Farmers markets and outdoor activities, events in southwest IL highlight things to do

Noon Friday, May 5 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.

Farmers Markets

▪ Soulard Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays year round. 730 Carroll St., St. Louis. Fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, snacks, baked goods, spices, flowers, pets and other merchandise. soulardmarketstl.com

▪ 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

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

▪ Nashville Farmers Market — 7-11 a.m. Thursdays starting May 4. 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 starting May 4. 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.

▪ Belleville Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 6. 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.

▪ 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

▪ University City Farmers Market — 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Along the Delmar Loop, 6655 Delmar Blvd., rear lot, University City, St. Louis. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, trout, poultry, pork products, honey, baked goods, jams and jellies, nuts, coffee, chocolates and more. facebook.com/UCityFmsMkt

Events

▪ Empty the Shelters Adoption Event — Through May 15 at multiple area shelters. BISSELL Pet Foundation is helping homeless pets go from shelter kennels to the couches of loving homes by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $50 or less during its Spring National “Empty the Shelters” adoption event. From May 1-15, BISSELL Pet Foundation is teaming up with Dogtopia to host our largest “Empty the Shelters” event yet, with more than 350 participating shelters in 45 states, including St. Clair County Animal Adoption Center in Belleville and Gateway Pet Guardians in East St. Louis. To see the full list of participating locations, visit bissellpetfoundation.org.

▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, May 5. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Doors open at 9 a.m. 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.

▪ Jim Beasley Veterans Tribute Remembrance Program — 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 5. Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Road, Centralia. The purpose of the ceremony is to recognize those Tribute Committee members who have passed since the project began in 2007. Kaskaskia College President George Evans will be the keynote speaker for the event, which will include the Scott Air Force Base TransCom Flag Corps. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and are asked to bring their chairs.

▪ Millstadt Village-Wide Yard Sale — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Millstadt. More than 100 families are participating in this event. A map will be available Thursday, May 4, online at millstadthistoricalsociety.org. Start out at the Community Center (under the big water tower) on South Jefferson Street for complimentary coffee, a limited number of participant maps and advertised items for sale at key addresses on the day of the event. Breakfast egg burritos and fresh baked items are also for sale this year during the morning. Rolls, lunch, drinks and homemade desserts for purchase at the Community Center. Participating residents and businesses will have yellow markers in their yards. Event sponsored by the Millstadt Historical Society.

▪ O’Fallon Garden Club Plant Sale — 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6. AgeSmart Community Resources parking lot, 801 W. State St., O’Fallon. Perennials, annuals, herbs, veggies, and shrubs donated by the club’s members will be available. A “garden shop” will feature custom planted containers, statues, birdbaths, and other garden-related items. Proceeds from the sale support the O’Fallon Community Garden, located at the intersection of State and Smiley streets in O’Fallon. This garden features a large vegetable garden; all produce from the garden is donated to the O’Fallon Food Pantry. The Community Garden also includes diverse flower beds, an herb garden, ornamental trees, a fountain and benches.

▪ Garden Club of Lebanon Plant Sale — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Lebanon May Market, St. Louis Street, Lebanon. The 2,500+ greenhouse grown seedlings have been up-potted by the members. Available are annual flowers, herbs and vegetables, along with house plants. Donations are appreciated to support community projects. Shop early for best selection.

▪ Saint Louis Zoo ‘Winging It’ Bird Shows — Various days and times starting Saturday, May 6. Lichtenstein Sea Lion Arena, Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis. In this amazing, free-flying presentation, a variety of exotic and native birds will demonstrate their natural abilities, and some will even soar over the audience. With the help of these fine feathered ambassadors, trainers will clear up fact from fiction about birds and their behaviors. The program will keep the guests on their talons with audience participation and pop quizzes, fun and fascinating conservation facts and tips on how people can help protect wildlife and animal habitats. For schedules and info: stlzoo.org.

▪ Friends of the Library Meet & Greet at The Mill — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6. The Mill (former Niedringhaus Methodist Church), 20th and Delmar, Granite City. Featuring a guided tour led by Granite City Alderman and Project Manager for The Mill, Brad Eavenson. On display: stained glass piece entitled “Books and Tea” by FOL board member Judy Carroll Stroehmer to raise funds for 2023 projects benefiting the Six Mile Regional Library District. Tickets will be available for purchase. Winning ticket to be drawn June 15. Free and open to the public.

▪ History Museum of Monroe County: ‘Any Questions’ for Don Schachner, Monroe County Game Warden — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Don Schacher will present pertinent information on numerous topics ranging from conservation to endangered species; land and water sports and safety reminders. Schnacher will also be taking questions from our audience. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org

▪ Madison County Historical Society: ‘Migration and Health in National and Global History’ — 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Presenter: Kathleen Vongsathorn, SIUE Associate Professor of History. The program will showcase two exhibits opening on May 10. Free and open to the public. 618-656-1294 or facebook.com/madcohistory.

▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 10. St. James Catholic Parish & School, Parish Room, 412 W. Washington Ave., Millstadt. In memory of Shane Toenjes, a lifetime Millstadt resident who died tragically in 2011. To make an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter “Millstadt.”

Worth the Drive

▪ Shawnee Hills Pottery Trail — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 6-7. Nine artists in six studios in Jackson and Union counties. The studios are located in or near Murphysboro, Carbondale, Alto Pass and Makanda. The potters will be available to give studio tours and answer questions regarding pottery making. Much of the work on display will be available for purchase. For details: facebook.com/PotteryTrail.

Games

▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 5. 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.

▪ 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. Monday, May 8. Skating Rink, 284 Riggin Road, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.

Theater/Concerts

▪ Twilight Thursdays Concert Series: Whitney Houston Anthology — 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis. Start the Twilight Thursdays season with a tribute to “The Voice,” with vocals performed by Cheryl Brown. In 1985 Whitney Houston had her first Top 10 single, “Saving All My Love.” Six Grammy awards and nearly 40 years later, she is remembered as one of the greatest of all time. Bring family, friends, food and blankets/lawn chairs, and revel in the music as the sun sets. The area’s best food trucks will be on hand. Concert-goers are invited to park on the lot at the Loop Trolley facility located at 5875 Delmar Ave. mohistory.org/twilight-thursdays

▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: ‘The Damnation of Faust’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 5, and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. We’ve all had Hector Berlioz’s experience with a good book. “I couldn’t put it down. I read it at meals, in the street.” Berlioz was so intrigued by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s book that he transformed it into a concert opera, “The Damnation of Faust.” It is among Stéphane Denève’s favorite works, and he brings a dream cast of vocalists to tell its story of love, death, and the devil. slso.org

▪ Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble Seventh annual Aphra Behn Festival — 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, May 5-6, and 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Fontbonne University, 6800 Wydown Blvd., St. Louis. The theme for the 2023 Festival is “Re-Told” and utilizes plays from Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre’s Expand the Canon list of classical plays by women & underrepresented genders. For more info: satestl.org.

▪ The Everhart & Light Band — 7-11 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Live music – ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock – all evening. Dinner – pulled pork sandwich basket – will be available for purchase at 6 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

▪ Powell Hall Playlist — 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Doors open at 2 p.m. for pre-concert activities. Participate in a musical scavenger hunt featuring the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra and more. It’s those special pieces of music that, much like a time machine, spark our memories and transport us into the past. We each have a unique soundtrack that underscores our lives. In this concert, we’ll travel through some of our favorite Powell Hall memories with music from “The Sound of Music,” “The Nutcracker,” and Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony. Powell Hall Playlist will inspire you to share your own playlist with your family. slso.org

▪ Chamber Music Society of St. Louis: Jazzing Up the Day for Mom — 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 8. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., University City, St. Louis. Featuring guest artists jazz piano duo Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi. Program: Grieg - Elegiac Melodies Op. 34 #2 Last Spring (for cello & piano); Beethoven - Trio Clarinet, Cello & Piano in B-flat Major Op.11 “Gassenhauer.” chambermusicstl.org

▪ Music in the Park: Short Mist — 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 10. Klucker Hall, Shiloh Community Park, 1 Park Drive, Shiloh. Bring a cooler, snacks and a lawn chair. Free parking. 618-632-1022, ext. 119.

▪ Chamber Project Saint Louis: American Women in the Arts Festival — Wednesday, May 10 through Friday, June 2. Various times and locations in St. Louis. In collaboration with the Saint Louis Art Museum and St. Louis County Library, the American Women in the Arts Festival offers a unique array of events celebrating the creativity of American women. Chamber Project St. Louis brings their 15th season to a close with a festival celebrating several of the main pillars of their work; collaboration, innovative events and lifting up women in the arts. In collaboration with the Saint Louis Art Museum and St. Louis County Library, the American Women in the Arts Festival offers a unique array of events celebrating the creativity of American women. From an interactive rehearsal, to a curator-led tours of the Saint Louis Art Museum and finally a narrated concert, this Festival offers many ways to enrich your spring with interesting stories, stunning art and beautiful music. For the festival schedule: chamberprojectstl.org.

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ Diabetes Support Group — 4 p.m. Thursday, May 4. 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, May 4. 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, May 4. Online via Zoom. Program: “Exploring Croatian Genealogy and Investigating Your Croatian Roots.” St. Clair County native Michelle Petroff discusses research in Eastern Europe, particularly her ancestral homeland Croatia, including history and language barriers, work-arounds and resources she used in researching family who immigrated from both Croatia and Macedonia. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information: stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.

▪ Metro East Real Estate Investors Association — 7 p.m. Monday, May 8. Collinsville American Legion, Pine Room, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. A free meeting for anyone interested in investing in rental real estate. Speaker: Courtney Clendenin, a professional rental property manager with JJK Home Network of Keller Williams in Edwardsville, will present “A Day In The Life Of A Professional Property Manager.” Her talk will highlight ways for the average landlord to improve their management style and have happier renters who stay longer. Free and 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

▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.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.

▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10. 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 Fish K of C 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 – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand

▪ KC Club and Event Center Fish Fry — 3-7 p.m. Fridays. 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Catfish plates, cod plates, barbecue chicken, fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, baked beans, potato salad. Dine in or carryout and drink specials. 618-632-5222 or facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis.

▪ Friday Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt Sportsman’s Club, 4915 Schmidt Lane, Belleville. Cod, shrimp, walleye, salmon patties. Carryouts available. 618-476-1891.

▪ 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

▪ Quail Club Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 5. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cut-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts. Carryouts available. No phone orders.

▪ St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish Buildings & Grounds BBQ — 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6. Grappa Growlers, 1501 North Belt West, Belleville. Open until sold out. Menu: BBQ plates of pork steak, chicken or brats with two sides - potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw. Proceeds fund Parish improvements.

Reservations Required

▪ Beginning Knitting Group with Greta — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, May 6 & 20. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Experience how easy it can be learning to knit through our structured, interactive, social knitting group. Perfect for true beginners or those looking for an easy refresh project. Different intermediate skills will be introduced on a project by project basis. Set up as a multi-day class, with “homework” in between. To register: glencarbonlibrary.org.

▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10. Online via Zoom. A Slow Flow mixed levels practice that will lead you through a series of yoga poses that focus on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching. Requires registration. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.

▪ Author Talk: ‘Mother Wit’ by Malaika Horne — 1 p.m. Friday, May 12. The Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, St. Louis. Malaika Horner shares the captivating story of a mother who struggled to overcome societal challenges and succeed in raising six children during the mid-twentieth century in her book, “Mother Wit: Exalting Motherhood while Honoring a Great Mother.” This program is free with limited availability in person and on Zoom. Reservations must be made in advance through Eventbrite, by calling the Museum at 314-421-4689, or by emailing info@fieldhousemuseum.org.

▪ Grapes in the Garden — 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 12. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Taste more than 250 wines, both international and domestic, while enjoying live music and a beautiful spring evening in the Garden. Wine specialists from Schnucks are available to answer questions and guide your sampling experience. Special case pricing is also available for wines sampled. Ages 21 and older. Advance tickets recommended. mobot.org

▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Space is limited. Registration required. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.

▪ Miss Illinois Juneteenth Pageant — 6 p.m. Friday, June 3. Southern Illinois University East St. Louis, Wyvetter H. Younge Campus, Converse Avenue, East St. Louis. The Illinois Juneteenth Committee has launched a search for the next Miss Illinois Juneteenth Queen to represent the state of Illinois in 4 th Annual National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant in the fall. To be eligible to participate, one must meet the following: Be an African American female between the ages of 15 and 18; be born a female; be enrolled in school and have at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average; be able to commit to public appearances; have a cause to promote; be able to participate in the National Pageant. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to the Miss Illinois Juneteenth 2023 Queen. Other categories will be awarded during the ceremony. 618-514-3199, 312-533-9382 or iljuneteenthcommittee.org.

▪ Fresh Fire Youth Retreat — June 8-11. Mariner’s Village at Carlyle Lake, 1 Resort Drive, Carlyle. Join Redeeming Love of Christ Church and Higher Ground International Ministries Inc. for our annual, action-packed Youth Retreat. Activities include ATV rides, boat rides, fishing, games, engaging breakout sessions, a talent show and high-energy praise and worship services nightly. The retreat will culminate with glorious Sunday morning worship in the Conference Center. Youth (ages 8 and up), teens, and young adults are welcome to join us for this anointed Holy Ghost-filled weekend. Cost: $65 per person. For tickets: eventbrite.com/e/579895381697. redeemingloveblvl.org