The fun continues at the Madison County Fair. Plus markets, games and a few festivals
Noon Friday, July 28, 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
▪ Madison County Fair — Continues through Sunday, July 30. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. thru Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Highland Speedway, 1800 Lindenthal Ave., Highland. Includes livestock shows, tractor pulls, demolition derbies (both automobile and combine), musicians, 4-H exhibits, pageants and stock car races. madcofair.com
▪ Free Clothing — 9-11 a.m. Friday, July 28. 1050 N. State St., Freeburg. Free men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, shoes, books and miscellaneous items. Sponsored by Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank. 618-539-5070.
▪ Summer’s Last Blast Yarn Crawl — Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 29, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 30. Weave & Wobble, 1537 Donna Drive, Belleville. Other locations include The Bead Place, 8 Plaza Drive, Fairview Heights; 7 Sisters Yarn & Fiber, 11600 Concord Village Ave., lower level, St. Louis; YarnCom, 12772 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, Missouri. Free project patterns while supplies last. Enter to win prizes if you visit all four shops and turn in your passport at the last location. Free to participate. For info: 618-670-9625 or 1artdream@gmail.com. facebook.com/SLBYarnCrawl
▪ Dandy Dancers Square Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 28. 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. For info: Rick, 618-234-1311 or Mike, 618-566-8752.
▪ A Night of Hope and We Are Family Community Giveaway — 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 28, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Cahokia High School, 800 Range Lane, Cahokia Heights. A Night of Hope will feature music, free refreshments, inspirational speeches and life stories. The We Are Family Community Giveaway will take place in the Cahokia High School parking lot to provide hygiene kits, shoes, mental health resources, life skills, free haircuts, singing and words of inspiration much more.
▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 29. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive #1, O’Fallon. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee (while supplies last). All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This is a family and pet friendly event. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/1467388670415073
▪ Back 2 School Bash — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Redeemers House of Worship, 7410 Westchester Drive, Belleville. Free school supplies, backpacks, music, free dental exams and more. While supplies last.
▪ Oktoberfest in July — 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29. The Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. The Old Bakery Beer Company’s annual Oktoberfest release party will include German Food, Keep the Stein Specials, and super fresh Oktoberfest while we pretend it is fall for a minute. facebook.com/OldBakeryBeer
▪ Genealogy Meet Up — 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. Members of the St. Clair County Genealogical Society will help navigate the wealth of genealogy research materials available in the library’s Archives and Research Department. Open to the public. No reservation required. For more information, see the Society’s website at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ Artist Talk: ‘Life Within Shadow’ — 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Gretchen Brigham Gallery, 733 N. Union Blvd., St. Louis. “Life within Shadow” rethinks conversations around Domestic Violence through immigrant and refugee perspectives by using intricate cut paper, found object installation, and motion sensor technology to reinterpret stories and data into physical manifestations of the psychological impact that this form of violence inflicts. Artist Sukanya Mani will lead a free workshop on how to cut Tyvek paper. Free and open to the public. union-avenue.org/agua
▪ Little Patriots Embraced Hitting 4 Heroes with the Grizzlies — 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Grizzlies Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget. Pre-game concert at 5:30 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.
▪ Art Exhibition: ‘Colorful Confluences’ — Monday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Sept. 22. Gretchen Brigham Gallery, 733 N. Union Blvd., St. Louis. Enjoy the art of Janet Moore, tapestry; Jim Scheller, fused glass; and Carla Duncan, fabric collage & painted art. These three artists have worked together to create thirteen settings with each setting creating a unique experience for the viewer. Reception: 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Artists’ talks: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. union-avenue.org/agua
▪ Nascote Industries Hiring Event — 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 2. Nascote Industries, 18310 Enterprise Ave., Nashville. Now hiring forklift drivers and maintenance technicians. Send your résumé to hr.nascote@magna.com. Open interviews during the event.
▪ Grow Solar Metro East: Solar Power Hour — 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. City of Belleville Council Chambers, 101 S. Illinois St., Belleville. 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
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 28. 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. 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 (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.
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 27. 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 Crystal Lady.
▪ 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.
▪ Carlyle Farmers Market — 5 p.m. until dusk Friday, July 28. 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
▪ Riverside Flea Market — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 26-27. The Boatworks at The Loading Dock, 401 E. Front St., Grafton. Featuring more than 60 vendors and a variety of goods including antiques, collectibles, crafts, clothing, plants, décor and more. graftonloadingdock.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
▪ Highland Garden Club — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27. Latzer Library Auditorium, 1001 9th St., Highland. This month’s program is “Pollinators” presented by Laurie Henderson, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist. It will include information about gardening for birds, beneficial insects and pollinators. Guests are always welcome.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27. Online via Zoom. These support meetings are for family members, significant others and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Facilitators: Pat Rudloff and Beverly Churchill. Held the fourth Thursday of the month. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
▪ Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance Lughnasadh Celebration — Noon Sunday, July 31. Giant City State Park, Shelter 4, 235 Giant City Road, Makanda. Come celebrate Lughnasadh, the first of the three harvest celebrations. Gathering begins at noon with the ritual to follow at approximately 2 p.m. A potluck will follow. Those attending are invited to bring seasonal harvest items for the altar. Potluck is voluntary. Bring what you’d like to share. Free and open to all. facebook.com/sipafan
▪ St. Luke’s Perpetual Help Sodality Luncheon & Card Party — Noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1. St. Luke’s Parish Center, 226 N. Church St., Belleville. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Lunch served at noon. Cards, bingo, games with prizes. Menu: Sloppy Joe’s on a bun, chips, summer surprise salad, cake, coffee, hot or iced tea, water. Event ends at 3 p.m. Cost: $10 per person. Bring a canned item for the food pantry. 618-236-1124.
▪ 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
▪ Metro East Herb Club — 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Please bring jars and herbs. We will be making our annual vinegar. Also, a honey sugar scrub. Open to the public.
▪ 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, Aug. 3. 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. 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.
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. Online via Zoom. Program: “Searching the History of Land Parcels & Ownership.” Carrie Roberts, President of Contract Closing & Title Services Inc., and Melissa Richards, Searcher, show attendees how to search St. Clair County deed records and plats. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ 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. 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
