Midwest Salute to the Arts, Festival of Nations feature in the metro-east calendar this week
Noon Friday, Aug. 25, 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.
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Events
▪ 2023 Friends of the Library Book Sale — 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 25-26. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. There will also be a bag sale Aug. 27-Sept. 2 at $1 per bag. Hosted by the Friends of the Library. Friends are a group of volunteers who share a common belief that the library is important to the intellectual and cultural growth of the community. The members of this non-profit organization work to increase public awareness of all library services and assist in bringing funds to the library for special needs. Payment method: cash or check only. Credit cards not accepted at this time. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Free Clothing Event — 9-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25. 1050 N. State St., Freeburg. Free men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, shoes, books and miscellaneous items. 618-539-5070.
▪ 35th Midwest Salute to the Arts — 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. Moody Park on Longacre, Fairview Heights. Featuring up to 100 award-winning national and local artists and providing something for everyone. Live artist demonstrations, live entertainment, interactive Children’s Creation Station and kids-only art gallery, and more. midwestsalute.com
▪ Dandy Dancers Square Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Come out for an evening of fun. Want to learn? Ask about lessons starting Monday, Sept. 18. For info: Rick 618-234-1311 or Mike 618-566-8752. Next dance will be Friday, Sept. 22.
▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 26. 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
▪ Annual East Alton-Wood River Labor Day Parade — 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Starts at Roundhouse, 633 N. Wood River Ave., Wood River, proceeds north along Wood River Avenue to the Wilshire shopping center parking lot in East Alton. Celebration continues at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. Union members and their families are welcome to enjoy children’s games, food, and refreshments. Wrist bands are required to attend the Picnic – see your local union. 618-259-8558.
▪ Festival of Nations — 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, and Sunday, Aug. 27. Tower Grove Park, St. Louis. A celebration of music, flavors, art and culture from around the world. When people from different cultures gather to share music, food, art, and traditions, we get to know each other on a deeper and more personal level. We create a spirit of unity where every culture is seen as unique and special, and no culture is truly foreign. Together, we’ll highlight the vibrancy of multiculturalism, celebrate our unique identities, and create community impact, cultivating a more prosperous region for all. festofnations.com
▪ 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. For info, visit the Black Knights Facebook page or bellevilleblackkni.wixsite.com/blackknights or email bellevilleblackknights@gmail.com.
▪ St. Teresa Catholic Church Picnic — 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. 1108 Lebanon Ave., Belleville. Chicken dinner, silent auction, basket booth, children’s area, beer garden, live band. 618-410-1047.
▪ 2023 Moonlight Ramble — 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. The Streets of the Grove, 4247 Manchester Ave., St. Louis. Packet pickup/festival start time 7 p.m. The annual Moonlight Ramble is the “World’s Original Nighttime Bike Ride” held in St. Louis, Missouri held at midnight near the full moon in August. Attracting thousands of riders each year, the event includes a leisurely bike ride through the streets of St. Louis, a vendor area, entertainment, a commemorative event shirt, and an after-ride party with snacks and drinks. moonlightramble.com
▪ St. Louis Jewish Community Center Biannual Used Book Sale — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 (preview day), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Aug. 28-30, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur, Missouri. Thousands of titles include mystery and intrigue, novels, biographies, politics, religion, sports, cookbooks, history, animals, art, science, science fiction, business, women’s issues, foreign languages, gardening, poetry, psychology, self-help, humor … the list goes on. Admission: $10 on Sunday, free Monday-Wednesday and fill a bag for $5 Thursday. jccstl.com/programs/used-book-sale
▪ Square Dance Lessons — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Interested in learning how to square dance? Come by to see what we do and get more information. New lessons start Monday, Sept. 18. 618-234-1311.
▪ Green Door Art Gallery presents ‘On the Horizon’ — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Wednesday, Aug. 30 through Saturday, Oct. 28. Green Door Art Gallery, 21 N. Gore, Webster Groves, Missouri. “On the Horizon,” an exploration of what lies before us, featuring oil paintings by Maureen Brodsky, gouache paintings by Michelle Graf, oil paintings by Timothy K. Hamilton, monoprints by Kay M. Pick Zivkovich and silver and stone jewelry by Rosemary Werkmeister. The artwork and jewelry will be on display and available for sale. Opening reception: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the gallery. 314-202-4071 or facebook.com/GreenDoorArtGallery.
▪ 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.
▪ Free Class: Ask a Techie — 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. 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.
▪ 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.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. 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.
▪ Church Women United Quilt Bingo Fundraiser — 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar, Granite City. Doors open at noon. Ten special games with one quilt winner per game and consolation prizes for other winners. Cost: $10 for four cards (advance purchase); $12 for four cards (purchased at the door). Additional cards $1 each. Three games of coverall: $5 for four cards, additional cards $1 each. Winners receive (or split if multiple winners) 50% of cash sales from 50/50 game. Attendance prizes, bake sale. Refreshments for sale (no outside food or drinks please). For tickets and info: Diana, 618-444-6771.
▪ Madison County Historical Society Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. St. Gregory Armenian Community Center, 3501 Century Drive, Granite City. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cash prizes, games, silent auction and attendance prizes, mulligans. Cost: $25 per person, tables of eight max. For reservations: 618-451-2611 or hyaghchig@charter.net. Walk-ins welcome.
▪ 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
▪ 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.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Heartland Community Chorus Auditions — 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 2. St. Paul Parish building, second floor, 1411 Main St., Highland. Please be prepared to sing a song of your choosing – an art song, Broadway tune, or a hymn. Please bring a copy of your music for the pianist. If you forget to bring a piece, there will be copies of a few songs there (“Amazing Grace”, “America”). You will also be asked to sing some five-note scales. The audition will take 5-10 minutes. The chorus rehearses on Monday nights at St. Paul Church, and the first rehearsal is Monday, Sept. 11. For more information: heartlandcommunitychorus.org, or contact Luanne Murphy, director, at 618-791-8408.
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
▪ 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, Aug. 25. 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.
▪ 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
▪ Metro-East Women’s Cancer Support Group — 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. The Rec Complex, 9950 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. The intent is to build a supportive community for local women affected by any type of cancer. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, the care team aims to improve the quality of life for those who are facing the challenges of cancer, during or post treatments. It will be a safe and inclusive space where women can find comfort, resources, and inspiration, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who understand what they are going through. Sessions will be facilitated by Kareen Egerson, RN, and Dr. Camille Williams, medical director of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Radiation Oncology Services. Fourth Thursday of the month (excluding July and December). There is no charge to attend. RSVPs are not required but are helpful. facebook.com/stelizhshs
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. 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.
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
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
▪ Ninth Annual Alton Food Truck Festival — 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton. This festival features food trucks from around the region offering global street food cuisine. Enjoy nearly 20 food trucks, including Beast Craft BBQ, Seoul Burgers, Fire & Ice Cream, Takozz, and many more. Music performed by Push the Limit. altonriverfrontamphitheater.com
▪ Overdose Awareness Day Event — 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Northside Park, N. 10th St., Breese. The Take Action Coalition of Clinton County and Clinton County Overdose Awareness are partnering to host an event with music, speakers, information booths, and light refreshments. If you lost a loved one to overdose, bring a photo of them for our memorial table. There will be some picnic tables to sit at but you might want to bring lawn chairs, too. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/TakeActionCoalitionOfClintonCounty
▪ 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
▪ 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
▪ 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.
