Collinsville’s Catsup Bottle Festival and other town events happening this weekend
Noon Friday, July 7 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
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, July 7. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and during the book sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Peanut Butter & Jam Festival — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 30. 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 Josef Polach & the St. Louis Express. For more info, visit the Highland Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
▪ Dandy Dancers Square Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 7. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. An evening of fun and good exercise. Want to learn? Ask about lessons starting in September. 618-234-1311 or 618-566-8752.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 8. 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.
▪ The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Festival — 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8. Herald Square, 119 E. Clay St., Collinsville. The family fun starts at 11 a.m. and continues all day. Festivities include the Little Princess Tomato and Sir Catsup contest, Brooks Ketchup tasting, hot dogs smothered-in-ketchup eating contest, games, mascot madness dance-off, al-ages hula hoops competition, water balloon toss, live music into the evening. catsupbottlefestival.com
▪ ‘Lemp: The Haunting Story’ — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Author Stephen Walker presents the history of the Lemp family of St. Louis, including their once vast brewing empire, their tragic family history and the elegant mansion they left behind. Walker will also share a few of the most notable stories of hauntings in the old mansion. There will be time for questions and Walker will be available for a book-signing. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ St. Damian Church Picnic — 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8. St. Damian Catholic Church, 1 W. Main St., Damiansville. Chicken and sauerbraten dinner 3:30-7 p.m. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, sauerbraten, homemade noodles, homemade dressing, slaw, corn, dessert. Dine in or carryout. Quilt bingo 6:30 p.m. country store and raffle, bounce house and games, margaritas, beer and soda, homemade ice cream. Mass at 4 p.m.
▪ Summer Book Bazaar Pop-up Event: Jump Scare July! — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 9. 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/1598529340628908
▪ Free Real Estate Investors Meeting: Five Easy Ways To Lose Your Case While In Court — 7 p.m. Monday, July 10. Collinsville American Legion, Pine Room, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Local attorney Anthony R. Garavalia explains steps you can take to protect yourself while in a court of law. A Q&A session for real estate-related questions will follow. No reservations needed. Open to the public.
▪ Red Cross Sgt. Jon Brough & All First Responders Blood Drive — Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 11. Catholic War Veterans Post 370, 3535 S. Route 159, Freeburg. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: johnbrough.
▪ Lewis & Clark Community College Summerfest — 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 13. Lewis & Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. The event is in its third year as a recruitment opportunity for potential students, but the college has revamped it to include food and fun for visitors of all ages to highlight the programs and services that benefit not only students, but also the general public. lc.edu
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
▪ Night Market on Broadway — 7-10 p.m. Thursday, July 6. Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton. An awesome summer series where you can enjoy live music in an outdoor setting, plus artwork and other handmade/homegrown products, as well as vintage and hip thrift items. Live music this week by Toxic Johnny.
▪ 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.
▪ 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
▪ Litchfield Pickers Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 9. 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.
Worth the Drive
▪ Green Door Art Gallery presents ‘Inspiration and Expression: The Art of MaryJo Clark’ — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday starting Friday, July 7. Edward Jones Office, 3141 S. Grand Ave., St. Louis. Green Door Art Gallery is pleased to partner with Bobby Lessentine, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, in presenting Inspiration and Expression, The Art of MaryJo Clark. The exhibit includes collage, mixed media and pastel paintings by this native St. Louisan and Green Door Art Gallery resident artist. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25. 314-202-4071 or greendoorartgallery.com.
▪ 55th annual Hoyleton Hofbraufest — 5 p.m. Friday, July 7, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 9. Hoyleton Community Club, 368 N. Park St., Hoyleton. Food stands, games and contests, live music, a 5K on Saturday, tractor pulls, vendor and craft fair, quilt auction, raffles and more. facebook.com/groups/316476748388062
▪ Great Illinois River Raft Race — 3 p.m. Saturday, July 8. Hardin. Two raft races and a kayak race will highlight a full day of river-focused activities starting at 3 p.m. and ending at midnight. The raft races – featuring two separate classes of homemade rafts – begin at 4 p.m. Entry fees are $20 per person before July 8 and $30 the day of the race. Registration is on-going through July 8. Participants can register online at illinoisriverraftrace.com. Day includes a bags competition, a kayak raffle, a basket drop, live music, bounce houses, food, beer garden, vendors and games. Radio station 92.3 will also do a live remote from the Hardin riverfront from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be a fireworks show taking place at dark. The event is free and open to the public.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 7. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Bingo — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Cost: $1 admission and $1 for four cards. 618-444-6771.
▪ 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
Theater/Concerts
▪ The Trophy Mules - Acoustic — 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 9. Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville. Corey Saathoff and Josh Kean perform. https://fb.me/e/S5qcIzWl
▪ Music in the Park: Frankie and The Houseshakers — 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12. Shiloh Community Park, 1 Park Drive, Shiloh. Bring a cooler, snacks and a lawn chair. Free parking. Sponsored by Village of Shiloh. 618-632-1022, ext. 119.
▪ Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents: ‘The One-Hour Star Wars Trilogy: A Parody!’ — July 13-16 and 20-22. Whitaker Hall, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis. Strap yourselves in for an interstellar rollercoaster ride filled with laughs, lightsabers, and iconic characters brought to life. This trip through the iconic trilogy will blast your funny bones into hyperspace. For performance and ticket information: umsl.edu/touhill/index.html.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Diabetes Support Group — 4 p.m. Thursday, July 6. Frisse Conference Room, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Open to those with diabetes and their family members and/or caregivers. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. Participants will be required to wear non-cloth, medical-grade masks, as masks are still required in health care facilities per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Registration is required. 618-526-5743 or lisa.ketchem@hshs.org to register or for more information.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6. Online via Zoom. The Family Support Meetings are for family members, significant others, and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. First Thursday of every month. Facilitators will vary. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6. Online via Zoom. Program: “Deeds and Patents in Genealogical Research” presented by John Barr, a genealogist for Old Northwest Genealogy. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ Marine Historical Society — 7 p.m. Monday, July 10. Marine Citizens Center, 101 W. Silver St., Marine. The meeting and membership are open to the public.
▪ 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 Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 12. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Speaker: O’Fallon YMCA Executive Director at noon, followed by meeting. All active and retired federal and postal employees are welcome. Meetings held the second Wednesday of each month except for May and December socials. NARFE remains the go-to resource for the federal community. For information, contact James at jbflat2021@gmail.com or call 618-795-5174.
▪ 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.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 12. Heights Community Church, 231 S. Bluff Road, Collinsville, or online via Zoom. These support meetings are for family members, significant others and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Facilitators: Mark and Kelly Jefferson. Held the second Wednesday of the month. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
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
▪ 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
▪ Madison County Historical Society Summer History Camp — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 17-20. Center for Educational Opportunities, 201 Staunton Road, Troy. For kids aged 9-12. The 2023 theme is “From Farm to Factory” and will include a day at a Centennial farm, a day studying the coal mining industry, including a trip to the Illinois Coal Museum in Gillespie, a day looking at commerce on the Mississippi River, and a day touring the former Village of Leclaire that was built around the N. O. Nelson Manufacturing Company factories in Edwardsville. Campers are accompanied by professional teachers and educators and transportation is via school bus with experienced bus drivers. The cost of registration is $150 per child and includes transportation, entrance fees, tours, educational materials and snacks. Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch. To register for the camp, visit the Regional Office of Education website at: bit.ly/madcohistorycamp. 618-656-1294.
▪ Troy Senior Center Live and Learn Event — 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 N. Border St., Troy. Marsha Griffin from the Attorney General’s Office will talk about the most recent scams targeting seniors. RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
