Fireworks and other July 4th celebrations top this week’s metro-east calendar
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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.
Fourth of July Festivities
▪ Bond County Fourth Fest — 5 p.m. Friday, June 30, and 1 p.m. Saturday, July 1. Downtown Greenville. Food, bounce houses, beer tent, live music. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. Saturday. myfourthfest.com
▪ KSHE Night of Fire & Thunder Spectacular — Noon Saturday, July 1. World Wide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd., Madison. Gates open at 10 a.m. The Mid-West Drag Racing Series starts at noon. The Pro Mod driver autograph session begins at 4 p.m., followed by drag racing at 5 p.m. The Larson Motorsports Jet Cars will rock the property at 7:30 and 9:30 and the fireworks spectacular launches at 9:35 p.m. Admission: $30 adults, $15 students ages 13-17, kids 12 and under free. wwtraceway.com
▪ 4th of July Celebration at Carlyle Lake — 1-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1. Carlyle. Includes live music all day, Beach Blast 1-4 p.m. and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. carlylelake.com/4th-of-july-dam-jam
▪ Millstadt Community Choir Patriotic Concert — 7 p.m. Monday, July 3. Zion Evangelical Church, 117 W. White St., Millstadt. Join the MCC as it celebrates the birth of our Nation. The concert is titled “Home of the Brave,” a collection of tunes celebrating our heritage. The choir will sing many familiar patriotic tunes and will honor each branch of our military families. Free admission. 618-660-4255.
▪ Fireworks Over O’Fallon — Dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.) Monday, July 3. The fireworks will be launched near the west entrance of the O’Fallon Family Sports Park. Spectators are asked to park only in designated parking areas. There will be no parking in the grass or side of roadways in the Sports Park. Once all the parking spots are filled, no other vehicles will be allowed in the Sports Park. People may still access the park on foot and watch the fireworks from grass areas. The turf fields and baseball restrooms will be closed. Restrooms near the Splash Pad and north side of the park will be open. There will also be parking restrictions on the north side of West Nixon and West Madison. Parking will be prohibited on Venita Drive and Taylor Road. Venita Drive and the west entrance of the Family Sports Park will be closed to traffic approximately five minutes before the firework show begins and reopened immediately following the completion of the show. At the end of the show, signs and police officers will direct vehicles toward either the East or West exits of the Sports Park (depending on where you parked). Please be patient and expect delays leaving the Sports Park.
▪ 2023 America’s Birthday Parade & Fireworks Display — 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4. Downtown St. Louis. The parade will march down Market Street starting at Broadway and ending at 18th Street. The theme of the 2023 St. Louis July 4th parade is “A Better Community for All,” and it will feature dozens of floats and vehicles, marching bands, live performances, dances, and more. Spend the day in Downtown St. Louis before the fireworks show starts around 9 p.m. facebook.com/AmBirthdayParade or facebook.com/FairSaintLouis.
▪ Fourth of July Bike Parade and Activities — 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 4. Columbia. Kids decorate their bikes for the fourth and parade down Main Street to Metter Park. Old fashioned games and activities to follow. Meet in the parking lot of The Abbey at 10 a.m. Main Street and Metter Park.
▪ Boy Scout Troop 8622 BBQ — 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 4. St. James Catholic Church Parish Center, 423 W. Madison St., Millstadt. Featuring pork steaks, bratwurst, hamburgers and hot dogs. Serving sandwiches and plates with choice of two sides: potato salad, baked beans, pasta salad and slaw.
▪ Fourth of July Celebration — 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. American Legion Park, 375 E. Locust St., Columbia. Food, games and fireworks. Rain date: July 5.
▪ Annual Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration — 2-11:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Scheve Park, Mascoutah. Bounce houses, food and drinks. Celebration 2 p.m., music 5-9 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. facebook.com/events/1268832717056433
▪ 37th annual Salute to Freedom — 5-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Mt. Vernon Airport, 100 Aviation Drive, Mt. Vernon. Gates open at 5 p.m. for Kid Zone with inflatables and laser tag as well as a variety of food vendors. DJ from 5-7 p.m. Live music begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks will be around 9 p.m. New this year, enjoy Market Days in Mt. Vernon with a variety of craft, specialty, flea market items and more. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/227539483070295
▪ 4th of July at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park — 6-10:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, 185 W. Trendley Ave., East St. Louis. Food and drink, live entertainment, and fireworks. See the Fair St. Louis fireworks display from the park 9:45-10:15 p.m. theparkwithaview.com/july4th2023
▪ Highland Fourth of July Celebration — 8-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Korte Rec Center, 1 Nagel Drive, Highland. Fireworks start at dusk and will run for about 20-20 minutes. For details: facebook.com/events/276170901486471.
Events
▪ 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 Johnny Busby. For more info, visit the Highland Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
▪ St. Michael’s annual Picnic and Homecoming Paderborn — 3 p.m. Saturday, July 1. St. Michael’s Church Paderborn, 4576 Buss Branch Road, Waterloo. All-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner 3-7 p.m. Hand-stitched quilt cash bingo 6 p.m. Masses 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Raffle and usual picnic attractions.
▪ Millstadt Historical Society Mini-Museum — 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 2. Millstadt Township Building, 820 S. Jefferson St., Millstadt. Check out some of Millstadt’s unique history. Items on display will be from the late 1800s through mid-1900s. Themes: Salute to the Military, Millstadt Milestones, Around Town, School Days, Millstadt Cemeteries, Around the House. millstadthistoricalsociety.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
▪ Night Market on Broadway — 7-10 p.m. Thursday, June 29. 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 Bring Me The Fires.
▪ 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.
▪ Carlyle Farmers Market — 5 p.m. until dusk Friday, June 30. Carlyle VFW, 1250 Franklin St., Carlyle. Fresh produce, meat, eggs and bread. Freshly cut flowers, plants, fudge, syrup … you never know what you’ll find at the Market. Rain or shine; canceled only if serious thunderstorms are in the area. carlylelake.com/carlyle-courthouse-square-farmers-market
▪ 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.
Worth the Drive
▪ Green Door Art Gallery presents Secret St. Louis: Hidden Gems of the Gateway City — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday starting Friday, June 30. Green Door Art Gallery, 21 N. Gore, Webster Groves, Missouri. This is a juried group exhibit showcasing the lesser-known places and scenes around our beloved city. Our Juror is the internationally known, award-winning watercolorist Marilynne Bradley. The exhibit also includes silver and stone jewelry by Randy Greene. The stones in Randy’s work are hidden gems harvested from his land. The artwork will be on display and available for sale June 30 through Aug. 26. Join us for the 10-year Anniversary celebration and opening reception 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 15. 314-202-4071 or greendoorartgallery.com.
Games
▪ 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.
▪ 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
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
Food
▪ 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
