Visitors Guide for Events June 2011
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area
Madison, Jersey & Calhoun Counties, Illinois


TWO RIVERS
FAMILY FISHING FAIR

Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, June 11, 2011
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
     
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
  Tuesdays, April 13 - October 26, 2010
6 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
FREE CONCERTS
Alton, IL
  May 27 - August 1, 2010
Every Thursday and Sunday 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
MUSIC IN THE PARK
Grafton, IL
  June 3 - August 5, 2010
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 5, 2010
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

INTERNATIONAL
HORSERADISH FESTIVAL

Collinsville, IL
  June 5 - June 6, 2010
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
GEOCACHING WORKSHOPS
West Alton, MO
  June 5 - August 28, 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

RAPTOR AWARENESS DAY
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, June 6, 2010
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
FREE
FISHING CLINICS

Alton, IL
  Weekdays, June 7 – August 6, 2010
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

AINAD SHRINE CIRCUS
Jerseyville, IL
  Tuesday, June 8, 2010
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
FAMILY NIGHT AT
SPLASH CITY

Collinsville, IL
  June 8 - August 3, 2010
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 http://www.splashcity.org
FREE CONCERTS
Edwardsville, IL
  June 10 - August 26, 2010
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
SPLASH CITY’S
BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Collinsville, IL
  Friday, June 11, 2010
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 http://www.splashcity.org
STATE STREET
MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jerseyville, IL
  June 11 - June 12, 2010
Friday: 5 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 3 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.
Admission is $1
For more information call 618-639-5222
ST. ELIZABETH
PARISH PICNIC

Granite City, IL
  June 11 - June 13, 2010
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
THEATER EVENTS
Collinsville, IL
  June 11 – June 12, 2010
June 18 – June 19, 2010

Woodland Park, IL-159 and Pine Lake Road
7:30 pm
These theater evening presentations include tales of Robin Hood, the Arabian Nights, Orpheus – A Greek Myth, and Native American Folk Tales, all told in different theatre styles by an all age cast. The evening is appropriate for all ages..
There is no charge for the show, but donations are appreciated and all funds raised will benefit the restoration of The Historic Miner's Institute.
For more information email cmize@historicminersinstitute.org
WOOD COLLECTORS
PROGRAM

Kampsville, IL
  Saturday, June 12, 2010
9 am - 4 pm
McCully Heritage Project
1 mile south of Kampsville, off Route 100
The International Wood Collectors Society will host a regional wood collectors meeting at the McCully Heritage Project. The daylong event will feature demonstrations, wood for sale, wood craft items on display and for sale, and a tree id walk around the McCully property. At 1 pm a wood auction will be held featuring domestic and exotic woods. This event is open to the public and all are invited to attend and participate.
Free
For more information call 618-653-4687
  or visit www.woodcollectors.org
WAVE LOCH FLOW
SERIES 2010

Collinsville, IL
  Saturday, June 12, 2010
10 Gateway Drive
Noon - 4 pm
Cheer on locals residents as they compete against some of the best surfers and body boarders in the country for a chance at $1,000 in prizes and a place at Nationals. Open to anyone 48 inches and taller..
Entry fees apply.
For more information call 618-346-4571
  or visit http://www.splashcity.org
OUTDOOR LIVING
& BBQ EXPO

Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, June 12, 2010
11 am - 3 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
SCHWEITZERFEST
Highland, IL
  June 12 - June 13, 2010
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
PRIDE, INC.
HOME & GARDEN TOUR
Alton, IL
  Sunday June 13, 2010
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 18 - June 19, 2010
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 and 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
FREE CONCERTS
Edwardsville, IL
  June 18 - July 30, 2010
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
MOUNDS TRAIL
INTERPRETIVE BIKE RIDE

Collinsville, IL
  Saturday, June 19, 2010
Registration begins at 9 am
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey Drive
Cahokia was the largest prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico and was a religious, political, economic and cultural center. This 15-mile group-led on-street route closely follows the route taken by this prehistoric civilization as they traveled between “mound cities” and across the Mississippi River, includes stops for historic interpretation and is recommended for experienced cyclists.

Free
For more information call 314-416-9930 x114
  or visit www.trailnet.org

NATIVE PLANT
SALE & EXPO
Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, June 19, 2010
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

HISTORIC ELSAH
GARDEN TOUR

Elsah, IL
  Saturday, June 19, 2010
11 am - 4 pm
Step back in time and take a stroll in the town where time stood still. Known for its picturesque beauty, tour the gardens in the Village of Elsah. There will be six gardens to tour
.
The cost is $12 per person. My Just Desserts will be serving lunch at the Farley Music Hall for an additional charge. Tickets will be available at My Just Desserts at 31 E. Broadway in Alton, the Alton Visitor Center at 200 Piasa St. and the Elsah Museum.

For more information call 618-465-6676

GREAT RIVERS
TOWBOAT FESTIVAL

Grafton, IL
  June 19 - June 20, 2010
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 618-786-3494
SUMMER SOLSTICE
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, June 20, 2010
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 618-346-5160

ARCHEOLOGY DAY
Kampsville, IL
  Saturday, June 26, 2010
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 26, 2010
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
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC
BOAT FESTIVAL

Alton, IL
  June 26 - June 27, 2010
Alton Marina, #1 Henry Street
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday Noon - 4 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
ALL WHEELS
DRIVE CAR SHOW
Alton, IL
  Sunday June 27, 2010
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 27, 2010
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, 2010
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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