Check out homecomings, festivals in Trenton, Freeburg & other metro-east towns this week
Noon Friday, Aug. 18, 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
▪ Freeburg Homecoming — 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 18, and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 19. Carnival rides, food and drink, live music, a parade on Saturday and much more. facebook.com/FreeburgRecreationPark
▪ Trentonfest 2023 — 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 18, and 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Trenton Community Park, Trenton. Carnival rides, live music, food and drinks, games, a parade (Saturday) and more. facebook.com/TrentonFest
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 19. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232 or powerrecycling.com.
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 19. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ World Bird Sanctuary 2023 Educational Series: Raptors Awareness — 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 19. Centennial Park, 300 North Belt East, Swansea. Additional program: All About Owls, Sept. 16. Live animals at all presentations. Bring a chair or blanket for seating. Provided by St. Clair Township. 618-233-3437.
▪ New Shining Light’s 27th annual Back-to-School Giveaway — 1 p.m. until all supplies are gone, Saturday, Aug. 19. New Shining Light HDN Church, 740 Broadway, Venice. For preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, college, vocational and GED students. All are welcome. No ID required. 618-530-2347.
▪ ‘Learning in a One-Room School’ by Dennis Patton — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. One-room schools were commonplace throughout rural areas of the United States. In the early 20th Century Monroe County had 58 rural public schools and several one room parochial schools. Patton offers a power point presentation about our county’s schools, the students who attended these schools, and the dedicated teachers, often former students themselves that taught in the one-room rural schools. 618-939-5545 or monroecountyhistorymuseum.org.
▪ Kirchenfest 2023 — 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. St. Augustine Catholic Church, 310 N. Main St., Hecker. The day’s festivities include an old-fashioned fried chicken & pork sausage dinner, quilt bingo, live music, cake stand, kids games, silent auction, baskets, country store and more. 618-473-2217 (on day of picnic only) or staugustineofcanterburyhecker.com.
▪ Metro East Humane Society Artisan’s Auction at The Trace — 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Trace on the Parkway, 6150 Trace Parkway Drive, Edwardsville. A live auction event benefiting the care of shelter pets as well as community-focused programs that support keeping people with their pets. Bid on an impressive selection of exclusive artisanal creations, ranging from exquisite artworks to handcrafted treasures, all generously donated by local artisans and supporters. The live auction promises excitement and the opportunity to acquire unique items, all while contributing to the Metro East Humane Society’s vital mission. Free to attend. RSVP at tinyurl.com/artisansauction.
▪ 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. For info, visit the Black Knights Facebook page or bellevilleblackkni.wixsite.com/blackknights or email bellevilleblackknights@gmail.com.
▪ Little Patriots Embraced Hitting 4 Heroes with the Grizzlies — 6:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Grizzlies Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. Game at 6:45 p.m. Affordable family fun that supports military children and families. Tickets: $20 general admission/lawn; $25 field box seats. Each ticket includes a hot dog, chips and soda. For tickets and info: littlepatriotsembraced.org.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. 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.
▪ 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 (possibly more), including $200 for first place, courtesy of Jim’s Formal Wear. Gift certificates from various local businesses are guaranteed to second, third and fourth place teams. 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
▪ Church Women United Quilt Bingo Fundraiser — 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar, Granite City. Doors open at noon. Ten special games with one quilt winner per game and consolation prizes for other winners. Cost: $10 for four cards (advance purchase); $12 for four cards (purchased at the door). Additional cards $1 each. Three games of coverall: $5 for four cards, additional cards $1 each. Winners to receive (or split if multiple winners) 50% of cash sales from 50/50 game. Attendance prizes, bake sale. Refreshments for sale (no outside food or drinks please). For tickets and info: Diana, 618-444-6771.
▪ 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
▪ Friday Night Concert at Alton Godfrey Rotary Park: Aaron Kamm & The One Drops — 7-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. Alton Godfrey Rotary Park, across from Alton City Hall, 101 E. 3rd St., Alton. No charge for admission. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. downtownalton.com
▪ Golden Anniversaries Film Discussion: ‘Badlands’ — 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. Hi-Pointe Main Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis. An impressionable teenage girl from a dead-end town and her older greaser boyfriend embark on a killing spree in the South Dakota badlands. Intro and discussion by T.J. Keeley, Ph.D. student in contemporary American literature at Saint Louis University and teacher of English and film at college prep schools in the St. Louis area. cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries
▪ The Rendition Band — 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. Highland KC Hall, 12454 IL-143, Highland. An afternoon of great music for your dancing and listening pleasure. Admission $10 per person.Food and drinks available for purchase. Air-conditioned building with a large dance floor.
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
▪ 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
▪ 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
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. Online via Zoom. The Family Support Meetings are for family members, significant others, and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Third Thursday of every month. Facilitators: Diane Borawski and Pat Rudloff. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
▪ 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.
▪ 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
▪ Edwardsville Masonic Lodge Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast — 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Edwardsville Masonic Lodge, 90 Kriege Farm Road, Glen Carbon. Recommended donation: $5. Benefits the Madison County Historical Society. edwardsvillemasons.org or facebook.com/edwardsvillemasons
▪ Germantown Spassfest Breakfast in the Park — 8-11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. Schoendienst Park, Germantown. Enjoy sausage, eggs, potatoes, pancakes and biscuits & gravy. Drive-thru and carryout available. Live music by Kelly Perez, raffle with three winners, and Germantown Kickoff to Soccer Tournament. facebook.com/GermantownSpassfest
Reservations Required
▪ ‘Our Cabinet of Curiosities: St. Clair County Museum, 1906-1940’ — 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. August presentation from Forward Into the Past: A Local History Series. Presentations are free to attend, but registration is required. Register at the circulation desk or call 618-234-0441.
▪ Author Talk: Enslavement and the Underground Railroad in Missouri and Illinois — 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, St. Louis. The Field House Museum is pleased to welcome local historian and author Julie Nicolai to discuss her new book, “Enslavement and the Underground in Missouri and Illinois.” The book details stories of the courage and perseverance of the enslaved and the abolitionists who helped them on their path to freedom. This program is free with limited availability in person and on Zoom. Reservations must be made in advance. Free. Reservations required. fieldhousemuseum.org
▪ 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.
