Visitors Guide for Events
in Wood River, Hartford,
East Alton, and Bethalto

Madison County, Illinois
  This Calendar of Events only covers events located in the central west portion of Madison County, Illinois. There are a number of activities located in the immediate vicinity including events at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, and the communities surrounding Alton and the Riverbend area. Listings of these events can be found on the Southern & Eastern Madison County events page, the Alton page, and the Grafton and Elsah page.
   
To find out about other activities in nearby areas
check out our Main Calendar Page.

BIRDS OF PREY
Hartford, IL
  Saturday, February 4, 2012
1 pm - 3 pm
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435 Confluence Tower Drive
Eagles aren’t the only birds of prey in the area. Join the Tree House Wildlife Center and learn about other birds that call the River Bend area home with displays and educational activities throughout the day.
Free event admission. Admission to tour the Tower
For more information call 618-251-9101
  or visit www.confluencetower.com

EAGLE
MEET & GREET
East Alton, IL
  Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012

12 pm to 4 pm
National Great Rivers Museum
An educator from the World Bird Sanctuary will be on hand with a live eagle display in the classroom. Bring your camera to this free program and then tour the National Great Rivers Museum and the Locks and Dam.
Free, donations appreciated
For more information call 1-877-462-6979

MASTERS OF THE SKY
East Alton, IL
  February 18 - February 20, 2011
11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
National Great Rivers Museum
"Masters of the Sky", an educational and informational program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary, features eagles, falcons, owls and other birds of prey. There will also be a free eagle display at noon and 2 pm for 30 minutes in the gallery.
$5 for adults, $3 for children 4-12, free for children 3 and under
For more information call 1-877-462-6979
GARRISON WEEKEND
Hartford, IL
  March 17 - March 18, 2012
10 am - 4 pm both days
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
Come and watch  on Saturday as the Detachment participates in living history at this replica winter camp and portrays early 19th century army life. On Sunday visitors can observe what it was like for frontier women as they cook over an open fire, sew their family's garments, make candles at the early 1800s American Bottom Cabin.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811
     

LEWIS & CLARK DEPARTURE DAYS
Hartford, IL
  May 12 - May 13 , 2012
10 am - 4 pm both days
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
Come and commemorate the departure of the Lewis & Clark Expedition from Camp River Dubois as reenactors portray life as members of the Corps of Discovery preparing for their epic trip west.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811

WINGS OF SPRING
BIRDING FESTIVAL
East Alton, IL Area
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2012

9 am - 1 pm
Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area
This annual Confluence Birding Festival features off-site birding trips, arts and entertainment, birding exhibits and vendors, family centered educational activities, live bird meet and greets, and much more.
Free with fees for some activities
For more information call 1-800-258-6645

WOOD RIVER RENDEZVOUS
Wood River, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2012

9 am - 5 pm both days
Camp Dubois
Route 143 and Route 3
Celebrate the historical period between 1700 and 1840. See demonstrators in period clothing, a black powder shoot, a "hawk" throw, fire starting with flint and steel contests, children's and women's activities, period food sales, crafts, Fife and Drum music, vendor sales of period items, contests, flag raising, a battle each day at 2 pm, and much more. Period costumes encouraged for campers, crafters, and other participants. Illustrations of Lewis & Clark's epic journey are located on the trail around the lake.
Free - donations encouraged
For more information call 618-971-xx
LEWIS & CLARK
“DEPARTURE DAYS”
BICYCLE RIDE
Alton & Hartford, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2012

Registration: 8:30 am - 10 am at the Alton Marina, #1 Henry St, Alton, IL
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
Pedal alongside the river route taken by Lewis and Clark. Stop by the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower to help celebrate their first anniversary (take a trip to the top for an additional $3 charge.) The short route recommended for families and beginning cyclists will use the MCT Confluence Trail. The longer routes are on roads. All routes stop at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford “Departure Days” celebration where you will find food, drinks and displays.
Fees: $8 Trailnet Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Children under 13
For more information visit www.trailnet.org

BETHALTO FIREWORKS
Bethalto, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2012

St. Louis Regional Airport, Airport Drive
6 pm
Come out for the Bethalto Fireworks presented by Cornerstone Church. Activities include a car show, horse rides, bounce houses, face painting, dunking booth, games, volleyball, and musical entertainment that begins at 6:30. The fireworks begin at 9:20 pm.
For more information call 618-377-7625

HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL
Hartford, IL
  Saturday, July 28 , 2012
9 am - 1 pm
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
In conjunction with the Illinois Audubon Society, hummingbirds will be captured and banded. Participants can adopt and release a hummingbird.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811
WOOD RIVER TRI
Wood River, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
August, 2012

7 am
Wood River Aquatic Center
450m Swim, 12M Bike, 4M Run in 9 different age divisions. Entry fee includes a souvenir T-shirt, complimentary brunch, and a day at The Aquatic Center for the participant and their family.
Entry fee
For more information email tbunt@charter.net

 or visit http://www.teamgodzilla.org

LEWIS AND CLARK
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Hartford, IL
  Saturday, September 8, 2012
10 am - 4 pm
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
New Poag Road and IL-3
This annual music event features musicians playing fiddles, dulcimers, and flutes. This music and dance Festival features early American, French, Spanish and Native American music traditional music in venues both in and outdoors.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811

ANNUAL FLY-IN
East Alton, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2012

Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 2 pm
St. Louis Regional Airport, 8 Terminal Drive
The public is invited to this “wings and wheels" event to view display aircraft, watch flybys and formation flying, and vintage automobiles. Children ages 8-17 can experience the thrill of flight in a single engine airplane provided by The Experimental Aircraft Association and the Young Eagles for FREE! So come sign up your kids so they can enjoy the ride. The event will take place weather permitting
.
Free
For more information call 618-259-2531 or visit www.stlouisregional.com
"FLAGS OVER THE MISSISSIPPI"
Hartford, IL
  October 13 - October 14, 2012
10 am - 4 pm each day
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
New Poag Road and IL-3
The “Flags Over the Mississippi: Struggle for the Empire” program covers the 18 th century struggle for control for the Mississippi River Valley. This region, rich in natural resources, was fought for as European nations struggled to build their New World empires. Come and enjoy an interpretation of Spanish, French, British and American military life.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811

WOOD RIVER RENDEZVOUS
Wood River, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2012

9 am - 5 pm both days
Camp Dubois
Route 143 and Route 3
Celebrate the historical period between 1700 and 1840. See demonstrators in period clothing, a black powder shoot, a "hawk" throw, fire starting with flint and steel contests, children's and women's activities, period food sales, crafts, Fife and Drum music, vendor sales of period items, contests, flag raising, a battle each day at 2 pm, and much more. Period costumes encouraged for campers, crafters, and other participants. Illustrations of Lewis & Clark's epic journey are located on the trail around the lake.
Free - donations encouraged
For more information call 618-971-xx
HALLOWEEN PARADE
Hartford, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2012

Line up at 12:30 pm at 7th Street Park
Starting time for the parade is 1 pm
This community-wide parade features local fire trucks, bands, floats and lots of kids on foot and bicycles. Lots of candy for viewers with costume and float judging and prizes.
Free
For more information call 618-251-2680
ARRIVAL AT
CAMP RIVER DUBOIS

Hartford, IL
  December 8 - December 9, 2012
10 am - 4 pm both days
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
New Poag Road and IL-3
Witness the arrival of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as reenactors arrive at the mouth of the River Dubois to establish their 1803-04 Winter Encampment. Join the members of the Corps in a military demonstration of 1803 U.S. Army Expedition. Visitors can experience camp life in early Frontier Illinois, and watch demonstrations of period crafts and skills.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811
BETHALTO SPIRIT
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WALK

Bethalto, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
December, 2012

3 pm - 7 pm
Prairie to West Central to Oak Streets
Stroll candlelit streets, climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage and experience the camaraderie of life in a small town Christmas village. Take in the sights and sounds of bell choirs and strolling musicians that add to the Victorian flair. Visit Father Christmas and enjoy wassail, roasted chestnuts, and many other holiday treats. There will be concerts at 3:30 pm. and 7 pm.
Free
For more information call 618-377-0767

EAGLE MEET & GREET
East Alton, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
January, 2013

12 pm to 4 pm
National Great Rivers Museum
An educator from the World Bird Sanctuary will be on hand with a live eagle display in the classroom. Bring your camera to this free program and then tour the National Great Rivers Museum and the Locks and Dam.
Free, donations appreciated
For more information call 1-877-462-6979
   

This Calendar of Events provides listings free of charge for events that are of interest to visitors to the area and that are organized or sponsored by Non-Profit or community based organizations. To have your event listed here contact the webmaster. We reserve the right to limit content. We also willing to provide a web page free of charge for these types of events to provide more details for our readers.

       
Jacoby Arts Center
Alton, Illinois
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Pere Marquette
State Park
McCully
Heritage Project
     




 
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