway — Noon (until all supplies are gone) Saturday, Aug. 12. 5600 Forest Blvd., East St. Louis. The Village of Washington Park will hold its 3rd annual back to school giveaway, which Mayor Leonard Moore renamed in honor of his great nephew Brandon E. Scott who was shot and killed in his home July 3 at age 10. The location is the lot across the street from the old police, fire and public works departments.

▪ Rock the Hops 2023 — 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. The Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. Enjoy craft beer samplings with a commemorative tasting glass, music from several genres, visual artists, makers, and vendors. Free shuttles. Music and art from 2-8 p.m. (beer tasting tapers off around 7 p.m.) For tickets and info: facebook.com/OldBakeryBeer.

▪ Summer Book Bazaar Pop-up Event: Empowering August — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. High Low, 3301 Washington Ave., St. Louis. Blueprint Coffee proudly presents a summer pop-up book bazaar series in collaboration with Left Bank Books. The specialty coffee roaster has teamed up with St. Louis’ oldest independent bookstore for a monthly summer book bazaar series to be held at High Low, the roaster’s literary arts café in partnership with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation in the vibrant Grand Center Arts District. The Book Bazaar features curated book selections from the Left Bank team and merchandise available for purchase outside the café. facebook.com/events/3104933016319277

▪ Madison County Historical Society 2023 Speaker Series — 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Program: More than Companions: Relationships between Women Faculty at Monticello Female Seminary, presented by Mary Z. Rose. Free and open to the public. madcohistory.org

▪ Photo Exhibition: Unfiltered Lens: Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War Through the Eyes of Robert J. Ellison — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14-31. Lewis & Clark Community College, Hatheway Gallery, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Visitors will take a visual journey through time, seeing the American Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War through Photographer Robert J. Ellison’s eyes. This exhibit is free and open to the public. A commemoration event will take place 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre on the campus. lc.edu/community-visitors/campus-attractions/art-exhibitions/unfiltered-lens.html

Robert J. Ellison (pictured) shooting in the field in Vietnam, where he covered the war as a civilian photographer for Newsweek and Times magazines. An exhibit of Ellison’s work opens Monday, Aug. 14, at the Hatheway Gallery on the Lewis & Clark Community College Godfrey campus. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Robert J. Ellison (pictured) shooting in the field in Vietnam, where he covered the war as a civilian photographer for Newsweek and Times magazines. An exhibit of Ellison’s work opens Monday, Aug. 14, at the Hatheway Gallery on the Lewis & Clark Community College Godfrey campus. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Photographer Robert J. Ellison captured civil rights activists asleep at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, Selma, Alabama, in March 1965. Brown Chapel was the starting point for the Selma to Montgomery march. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Photographer Robert J. Ellison captured civil rights activists asleep at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, Selma, Alabama, in March 1965. Brown Chapel was the starting point for the Selma to Montgomery march. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

▪ Grow Solar Metro East: Solar Power Hour — 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15. Online via Zoom. Learn the basics of solar, its financial implications for your property and how the program works. Free and open to the public. growsolar.org/metro-east

▪ Book Signing: Ed Wheatley — 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, St. Louis. Local sports historian, author, and documentarian Ed Wheatley joins the Field House Museum to sign copies of his books on St. Louis sports history. Free admission. Books available for purchase. fieldhousemuseum.org

▪ Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps 70th Anniversary Reunion — 2 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 26. Catholic War Veterans Post 370, 3535 State Route 159, Belleville. Performances by Ainad Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps, The Ancient & Honorable Drummers of the Black Knights, Alumni Color Guard Ensemble. Guest speaker: Belleville Black Knights Alumnus Major General Jeffrey Pennington, USAF. Open to the public. Admission $5 per person. Optional dinner at 5 p.m. for $20 per person. Dinner payment due prior to Aug. 12. For info, visit the Black Knights Facebook page or bellevilleblackkni.wixsite.com/blackknights or email bellevilleblackknights@gmail.com.

Games

▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Partner night. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.

▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Sunday Night Bingo — 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Early Bird at 6:15 p.m. Cards sold at 5 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a canned good for one free card.

▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.

▪ Troy Senior Center Bingo — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 N. Border, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.

▪ Troy Senior Center Pokeno — 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 N. Border, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. Sponsored by the Troy VFW. 618-667-2022.

▪ Queen of Hearts — 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Copper Fire, 200 E. Main St., Belleville. Tickets sold at Copper Fire Wednesday-Sunday starting at 7 a.m. Benefits Notre Dame Academy (formerly Cathedral Grade School) in downtown Belleville. facebook.com/events/765257498543973

▪ Pitch for Cancer Research Corn Hole Tournament Fundraiser — 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Trenton City Park, Trenton. Proceeds from the event benefit cancer research, through Pedal the Cause. Prizes will be awarded to the top four team finishers (but possibly more). Food, beer, and drinks available for purchase. One-hundred percent of donations fund innovative cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center & Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. For more info: Mark Skaer, 618-623-2769, skaer.mark@gmail.com or https://fundly.com/pitch-for-cancer-research-corn-hole-tournament-fundraiser.

▪ Metro-East Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Golf Tournament — Noon Tuesday, Aug. 22. Stonewolf Golf Club, 1195 Stonewolf Trail, Fairview Heights. Check-in and lunch at 10:30 a.m. Cost: $125 per golfer or $500 per team, includes 18 holes, range balls, cart, lunch, dinner, drink tickets and goodie bag. metroeastchamber.org

▪ Madison County Historical Society Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. St. Gregory Armenian Community Center, 3501 Century Drive, Granite City. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cash prizes, games, silent auction and attendance prizes, mulligans. Cost: $25 per person, tables of eight max. For reservations: 618-451-2611 or hyaghchig@charter.net. Walk-ins welcome.

▪ 28th annual Camp Ondessonk Golf Benefit — 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course, 1501 N. Waterworks Road, Okawville. Funds raised during this annual event help sustain and enhance camp programs, fund scholarships allowing children of all income levels to experience camp, and fund new initiatives to fulfill our mission to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages. Cost: $115 per player or $460 per foursome. Hosted by Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. of Highland. For info or to register, 618-695-2489 or ondessonk.com.

Theater/Concerts

▪ Blues at the Arch Festival — Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13. Gateway Arch National Park, North Gateway, St. Louis. This popular end-of-summer celebration pays tribute to St. Louis’ storied blues history and showcases the talents of national and local artists. Produced in partnership with the National Blues Museum and the National Park Service, this free festival is the only one of its kind to take place on national park grounds. For the full schedule, visit archpark.org.

Community & Farmers Markets

▪ Nashville Farmers Market — 7-11 a.m. Thursdays. In front of the Washington County Courthouse at 101 E. St. Louis St., Nashville. This year’s kickoff includes a plant swap, sponsored by the Washington County Master Gardeners. 618-327-3700 or facebook.com/NashvilleChamberofCommerce.

▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Fresh local produce, baked goods, unique handmade crafts and more. Rain or shine. 618-520-5107 or facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc.

▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Columbia — 4-7 p.m. Thursdays. Turner Hall, 211 E. Cherry St., Columbia. Local vendors offering plants and produce, baked treats and more. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket

▪ Maryville Farmers Market — 5-7 p.m. Thursdays. Firemen’s Park, 300 N. Donk St., Maryville. Featuring goods from local farms, handmade goods and special guests. Produce, meat, dairy, honey, plants and baked goods. Healthy foods, healthy families. SNAP/EBT accepted. 618-304-8335 or facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket

▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Fresh produce, baked goods, unique crafts, plants, honey, jams, jellies, flowers, jewelry, handmade soaps, eggs and vintage antiques. VFW also open for food, drinks and restrooms. Help support the veterans. 618-476-3037. Call, text or facebook.com/MillstadtFarmersMarket.

▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Waterloo — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo. Produce, plants, baked goods, coffee vendors and so much more. Live entertainment and activities for the kids too. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket

▪ Belleville Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Northwest corner of East Washington and South Charles streets, Belleville. Fresh produce, grass fed beef and other meats, plants, honeys, jams and jellies, crafters, and more.

▪ Alton Farmers & Artisans Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street, Alton. An abundance of fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and flowers, locally-raised, hormone-free meat, handmade soaps, jewelry, artwork, and much more. 618-463-1016 or facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket.

▪ Land of Goshen Community Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. 100 St. Louis St., Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, crafts, live music and so much more. 618-307-6045 or facebook.com/goshenmarket.

▪ Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. 1st St., O’Fallon. Locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. A selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages and artisans. Live music, patio seating, food truck on site. Bicycle and pet friendly. 618-624-0139 or ofallonvinestreetmarket.com.

▪ Tower Grove Farmers Markets — 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. to sunset Tuesdays. Just west of Center Cross Drive in Tower Grove Park at 4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis. Fresh, local produce, eggs, meats, a variety of vendors and goods. tgfarmersmarket.com

▪ Market Days — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Veterans Memorial Park, 800 S. 27th St., Mt. Vernon. A variety of vendors will sell diverse items such as antiques, collectibles, handmade items, plants, jewelry, kettle corn, fair food and more! Admission and parking are free. facebook.com/MtVernonMarket

▪ Litchfield Pickers Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. 400 N. State St., Downtown Litchfield. Vintage, antique, industrial, architectural, repurposed and collectible goods. 866-733-5833 or facebook.com/litchfieldpickersmarket.

▪ Highland Farmers’ Market — 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Highland Square, 914 Main St., Highland. Local farmers, cottage food makers, and crafters will be present to sell a variety of produce, meats, desserts and more. Each Tuesday morning a map will be posted on the Highland Parks and Recreation Facebook page showing what vendors will be present.

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ Garden Club of Lebanon — 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14. Horner Park Pavilion, Lebanon. Join the annual Garden to Table potluck dinner. Feel free to bring a dish to share. All are welcome. For more info: gardencluboflebanon.org or visit the Facebook page.

▪ Belleville ‘Sounds of Harmony’ Barbershop Chorus — 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Men of all ages who like to sing are encouraged to attend. For info: Bob at 618-566-8574 or email RLCearnal@gmail.com.

▪ Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. Free and open to all. For info or to join the Zoom meeting, contact Craig at 618-567-6095. palgroup.org

▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Online via Zoom. Free peer-to-peer support group for adults with a mental health condition working towards recovery. Every Wednesday. Open the Zoom app and enter 3914844542. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.

▪ Friends of the Belleville Public Library — 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. Belleville Public Library, West Branch, 3414 W. Main St., Belleville. New members are always welcome. facebook.com/FriendsofBellevilleILPublicLibrary

▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Fall Dance — 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Featuring Flip the Frog. Advance tickets available Aug. 1 through Sept. 19. Cost: $8 per person, $15 per couple, or $10 per person at the door. Refreshments included. For tickets and info: Diana, 618-444-6771; Marty, 618-797-6749; Township office, 618-877-0513.

Food

▪ Waterloo VFW Post #6504 Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Waterloo VFW Post #6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Traditional Menu of cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken, chicken strips, hamburgers, fries, slaw, hush puppies, onion rings, fried green beans and fried mushrooms. Cash bar available. Dine-in or carryout. Credit/debit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-939-7999.

▪ O’Fallon Knights of Columbus & Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, tilapia, catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239

▪ Swansea Fish Stand - New Location – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. KC Club & Event Center, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis

▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, hush puppies, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com

▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion

Reservations Required

▪ Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois 5th annual United We Lead Gala — 5 p.m. (doors open) Saturday, Sept. 9. Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. Let’s celebrate Girl Scouts together! Join us for drinks, dinner and entertainment. Bid in our live and silent auctions, or enjoy many other ways to share your support. Share an evening filled with fun and inspiration with people who care so much about our mission. Tickets must be purchased online at gsofsi.org or by contacting the Fund Development team at 800-345-6858.