September 2013 Events - Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Region













 
   
    Visitors Guide for Events
September 2013

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.
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GUIDED PRAIRIE WALKS
Alton, IL
  April through October, 2013
Second and fourth Thursdays
North Side of Gordon Moore Park, 4550 College Avenue
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

WATER SKI SHOW
Godfrey, IL
  May 30 - September 5, 2013
Every Thursday evening at 7 pm weather permitting
Great River Road (IL-3) and Clifton Terrace Road on the River
Come down to the Alton Water Ski and Wakeboard Club’s ski site on the Mississippi River and join in the fun. The Ski Club provides an hour-themed show every Thursday at the site. Various water ski acts include jumps, swivel acts, girls ballet, barefooting and wakeboarding. Bring your lawn chair and find your spot on our beach.

Free
F
or more information visit www.altonski.com
 
JERSEYVILLE FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Jerseyville, IL
  June 25 - September 24, 2013
Tuesdays: 4 pm - 7 pm
Jerseyville Public Library Parking Lot, 105 N. Liberty Street

The market offers locally grown produce & artisan items including blackberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, peaches, handmade soaps, jewelry, pottery, baskets, recycled crafts, and much more!
Free
For more information call 618-498-6402

Godfrey, IL
  August 30 - October 27, 2013
Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane
Fridays: 6 pm - 10 pm
Saturdays: 10 am - 10 pm
Sundays: 1 pm to dusk
Seven acre outdoor maze using tall corn as walls. Special events will be held during the open months (September and October)
Admission Fee. Group rates and rentals available
For more information, or for group reservations, call 618-466-1483

JERSEY COUNTY
VICTORIAN FESTIVAL

Jerseyville, IL
  August 31 - September 2, 2013
7 am - 5 pm daily
Located 1.5 miles north of Jerseyville on Route 67 at the 60 acre Hazel Dell farm
Large Civil War reenactment, sutlers, arts, crafts, antiques, large variety of festival food, steam engines, draft horses, tractors, threshing, saw milling, and plowing. The festival is centered around the 1866 Fulkerson Mansion, which is open for tours.
Adults-$10, Children under 13 free. Free parking.
For more information call 618-498-5590

CALHOUN COUNTY FAIR
Hardin, IL
  September 5 - September 8, 2013
Calhoun County Fair Grounds
Special events, variety of foods, parade, 4H, livestock, and agricultural exhibits.
For more information call 618-576-2312

LEWIS AND CLARK
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Hartford, IL
  Saturday, September 7, 2013
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

ATLATL COMPETITION
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Saturday, September 14, 2013
10 am - 4 pm
Collinsville Road
The atlatl is the weapon that transformed early humans from scavengers to big-game hunters such as the mammoth and the mastodon and predates the bow and arrow by thousands of years. The Missouri Atlatl Association, a group of primitive weapon enthusiasts will hold its annual competition and demonstration of this ancient spear throwing device.
Free
For more information call 618-346-5160

GIRLS ON GRAPES
BOYS ON BREW

Grafton, IL
  Saturday, September 14, 2013
1 pm - 5 pm
The Loading Dock, 401 E. Front Street
Enjoy a sampling of delicious wine, beer, and food from Grafton area restaurants and local wineries. The event will be held in the Historic Boatworks at the Loading Dock in Grafton. Proceeds benefit Alton Memorial Hospital's White Cross Auxiliary. Dress is casual.
Tickets required; must be 21.
For more information call 618-463-7872

WINE CLUB GET-TOGETHER
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, September 14, 2013
2 pm - 5 pm
Join us in the Mary Michelle Winery Tasting Room the second Saturday of each month and enjoy appetizers and wine tasting! Featuring Opera Prima Sweet White! Free for Wine Club Members. Not a Wine Club Member? No worries! It is easy to join and includes all kinds of benefits like discounts on lodging, dining and, of course, wine! $20 for a lifetime membership which includes a free commemorative Pere Marquette Lodge Wine Glass!
For more information call 618-786-2331 ext 338

ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL

Grafton, IL
  September 14 - September 15, 2013
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
Grove Park, Downtown Grafton
Beautiful art will be on display at the 7th Annual Grafton Art in the Park. Enjoy live music, food vendors, art activities, demonstrations and artists presenting their handmade art, fine art, paintings, photography, glass, jewelry and much more.
Free
For more information call 618-786-2823 or 618-786-7000
APPLE A DAY BICYCLE RIDE
Marine, IL
  Sunday, September 15, 2013
Registration: 7:30 am - 9 am
Mills Apple Farm, 11477 Pocahontas Road
Apples are in abundance on this pleasant pedal through the rural Madison County countryside on short, medium, and long routes on Flat to gently rolling terrain with no big hills. Upon returning, riders can pick apples and enjoy fresh baked fruit pies, barbeque and drinks for purchase.
Fees: On-line - $8 member, $13 non-member, $3 child. Day of ride - $10 member, $15 non-member, $3 child
For more information visit www.trailnet.org

ITALIAN FEST
Collinsville, IL
  September 20 - September 21, 2013
Main Street, downtown Collinsville
11 am - 10 pm
This annual festival, which began in 1984, features the Paisan Pedal Push, 5K Run-Walk, continuous entertainment on three stages, Fest Olympics, Italian Cooking Contest, Bocce Ball, Grape Stomp, Wine Garden, Craft Fair, Wine Making Contest, a Children’s area and But, the real calling card for the Italian Fest continues to be the authentic Italian fare.
Free
For more information visit www.italianfest.net

MILES FOR MESO

Alton, IL
  Saturday, September 21, 2013
7 am - 10 am
Simmons Law Firm, 1 Court Street
This annual event is  5K Race & 2K Fun Run/Walk that winds through the historic, brick streets of downtown Alton. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top elite runners and the top three finishers in the age group race. Age group medals will also be awarded.
Registration Fee. 100 percent of registration fees benefit research for mesothelioma, one of the most aggressive types of cancer.
For more information visit visit the event website

FALL EQUINOX
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, September 22, 2013
Arrive by 6:20 am
Collinsville Road
Observe the fall equinox 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
NATURE/CULTURE HIKE
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Saturday, September 28, 2013
9:30 am - 1 pm
Collinsville Road
Take a three mile hike with an archaeologist and a naturalist through various habitats. Learn about the cultural and natural resources, excavation results, and native uses of plants of Cahokia Mounds.
Canceled in case of rain.
Free
For more information call 618-346-5160

FALL CORN FESTIVAL
Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, September 28, 2013
11 am - 6 pm
Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane
This annual fall corn festival includes music, petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, games, arts & crafts, face painting, games, vendors , a Corn Eating Contest, and the Great Godfrey Corn Maze.
Free to festival, some activities require a fee
For more information call 618-466-1483
GRAFTON RIVERSIDE
FLEA MARKET

Grafton, IL
  September 28 - September 29, 2013
Grafton Boatworks, Water Street
9 am - 5 pm
Grafton is host to one of the area's largest flea markets in the voluminous Boatworks building alongside the Loading Dock. You won't want to miss this fabulous flea market on the river! 70+ dealers with all types of goods, antiques glassware, tools, candles, furniture and good old-fashioned junk!
Free
For more information call 618-786-8210

APPLE FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Sunday, September 29, 2013
11 am - 3 pm

Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Set right in the heart of Illinois apple country, Pere Marquette Lodge is excited to celebrate a delicious staple in every American diet…apples. Whether they are green, red or a mixture of the two, apples will be the star of the day and Pere Marquette Lodge has plenty to celebrate. Apple Festival goers will enjoy live music as they peruse specialty vendors who sell everything from warm apple pie to the areas best apple cider and even apple crafts and jewelry. Try your luck at the Apple Pie Walk at 2pm and you could take home an Apple Pie of your very own. Proceeds will be donated to the Friends of Pere Marquette State Park Foundation.

Free

For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
ARTIFACT
IDENTIFICATION DAY

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, September 29, 2013
Noon - 4 pm
Collinsville Road
Archaeologists will identify artifacts brought in by the public, as to culture, time period, material and function. No monetary appraisals will be given.
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.

ART EXHIBIT
Alton, IL
  August 24 - September 29 , 2012
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm
Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway
A Group Show: Rural Minds Inspiring Design features the works of artists Christopher Brennan, Ben Cohan, and David Linneweh. The exhibit’s influence of rural living is interpreted very uniquely through the eyes of each of these artists.
Free
For more information call 618-462-5222
COMMUNITY DANCE
Elsah, IL
  Saturday, September 8, 2012
7 pm - 10 pm
Farley's Music Hall, 37 Mill Street
The Historic Elsah Foundation is sponsoring an evening of Contra dancing, where couples dance in two facing lines. Live music will be provided by Wayne Schell and friends. All dances will be taught - no experience or partner necessary.
$6 a person or $15 a family
For more information, call 618-618-447-1127
HARVEST FEST
Jerseyville, IL
  September 14 - September 16, 2012
Friday hours are 5 pm - 11 pm
Saturday hours are 11 am - 11 pm
Sunday hours are 10:30 am - 10 pm
St. Francis Xavier Holy Ghost School
This family Fall Festival features games for kids and adults with entertainment for the whole family. There are numerous food stands, including fried fish, grilled pork chops and roasted sweet corn. The Harvest Fest also features a full country store with crafts, baked goods and much more and a huge basket raffle and grand prize drawing. There will be live entertainment throughout the weekend.
Free
For more information call 618-498-4823
 

ST. AMBROSE APPLEFEST

Godfrey, IL
  September 14 - September 16, 2012
St. Ambrose Church, 820 Homer Adams Pkwy.
St. Ambrose Church in Godfrey is holding its annual Applefest. The event will feature music, a 100-plus Basket Raffle, $5,000 Money Raffle, St. Ambrose Got Talent Show, inflatables, games, paintball, fair food, spaghetti dinner, and more!
Free
For more information call 618-466-2921
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, September 15, 2012
8:30 am
Meet at the Visitors Center
Learn about the park's natural history and experience the beauty of nature by hiking along one of the many hiking trails. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars for this adventure that will last about 2 hours.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1
  Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park

MISSISSIPPI EARTHTONES FESTIVAL

Alton, IL
  Saturday, September 15, 2012
12 pm - 10 pm
Riverfront Park
Join the celebration of Illinois Watersheds through Education, Recreation, and Conservation. This sustainable festival offers live music, food and beverages, children’s activities, Arts and Crafts, an Eco-Village, and more!
Free
For more information call 618-462-6802
  or visit visit the event website

PONY RIDES
Edwardsville, IL
  September 23 – October 14, 2012
Noon - 4 pm
Liberty Prairie Farm, 7026 State Route 140
Liberty Prairie Farm is providing pony rides on Sunday afternoons. Come prepared to ride with closed-toed shoes. Helmets are provided. Food, beverages and t-shirts are also available for purchase.  Visitors can also see the other animals who call Liberty Prairie Farms home, including cats, chickens and cattle. All proceeds go to Happy Hooves Equine Rescue which gives local abandoned and abused horses a second chance.
$5 minimum donation
For more information call 618-670-1581
BECOMING AN
OUTDOORS WOMAN

Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  September 28 - September 30, 2012
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites women to attend a weekend of adventurous outdoor activities.  You can try charting a course, calling a bird, shooting a bow, firing a shot, tying a fly, catching a fish, building a campfire and more.  Attendees enjoy the natural beauty of Illinois, companionship, exercise and skill building.  Program instructors provide a supportive, safe, nonthreatening and noncompetitive learning environment.  The program is open to all women age 18 or older.
A fee of $160 per person includes instruction, program materials, use of demonstration equipment, seven meals and lodging. Pre-registration required.
For more information
contact Mitch Ingold at mitch.ingold@illinois.gov
  or visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/bow/index.htm

MEMORY WALK

Edwardsville, IL
  Saturday, September 29, 2012
Registration 8 am, Walk 9 am
SIUE Campus

Memory Walk is the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature event to help those battling Alzheimer’s disease. Memory Walk proceeds support programs, services and research.
For more information call 1-800-272-3900
 

ANNUAL FLY-IN
Bethalto, IL
  September 29 - September 30, 2012
Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 3 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
FRONTIER DAYS
Hamburg, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
Cancelled for 2012, September, 2013

10 am - 4 pm
Village Park

Attractions at this annual festival include Craft & Flea Market tables, Cake Walk, 50/50 Raffle, plus a Prize Raffle with lots of prizes! For food and refreshments enjoy the fish fry & fried chicken as well as pies, cakes, and cookies. Live music will be on hand for entertainment, so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the fun in this quaint village on the banks of the Mississippi River!
Free
For more details or if you would like to make a donation for our raffles, please contact Koni Proctor at 618-232-0054
   

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.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Lewis and Clark
State Historic Site
McCully
Heritage Project
Mississippi
River Ferries
Sam Vadalabene
Bike Trail