Homecomings, festivals top metro-east calendar this weekend. Markets run strong going into fall
Noon Friday, Sept. 8, 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
▪ St. Joseph Church Parish Picnic — 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 8-9. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Fish fry 4-7 p.m. and live music 7-11 p.m. Friday. Saturday will have a 4 p.m. Mass, chicken dinner 4-7 p.m., quilt and cash bingo starting at 6 p.m., and live music 7-11 p.m. 618-779-1388.
▪ Schlafly Beer 20th annual Art Outside Festival — 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, Missouri. This free fine-arts fair aims to raise awareness of art and music in the community by featuring unique artwork made by local artists including ceramics, woodworking, paintings, photography, and more. Guests can shop more than 60 local artists while enjoying festival food, live music, and Schlafly beer. To learn more about the Art Outside Festival, visit schlafly.com.
▪ Night at the History Museum ‘Western Night’ — 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Music for dancing provided by Roy Stork Band. “Dress for the evening’s theme.” Prizes for best dressed. Tours, fun trivia, visiting, and refreshments will be available. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ 70th annual Shiloh Homecoming — 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, and 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Shiloh Community Park, 14 Park Drive, Shiloh. Games, food, rides, live music and so much more. There will be a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Friday. facebook.com/makeourcommunitytheplacetobe
▪ Damiansville & Albers Village-Wide Fall Garage Sales — 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Damiansville and Albers, exit 34 off of Interstate 64. Something for everyone. Some sales will be open Thursday-Friday, Sept. 7-8.
▪ Craft Fair and Indoor Yard Sale — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Open to the public.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 9. 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.
▪ Kay Weber presents Craft and Vendor Show 2023 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 9-10. Belle-Clair Expo Center, 200 South Belt East, Belleville. Clothing, home décor, jewelry, vintage crafts, door prizes and much more. Admission: $5. Free parking. bcfairgrounds.net
▪ 73rd Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Show — 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. State Capitol Complex, corner of Second and Monroe streets, downtown Springfield. First organized in 1949 as an Antique Auto Meet, today, the show features some of Illinois’ finest antique and classic vehicles, as well as sports cars, motorcycles, trucks and tractors. This time-honored event is held rain or shine. ilsos.gov/services/vehicle_show/home.html
▪ Team River Runner Events — 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 9-10. Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Missouri. Saturday Team River Runner will have its national Kayak Football championship. Veterans from TRR (5) regions with a variety of disabilities, teamed with veteran safety boaters, will be traveling to St Louis from across the country to compete. Some of the disabilities include amputations, blindness, PTSD, paralysis, etc. These folks will utilize the TRR adaptive kayak equipment to get them on the water for the competition. Sunday, the TRR group will participate in another event in coordination with USACE and the Mississippi River Water Trail.
▪ Flutter Farm Butterfly Festival — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Southwestern Illinois College Red Bud Campus, 500 W. S. 4th St., Red Bud. SWIC’s Butterfly Festival will provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the insects and pollinators that surround us, but in family friendly way. Activities include a Monarch habitat and insect/pollinator information table, building an insect hotel, inflatables for all ages, SWIC Ollie’s Eatery Food Truck, nature scavenger hunt and more. Free and open to the public.
▪ Voyageur Rendezvous — 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Grounds of Historic Bolduc House, 125 Main St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Come to Sainte Geneviève for feast, fête and fun, Celebrate the 350th anniversary of Marquette and Jolliet’s Mississippi River voyage. Evening includes amuse bouches, buffet and a theater performance. For tickets and info: fca-events.net.
▪ Grow Solar Metro East: Solar Power Hour — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. 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
▪ Blues & Brews — 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 1200 Lynch St., St. Louis. This outdoor street party will include live music, appearances by Blues players and alumni, food trucks and more on the historic streets of the brewery. Attendees can soak up the atmosphere of the iconic brewery setting with a visit to the Clydesdale stables, food trucks, pop-up bars, games in the Biergarten and a complimentary Bud Light (for guests 21+) or bottled water. Exclusive Blues & Brews merchandise will also be available for purchase. Free parking will be available in front of the tour center and other nearby lots. Attendees are allowed to bring their own lawn chairs, but they must be removed from any cover or bag. Tickets are just $20 and are on sale now at stlouisblues.com.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8. 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.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Bingo — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. 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
Community & Farmers Markets
▪ 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.
▪ Market Days — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Veterans Memorial Park, 800 S. 27th St., Mt. Vernon. A variety of vendors will sell diverse items such as antiques, collectibles, handmade items, plants, jewelry, kettle corn, fair food and more! Admission and parking are free. facebook.com/MtVernonMarket
▪ Litchfield Pickers Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. 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.
▪ 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
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Beginner Knitting Group with Greta — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 9 & 23. 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. Registration required. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Garden Club of Lebanon — 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Horner Park Pavilion, Lebanon. Guest speaker: Sandy Richter of Sandy’s Back Porch will demonstrate how to create a mixed autumn floral planter. gardencluboflebanon.org or facebook.com/groups/247326562040062
▪ A Plethora of Pens — 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. This is an open group, walk-ins are welcome, all writing levels, and all genres. Different topics every month. This is not a critique group, although there are occasional group crits, mostly to improve the ability to critique others. No registration required. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Marine Historical Society — 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Marine Citizens Center, 101 W. Silver St., Marine. The meeting and membership are open to the public.
▪ Grief Share Seminar/Group — 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 12-Dec. 5. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, lower level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. Grief Share is for people grieving the death of a loved one. The seminar features practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and other who have experienced the death of a loved one. Cost: $20 for the workbook. 618-344-3151 or bklee54@yahoo.com.
▪ National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Dr., O’Fallon. Speaker on healthy heart 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, Sept. 13. 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.
▪ Bible Study Fellowship — 9:30-11 a.m. or 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting Sept. 13. St. Matthew Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. The morning group includes classes for newborn through pre-K. Examine the biblical truth for your life along with other women as they study the Gospel of John. For more info, call Jane, 618-520-8357 or Candy, 618-363-3285 or visit bsfinternational.org.
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 — 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
Reservation/Registration Required
▪ Memoirs Class — 10 a.m. to noon Mondays Sept. 11-Nov. 20. St. Clair County Office on Aging, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. We all have a life story to tell. Instructor and author Diane Earhart will lead this free class to help you write your life story, a treasured gift to your family and a bridge between past and present. Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7044 to register.
▪ Free Class: Ask a Techie — 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. AgeSmart, 801 W. State St., O’Fallon. Get Free help with technology such as Android and iPhone Smartphones, PC and Apple computers, iPad and Android tablets, WIFI, email, software updates, one-on-one problem solving and training. For ages 60+. To register or for more info: st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org.
▪ RiverBend Growth Association annual LeadHership Seminar — Noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. Enjoy Church, 3303 Homer M. Adams Parkway, Alton. On tap to share exclusive insights on hot topics affecting women in leadership today are three dynamic speakers fulfilling the theme of Mind, Body, Spirit. They are Derlene Hirtz, Heather Garrigus, and Abigail (Abby) Kreitner-Thurman. Attendees will engage with each of these three dynamic speakers. They will also have ample opportunity to network with other leading women from throughout the region. Emcee: Crystal Officer, CEO of Beverly Farm Foundation in Godfrey. For info or to register: 618-467-2284 or growthassociation.com/seminar2023.
▪ Ste. Genevieve History Conference — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Ste. Genevieve County Community Center, 21390 MO-32, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. The Foundation for Restoration of Ste.Genevieve presents its annual History Conference highlighting the people and culture during the French Colonial period in Mid America. There will be five speakers educating on a variety of topics. Registration includes a Friday night meet-and-greet reception for early arrivals 5-7 p.m. at the historic Guibourd-Valle House, continental breakfast on Saturday morning prior to the opening of the Conference, and a lunch sandwich prior to the afternoon session. Paid up 2023 members of the Foundation will receive a rebate of $5 at the registration table Saturday morning. historicstegen.org
▪ 17th annual Buddy Walk — 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Northside Park, N. 10th St., Breese. The annual Community Link fundraiser celebrates the extraordinary powers of individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, as well as their family members, friends and supporters. All will fill the streets of Breese again early this fall for the 1-mile fun walk. This year’s theme is “Superheroes.” For info and registration: commlink.org.
▪ 35th annual Parks Biathlon and Third Annual 5K Parks Run — 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Liederkranz Park, 301 N. Jefferson, Millstadt. The Millstadt Biathlon tests your fitness level along with your cycling skills. The biathlon consists of a 5-mile run through scenic farmland, then grab your bike for a 22-mile ride. The high speed turns, rolling hills and scenic farmlands make this a can’t miss event. The 5K run is an out and back course. Join us for post-race beer and food afterwards. Race day registration is available onsite. https://bit.ly/3srJ645
▪ The Chamber of Commerce Southwestern Madison County annual Golf Tournament — 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. Gateway National Golf Links, 18 Golf Drive, Madison. Registration: 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon, shotgun start at 1 p.m. and awards presentation after. Four-person teams. Cost: $150 per player or $600 per foursome, includes driving range before golf, lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner, presentation of teams and contest prizes. 618-876-6400 or chamber@chamberswmc.org.
▪ 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.
▪ Prairie Heart Foundation Heart Walk and Health Education — 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Get powered up as you and your loved ones walk your way to a healthy heart. This low-impact, high-fun event for all ages will include a variety of activities to fuel your heart healthy journey. The event is rain or shine, with prize drawings throughout the morning. Representatives from local HSHS hospitals will be onsite in Highland providing health information and education. Please, no pets. Register at prairieheart.org/powered-by-prairie-heart-walk by Sept. 29. 217-814-5177.
▪ Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk — 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14. Moody Park, Fairview Heights. The event honors and celebrates the brave patients of the oncology center, as well as the supporters who have provided invaluable aid and assistance during these difficult times. This event is free for everyone. It is a 1.5-mile walk through the park (rain or shine). Participants will receive an event bag and other health information. Visit steliz.org/funwalk to register and purchase a shirt. Shirt orders must be placed by Sept. 7, 2023. Registration will not be available the day of the event.
