To find out about other activities in nearby areas
check out our Main Calendar Page. |
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BALD
EAGLE
VIEWING PROGRAMS
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Selected days March 20010
8:30 am
Visitor Center
A video presentation is followed by an observational drive. Dress warm and
have a full tank of gas. Binoculars are recommended.
Free, reservations required
For more information call 618-786-3323 |
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MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Sunday, March 7, 2010
11 am - 3 pm
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Celebrate your sweet tooth at the first Maple Festival at Pere
Marquette Lodge. Shop the many vendor booths for unique items and
learn how maple syrup is made! Featuring
live entertainment!
Free
For more information call
618-786-2331 |
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SPRING & MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Sunday, April 11, 2010
11 am - 3 pm
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Celebrate Mushroom season and the beginning of warmer weather with
the first annual mushroom and spring festival.
The festivals features artisans and craft vendors displaying
their wares for purchase, live entertainment and a competitive morel
hunt in Pere Marquette Park (weather permitting) where the winner
will get one free nights stay at Pere Marquette Lodge.
Free
For more information call
618-786-2331 |
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RUG RETREAT
Elsah |
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April 29 - May 2, 2010
Professional rug hooker Kathy Meentemeyer is a certified McGown rug
hooking teacher from St. Louis, Missouri. She teaches at workshops
throughout the country, as well as her studio at home. Kathy is an
accomplished dye artist and specializes in color planning. Her desire is to
help students express their own creativity. The camp includes overnight
accommodations at one of Elsah's bed and breakfast inns, catered
meals by My Just Desserts, a house tour and a walking tour of the
village.
Registration Fee.
For
reservations or more information call My Just Desserts at 618-462-5881 |
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ANNUAL SWAP MEET
& FLEA MARKET
Jersey County, IL |
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May 1 - May 2, 2010
7 am - dusk both days
Tri-County Antique Club Grounds,
IL-3 between Grafton and Jerseyville
Come
buy, swap and sell anything and everything, except illegal or obscene
materials, and poultry and livestock. There is something for everyone at
the annual gas up and swap meet.
Free
For more information call 618-7639-4192 |
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HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Sunday, May 16, 2010
1 pm - 4 pm
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Hummingbirds prosper in the wonderful environment of The Lodge, seeking it
out on their annual migration. Join The Lodge’s staff at this annual
Hummingbird Festival and be able to see these "always on the go" magnificent
little birds up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will on hand banding the
birds. Visitors will be able to adopt one for a small fee and receive
updates on how your bird is doing and where it is.
Free
For more information call
618-786-2331 |
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GREAT RIVER RENDEZVOUS
Grafton, IL & West Alton, MO |
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Saturday, May 22, 2010
12 pm - 3:30 pm
Begins in Grafton and ends at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in
West Alton, IL
Be a part of this canoe and kayak race on the Mississippi River.
Rendezvous in Grafton where the race will begin at 12 pm. Then,
race your way 18 miles down river to the end of the race at
the
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in
West Alton, MO. Clubs, shops and spectators are invited to attend. In
addition to the race, there will social paddles, skills clinics, family
paddles, food and music.
There is a registration fee with all proceeds going to the Treehouse Wildlife Center of Madison County. To pre-register, go to
www.greatriverwatertrail.org or call 314- 518-0950.
For
more information call
618-462-6979
or visit
http://www.greatriverwatertrail.org |
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RIVERBEND BED
& BREAKFAST TOUR
Alton & Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2010
2 pm
- 6 pm
Come and see twelve of the award-winning bed & breakfast inns and
guesthouses of Alton and Grafton in
this unique tour of the inside of some of the area's most unique and
luxurious accommodations.
There will be thirteen houses on the tour, five of which are new or
remodeled since the last tour.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the Alton Visitor's Center at the
end of April.
For
more information call
1-800-ALTON-IL or
618-465-6676 |
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PRINCIPIA TRIATHLON
Elsah, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2010
8 am
The Principia Triathlon is a stunningly beautiful and fun challenge for all
ages and skill levels in historic surroundings! Come on your own to accept
the challenge or bring a team of family or friends. You must register in
advance at Active.com. There will be no registration on race day.
For
more information
For
more information, go to
www.EscapetotheBluffs.com |
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GREAT
GRAFTON
PUB CRAWL
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2010
Be a part of the Barstool Open featuring ten
holes of miniature golf at participating bar and grill locations in Grafton.
Scorecards are $10 each and include: T-shirt, shuttle transportation and
cardholder drink and food specials. Scorecards may be purchased at all
participating pubs and wineries. Prizes will be awarded to the golfer with
the best score for all 10 holes.
For
more information call
618-786-7678 |
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TOUR DE CURE
BIKE RIDE
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, June 5, 2010
Raging Rivers Water Park
Check-In Time: 6:30 am - 7:30 am
Starting times begin at 7 am
Join hundreds of cyclists in this fund raising event for the American
Diabetes Association. Travel along the Great
River Road, flat & moderately hilly country roads on routes of 16, 30, 50,
and 100 miles crossing ferries
and bridges. There will be support vehicles patrolling the routes and
stocked rest stops every 9 to 12 miles.
Following the ride all cyclists enjoy complimentary lunch, live music and
free admission into Raging Rivers Water Park!
Registration and minimum fund raising requirement
For
more information call 1-888-DIABETES |
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TWO RIVERS
FAMILY FISHING FAIR
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, June 12, 2010
10 am to 4 pm
A family event held in celebration of National Fishing week and Illinois Free
Fishing days. Fair goers will learn
knot tying, fish identification, fish cleaning, casting, and many other skills.
Games, activities, and learning stations for kids of all ages, including a 4,000
gallon aquarium stocked with local fish. Refreshments will be available.
Children will receive an assortment of educational materials and a free prize. No license or fishing
gear is needed.
Free
For
more information call
618-786-3323 |
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OUTDOOR LIVING
& BBQ EXPO
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, June 12, 2010
11 am - 3 pm
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
If you want to have fun and love BBQ, you'll enjoy this weekend destination
of quality summer entertainment with the whole family. Enjoy outdoor product
exhibits, live cooking demos, gourmet food, wine tasting, educational "how
to" seminars from area chefs, various spices, rubs, cookware, live music and
so much more.
Free
For more information call
618-786-2331 ext. 338 |
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HISTORIC ELSAH
GARDEN TOUR
Elsah,
IL |
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Saturday, June 19, 2010
11 am - 3 pm
Step back in time and take a stroll in the town where time stood
still. Known for its picturesque beauty, tour the gardens in the
Village of Elsah. There will be six gardens to tour.
The
cost is $12 per person. My Just Desserts will be serving lunch at
the Farley Music Hall for an additional charge. Tickets will be
available at My Just Desserts at 31 E. Broadway in Alton, the Alton
Visitor Center at 200 Piasa St. and the Elsah Museum.
For more information call 618-465-6676 |
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GREAT RIVERS
TOWBOAT FESTIVAL
Grafton, IL |
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June 19 - June 20, 2010
Grafton Riverfront
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm
Catch a rare glimpse inside the giant towboats that travel America's Great
Rivers. Conditions permitting, there will be a boat docked on the
riverfront at the corner of Water & Market Streets (Route 3) for tours
from noon to 4 pm on both days. Live music performed throughout the
weekend. Company flags on display and special river-towboat exhibits
throughout the festival.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3494 |
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BLESSING OF THE
FLEET
Portage des Sioux, MO
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, July 17, 2010
Participating boats will launch at 1 pm from the
Yacht Club of St. Louis proceeding downstream or at Harbor
Point proceeding upstream in the main channel
of the Mississippi River. About 2:15 p.m. the parade will arrive
at Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine in Portage des Sioux, and end in
Grafton. The parade
will be visible from the Great River Road.
Free
For
more information call 618-786-7678
or visit www.blessingofthefleetstl.com |
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11TH ANNUAL ELSAH
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Elsah
July 18 - October 16, 2010
Friday - Sunday, 1 pm to 4 pm
Village of Elsah Museum
Amateur and professional photographers will be
displaying photographs of the Village of Elsah and the immediate area in
every season in an exhibit entitled "Natural Elsah."
Free
Click here for
additional information |
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NATIVE AMERICAN
POTTERY DEMONSTRATION
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010
8:30 am
Meet at the log cabin near the Visitor Center
Learn how Native Americans created pots, dishes, and ceremonial items at
this pottery demonstration. After a lecture on this ancient craft,
participants will will get hands on experience in making a bowl or a piece
of primitive art that they can take home with them.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323 |
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BOBCAT PROGRAM
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010
2 pm
Meet at the Visitors Center
Come discover the mysteries of the bobcat . Placed on the Illinois' first
list of threatened species in 1977, these animals are indigenous to
Illinois and prefer large forested or wooded areas like Pere Marquette
State Park.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323 |
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FIREWORKS ON THE
WATERFRONT
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010
Grafton Riverfront
Fireworks at dusk
Grafton business owners will be offering food and
drink specials, live entertainment and games for children. Then watch the fireworks over the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois
Rivers from the decks of one of the many businesses or from a spot on the
riverbank.
For more information call 618-786-7000 |
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NATURAL HISTORY HIKE
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010
8:30 am
Meet at the Visitors Center
Learn about the park's natural history and experience the beauty of nature
by hiking
along
on
one of the Park’s most interesting trails.
Learn how the park originated and see rocks that were formed before the age
of the dinosaurs.
Wear good hiking shoes and bring a snack, a camera, and binoculars for this adventure that will last about 2 hours.
Free
For
more information call
618-786-3323 |
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PEACH FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Sunday, August 8, 2010
11 am - 3 pm
If you like peaches then this is the festival for you and if it is made with
peaches then you will find it here.
Come enjoy crafts, food, children's games, balloon artist, face painting,
pie eating contest, largest peach contest, book signings, peach drinks, and
of course peaches.
Free
For more information call
618-786-2331 ext. 338 |
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ANNUAL
OLDEN DAYS FESTIVAL
Jersey County, IL |
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August 28 - August 29, 2010
Saturday:
7 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 7 am - 5 pm
Tri-County Antique Club Grounds
Illinois Route 3 between Grafton and Jerseyville
Antique Tractors and Farm Equipment. Learn how people used to live from a
variety of demonstrations. Arts & Crafts, Antique Car Show, Food and
Live Entertainment!
Adults $3, Children under 12 admitted free.
For more information call 618-639-4192 |
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GIRLS ON GRAPES,
BOYS ON BREW
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, September 11, 2010
2 pm - 6 pm
The
Loading Dock, 401 E. Front Street
Enjoy a sampling of delicious wine, beer, and food from over 25 area
restaurants and local wineries. The event will be held in the Historic
Boatworks at the Loading Dock in Grafton. Proceeds benefit Alton Memorial
Hospital's White Cross Auxiliary. Dress is casual.
Tickets required; no one under 21, please.
For
more information call
618-463-7872 |
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9-11
BOAT PARADE
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, September 11, 2010
Dedication: 5:30 pm & Parade: 6 pm
Grafton Harbor, 215 W. Water Street
Join in paying honor to our soldiers and remember
our fellow Americans that died on this day. The parade begins at Grafton
Harbor and proceeds down the Mississippi River.
Free
For more information call
618-786-7678
or visit www.graftonharbor.net |
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ANNUAL
ART FESTIVAL
Grafton, IL |
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September 11 - September 12, 2010
10 am - 5 pm
Grove Park, Downtown Grafton
This annual art festival features artists
displaying and selling their work, an apple bake-off, live music, a pet
parade, and children's activities.
Free
For more information call 618-786-7000 |
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ANNUAL
ELSAH
FALL
QUILT RETREAT
Elsah,
IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010
Learn the art of paper piecing at the annual Elsah Fall Quilt Retreat.
Some quilts can look quite difficult, but they can be made easy through
the technique of paper piecing. With Barb Marfell as your instructor,
you will receive professional instruction, a supply list, two lunches,
two suppers, snacks, a walking tour through the Village of Elsah, road
trip to Crocker & Springer Pottery and a presentation by guest speaker,
Hallye Bone.
The
cost of the retreat is $130 per person. Housing is additional, but we
will make the reservation for you. The cost for a two night stay is $188
per person for a single room and $169 per person for a double room
For more information call 618-462-5881 |
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QUILT PROGRAM
Elsah |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010
10 am
Elsah Civic Center, 51 Mill Street
As
part of the annual Fall Quilt Retreat, My Just Desserts presents Hallye Bone,
author of "Caring for Your Quilts." Hallye will be presenting a delightful
program on "Redwork Embroidery - 150 Years of Beauty - Reviving Yesterday's
Tradition Today." Hallye has 35 years of experience cleaning, repairing and
collecting quilts.
The
program includes lunch for $25 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance
through My Just Desserts, 31 E. Broadway, Alton or call 618-462-5881.
For more information call 618-374-1607 or 618-642-5881 |
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BECOMING AN
OUTDOORS WOMAN
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources
invites women to attend a weekend of adventurous outdoor activities.
You can try charting a course, calling a bird, shooting a bow,
firing a shot, tying a fly, catching a fish, building a campfire and more.
Attendees enjoy the natural beauty of Illinois, companionship,
exercise and skill building. Program
instructors provide a supportive, safe, nonthreatening and noncompetitive
learning environment. The
program is open to all women age 18 or older.
A fee of
$135 per person includes instruction, program materials, use of
demonstration equipment, seven meals and lodging. Applications and payment
must be received no later than August 29, 2008.
For more information
contact Mitch Ingold at mingold@dnrmail.state.il.us |
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FALL FESTIVAL
Grafton, IL |
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October 2 - October 3, 2010
Saturday 11 am - 11 pm
Sunday 11 - 6 pm
St. Patrick’s Church on Route 100
Enjoy fall festival fun all weekend long near the riverfront in
Grafton. They’ll be serving up fish, brats, delicious homemade pies,
and other goodies. In addition, there will be crafts, theme baskets,
thousands of pumpkins & colorful gourds, & Indian corn, a country
store, basket raffle, kids' games, bingo, charitable games, washers
and much more. The "Night Owls" will be performing on Saturday with
Dan Sproat entertaining throughout the day Sunday. Pancakes and
sausage will be served Sunday morning from 8 am to 11 am.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3512 |
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GRAFTON
RENDEZVOUS
Grafton, IL |
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October 16 - October 17, 2010
10 am - 4:30 pm daily
Grafton Riverfront
This event celebrates the pre-1840's fur trade era with reenactors camping
along the the Illinois River in teepees and period tents. Activities
includes tomahawk and knife throwing competitions, black powder and
archery contests, and
other period demonstrations, food, crafts, and live entertainment.
Free
For more information call
618-372-8672 |
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FOREST FORAGING
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010
Meet at the Visitors Center
A lecture will be given on wild edible plants followed by a hike to identify
plants like persimmons that can be found in the Park. Some of the plants will be
available to sample after the hike. The program lasts approximately 3 hours.
Bring comfortable shoes and an appetite.
Free
For
more information call
618-786-3323 |
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NATURAL HISTORY HIKE
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010
2 pm
Meet at the Visitors Center
Learn about the park's natural history and experience the beauty of nature
by hiking along one of the many hiking trails. Wear good hiking shoes and
bring binoculars for this adventure that will last about 2 hours.
Free
For
more information call
618-786-3323 |
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GUIDED NATURE HIKE
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010
8:30 am
Meet at the Visitors Center
Feeling adventurous? Try this extended hike with the staff and explore some
of the Park’s most interesting trails. The focus will be on exercise and
stamina as the hike takes participants past creeks, 100-year old trees, and
stops at two scenic overlooks.
Wear good hiking shoes and bring a snack, a camera, and binoculars
for this six mile hiking adventure that will last about 3 hours.
Free
For
more information call
618-786-3323 |
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NATIVE AMERICAN
POTTERY DEMONSTRATION
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010
2 pm
Meet at the log cabin near the Visitor Center
Learn how Native Americans created pots, dishes, and ceremonial items at
this pottery demonstration. After a lecture on this ancient craft,
participants will will get hands on experience in making a bowl or a piece
of primitive art that they can take home with them.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323 |
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BOOK
AND BAKE SALE
Elsah, IL |
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PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010
1 pm
- 4 pm
Village of Elsah Museum, 26 LaSalle Street
This
Book and Bake Sale is a fund raising event for the Village of Elsah
Museum. Baked Goods will be available on Saturday while the book
sale covers both days. A special guest on Saturday will be Beverly
Bauser who will be demonstrating her new CD "Remembering Elsah,"
that provides access to 19th Century newspapers articles that
mention Elsah.
Free
For more information call
618-374-1059 |
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AUTUMN COLORS
DRIVE
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010
9:30 am
Meet at the Visitors Center
Come join the staff on a scenic drive to view the natural beauty that is
unique to Pere Marquette State Park. A lottery will be held to decide who
will be able to ride with the Park Interpreter with the rest following in
their own vehicles.
The drive will stop at a local restaurant
and will return to the Park at approximately 2 pm.
Free
For
more information call
618-786-3323 |
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FALL COLORS WALK
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010
2 pm
Meet at the Visitors Center
Pere Marquette comes alive with color in the fall. Join the Park's staff
for a walk to experience the brilliant colors and the many other wonders of
nature first hand. The hikes are approximately 2 miles and last about 2
hours. Don't forget comfortable shoes and a camera.
Free
For
more information call
618-786-3323 |
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TASTE OF CHOCOLATE
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, December 4, 2010
12 pm - 5 pm
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main Street
Taste the chocolates of Grafton! Enjoy a plate of
homemade chocolate desserts donated by different businesses and
restaurants in Grafton. There will be many different goodies from which to
choose from. Recipe booklets are available for $2.50 each.
This is a great time to shop for all on your Christmas list!
Tickets are $6
For more information call 618-786-7000 |
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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS
HYMN SING
Elsah,
IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
December, 2010
3 pm - 5 pm
Everyone is warmly invited to Elsah's annual Christmas Hymn Sing.
This event starts in the Methodist Church, moves across Selma Square
to the Christian Science Church, and is followed by cookies, punch,
and coffee in Farley's Music Hall.
Free
For more information call 618-374-2821 |
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BALD
EAGLE FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
January, 2011
11 am - 3 pm
Join us in the height of eagle season as the Lodge celebrates our
nation’s most majestic symbol at the first annual Bald Eagle
Festival. The festival will feature entertainment provided by the
Wild Bird Sanctuary as they showcase the Bald Eagle in their Masters
of the Sky Show.
Free
For more information call
618-786-2331 |
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ANNUAL WINTER RUG
HOOKING CAMP
Elsah,
IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
January, 2011
Join
Kathy Meentemeyer, a McGown certified teacher, in Elsah at this
traditional rug hooking retreat. Learn the art of traditional rug
hooking through this retreat designed for beginners or students
interested in improving their skills. Classes are held in the Old
Elsah limestone school in rooms that are well lit with natural light
and a beautiful view on the Mississippi River limestone bluffs. The
retreat includes meals, instruction, and evening house tour of one
of Elsah’s Historic homes, and a pottery tour of Crocker and
Springer.
Registration Fee, fee does not include
lodging
Call
My Just Desserts for more information or to register at 618-462-5881 or
618-374-1607. Space is limited! |
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CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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PROBABLE
EVENT - DETAILS TBA
February, 2011
11 am - 3 pm
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Chocolate lovers rejoice! It’s time to celebrate the perfection of
our nation’s favorite treat, Chocolate!
Shop the many vendor booths all featuring chocolate themed
items and indulge in delectable delicacies. Bring the family out to
Pere Marquette Lodge and relish in the Chocolate Festival Sunday.
Free
For more information call
618-786-2331 |
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