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.
QUILT SHOW
Bethalto, IL
  Saturday, March 13, 2010
10 am - 3 pm
Villa Rose, 401 S. Moreland Street
This annual quilt show features exhibitors that are willing to share their special treasured quilts a day. The event features quilt displays, vendors, special exhibits, a quilt raffle, and free refreshments.
Free.
For more information call 618-377-3239
GARRISON WEEKEND
Hartford, IL
  March 20 - March 21, 2010
10 am - 4 pm both days
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
Come and watch the Detachment participating in living history at this replica winter camp as they portray 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 new early 1800s American Bottom Cabin.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811
     

WOOD RIVER
RENDEZVOUS

Wood River, IL
  May 1 - May 2, 2010
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 618-971-7763
LEWIS & CLARK
“DEPARTURE DAYS”
BICYCLE RIDE
Hartford, IL
  Saturday, May 15, 2010
Registration: 8:30 am - 10 am at the Alton Marina, #1 Henry St, Alton, IL
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
Become a modern day explorer and pedal a portion of the path taken by Lewis & Clark on routes of various distances over flat to rolling terrain. 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, $12 Non-member, $3 Children under 13
For more information call 314-416-9930 x114
  or visit www.trailnet.org

LEWIS & CLARK DEPARTURE DAYS
Hartford, IL
  May 15 - May 16, 2010
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
GREAT RIVER RENDEZVOUS
Grafton, IL & West Alton, MO
  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

BETHALTO FIREWORKS
Bethalto, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2010

St. Louis Regional Airport, Airport Drive
6 pm - 9 pm
Come out for fireworks at the Bethalto Fireworks presented by Cornerstone Church. Activities include a car show, air plane flyovers, horse rides, bounce houses, face painting, dunking booth, games, volleyball, hot dog eating contest, root beer drinking contest, and musical entertainment. The fireworks begin at 9:20 pm.
For more information call 618-377-7625
GEOCACHING WORKSHOPS
West Alton, MO
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June - August, 2010

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Environmental Learning Facility
Every Saturday from at 9 am - 11 am
Park Rangers from the National Great Rivers Museum will provide GPS units and demonstrate how to find hidden caches. These free workshops last approximately 2 hours. Workshops are outside, and visitors should dress for the weather. Limit 10 people per workshop.
Free
To pre-register or for more information call 618-462-6979
WOOD RIVER TRI
Wood River, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
August, 2010

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
LEWIS AND CLARK
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Hartford, IL
  Saturday, September 11, 2010
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
Bethalto, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

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
CROATIAN & ITALIAN FEST
Wood River, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010

12 pm - 8 pm
The first descendents of Wood River were Croatian and Italian. Join us as we celebrate the heritage of this 100 year old community. Activities will include: Little Mr. & Mrs. Centennial Pageant, car show, Italian music, heritage dancers, kids' games, bounce houses, bear zoo, lots of food and drink. Dr. Zhivegas will take the stage for a live performance from 4 pm - 8 pm.
Free
For more information call 618-251-3100
"FLAGS OVER THE MISSISSIPPI"
Hartford, IL
  October 9 - October 10, 2010
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
ADVENTURE NIGHT ON THE RIVER FAMILY CAMPOUT
East Alton, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010

National Great Rivers Museum
This event includes kayaking, fishing, questing, star gazing, hiking, and more. Dinner, breakfast, and snacks included also. People need to bring their own camp gear including their tent, sleeping bags, camp chairs and personal supplies like sunscreen and bug spray.
Individual $7 and Family of four $25. Register online at mtrf.org
For more information call 618-462-6979
HALLOWEEN PARADE
Hartford, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010

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
"CAROLS WITH
THE BELLS"

Bethalto, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
December, 2010

7:30 pm
Cornerstone Church, 196 Moreland Road
Take time from the holiday bustle to enjoy the beautiful voices of the Great Rivers Choral Society and the delightful sounds of the Hand Bell Choir of Upper Alton Christian Ringers as together they raise the spirit of this heavenly season with bells and song.
Admission
For more information call 618-465-2315
  or visit www.grcs-sing.org
ARRIVAL AT
CAMP RIVER DUBOIS

Hartford, IL
  December 11 - December 12, 2010
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, 2010

4 pm - 7 pm
Prairie Street & Central Street
Step back into an era of horse and carriages, gas street lights, sipping wassail and enjoying festive treats. Take in the sights and sounds of this little Christmas Village decorated in the holiday spirit with the sounds of hand bells and carolers floating in the evening air.
Free
For more information call 618-377-0767

EAGLE
MEET & GREET
East Alton, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
January, 2011

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
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
February, 2011

Saturday: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm
Sunday: 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm
Monday: 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 4 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.
$5 for adults, $3 for children 4-12, free for children 3 and under
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
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