Visitors Guide for Events
June 2012

Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area
Madison, Jersey & Calhoun Counties, Illinois
  We regularly update this calendar to provide you with up to date information on a variety of events that take place in the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area. Changes are made when we gather more information or when we learn of an event. If you know of an event that you would like to see posted contact the webmaster. We hope you enjoy the events you choose to attend.
   

INTERNATIONAL
HORSERADISH FESTIVAL

Collinsville, IL
  June 2 - June 3, 2012
Woodland Park, IL-159 and Pine Lake Road
Saturday: 10 am - 10 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
This is one of Illinois’ hottest festivals. Collinsville is the self proclaimed "Horseradish Capital of the World" with two-thirds of the U.S. horseradish crop being grown in the area. Participate in unique events such as a "root derby" and "root sacking," along with such activities like cooking contests, and plenty of entertainment, food and family fun.
Free
For more information call 618-344-2884
or visit www.horseradishfestival.com

HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Sunday, June 3, 2012
11 am - 3 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

RAPTOR AWARENESS SHOW
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, June 3, 2012
2 pm
Collinsville Road
The World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis brings live birds of prey and teaches about habitats, differences and similarities between eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, buzzards, and others. Features a live flight over the heads of the audience.
Free
For more information call 618-346-5160

AINAD SHRINE CIRCUS
Jerseyville, IL
  Tuesday, June 5, 2012
7:30 pm
American Legion Park, 300 Veterans Parkway
Grab the kids and don't miss the annual Shriner's Circus that brings the Big Top to life in Jerseyville.
$12 for adults and $8 for children
For more information call 618-874-1870

TWO RIVERS
FAMILY FISHING FAIR

Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, June 9, 2012
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 ext. 1
HAMILTON PRIMARY
SCHOOL FESTIVAL

Otterville, IL
 
  June 9 - June 10, 2012
Saturday: 11 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 5:30 pm
Annual fund raising event held on the third Saturday of September on the Hamilton Primary School grounds. Crafts, children's games, and entertainment. Lots of food and homemade pies. Memorial ceremony honoring Dr. Silas Hamilton & George Washington: master and slave at the first free, integrated school in the nation will be held on Sunday at 3 pm. Proceeds from the festival will be used to renovate the school.
Free - donations appreciated 
For more information call 618-447-4935
 
 
SUMMER SOLSTICE
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, June 17, 2012
Arrive by 5:10 am
Collinsville Road
Observe the summer solstice sunrise and learn of the discovery, form and function of an ancient post circle called Woodhenge that was used as a solar calendar by the Cahokians. No ceremony or ritual is presented. Woodhenge is located 1/2 mile west of Monks Mound and the main entrance to the site.
Free
For more information call 618-346-5160
     
Probable Events
Dates, times, and other details will change and will be listed as soon as we get updated information.

GUIDED PRAIRIE WALKS
Alton, IL
  May - September, 2011
Second and third Thursdays at 6:30 pm
Gordon Moore Park, 4550 College Avenue
Enjoy an evening walk as a guide from the Nature Institute leads you through the Heartland Prairie at Gordon Moore Park. The park hosts nine species of native prairie grasses and 150 prairie wildflowers that are native to Madison County and surrounding Illinois counties. If you want to see wildflowers this is a great place and time to visit
.
Free
For more information call 618-466-9930

ART EXHIBIT
Alton, IL
  May 17 - July 2, 2011
Tues. - Sat hours are 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday hours: 12 pm  - 4 pm
Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway
The Jacoby Arts Center is presenting a one-man show featuring Dennis Ringering: Rituals. Ringering has always been interested in the symbols, images, and objects that man makes. His current work evolved from his research of Native American petroglyphs and pictographs in the Southwest.
Free
For more information call 618-462-5222

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Grafton, IL
  June 2 - August 4, 2011
Every Thursday at 8 pm
Grafton's Music in the Park is a free concert brought to you by Grafton's Chamber of Commerce and participating Grafton businesses every Thursday evening throughout the summer. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great music while experiencing the majestic views of the Mississippi River. Concerts will last 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Rain or inclement weather will cancel this event.
Free
For more information call 618-786-2722

TOUR DE CURE
BIKE RIDE
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, June 4, 2011
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
FREE
FISHING CLINICS

Alton, IL
  Weekdays, June 6 – August 5, 2011
9 am to 11:30 am & 1 pm to 3:30 pm
Gordon Moore Park
Instructors present information about fish and other aquatic life, fishing rules and regulations, basics including how to bait a hook, tie the hook to the line, cast, catch and handle fish and how to return them to the water.  Participants are provided with rods and reels, bait and tackle and go fishing in lakes stocked with catchable channel catfish and hybrid bluegill
.
Free
For more information call or to register for a clinic, call IDNR Region IV at 618-462-1181
FAMILY NIGHTS AT
SPLASH CITY

Collinsville, IL
  June 7 - August 2, 2011
10 Gateway Drive
Every Tuesday from 5 pm - 9 pm
Splash City Family Waterpark, operated by the Collinsville Area Recreation District, is open late so the whole family can enjoy Splash City.
Half off admission
For more information call 618-346-4571
  or visit www.splashcity.org
FREE CONCERTS
Alton, IL
  June 9 - July 31, 2011
Every Thursday evening at 8 pm
The locals in Alton seldom miss a beat at these weekly summer concerts held every Thursday evening in Riverview Park and every Sunday in Haskell Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Free
For more information call 618-465-6676
SCHWEITZERFEST
Highland, IL
  June 10 - June 12, 2010
Friday: 8 pm - 12 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 12 am
Sunday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Downtown on the Square
The Highland Jaycees sponsor the annual Homecoming celebration called the Schweizerfest, celebrates city's Swiss heritage. There will be a huge assortment of foods, beverages, rides, & games on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a large parade on Saturday and Sunday evenings. There is also a live band for Friday night with beer, soda, and brats available. Come join the fun!
Free
For more information call 618-654-1080
ST. ELIZABETH
PARISH PICNIC

Granite City, IL
  June 10 - June 12, 2011
2300 Pontoon Road
Friday features a fish fry from 4 to 7 pm, Saturday features pigs 'n blanket from 4 to 7 pm, and on Sunday there’s all you can eat chicken dinner from noon to 6 pm. All three days features carnival rides, food, bingo, kids’ activities, and live entertainment
.
Free
For more information call 618-877-3300
PRIDE, INC.
HOME & GARDEN TOUR
Alton, IL
  Sunday June 12, 2011
12 pm to 5 pm
Beautiful local homes and gardens in Alton and Godfrey are put on display for this popular event. A local historic site is usually included on this self-guided tour.
Tickets are $12, children 5 and under are free
For more information call 618-467-2375

GLEN CARBON HOMECOMING
Glen Carbon, IL
  June 17 - June 18, 2011
Friday: 5 pm - 12 pm
Saturday: 4 pm - 12 pm
Main Street, Old Town Glen Carbon
This annual event features a carnival & pony rides, black jack, dice & carnival games, live entertainment, karaoke & guitar hero, a wine bar & beer garden, variety of foods, a parade, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday.
Free
For more information call 618-288-1200

NATIVE PLANT
SALE & EXPO
Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, June 18, 2011
9 am - 12 pm
Talahi Lodge at the Olin Nature Preserve
This annual events features exhibits by local nurseries, landscapers, and clubs. Wildflower walks through the Kemp and Kora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary and woodland areas will be scheduled. How-to sessions include growing, planting, and designing a wildflower garden.
Free
For more information call 618-466-9930

GREAT RIVERS
TOWBOAT FESTIVAL

Grafton, IL
  June 18 - June 19, 2011
Grafton Riverfront
11 am - 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
SPLASH CITY’S
BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Collinsville, IL
  Friday, June 24, 2011
10 Gateway Drive
7 pm - 10 pm
Enjoy the Splash City Family Waterpark while watching some of the area’s top teen talent battle for a cash prize and a chance to play at the state-wide competition in Springfield, IL.
Everyone gets in for just $5.
For more information call 618-346-4571
  or visit www.splashcity.org

ARCHEOLOGY DAY
Kampsville, IL
  Saturday, June 25, 2011
10 am - 4 pm
Center for American Archeology, Route 100
Activities include tours of a 2000 year old excavation site, artifact identification, flintknapping demonstration, Kids’ Activity Area, special exhibits at the Visitors’ Center & Museum and much more. This event is in part supported by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council, the Illinois General Assembly, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Free
For more information call 618-653-4316
STATE STREET
MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jerseyville, IL
  Saturday, June 25, 2011
Parade at 11:30 am; Music begins at 1:30 pm; Car Show begins at 4 pm
Downtown Jerseyville
This annual street festival in downtown Jerseyville features bands from different music genres, food, and beverages. For the kids there are interactive activities and prizes.
Admission is $2
For more information call 618-639-5222
ALTON BLOCK PARTY
Alton, IL
  Saturday, June 25 2011
4 pm - 10:30 pm
Third Street between Piasa and State
Alton holds a downtown block party on the last Saturday of every month from May through September. This event features a wide variety of food and drink at reasonable prices. Kids activities begin at 4 and adult activities begin when the sun goes down and the bands begin playing at 6:30.
Free
For more information call 618-465-6676
ALL WHEELS
DRIVE CAR SHOW
Alton, IL
  Sunday, June 26, 2011
10 am - 4 pm
Broadway, Historic Downtown Alton
This annual show and festival features classic cars, trucks and motorcycles from the 50's and 60's that will be displayed on. Awards will be given in each class. Come out for the cars and stay for the music, 50-50 drawing, vendor displays, merchant sidewalk sale and food.
Free to the Public, registration fee to show a car or motorcycle. 
For more information call 618-463-1016

BETHALTO FIREWORKS
Bethalto, IL
  Sunday, June 26, 2011
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

FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS
Granite City, IL
  June 30 - July 4, 2011
Wilson Park, 2900 Benton Street
The Granite City Park District's celebration includes carnival rides, concerts, carriage rides, food, and entertainment. Fireworks at 9:15 pm on the 4th at the Coolidge Middle School Grounds, 3231 Nameoki Road.
Free
F
or more information call 618-877-3059
   

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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