Calendar of Events
for Grafton and Elsah
Jersey County, Illinois

The 7-mile stretch near river communities of Grafton and Elsah along the upper portion of the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area is an area that bustles with activities for visitors throughout the year. Grafton and Elsah hold a variety of events in all seasons that range from historic tours and festivals on the riverbank to activities promoting fall foliage and the American Bald Eagle. Pere Marquette State Park, the largest in the state, hosts a variety of free programs focusing on the natural beauty and heritage of this region of Illinois. To find out about other activities in nearby areas check out our Main Calendar Page


ANNUAL SWAP MEET
& FLEA MARKET

Jersey County, IL
May 3 - May 4, 2008
7 am - dark both days
Tri-County Antique Club Grounds
Illinois Route 3 between Grafton and Jerseyville
Come buy, swap, sell at the annual Tri-County Antique Club swap meet and flea market.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3803
GRAFTON FLOOD FEST
Grafton, IL
Saturday, May 17, 2008
11 am - 11 pm
Mason Hollow Park, Main & Springfield
Activities include the Jon Boat Parade, crowning of the Catfish Queen, games for children, Washers Tournament, Body Building Sand Hurling contest - live entertainment - Grafton's Famous Fish, Beer Wagon, and more
.
Free
For more information call 618-786-7000
GREAT GRAFTON
PUB CRAWL
Grafton, IL
Saturday, May 31, 2008
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

TOUR DE CURE
BIKE RIDE
Grafton, IL
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Raging Rivers Water Park
Check-In Time: 6:30 am - 7:30 am
Start Time: 7 am 100 milers, 7:15 am 50 milers, 8 am 20 milers
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 20, 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. Enjoy a free lunch courtesy of Growler's Pub and free entry to Raging Rivers Water Park!
Registration and minimum fund raising requirement
For more information call 1-888-DIABETES

TWO RIVERS
FAMILY FISHING FAIR

Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
Saturday, June 7, 2008
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 5,000 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
F
or more information call 618-786-3323

GREAT RIVERS
TOWBOAT FESTIVAL

Grafton, IL
June 28 - June 29, 2008
Grafton Riverfront
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday 12 pm - 4 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 618-786-7000

NATIVE AMERICAN
POTTERY DEMONSTRATION
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2008

9:30 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

FIREWORKS ON THE
WATERFRONT
Grafton, IL
Friday, July 4, 2008
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
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Portage des Sioux, MO
Grafton, IL
Saturday July 19, 2008
Participating boats will launch at 1 pm from the Yacht Club of St. Louis proceeding downstream or 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 314-960-4646
 or visit www.blessingofthefleetstl.com

BOBCATS
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2008

10 am
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
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2008
8:30 am
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

9TH ANNUAL ELSAH PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Elsah
July 26 - October 18, 2008

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 "
Colors and Contrasts of Elsah."
Free
Click here for additional information

ANNUAL OLDEN DAYS FESTIVAL

Jersey County, IL
August 23 - August 24, 2008
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
9-11 BOAT PARADE
Grafton, IL
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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

APPLES TO ART
ART FESTIVAL

Grafton, IL
September 20 - September 21, 2008
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
GIRLS ON GRAPES,
BOYS ON BREW

Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2008
2 pm - 6 pm
Grafton Boatworks at the Loading Dock, Front Street
Enjoy a sampling of wine, beer and food from local restaurants and local wineries..
$20 per person. Proceeds will go to the Alton Memorial Hospital White Cross Auxiliary.
For more information call 618-462-4499
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2008
8:30 am
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

4TH ANNUAL
ELSAH FALL
QUILT RETREAT

Elsah, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2008

Enjoy 3 days of quilting, food, & fun. Package includes learning to make a double wedding ring quilt with an easy piecing method with instructor Barb Marfell. International Quilting Teacher, Carol Owens, will present "Still Stripping" on Friday. Stay in one of Elsah’s unique B&Bs, lunch and dinner provided by My Just Desserts, guided walking tour of the Village of Elsah, and an evening house tour.
Package Price: $239 Double; $283 Single; Class & Meals Only - $110

For more information call 618-462-5881
  or 618-374-1607
"STILL STRIPPING"
Elsah, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2008

10 am
Elsah Civic Center, 51 Mill Street
Carol Owens, International Quilt Teacher, will present her humorous program on quilt stripping.
$20 per person which includes lunch by My Just Desserts; tickets must be purchased in advance.

For more information call 618-374-1607 or 618-642-5881
BECOMING AN
OUTDOORS WOMAN

Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2008

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 $150 per person includes lodging, meals and all instruction
For more information
contact Mitch Ingold at mingold@dnrmail.state.il.us

NATIVE AMERICAN
POTTERY DEMONSTRATION
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2008

9:30 am
Meet at the playground near the camping area
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
FALL FESTIVAL
Grafton, IL
October 4 - October 5, 2008
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
AUTUMN MARKET
Elsah, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008

Thursdays - Sundays, 10 am - 3 pm 
Farley Music Hall, Mill Street
Plan to make a stop to visit this collection of artists and crafters who will be displaying their wares for sale. Everything from antiques to collectibles & handicrafts will be available. A luncheon area will be set-up and catered by Marie Kallal.
Free

For more information call 618-786-2428
SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008

Scarecrow and carved pumpkins displayed throughout the village of Grafton welcome you to this lovely Riverton hamlet nestled between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.
Free
For more information call 618-786-7000

OWLS!
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008

Meet at the Visitors Center
A variety of owls inhabit Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding area. A lecture by the Park staff will tell you what these bird sound like and the individual habits of each species. After the lecture there will be a short 1 1/2 mile hike (part of the hike is uphill) to listen for these fascinating birds. After the hike there will be a marshmallow roast. Please bring one flashlight per family. Marshmallows and drinks will be provided.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323
Click here for more on Owls
NATURE HIKE
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008

8:30 am
Meet at the Visitors Center
Learn about the park's natural history and experience the beauty of nature by going on this six mile hike along several of the Park's many hiking trails. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a snack, a camera, and binoculars.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323

AUTUMN COLORS
DRIVE

Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008
Meet at the Visitors Center at 2 pm both days
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 7 pm.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323

FALL COLORS WALK
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008

Meet at the Visitors Center at 10 am
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

GRAFTON
RENDEZVOUS

Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008

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 314-251-4916

FOOD IN THE FOREST
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2008
Meet at the Visitors Center at 9:30 am
A lecture will be given on wild edible plants followed by a hike to identify the plants 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

EAGLE
MEET & GREET
Grafton
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
November, 2008

1 pm - 3 pm
City Hall on Main Street
The World Bird Sanctuary will be bringing "Liberty the American Bald Eagle" for the public to view a real live Bald Eagle up close. Have your picture taken with Liberty for a $5 donation.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3344
TASTE OF CHOCOLATE
Grafton, IL
Saturday, December 6, 2008
1 pm - 4 pm
Grafton Methodist Church Annex, 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 a $5.00 donation
For more information call 618-786-7000

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Elsah, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
December, 2008

3 pm - 6:30 pm
Activities throughout the afternoon
Christmas carols, horse drawn carriage rides, a tree lighting at dusk, Santa Claus, bake sale, and museum open house.
House Tour from 3 pm - 5:45 pm, tickets are $15 per person.
Special Christmas dinner by My Just Desserts at 7 pm ($34.95, reservations required.)
For more information call 618-374-2821
  or visit www.elsahevents.com 
TRADITIONAL RUG
HOOKING RETREAT

Elsah, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
January, 2009

Join us in Elsah for a two-day traditional rug hooking retreat. Learn the art of traditional rug hooking through this retreat designed for beginners or students interested in improving their skills. This class will be taught by Kathy Meentemeyer, a McGown certified teacher. In addition, this quilt retreat includes an overnight 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.
Call My Just Desserts for more information or to register at 618-462-5881 or 618-374-1607. Space is limited!

BALD EAGLE
VIEWING PROGRAMS

Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
Selected days during December, 2008
  & January and February, 2009

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
WAGON WHEEL SPRING QUILTING RETREAT
Elsah
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
March, 2009

Make a Wagon Wheel quilt using no "Y" seams, under the instruction of Barb Marfell. Quilting expert Halley Bone will present a program on "The History of Crazy Quilts and Victorian Fabrics." In addition, this quilt retreat includes two nights at one of Elsah's bed and breakfast inns, catered meals by My Just Desserts, a house tour and walking tour of the village.
For more information call 618-462-5881

This Calendar of Events provides listings free of charge for events that are of interest to visitors to the area. To have your event listed here contact the webmaster. We reserve the right to limit content. We also will provide a web page free of charge for the event to cover more details for Non-Profit Community Organizations.

 

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