June 2009
Calendar of Events
in the
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area


ART EXHIBIT

Alton
, IL
  May 15 - July 5, 2009
Tues. - Sat hours are 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday hours: 12 pm  - 4 pm
Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway
The 3rd bi-annual ceramics invitational show is being held at the Jacoby Arts Center. This exhibit, curated by Susan Bostwick, Charity Davis-Woodard, and Melody Ellis, continues to showcase outstanding clay artists who live and work in our region. This year, twenty-four artists present work that ranges from functional to figurative. It is an exciting show accompanied by workshops and classes in clay.
Free
For more information call 618-462-5222

AINAD SHRINE CIRCUS
Jerseyville, IL
  Tuesday, June 2, 2009
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
FREE CONCERTS
Edwardsville, IL
  June 4 - August 20, 2009
Every Thursday at 8 pm
As part of the Arts in the Park program the city of Edwardsville and the Madison County Arts Council sponsor concerts at the bandstand in Edwardsville City Park by the Edwardsville Municipal Band.
Free
For more information call 618-692-7538

TOUR DE CURE
BIKE RIDE
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, June 6, 2009
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
GEOCACHING WORKSHOPS
West Alton, MO
  June 6 - August 29, 2009
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

TWO RIVERS
FAMILY FISHING FAIR

Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, June 6, 2009
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

INTERNATIONAL
HORSERADISH FESTIVAL

Collinsville, IL
  June 6 - June 7, 2009
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
OUTDOOR LIVING
& BBQ EXPO

Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  June 6 - June 7, 2009
1 am - 7 pm

Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
If you want to have fun and love BBQ, you'll enjoy this weekend destination of quality summer entertainment with the whole family. Enjoy outdoor product exhibits, live cooking demos, gourmet food, wine tasting, educational "how to" seminars from area chefs, various spices, rubs, cookware, live music and so much more
.
Free

For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
FREE
FISHING CLINICS

Alton, IL
  Weekdays, June 8 – August 7, 2009
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
SCHWEITZERFEST
Highland, IL
  June 12 - June 14, 2009
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 618-910-1981
ST. ELIZABETH
PARISH PICNIC

Granite City, IL
  June 12 - June 14, 2009
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

NATIVE PLANT
SALE & EXPO
Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, June 13, 2009
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
POPS & JAZZ
FUND RAISER

Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, June 13, 2009
7 pm
Lewis & Clark Community College, The Commons
5800 Godfrey Road (US-67)
Don't miss this evening of entertainment from the Alton Symphony Orchestra that will again include renowned guest artists, a silent auction and other special events. An evening promising fun and entertainment for all.
Tickets: $20 for adults, $5 for 18 and under
For more information call 618-467-2326 or visit www.altonsymphony.org
CELEBRATION OF
BROADWAY

Alton, IL
  June 13 - June 14, 2009
10 am - 4 pm
The merchants on Broadway in Downtown Alton are inviting you to come and celebrate their years in business with special sales and promotions all weekend long. Sidewalk sales and activities for the kids will line the streets.
Free
For more information call 618-463-1016
FREE CONCERTS
Edwardsville, IL
  June 13 - July 31, 2009
Every Friday at 8 pm
As part of the Arts in the Park program the city of Edwardsville and the Madison County Arts Council sponsors concerts at the bandstand in Edwardsville City Park featuring a different band every weekend.
Free
For more information call 618-692-7538
ALL WHEELS
DRIVE CAR SHOW
Alton, IL
  Sunday June 14, 2009
8 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
PRIDE, INC.
HOME & GARDEN TOUR
Alton, IL
  Sunday June 14, 2009
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

GUIDED PRAIRIE WALKS
Alton, IL
  Wednesdays, June 17 - August 26, 2009
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
ILL ROCKFEST 2008
Otterville, IL
  June 18 - June 20, 2009
June 18 & June 19: 7 pm
June 20: Noon
Free family day and rock concert featuring inflatables, games, food vendors, and Christian music. Musical acts include Bobby Davis, Red Jordan, Irony Rains, The Woods, and Sozo Rox.
Free 
For more information call 618-498-2204
STATE STREET
MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jerseyville, IL
  June 19 - June 20, 2009
Friday: 5 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 1 pm - 11 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.
Free
For more information call 618-639-5222

GLEN CARBON HOMECOMING
Glen Carbon, IL
  June 19 - June 20, 2009
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
SUMMER SOLSTICE
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, June 21, 2009
Arrive by 5:20 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 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160
BENEFIT EVENT
Alton, IL
  Thursday, June 25, 2009
Argosy Casino, downtown Alton
UCP Easter Seals Heartland is hosting the 1st Annual Deal or No Deal event that is played just like the television game show with contestants having the opportunity to win up to $500. All proceeds benefit UCP Easter Seals programs and services for people with disabilities in our community.
Tickets are $25 and include an appetizer buffet.
For more information call 636-779-2269
  or visit www.UCPEasterSealsHeartland.org

ARCHEOLOGY DAY
Kampsville, IL
  Saturday, June 27, 2009
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
ALTON BLOCK PARTY
Alton, IL
  Saturday, June 27, 2009
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

GREAT RIVERS
TOWBOAT FESTIVAL

Grafton, IL
  June 27 - June 28, 2009
Grafton Riverfront
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 12 pm - 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 618-786-7000
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC
BOAT FESTIVAL

Alton, IL
  June 27 - June 28, 2009
Alton Marina, #1 Henry Street
Saturday 11 am - 5 pm
Sunday 11 am - 3 pm
Stroll around the grounds of the Alton Marina on Riverfront Park in Alton to see about 50 antique and classic boats dockside at the marina or along the bay at this annual event. Spend some time stepping on board some of the classics or getting an up close look at their beauty. Enjoy the views of the Clark Bridge, Riverfront Park, and indulge in free hot dogs and hamburgers.
Free
For more information or call 636-441-3559
  or visit www.missvalleyacbs.com

BETHALTO FIREWORKS
Bethalto, IL
  Sunday, June 28, 2009
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

FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS
Granite City, IL
  June 30 - July 5, 2009
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
     
Probable Events
Dates, times, and other details will change and will be listed as soon as we get updated information.

KIDS OF DISCOVERY
Hartford, IL
  Saturday June 7, 2008
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
     
   

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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