Mascoutah Homecoming, other festivals, picnics feature in this week’s metro-east calendar
Noon Friday, Aug. 4, 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
▪ HSHS St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Used Book Sale — 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. Ungacta Conference Center, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. For sale are an impressive selection of fiction and nonfiction books, children’s books, cookbooks, puzzles, DVDs, CDs and more. Prices for hardback books will be $2, paperbacks are 50 cents, children’s books will be 25 cents and 50 cents, and oversized paperbacks, puzzles and DVDs/CDs are $1. Saturday’s sale is a $3 Bargain Bag Sale. All proceeds from the Auxiliary go to St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland. 618-651-2592.
▪ 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
▪ 97th annual Mascoutah Homecoming und Augustfest — All day Friday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 6. Scheve Park, Mascoutah. Parades 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Animal shows, tractor pulls, live music, Little Princess contest, food stands, motorcycle show (Saturday), car show (Sunday) and more. facebook.com/MascoutahHomecoming
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 4. 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.
▪ Gateway Dulcimer Music Festival — 10 a.m Friday, Aug. 4 through 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. Fountains Conference Center, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights. This festival, hosted by the Gateway Dulcimer Society, centers around the traditional folk instrument. Featured are workshops, evening concerts, an open stage, vendors, raffles, the Big Blue Jam Tent, and continuous outdoor and indoor music. Evening concerts 7 p.m.Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 per person per evening if you are only coming for the concerts. gatewaydulcimer.org
▪ Peanut Butter & Jam Festival — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. 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 Circus Kaput. For more info, visit the Highland Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
▪ Dandy Dancers Square Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Want to learn? Ask about lessons in September. For more info: Rick 618-234-1311 or Mike 618-566-8752. Next Dance: Aug. 25.
▪ ‘A Visit with Clara Barton’ — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Clara Barton was a woman of boundless energy and a deep desire to help those in need. She did everything from starting the first public school in New Jersey to running an independent aid/nursing program during the Civil War to organizing the American Red Cross. The impact of Clara’s 91 years on this earth can still be felt today. Presented by Barbara Kay, who will be in period dress. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ St. Francis of Assisi Parish Picnic — 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 5. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 251 S. Clinton St., Aviston. Fried chicken dinner with roast beef, homemade dressing and all the trimmings served 3:30-6:30 p.m. Quilt bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Live music by Shotgun Creek Band 8 p.m. to midnight. Inflatables will entertain the kids this year. All the usual picnic attractions. 618-228-7219 or stfrancisav.org.
▪ Academy of Notre Dame Memorial Alumni Mass — 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, 1910 W. Belle St., Belleville. Mass celebrated by Father Bill McGhee. Reception to follow at Kuhl Hall. Mingle and laugh as you browse through high school memorabilia that will be on display.
▪ Karaoke Couture: Sing, Dance, Urban Drip — 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. High Low, 3301 Washington Ave., St. Louis. Grab a mic to share a song and browse leading local designers’ street wear. Designers: Natt Burns, Nuski, Darryle Lyndsey, Rugged Ragz Lucas, LetzWin LyfeStyle. Video Watch of Pick the City UP, Story Stitchers’ new video that was commissioned by The Lewis Prize for Music and released nationally July 25th. Story Stitchers will release the music video and new single Aug. 5. Cash bar. Free admission, all ages. Presented by Saint Louis Story Stitchers. storystitchers.org
▪ Open House onboard the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI — 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8. Melvin Price Lock and Dam, Alton. The vessel will be in the region as part of the Mississippi River Commission’s Low Water Inspection trip. The open house will provide information about the importance of the Mississippi River System and the diversity of uses and users along the waterway. For additional information about the MV MISSISSIPPI or the Mississippi River Commission, visit mvd.usace.army.mil.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9. VFW 1699/American Legion 485, 200 S. 5th St., Dupo. Appointments required: 800-747-5401 or bloodcenter.org/group and enter group #11173,
▪ Grow Solar Metro East: Solar Power Hour — 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9. Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. Learn the basics of solar, its financial implications for your property and how the program works. The first 15 attendees will receive a free drink token, courtesy of Grow Solar. Free and open to the public. growsolar.org/metro-east
▪ Defense Information Systems Agency Open Info Session — 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10. Four Points Sheraton Conference Center, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is hiring contract specialists at Scott AFB. Meet with members of the team and learn more. Internships also available.
▪ Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps 70th Anniversary Reunion — 2 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 26. Catholic War Veterans Post 370, 3535 State Route 159, Belleville. Performances by Ainad Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps, The Ancient & Honorable Drummers of the Black Knights, Alumni Color Guard Ensemble. Guest speaker: Belleville Black Knights Alumnus Major General Jeffrey Pennington, USAF. Open to the public. Admission $5 per person. Optional dinner at 5 p.m. for $20 per person. Dinner payment due prior to Aug. 12. For info, visit the Black Knights Facebook page or bellevilleblackkni.wixsite.com/blackknights or email bellevilleblackknights@gmail.com.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. 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.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Bingo — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. 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
▪ 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.
▪ Metro-East Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Golf Tournament — Noon Tuesday, Aug. 22. Stonewolf Golf Club, 1195 Stonewolf Trail, Fairview Heights. Check-in and lunch at 10:30 a.m. Cost: $125 per golfer or $500 per team, includes 18 holes, range balls, cart, lunch, dinner, drink tickets and goodie bag. metroeastchamber.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.
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
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 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.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. 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, 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.
▪ 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 Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Dr., O’Fallon. Speaker (TBD) 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, Aug. 9. 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.
▪ 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. 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, Aug. 4. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cut-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts. Carryout available. No phone orders.
