Labor Day events, Japanese Festival are on this week’s metro-east calendar
Noon Friday, Sept. 1, 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.
Labor Day Events
▪ Labor Day Open Garden Event and Celebration — 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 3. Hostas on the Bluff, 1601 Pleasantview Drive, Fairview Heights. Come see us Labor Day weekend for our final open garden sale of the season. Light food and drinks available. Live music on select days. Four different raffles sold during the event, winners announced on Labor Day ($1,000 Raffle package, $10 a ticket). facebook.com/Hostasonthebluff
▪ Belleville Labor Day Parade & Picnic — 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4. West Monroe to Illinois 159 to West C Street to Hough Park, Belleville. Parade route: South 1st Street from West Washington to West Monroe and South 2nd Street from West Washington to West Monroe. Followed by picnic at Hough Park, 417 N. Third St., Belleville. belleville.net
▪ Granite City Labor Day Parade — 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Parade route: State Street streets ending at Wilson Park, Granite City. Parade assembly starts at 8 a.m. at State Street between Niedringhaus and 18th streets and will continue to Wilson Park where union members and their families can look forward to enjoying music, food, and refreshments. 618-259-8558.
▪ Labor Day Hot Dog Skate — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Skate City Belleville, 1400 West Blvd., Belleville. Get ready to roll into a day of non-stop fun, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats. Bring your pals, your family, and anyone who’s up for a day of pure joy. Let’s make this Labor Day an unforgettable one, together – all for just $6. facebook.com/SkateCityBelleville
Events
▪ 47th Annual St. Louis Gateway Postcard Club Show — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Community Center, 909 S. Main St., Caseyville. Early Bird 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, for club members only. Featuring 20 dealers, food available on site. Free admission. 618-531-4189 or the.snyders@charter.net.
▪ Javapalooza — Friday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 1. Great Rivers and Routes region. Participating coffee shops will create featured signature coffee drinks that will be served through September. Visitors to the participating businesses have the chance to win $1,500 in coffee-themed prizes. For a list of participating businesses and other info: riversandroutes.com/events/javapalooza.
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 1. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. 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.
▪ Little Patriots Embraced Hitting 4 Heroes with the Grizzlies — 6:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Grizzlies Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget. Gates open at 5:45 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.
▪ Waterloo High School Band Flea Market — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3. Monroe County Fairgrounds, 4177 State Route 156, Waterloo. Featuring 100+ vendors. From old to brand new, from one-of-kind items to general household essentials, from boutique creations to ‘garage-sale’ basics. Bargains galore. Free admission for shoppers. Rain or shine. Concessions available. facebook.com/waterloofleamarket
▪ Cahokia Mounds Gift Shop Day — 9 a.m to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey St., Collinsville. The gift shop will be open to the public for one day only. Shop deep discounts and exclusive sales. cahokiamounds.org
▪ Japanese Festival — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 2-3, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. The 46th festival will feature sumo wrestling, martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy demonstrations, a magic storyteller, dance performances, an expanded food court with authentic cuisine, and candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden. Tickets and info: mobot.org.
▪ 106th annual St. Nicholas Greek Festival — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 2-3, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park Ave., St. Louis. Come join us Labor Day weekend for authentic Greek food, music, and dancing. Be sure to tour the beautiful historic church and view the majestic architecture and iconography. Stop by the gift shop and pick up a souvenir. Be Greek for a day! Free admission and free parking at the BJC garage just east of the Church. opastl.com
▪ Grow Solar Metro East: Solar Power Hour — 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. Glen Carbon Police Department, Community Room, 149 N. Main St., Glen Carbon. 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
▪ Suicide Prevention Training and ‘We Remember You’ Candlelight Vigil — 5:30 p.m. (training) and 7 p.m. (vigil) Wednesday, Sept. 6. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 DeMazenod Drive, Belleville. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows , along with the St. Clair County Suicide Prevention Alliance, will host an annual suicide prevention training (QPR) and candlelight vigil. QPR is a suicide prevention training for participants to be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide and to question, persuade and refer people at risk for help. Our vigil is to honor those we have lost to suicide. QPR Training will be held at the Shrine Visitors Center, and the vigil will be at the Lourdes Grotto on the Shrine grounds. Free and open to the public. For more information: 618-394-6281 or snows.org.
▪ 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. 1. 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.
▪ 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
▪ 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
▪ 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.
▪ 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
▪ St. Luke’s Card Party and Luncheon — 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5. St. Luke’s Parish Center, 226 N. Church St., Belleville. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Lunch served at noon. Play cards, board games and/or bingo. Menu: Chicken salad and croissant, tossed salad, Jell-O/cottage cheese fluff, cake, coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water. Cost: $10 (includes lunch or lunch carryout). Bring a canned food 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.
▪ 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.
▪ The St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. Online via Zoom. Program: “Using Ortssippenbücher to Research Your German Ancestors.” Ortssippenbücher contains genealogical information about German families in a specific town, village or parish, and can cover many generations of a family. Robin McDonough of the St. Louis County Library’s History and Genealogy Department helps to discover how to access and use these gooks for your German research. Open to the public; space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ 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.
▪ 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 — 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
▪ Quail Club Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cut-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts. Carryout available. No phone orders.
▪ Third annual Six 1 Ate Belleville Wingfest — Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. Belleville Circle to 2nd Street, Downtown Belleville. Wings, cold beer, wings, kiddy land, wings, music and wings. facebook.com/Six1AteGrill
Reservation/Registration Required
▪ Free Class: Aging Mastery Program — 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Sept. 7 thru Nov. 9. O’Fallon YMCA, 284 N. 7 Hills Road, O’Fallon. In this free 10-week program, you will build your own personal playbook for aging well. The Aging Mastery Program (AMP), developed by the National Council on Aging, incorporates evidence-informed materials, expert speakers, group discussion, and peer support to support health and longevity. Guest speakers will discuss topics on healthy eating, falls prevention, physical activity, healthy relationships, advanced planning, financial fitness, online safety, sleep hygiene, medication management, community engagement and more. Meet new friends and provide encouragement to one another as you take the Aging Mastery journey together To register or for more info: st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org.
▪ Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois 5th annual United We Lead Gala — 5 p.m. (doors open) Saturday, Sept. 9. Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. Let’s celebrate Girl Scouts together! Join us for drinks, dinner and entertainment. Bid in our live and silent auctions, or enjoy many other ways to share your support. Share an evening filled with fun and inspiration with people who care so much about our mission. Tickets must be purchased online at gsofsi.org or by contacting the Fund Development team at 800-345-6858.
▪ 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.” Register by Aug. 25 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. 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.
