Memorial Day observances in the metro-east highlight this week’s calendar
Noon Friday, May 26 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.
Featured Events
▪ Belleville Memorial Day Parade — 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 29. Downtown Belleville. Parade route: Starts on North 3rd Street at A Street, east on Main Street to Mascoutah Avenue to Walnut Hill Cemetery, where the Belleville Memorial Day Ceremony will be conducted at 11 a.m. belleville.net
▪ Belleville Memorial Day Ceremony — 11 a.m. Monday, May 29. Walnut Hill Cemetery, 1101 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville. Walnut Hill Cemetery, 1101 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville. Veterans and those who want to remember fallen servicemen and women are requested to attend. Following the Belleville Memorial Day Parade. belleville.net
Events
▪ Free Clothing — 9-11 a.m. Friday, May 26. 1050 N. State St., Freeburg. Free men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, shoes, books and miscellaneous items. Sponsored by the Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank. 618-539-5070.
▪ ‘BULLITT’ Car Show — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Mascoutah Sportsmen’s Club, 1535 N. County Road, Mascoutah. Rain date: May 28. Dash plaques, food, music, awards. Car entry fee is $20. 618-566-2420 or facebook.com/MascoutahSC.
▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 27. 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
▪ ‘Mandela: The Official Exhibition’ — 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Monday thru mid-September starting May 27. St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis. This special exhibition will usher guests along an immersive and interactive journey into the remarkable life of revolutionary freedom fighter and iconic humanitarian, Nelson Mandela. Features previously unseen film, photos, videos and the display of more than 150 historical artifacts and personal effects – many never previously displayed outside of South Africa – on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide. slsc.org
▪ Memorial Day Service — 11 a.m. Monday, May 29. American Legion Prairie Du Pont Post 485, Auxiliary Unit 485, 200 S. 5th St., Dupo. 618-286-3535 or post485@aol.com.
▪ Memorial Day Observance — 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 29. Veterans Monument, 737 E. Wesley Drive, O’Fallon. Guest speaker: Major Gen. Susan Henderson, USA, Chief of Staff, USTRANSCOM. Featuring OTHS AFJROTC; VFW Post 805; Miss O’Fallon Natalie Hale; OTHS Band Ensemble; Colonel Phil Goodwin (Ret.), Colonel Larry Strube (Ret.) and more. The names of the newly inscribed veterans will be introduced at that time. Pre-service music will begin at 11:15 a.m. Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals and decorations. Bring lawn chairs and water. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place at the First Baptist Church, 1111 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon.
Farmers Markets
▪ Soulard Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays year round. 730 Carroll St., St. Louis. Fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, snacks, baked goods, spices, flowers, pets and other merchandise. soulardmarketstl.com
▪ 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.
▪ 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
▪ University City Farmers Market — 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Along the Delmar Loop, 6655 Delmar Blvd., rear lot, University City, St. Louis. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, trout, poultry, pork products, honey, baked goods, jams and jellies, nuts, coffee, chocolates and more. facebook.com/UCityFmsMkt
▪ Riverside Flea Market — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 27-28. 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.
Worth the Drive
▪ Benld Italian American Days Car Show — 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 27. Benld City Park, 305 N. Main St., Benld. Registration 8 a.m. to noon. Professional judging at noon with trophies presented after judging. Registration fee: $20. Food and refreshments. Rain or shine. facebook.com/Benld.Italian.American.Days
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 26. 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. Skating Rink, 284 Riggin Road, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ Japan America Society of St. Louis Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17. Community Christian Church, 623 Meramec Station Road, Ballwin, Missouri. Includes all the usual stuff – mulligans, silent auction, restaurant certificates, mini-games, 50/50, cash prizes – with a Japanese twist – one Japan-themed question round, Japanese auction items, Purikura photo booth, Jan-Ken-Pon minigame, Japanese sando dessert auction, Ichiban tables with Japanese treats and sake. Cost: $160 for JAS members, table of eight; $200 for non-members. Ichiban Premium tables (includes sake, onigiri, inarizushi and assorted snacks) an additional $120. Register at jasstl.org.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Twilight Thursdays Concert Series: Black Magic: The Santana Experience — 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 25. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis. For more than five decades the legendary guitar music of Carlos Santana has been one of the most unique and recognized sounds in popular music, topping charts worldwide. Enjoy a blend of African-inspired rhythms, bluesy organ, and melodic guitar played straight from the heart. Bring family, friends, food and blankets/lawn chairs, and revel in the music as the sun sets. The area’s best food trucks will be on hand. Concert-goers are invited to park on the lot at the Loop Trolley facility located at 5875 Delmar Ave. mohistory.org/twilight-thursdays
▪ The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus: ‘Death to Life’ — 3 p.m. Sunday, May 28. St. Margaret of Scotland, 3854 Flad Ave., St. Louis. The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus reprises the transcendent “Requiem” from Sasha Johnson Manning, as well as other works suited to the spirit of Memorial Day from Jacob Handl and Melissa Dunphy. The season closes with a setting of a Sophocles chorus newly translated by the Chorus’ own Philip Barnes and set by Kerensa Briggs. chamberchorus.org
▪ Cinema St. Louis Wes-Fest — 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays June 2 through June 11. Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis. Cinema St. Louis celebrates American film auteur Wes Anderson with a six film retrospective in advance of the release of Anderson’s newest film, “Asteroid City” on June 16. Before the director’s 11th feature is released, Cinema St. Louis will screen Anderson’s first six live action films over the first two weekends in June. The series will kick off with Anderson’s 1996 debut, “Bottle Rocket,” and culminate with 2012’s “Moonrise Kingdom.” The full lineup can be found online: cinemastlouis.org.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ O’Fallon Woman’s Club — Noon Thursday, May 25. Bella Milano, 455 Regency Park, O’Fallon. May luncheon to honor past presidents. Hostess: Kay Brown; co-hostess: Cathay Mueller. The club does not meet during the summer months. If interested in joining, please contact ofallonwomansclub@gmail.com or facebook.com/OFallon Woman’s Club. Meetings will resume in September. Reservations required for the luncheon.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25. 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.
▪ 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
▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org
▪ 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, June 1. 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.
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, June 1. Online via Zoom. Program: “The Epic Journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.” Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark left Illinois on May 14, 1804, for their two-and-a-half-year journey exploring the western lands of North America. Brad Winn of the Illinois Lewis and Clark State Historic Site recounts stories of the amazing journey, and brings to life the National Lewis and Clark Trail through images, artwork and maps from Wood River, Illinois, to Astoria, Oregon, and back. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL
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 Fish K of C 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
▪ St. Louis County Greek Festival — 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, May 26-28, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 29. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 1755 Des Peres Road, Town & Country, Missouri. Guests will enjoy a tasty variety of food from Greece, including Souvlaki, Greek Chicken, Gyros, Kebabs, Baklava and more. This year’s event is credit/debit card ONLY. Cash will not be accepted. Service animals are permitted in all areas of the festival that are open to the public. Pets are permitted and must be leashed. stlgreekfest.com
▪ Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand
▪ 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
Reservations Required
▪ Citizens for Modern Transit’s ‘Talking Transit’ Event — 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31. Online via Zoom. Attendees will learn more about the rollout of the metal detector pilot program, increased law enforcement presence and more. Representatives of the business community and the Amalgamated Transit Union will then address the impacts of these changes and the importance of a regional approach. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and can be completed online at cmt-stl.org.
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31. Online via Zoom. A Slow Flow mixed levels practice that will lead you through a series of yoga poses that focus on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching. Requires registration. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Miss Illinois Juneteenth Pageant — 6 p.m. Friday, June 3. Southern Illinois University East St. Louis, Wyvetter H. Younge Campus, Converse Avenue, East St. Louis. The Illinois Juneteenth Committee has launched a search for the next Miss Illinois Juneteenth Queen to represent the state of Illinois in 4 th Annual National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant in the fall. To be eligible to participate, one must meet the following: Be an African American female between the ages of 15 and 18; be born a female; be enrolled in school and have at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average; be able to commit to public appearances; have a cause to promote; be able to participate in the National Pageant. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to the Miss Illinois Juneteenth 2023 Queen. Other categories will be awarded during the ceremony. 618-514-3199, 312-533-9382 or iljuneteenthcommittee.org.
▪ Party on the Patio — 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 3. Schlafly Highland Square, 907 Main St., Highland. This event raises funds to support health care initiatives at St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland. The casual garden party style event will feature a full menu of appetizers, drinks and live music by the band, Phoenix. Tickets are $150 for attendees and are available now at stjosephshighland.org/foundation.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club: Blast from the Past — 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Catered meal and entertainment. Alton Little Theater community outreach presentation of the Living History Tour, A Tribute to Minnie Pearl, attendance prizes, 50/50 drawing, quilt raffle and more. Advance ticket sales through May 28. Cost: $13 for members, $15 non-members. For tickets and info: Diana, 618-444-6771; Marty, 618-797-6749; Granite City Township Office, 618-877-0513.
▪ Fresh Fire Youth Retreat — June 8-11. Mariner’s Village at Carlyle Lake, 1 Resort Drive, Carlyle. Join Redeeming Love of Christ Church and Higher Ground International Ministries Inc. for our annual, action-packed Youth Retreat. Activities include ATV rides, boat rides, fishing, games, engaging breakout sessions, a talent show and high-energy praise and worship services nightly. The retreat will culminate with glorious Sunday morning worship in the Conference Center. Youth (ages 8 and up), teens, and young adults are welcome to join us for this anointed Holy Ghost-filled weekend. Cost: $65 per person. For tickets: eventbrite.com/e/579895381697. redeemingloveblvl.org
▪ Gateway Arch National Park: Picnic in Your Park — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 11. Check in at the North Gateway off Washington Avenue near the Eads Bridge in St. Louis. Event-goers will enjoy a picnic at Gateway Arch National Park, with picnic baskets available in Classic and Deluxe options. Each basket includes a picnic lunch by Butler’s Pantry and a take-home Gateway Arch Park Foundation insulated picnic basket, which includes a QR code with exclusive video messages from the Foundation’s team and the perfect picnic playlist. Purchase your basket today at archpark.org/picnic. Basket sales close May 31.
