Southwestern and Southern Illinois Current Events

Sept 12/BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT CAREER EXPO, Collinsville. 9 a.m.-Noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Free. One Gateway Drive. Call (800) 289-2388 or (618) 345-8998.

Sept 13-17/ALTON EXPO, Alton. Enjoy great food, vendors, live entertainment, carnival rides, bingo and arts and crafts. Free. Wednesday-Thursday 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday 6 p.m.-midnight; Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Alton Riverfront. Call (618) 463-3526.

Sept 15-16/CROSSROADS HARVEST OF QUILTS, Effingham. 200 quilts on display, bedturning demonstrations, door prizes, and quilt raffle. The state guild will hold a quilt registration on Saturday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hendlemeyer Recreation Center, 1906 South 4th Street. Call (217) 739-2250.

Sept 15-16/ITALIAN FEST, Collinsville. Features the Paisan Pedal Push, 5K Run-Walk, continuous entertainment on three stages, Fest Olympics, Italian cooking contest, bocce ball, grape stomp, wine garden, craft fair, wine making contest, and children’s area. The real calling card for the Italian Fest continues to be the authentic Italian fare. Free. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Main Street. Call (618) 344-2884 or visit www.italianfest.net.

Sept 15-16/40TH ANNUAL SCHUETZENFEST, Altamont. Authentic German food, music, and entertainment. Volleyball tournaments, classic car show, and trap shoot. Rock & German polka bands play throughout the weekend. Non-members $3; members $2. Effingham County Fairgrounds. Call (618) 483-5532.

Sept 15-17/ANNUAL CORVETTE FUNFEST, Effingham. Largest Corvette gathering in the world. 15,000 Corvettes, and more than 50,000 enthusiasts expected. Attendees who register after Sept. 1 or persons who register at the event will be charged $10. Mid America Motorworks, One Mid America Place, North Route 45. To register call (800) 500-3705 or (217) 540-4200 or visit www.mamotorworks.com.

Sept 15-17/INTERNATIONAL GEM & JEWELRY SHOW, Collinsville. Friday noon-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $7 and children under 16 free with paid adult. One Gateway Drive. Call (800) 289-2388 or (618) 345-8998.

Sept 16/CHROMECOMING, Effingham. Harley-Davidson’s annual Chromecoming is taking place at Legacy Harley-Davidson. 2007 demo bikes on display. Bands, contests, and refreshments. 1315 Althoff Avenue. Call (217) 342-3494.

Sept 16-17/TOUCHSTONE ENERGY HYDROFEST NBRA HYDROPLANE RACES, Shelbyville. Saturday 1 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. Wilborn Creek Recreation Area. Call (217) 665-3185, (217) 874-2725, or (217) 756-3253.

Sept 16-17/ST. XAVIER/HOLY GHOST HARVEST FEST, Jerseyville. Family fall festival with games for kids and adults with entertainment for the whole family. Numerous food stands. Also features a full country store with crafts and baked goods. There will also be a huge basket raffle and grand prize drawing with $20,000 in prizes. Live entertainment throughout the weekend. Free. Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Church, 506 S. State St. Call (618) 498-4823.

Sept 22-23, 29-30/HAUNTED HAYRIDES, Millstadt. Haunted hayrides take place after the sun goes down. Fee charged. Millstadt Farm, 2719 Eckert Orchard Lane. Call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513.

Sept 22-24/BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN, Grafton. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites women to attend a weekend of adventurous outdoor activities. Try charting a course, calling a bird, shooting a bow, firing a shot, tying a fly, catching a fish, building a campfire and more. The program is open to all women age 18 or older. The price for the weekend, including lodging meals and all instruction is $125 per person. Pere Marquette State Park, IL Route 100. For more information contact Mitch Ingold at mingold@dnrmail.state.il.us or visit http://dnr.state.il.us.

Sept 22-24/BARNSTORMING DAYS, Watson. Seventh annual celebration of aviation transportation. General and sport aviation aircraft will be on display. Helicopter rides and powered parachute introductory flights will be available. Profile RC Model X-Treme 3D flying & antique and classic cars will be on display. This will also be a gospel music weekend. Camping available. Percival Springs Airport, 6900 US Rte 45. Call (217) 536-9990 or (888)536-5352.

Sept 23/NATURE/CULTURE HIKE, Collinsville. Three-mile hike with an archaeologist and naturalist who will explain the archaeological significance of various sites. You’ll also learn how plants were used for medicine, food, fiber, dyes and shelter. Canceled if raining. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.

Sept 23-24/LEWIS & CLARK MUSIC FESTIVAL, Hartford. Join us as part of the final National Signature Event. Members of the Corps will be arriving at the Camp River Dubois to visit the washer woman on their return to St. Louis. Traditional music of the early 1800s will be performed by musicians playing fiddles, dulcimers and flutes. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis & Clark Trail. Call (618) 251-5811 or visit www.campdubois.com.

Sept 23-24/HERITAGE DAYS ON THE GOSHEN TRAIL, Godfrey. Living history festival featuring events from the time period 1700-1840, including an artisan village, foods of the period, a primitive encampment, a black powder shoot, musical groups, dancers and children’s activities. Adults $4; children 5-12 $2; children under 5 free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lewis & Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd. Call (618) 806-3095 or visit www.altonheritagedays.org.

Sept 24/LEWIS & CLARK CURRENTS OF CHANGE BIKE RIDE, Hartford. Celebrate the Bicentennial of the explorers’ return with a stop at the last Lewis & Clark signature event: Currents of Change, a ceremony focusing on the river and the spiritual aspect of water. The Hartford Tower observation decks are also scheduled to be open. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the confluence for an additional charge. Trailnet members $6; non-members $9; children $3. Registration 8:30-10 a.m. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis & Clark Trail. Call (618) 874-8554 or visit http://www.trailnet.org.

Sept 24/FALL EQUINOX SUNRISE OBSERVANCE, Collinsville. Meet at the reconstructed Woodhenge to hear an explanation of the discovery, form and function of this ancient sun calendar. No ceremonies performed. 6:30 a.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.

Sept 24/ARTIFACT IDENTIFICATION DAY, Collinsville. Bring in prehistoric Indian artifacts for archaeologists to identify the material, function and age of the items. Noon-4 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160.

Sept 26/JOBS PLUS CAREER FAIR, Collinsville. Free. One Gateway Drive. Call (800) 289-2388 or (618) 345-8998.

Sept 29-Oct 1/HOME & GARDEN EXPO, Collinsville. Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $7; children under 16 free. One Gateway Drive. Visit www.gatewayhomeshow.com.

Sept 30/WINGS & WHEELS, East Alton. The public is invited to view the display aircraft as well as watch fly-bys and formation flying. Children ages 8-17 can experience the thrill of flight in a single engine airplane for free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Louis Regional Airport, 8 Terminal Drive. Call (618) 259-2531 or visit www.stlouisregional.com.

Current Events
	Sept 12/BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT CAREER EXPO, Collinsville. 9 a.m.-Noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Free. One Gateway Drive. Call (800) 289-2388 or (618) 345-8998. Sept 13-17/ALTON EXPO, Alton. Enjoy great food, vendors, live entertainment, carnival rides, bingo and arts and crafts. Free. Wednesday-Thursday 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday 6 p.m.-midnight; Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Alton Riverfront. Call (618) 463-3526. Sept 15-16/CROSSROADS HARVEST OF QUILTS, Effingham. 200 quilts on display, bedturning demonstrations, door prizes, and quilt raffle. The state guild will hold a quilt registration on Saturday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hendlemeyer Recreation Center, 1906 South 4th Street. Call (217) 739-2250. Sept 15-16/ITALIAN FEST, Collinsville. Features the Paisan Pedal Push, 5K Run-Walk, continuous entertainment on three stages, Fest Olympics, Italian cooking contest, bocce ball, grape stomp, wine garden, craft fair, wine making contest, and children’s area. The real calling card for the Italian Fest continues to be the authentic Italian fare. Free. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Main Street. Call (618) 344-2884 or visit www.italianfest.net. Sept 15-16/40TH ANNUAL SCHUETZENFEST, Altamont. Authentic German food, music, and entertainment. Volleyball tournaments, classic car show, and trap shoot. Rock & German polka bands play throughout the weekend. Non-members $3; members $2. Effingham County Fairgrounds. Call (618) 483-5532. Sept 15-17/ANNUAL CORVETTE FUNFEST, Effingham. Largest Corvette gathering in the world. 15,000 Corvettes, and more than 50,000 enthusiasts expected. Attendees who register after Sept. 1 or persons who register at the event will be charged $10. Mid America Motorworks, One Mid America Place, North Route 45. To register call (800) 500-3705 or (217) 540-4200 or visit www.mamotorworks.com. Sept 15-17/INTERNATIONAL GEM & JEWELRY SHOW, Collinsville. Friday noon-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $7 and children under 16 free with paid adult. One Gateway Drive. Call (800) 289-2388 or (618) 345-8998. Sept 16/CHROMECOMING, Effingham. Harley-Davidson’s annual Chromecoming is taking place at Legacy Harley-Davidson. 2007 demo bikes on display. Bands, contests, and refreshments. 1315 Althoff Avenue. Call (217) 342-3494. Sept 16-17/TOUCHSTONE ENERGY HYDROFEST NBRA HYDROPLANE RACES, Shelbyville. Saturday 1 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. Wilborn Creek Recreation Area. Call (217) 665-3185, (217) 874-2725, or (217) 756-3253. Sept 16-17/ST. XAVIER/HOLY GHOST HARVEST FEST, Jerseyville. Family fall festival with games for kids and adults with entertainment for the whole family. Numerous food stands. Also features a full country store with crafts and baked goods. There will also be a huge basket raffle and grand prize drawing with $20,000 in prizes. Live entertainment throughout the weekend. Free. Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Church, 506 S. State St. Call (618) 498-4823. Sept 22-23, 29-30/HAUNTED HAYRIDES, Millstadt. Haunted hayrides take place after the sun goes down. Fee charged. Millstadt Farm, 2719 Eckert Orchard Lane. Call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513. Sept 22-24/BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN, Grafton. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites women to attend a weekend of adventurous outdoor activities. Try charting a course, calling a bird, shooting a bow, firing a shot, tying a fly, catching a fish, building a campfire and more. The program is open to all women age 18 or older. The price for the weekend, including lodging meals and all instruction is $125 per person. Pere Marquette State Park, IL Route 100. For more information contact Mitch Ingold at mingold@dnrmail.state.il.us or visit http://dnr.state.il.us. Sept 22-24/BARNSTORMING DAYS, Watson. Seventh annual celebration of aviation transportation. General and sport aviation aircraft will be on display. Helicopter rides and powered parachute introductory flights will be available. Profile RC Model X-Treme 3D flying & antique and classic cars will be on display. This will also be a gospel music weekend. Camping available. Percival Springs Airport, 6900 US Rte 45. Call (217) 536-9990 or (888)536-5352. Sept 23/NATURE/CULTURE HIKE, Collinsville. Three-mile hike with an archaeologist and naturalist who will explain the archaeological significance of various sites. You’ll also learn how plants were used for medicine, food, fiber, dyes and shelter. Canceled if raining. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160. Sept 23-24/LEWIS & CLARK MUSIC FESTIVAL, Hartford. Join us as part of the final National Signature Event. Members of the Corps will be arriving at the Camp River Dubois to visit the washer woman on their return to St. Louis. Traditional music of the early 1800s will be performed by musicians playing fiddles, dulcimers and flutes. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis & Clark Trail. Call (618) 251-5811 or visit www.campdubois.com. Sept 23-24/HERITAGE DAYS ON THE GOSHEN TRAIL, Godfrey. Living history festival featuring events from the time period 1700-1840, including an artisan village, foods of the period, a primitive encampment, a black powder shoot, musical groups, dancers and children’s activities. Adults $4; children 5-12 $2; children under 5 free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lewis & Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd. Call (618) 806-3095 or visit www.altonheritagedays.org. Sept 24/LEWIS & CLARK CURRENTS OF CHANGE BIKE RIDE, Hartford. Celebrate the Bicentennial of the explorers’ return with a stop at the last Lewis & Clark signature event: Currents of Change, a ceremony focusing on the river and the spiritual aspect of water. The Hartford Tower observation decks are also scheduled to be open. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the confluence for an additional charge. Trailnet members $6; non-members $9; children $3. Registration 8:30-10 a.m. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis & Clark Trail. Call (618) 874-8554 or visit http://www.trailnet.org. Sept 24/FALL EQUINOX SUNRISE OBSERVANCE, Collinsville. Meet at the reconstructed Woodhenge to hear an explanation of the discovery, form and function of this ancient sun calendar. No ceremonies performed. 6:30 a.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160. Sept 24/ARTIFACT IDENTIFICATION DAY, Collinsville. Bring in prehistoric Indian artifacts for archaeologists to identify the material, function and age of the items. Noon-4 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Street. Call (618) 346-5160. Sept 26/JOBS PLUS CAREER FAIR, Collinsville. Free. One Gateway Drive. Call (800) 289-2388 or (618) 345-8998. Sept 29-Oct 1/HOME & GARDEN EXPO, Collinsville. Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $7; children under 16 free. One Gateway Drive. Visit www.gatewayhomeshow.com. Sept 30/WINGS & WHEELS, East Alton. The public is invited to view the display aircraft as well as watch fly-bys and formation flying. Children ages 8-17 can experience the thrill of flight in a single engine airplane for free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Louis Regional Airport, 8 Terminal Drive. Call (618) 259-2531 or visit www.stlouisregional.com.