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Current Events
Before you hit the road, call to verify listings for the events you plan to attend. Dates and times are subject to change.

April 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18/ANNUAL BIRD MIGRATION HIKES, Godfrey. Join Edna Alexander, local Audubon member and naturalist, on a morning walk to learn about, listen for, and record the many migrating songbirds of the Nature Institute. Moderate walking is involved. Wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars, a journal and water. Admission fee. 8 a.m. The Nature Institute, 2213 S. Levis Lane. Call (618) 466-9930 or visit www.thenatureinstitute.org.

April 25-27/SPRING CRAFT SHOW, Effingham. Village Square Mall, South Rt 45. Call (217) 347-0623.

April 26/TOUR & TEA, Altamont. Tour the 1889 Dr. Charles M. Wright House in Altamont. Enjoy afternoon tea at the 1895 Schmidt farmhouse north of Altamont. Tickets for the fundraiser are $15 and must be purchased in advance. North Main Street and West Jackson Avenue. Call (618) 483-6397 or visit www.wrightmansion.org.

April 26/ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION, Godfrey. Everyone is invited to participate in the fishing derby, environmental arts and crafts, youth games and face painting. The first 300 visitors to the park will be given a free red bud seedling. At noon a special ceremony will be held to recognize the individuals for whom the trees were planted, as well as the volunteers that have assisted the department throughout the last year. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane. Call (618) 466-1483 or visit www.godfreyil.org.

April 26/WINGS OF SPRING, West Alton. Off-site birding trips, arts and entertainment, birding exhibits and vendors, family centered educational activities, and live bird demonstrations. Festival is free with some fees for off-site birding trips. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Call (800) 258-6645 or visit www.wingsofspring.org.

APRIL 26/WOODLAND WILDFLOWER WALK, Godfrey. Nature Institute guides will lead a two hour hike through the Olin Nature Preserve and/or Mississippi Sanctuary to look for rare and common wildflowers that bloom on the property every spring. Wear good hiking shoes, bring your camera, ID books, journal, and water. Free, registration required. 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Talahi Lodge at the Olin Nature Preserve. Call (618) 466-9930.

April 26/THIRD ANNUAL EFFINGHAM ARTISAN FAIR, Effingham. High quality artisans of every discipline. Local entertainment all day. Outdoor cafes at downtown restaurants. Evening outdoor entertainment at Joe Sipper’s Cafe. The Helen Matthes Library will be hosting Chris Vallillo, folk music artist, on the Court House lawn. Courthouse Square, downtown. Call (217) 342-1234 or (217) 347-8972.

April 26-27/RIVERSIDE FLEA MARKET, Grafton. More than 70 dealers with all types of goods, antiques glassware, tools, candles, and furniture. Join the fun the fourth weekend of every month from April-October. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Boatworks, 400 Front St. Call (618) 786-8210 or (618) 462-4991.

April 26-27/ST. LOUIS ANTIQUE FESTIVAL, Belleville. 100 dealers from 32 states. $6. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Belle Clair Fairgrounds Park, 200 South Belt East. For more information call Virginia Hallett (270) 237-5205.

April 26-27/IT’S SHOWTIME, Godfrey and Jerseyville. The Great Rivers Choral Society presents highlights from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance and Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Selections have been arranged by Choral member Carl Simpson. Performances will include solos and ensemble performances from the Great Rivers Choral Society and the Jerseyville High School Choirs. Advance tickets $9; seniors $7. Tickets at the door $10; seniors $8. Groups of 10 or more $6 per ticket. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at the Evangelical United Church of Christ, 1212 W. Homer Adams Pkwy. Sunday, 3 p.m. at the Jerseyville High School Auditorium. Call (618) 465-2315 or visit www.grcs-sing.org.

April 27/PIASA WINERY MUSHROOM FESTIVAL, Grafton. Come out to enjoy a glass of wine, live music, and taste mushroom dishes from area chefs. Everyone will have a chance to vote for their favorite, and there will be a contest for largest and smallest mushroom brought to the festival. $10 per person. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 211 W. Main St. Call (618) 786-WINE.

April 27/BENNY GOODMAN TRIBUTE, Godfrey. Last year, 20-year old David Bennett played for the Greater Alton Concert Association with the New Reformation Jazz Band. This outstanding clarinetist has recreated the music of Benny Goodman and brings to the stage his seven piece ensemble. $20 in advance; $22 at the door. 3 p.m. Lewis & Clark Community College, Hathaway Hall, 5800 Godfrey Rd. Call (618) 465-7536.

April 27/WINTER LECTURE SERIES, Collinsville. Joe Harl of the Archaeological Research Center of St. Louis, will present a program on Missouri Hopewell. Free. 2 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.

May 2-3/WOMEN’S WEEKEND, Vandalia. Join Vandalia Main Street for a fun-filled weekend of pampering, time with girlfriends and shopping. The weekend starts at 7 p.m. Friday at the Vandalia Holiday Inn Express with chair massages, mini-facials, and wine-tasting. Entertainment featuring local comedian and inspirational speaker Janet Potts at 8:30 p.m. Food samples will be prepared by Homemade Gourmet, Tastefully Simple, and Pampered Chef. Also on-hand will be representatives from various other home-based businesses including Cookie Lee, Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware, Southern Living at Home, Creative Memories, and Signature Home Styles. Door Prizes will be given away throughout the evening, and all ladies will receive a complimentary tote bag full of coupons and goodies at registration. Start your Saturday at Something Special at 10 a.m. for brunch and entertainment by Michelle Weaver, and then shop until you drop. The downtown businesses will have gourmet desserts for you to sample all day long. Call Main Street office at (618) 283-8751 to reserve tickets for your group.

May 3/ILLINOIS BIG TREE REGISTER AT THE NATURE INSTITUTE, Godfrey. Patti Brown will be teaching participants how to measure trees using the Illinois Big Tree Register guidelines and participants will measure trees around the Olin Nature Preserve and Mississippi Sanctuary. The information will be used for land management research and trees of extraordinary size will be submitted to the Illinois Big Tree Register for analysis to be included in the list of Native Champion Trees in Illinois. Volunteers will spend about one hour learning how to measure trees and record GPS coordinates of trees. The next hour or so, volunteers will head out to the preserve and find and measure 5-10 trees. Please register for this event. Free. 9 a.m. The Nature Institute, 2213 S. Levis Lane, Talahi Lodge. To register call (618) 466-9930.

May 3-4/ANTIQUE FLY-IN, Shelbyville. Shelby County Airport. Call (217) 774-4111.

May 4, 17/GET THE SCOOP PELICAN PROGRAM, Alton. Don’t miss this chance to see an American White Pelican up close. Naturalists from the World Bird Sanctuary will delight you with fun facts and a live display. Half-hour program. Free. Noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. National Great Rivers Museum, #2 Lock & Dam Way Rd. Call (877) 462-6979.

May 7/GATEWAY EAST ARTISTS’ GUILD MAY MEETING, Belleville. The program will be presented by St. Louis Plein Air artist Shawn Cornell. GEAG is a non-profit organization of art enthusiasts who encourage self-expression through the visual arts in the Metro-East area. Educational workshops, paint-outs, contests and critiques are regularly offered. Members are from all genres of the visual arts field with all skill levels, both non-professional and professional. Each month there is a membership art contest and critique. The public and interested artists are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. 6:30 p.m. PSOP/SWIC Building, 201 N. Church St. Call (618) 667-6937 or visit www.geag.net.

May 9-18/ALTON LITTLE THEATER PRESENTS AUNTIE MAME, Alton. When Mame Dennis, a high-living Manhattan bohemian, is appointed guardian of her orphaned nephew Patrick, their lives are changed forever. Always armed with a colorful dress and an acerbic quip, Auntie Mame teaches Patrick about life with the same zest and enthusiasm with which she tackles everything. Adults $14; students $6. Tuesday-Saturday 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. 2450 North Henry St. Call (618) 462-6562 or visit www.altonlittletheater.org.

May 10/MOTHER’S AND GRANDMOTHER’S DAY, Edwardsville. The Children’s Museum celebrates Mother’s Day with free admission for moms and grandmoms. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 722 Holyoake Road. Call (618) 692-2094.

May 10-11/CAMP RIVER DUBOIS POINT OF DEPARTURE, Hartford. Come and commemorate the departure of the Lewis & Clark expedition from Camp River Dubois. View life in 1803-1804 as the men prepare for their departure and re-enactors portray military life. View the new out building used for blacksmithing and carpentry. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis & Clark Trail. Call (618) 251-5811 or visit www.campriverdubois.com.

May 10-Oct 11/The Land of Goshen Community Market, Edwardsville. Open-air farmer’s market featuring locally grown produce, fine arts, music, and demonstrations every Saturday morning. 8 a.m.-noon. Downtown. Call Sherry at (618) 307-6045 or visit www.goshenmarket.org.

May 16-18/7TH ANNUAL ART ON THE SQUARE, Belleville. In its seventh year, the show hopes to once again attract over 85,000 people to view the work of outstanding artist and fine craftsmen. Visitors will have the chance to meet exhibiting artists, enjoy family entertainment, children’s workshops, taste fine cuisines and take a walk through our historic neighborhoods. Friday 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Belleville public square around the fountain at the intersection of Highway 159 & Main St. Call (800) 677-9255 or visit www.artonthesquare.com.

May 17/MID AMERICA RIVER EXPO, Alton. Kick off the upcoming summer recreation boating season with a safety celebration, hosted by the St. Louis Coast Guard Auxiliary. Live pelican shows, segway rides, Mark Twain shows, boating classes and water safety programs for kids along with an appearance by Seamoor, the water safety sea serpent. Visitors can also get a look at radio controlled tugboats, submarines, ships and sailboats. Bring your own model boat and the craftsmen from the St. Louis Model Boat Club will show you the skilled intricacies, details and secrets of model boat building. Registration by May 5 is required for the boating safety classes. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. National Great Rivers Museum, #2 Lock & Dam Way. Call (877) 462-6979.

May 17/FLOOD FEST, Grafton. Jon boat parade, crowning of the Catfish Queen, games for children, washers tournament, body building and hurling contest, live entertainment, Grafton’s famous fish, and beer wagon. Free. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mason Hollow Park, Main & Springfield. Call (618) 786-7000.

May 17/BLESSING OF THE FLEET AND TASTE OF CARLYLE, Carlyle. Everyone with a floating vessel is invited to participate in the boat blessing parade. Carlyle Lake area restaurants will be invited to offer their signature dishes for the public to try. Call (618) 594-2468.

May 17-18/STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, Belleville. Enjoy outdoor festival foods, kettle corn, roasted sweet corn and country music at this old-fashioned all-American festival. Free wagon rides each day. Kid’s activities include pony rides, children’s play area, petting farm, and carnival rides. Live music from Noon-4 p.m. Strawberry treats in the bakery, custard shop and restaurant. Fee charged for some activities. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eckert’s, 951 S. Green Mount Road. Call (618) 233-0513.

May 18/MAY MADNESS SPRINT TRIATHLON, Effingham. The race is 1/4-mile swim, 13-mile bike, 3.1-mile run. Athletes from all over the USA will be coming to participate. 8 a.m. Lake Sara Beach. For more information visit www.cuttingedgeevents.net.

May 18/MILES DAVIS CELEBRATION, Godfrey. Enjoy an afternoon of jazz celebrating the music and life of one of the true giants of jazz music Miles Davis. The music and life of legendary R&B artist Lutheran Ingram will also be celebrated through the music of local artists Howard Neal, Tim Jarden, Herb Hutchinson, Kenny King and Kerry Walter. $10 per person. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Lewis & Clark College, Trimpe Hall, 5800 Godfrey Rd. Call (618) 462-2763.

May 18/KIDS DAY, Collinsville. Hands-on activities for children of all ages, including flintknapping, pottery making, Indian games, corn grinding, spear throwing, identifying animal tracks and pelts, and watching an Indian dance group. Food and refreshments. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.

May 22/PARTY IN THE GARDEN, Belleville. A benefit fundraiser for the Missouri Botanical Garden. Wine and food tasting, fun and informative stations will include gardening and floral arranging demonstrations, and Missouri Botanical Garden experts on hand to answer your questions. Attendance prizes. $15 per person; $10 for garden members. Proceeds raised support the Garden’s outreach efforts in Illinois. 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Eckert’s Garden Center, 951 S. Green Mount Road. For reservations call (618) 233-0513.

May 24/NATURE-CULTURE HIKE, Collinsville. 3-mile hike with an archaeologist and naturalist who will explain what is known about various areas from archaeological work and also learn how the various plants were used for medicine, food, fiber, dyes, and shelter. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cancelled if raining. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.

May 24-25/RIVERSIDE FLEA MARKET, Grafton. Over 70 dealers with all types of goods, antiques, glassware, tools, candles, furniture and old-fashioned junk. Fourth weekend of every month April-October. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Boatworks, 400 Front St. Call (618) 786-8210 or (618) 462-4991.

June 1/A DAY FOR EVAN, Marine. Come out and support Evan at a family fun day. Evan is battling eye cancer and his family needs our support. Join us for barbeque, pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, Harvey the Juggler, and lots of fun. Buy raffle tickets for your chance to win a Wii or other great prizes. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made to Team Evan at Bradford Bank in Marine. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. For more information call Kelly Tracy at (618) 520-8919.

June 3/AINAD SHRINE CIRCUS, Jerseyville. Adults $10; children $8. 7:30 p.m. American Legion Park, 300 Veterans Parkway. Call (618) 874-1870.

June 4/GATEWAY EAST ARTISTS’ GUILD JUNE MEETING, Belleville. Australian born artist, Steve Campbell will give program on the casting process. GEAG is a non-profit organization of art enthusiasts who encourage self-expression through the visual arts in the Metro-East area. Educational workshops, paint-outs, contests, and critiques are regularly offered. Members are from all genres of the visual arts field with all skill levels, both non-professional and professional. Each month there is a membership art contest and critique. Information regarding the annual art show beginning July 18 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows will be discussed. The public and interested artists are invited to attend. 6:30 p.m. PSOP/SWIC Building, 201 N. Church St. Call (618) 667-6937 or visit www.geag.net.

June 6-7/INTERNATIONAL CARILLON WEEKEND, Centralia. The Centralia Carillon is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Saturday 6:30 p.m. Frans Haagen, The Netherlands; 7:15 p.m. Koen Cosaert, Belgium; Sunday 2 p.m. Ann-Kirstine Christiansen, Denmark; 2:45 p.m. Carlo van Ulft, Centralia, Ill. All concerts are followed by a free guided tour of the carillon. Centralia Carillon Park, 114 N. Elm. Call (618) 533-4381.

June 7/LEWIS & CLARK KIDS’ DAY, Hartford. Join the Junior Corps of Discovery. Participate in rope making, a military drill, and flag folding. Learn casting, how to use a compass and a telescope. Earn your Certificate of Enlistment by completing all the activities and be mustered in as a member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis & Clark Trail. Call (618) 251-5811 or visit www.campdubois.com.

June 7/TWO RIVERS FAMILY FISHING FAIR, Grafton. A family event held in celebration of National Fishing week and Illinois Free Fishing days. Learn casting, knot tying, fish identification, fish cleaning, fish preparation and cooking, make a first aid kit for your tackle box. Games, activities, and learning stations for kids of all ages, including a 5,000-gallon aquarium stocked with local fish. Children will receive an assortment of educational materials and a free prize. No license or fishing gear is needed. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pere Marquette State Park, IL Route 100. Call (618) 786-3323.

June 7/4TH ANNUAL NATURE PRAIRIE PLANT SALE, Godfrey. Nature plants will be for sale at prices ranging from $1-$10 per six pack. Local exhibitors will be on hand to provide information and products. The Nature Institute staff will provide free tours and info on how to plant a prairie in your backyard. 9 a.m.-noon. The Nature Institute, 2213 S. Levis Lane. Call (618) 466-9930 or visit www.thenatureinstitute.org.

June 7-8/INTERNATIONAL HORSERADISH FESTIVAL, Collinsville. For over two decades the festival has celebrated the multi-faceted and vastly underutilized spicy member of the mustard family. Live music, root toss, root sacking contest, craft fair, bloody mary contest, horseradish cooking contest, children’s activities, game booths, root derby, and food and drink. Proceeds from the festival to benefit local organizations. Woodland Park, Pine Lake Rd. and Olive St.–one block east of Route 159. Call (618) 344-2884 or visit www.horseradishfestival.com.

June 7-8/38TH ANNUAL RENDEZVOUS, Prairie du Rocher. 18th century crafts, food, music, historically dressed participants, flintlock rifle and musket competition, cannon and mortar competition, and traders. Free admission; parking fee. 10 a.m. Fort de Chartes State Historic Site, 1350 State Route 155. Call (618) 284-7230 or visit www.ftdechartres.com.

June 7-Aug/GEOCACHING PROGRAMS, Alton. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS), receiver, or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called geocaches or caches). Several are located at the Rivers Project and interested individuals can attend this free 1 hour program to learn more and get involved in geocaching. Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. National Great Rivers Museum, #2 Lock & Dam Way. Call (877) 462-6979.

June 8/BARK IN THE PARK, Godfrey. Bring your dog out to the park in support of the local animal shelter. Event includes several contests, local vendors, and an array of activities for dogs and their owners. Pets must be kept on a leash the entire time they are at the park and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Noon-4 p.m. Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane. Call (618) 466-1483 or visit www.godfreyil.org.

June 8/STEAMBOAT HISTORY AND THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE, Alton. Despite the threats of explosions, sinking, fires and ice, steamboats on the western rivers opened the land to farmers and merchants. These shallow and dangerous rivers were the commercial arteries of the Heartland. Learn how steamboats evolved and changed, and how they brought waves of immigrants and increasing prosperity to the river regions. What kind of cargo did they carry? What was it like to be a passenger on a steamboat heading up the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers? Free. 2 p.m. National Great Rivers Museum, #2 Locks & Dam Way. Call (877) 462-6979 or visit www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Rivers/Events.html.

June 9-Aug 1/FREE FISHING CLINICS, Alton. Instructors present information about fish and other aquatic life, fishing rules and regulations, and basics like how to bait a hook, tie the hook to the line, cast, catch and handle fish, and how to return them to the water. Participants are provided with rods and reels, bait and tackle, and will fish in lakes stocked with catchable channel catfish and hybrid bluegill. Free. Weekdays 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Gordon Moore Park. For more information or to register for a clinic call IDNR Region IV at (618) 462-1181.

June 13-14/RELAY FOR LIFE, Troy. Overnight, community celebration of life, dedicated to current and former cancer patients, family, and friends. Participating teams raise funds to support the American Cancer Society’s life-saving programs and the fight against cancer. Team members take turns walking around the track and enjoy hours of fun, food, and entertainment. Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those that face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. For more information call Amy at (618) 288-2320, email amy.slauson@cancer.org, or visit www.relayforlifetroy.com.

June 13-15/GRAND LEVEE, Vandalia. Festivities start Friday with an old fashioned ham and bean dinner, funnel cakes, and homemade ice cream social on the Statehouse lawn followed by a candlelight open house at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday feature period arts and crafts demonstrations including blacksmithing, basket making, wood carving, weaving and tatting. Tastes of Vandalia food booths will offer local fare. The Statehouse was the seat of Illinois government from 1836-1839 and is the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois. Abraham Lincoln served as a state representative in the building. Friday 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site, 315 W. Gallatin St. Call (618) 283-1161.

June 14/WILDLIFE PROGRAM, Collinsville. Discover the area’s diverse wildlife and wild places. Meet some animals that you might find in your own backyard. Presented by the St. Louis Zoo. Free. 2:30 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.

June 14/NATIONAL ROAD DAYS, Troy. Car show, crate races, city-wide garage sale, food, and entertainment. 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call (618) 667-8769.

June 14/ALTON SYMPHONY POPS & JAZZ CONCERT, Godfrey. A little bit of pops, a little bit of jazz. Adults $15; seniors $12; students $8. 7 p.m. Lewis & Clark Community College, Hatheway Hall, 5800 Godfrey Rd. Call (618) 467-2326 or visit www.altonsymphony.org.

June 15/NATIONAL ROAD FESTIVAL, Collinsville. Tours of digs. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.