Calendar of Events
for Wood River, Hartford, East Alton and Bethalto
Madison County, Illinois

To find out about other activities in nearby areas
check out our Main Calendar Page.

CROATIAN & ITALIAN FEST
Wood River, IL
  Sunday, October 5, 2008
1 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 11 – October 12, 2008
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
HALLOWEEN PARADE
Hartford, IL
Saturday, October 25, 2008
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 13 - December 14, 2008
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
Sunday, December 14, 2008
3 pm - 7:30 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
"CAROLS WITH
THE BELLS"

Bethalto, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
December, 2008

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.
Advance sale tickets are $9 and $7 (for seniors over 55) and $10 and $8 at the door
For more information call 618-465-2315
  or visit www.grcs-sing.org

EAGLE
MEET & GREET
East Alton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
January, 2009

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
"WOMEN COME BY"
Hartford, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
January, 2009

10 am - 4 pm
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
"Women come by," wrote William Clark. What was it like for women of the early 1800's? Come observe frontier women cook over an open fire, sew their family's garments and make candles.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811

EAGLE
MEET & GREET
East Alton, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
February, 2009

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, 2009

11 am, 1 pm, 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.
$5, $3 for children 12 and under, free for children 3 and under
For more information call 1-877-462-6979
QUILT SHOW
Bethalto, IL
PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
March, 2009

9 am - 4 pm
Wilbur Trimpe Middle School, 910 Second Street
The Heartland Quilt Guild presents "Quilting with My Friends" which features members' quilts, vendors, demonstrations, door prizes and a craft table. A light lunch will be available. Attendees will have a chance to win a hand-quilted quilt.
Admission is $4 for adults; children 12 and under are free.
For more information call 618-377-7719

WOOD RIVER
RENDEZVOUS

Wood River, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2009

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 618-940-2424
LIVE PELICAN
PROGRAM

East Alton, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2009

1 pm, & 2 pm
National Great Rivers Museum
Don't miss this chance to see an American White Pelican up close at this half-hour program. Naturalists from the World Bird Sanctuary will delight you with fun facts and a live display.
Free
For more information call 1-877-462-6979
LIVE PELICAN
PROGRAM

East Alton, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2009

1 pm, & 2 pm
National Great Rivers Museum
Don't miss this chance to see an American White Pelican up close at this half-hour program. Naturalists from the World Bird Sanctuary will delight you with fun facts and a live display.
Free
For more information call 1-877-462-6979
LEWIS & CLARK
“DEPARTURE DAYS”
BICYCLE RIDE
Hartford, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2009

Registration: 8:30 am - 10 am
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

LEWIS & CLARK DEPARTURE DAYS
Hartford, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2009

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
MIDAMERICA RIVER EXPO
East Alton, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2009

9 am - 5 pm
National Great Rivers Museum
#2 Lock & Dam Way, off of IL-143
This event kicks off the upcoming summer recreation boating season with a safety celebration, hosted by the St. Louis Coast Guard Auxiliary. Activities include: food, antique boat show, segway rides, live pelican shows, boating classes, water safety programs for kids along with an appearance by Seamoor, the water safety sea serpent.  Visitors also can get a first hand look at radio controlled tugboats, submarines, ships, and sailboats.
Free, Pre-registration is required by May 5 for the boating classes.
For more information call 618-462-6979

KIDS OF DISCOVERY
Hartford, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2009

10 am - 4 pm
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
New Poag Road and IL-3
Wanted!! Junior volunteers sought after to join the Corps of Discovery. All volunteers and their parents should report to Lewis and Clark State Historic Site to enlist in the Expedition to the Western Ocean. Volunteers will be mustered into service based on their knowledge and skills in frontier ways.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811

BETHALTO FIREWORKS
Bethalto, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2009

St. Louis Regional Airport, Airport Drive
6 pm - 9:45 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 618-377-8973
WOOD RIVER TRI
Wood River, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
August, 2009

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
HOMECOMING
Bethalto, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
August, 2009

Friday: 5 pm - Midnight
Saturday & Sunday: Noon - Midnight
Monday: Noon - 10 pm 
Come to Bethalto Park for the 79th annual Bethalto Homecoming. This annual Labor Day event features rides, games, displays, crafts, large variety of foods, bingo, and continuing free entertainment.
Free
For more information call 618-377-1072
LEWIS AND CLARK
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Hartford, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2009
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, 2009

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

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.

 
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