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

		10TH ANNUAL ELSAH PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT Elsah July 25 - October 17, 2009 Friday - Sunday, 1 pm to 4 pm Village of Elsah Museum Amateur and professional photographers will be displaying photographs of the Village of Elsah and the immediate area in every season in an exhibit entitled "Colors and Contrasts of Elsah." Free Click here for additional information
Godfrey, IL		September 4 - October 31, 2009 Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane Fridays: 6 pm - 9 pm Saturdays: 11 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 Fees. Group rates and rentals available For more information, or for group reservations, call 618-466-1483   or visit www.greatgodfreymaze.com
CHALLENGE OF THE BLUFFS RUN Alton, IL		Saturday, October 3, 2008 8 am registration; run begins at 9 am;   walk begins at 9:15 am Broadway & Alby Streets This annual event features a 5-mile run up and down the hilly and scenic Streets of Alton’s historic Christian Hill district and a 2-mile competitive walk to Riverview Park and back. Participants receive a T-shirt and a goody bag provided by area vendors. Prizes and awards to various classes. Entry Fee For more information call 618-463-1016   or visit www.altonmarketplace.com
JERSEY COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL Jerseyville, IL		Saturday, October 3, 2009 9 am - 4 pm Cheney Mansion, 601 N. State Street The event features tours of the Cheney Mansion, Lone Star School, the Log Cabin, Museum, and the Flautt Addition.  There will be Entertainment by "Elvis Presley", impersonator Steve Davis and other musical groups.  There will be children's games--craft booths, demonstrations, Quilt Raffle, Basket Raffle and more.  The Society will be serving Pioneer Stew, Ham and Beans with cornbread, Chicken Strips, Fish, Fries, Hot Dogs, and deserts. Apples and other apple products will be available on the grounds. Historic tours are $5 for adults, children 10 and under are free Other activities are free For more information call 618-498-2876
FOREST FORAGING Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 3, 2009 9:30 am Meet at the Visitors Center A lecture will be given on wild edible plants followed by a hike to identify plants like persimmons that can be found in the Park. Some of the plants will be available to sample after the hike. The program lasts approximately 3 hours. Bring comfortable shoes and an appetite. Free For more information call 618-786-3323
FALL CORN FESTIVAL Godfrey, IL		Saturday, October 3, 2009 11 am - 10 pm Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane This annual fall corn festival includes cornhusk doll making, corn shucking contests, a corn cookoff, craft show, antique tractor displays, vintage food and craft vendors, the Great Godfrey Corn Maze and helicopter rides over the maze. Free to festival, some activities require a fee For more information call 618-466-1483
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 3, 2008 2 pm 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
VINTAGE VOICES Alton, IL		Every Saturday in October October 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2009 1 pm - 3 pm Alton Cemetery, 5th & Vine The public is invited to this beautiful cemetery as ten actors, standing by the graves of the residents they will portray, will greet passers-by in a living history tour being staged by the Alton YWCA in cooperation with the Alton Cemetery Board and the Alton Little Theater. The grounds are accessible to those with disabilities. Tickets: $12 for adults, $6 for children 6 through 12, Prices subject to change. Group rates available. For more information or to purchase tickets call 618-465-7774   or visit www.altonywca.com
ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL Edwardsville, IL		October 9 - October 10, 2009 Edwardsville City Park Friday: 4 pm - Midnight Saturday 11 pm - Midnight Hosted by the Edwardsville & Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce this annual festival features a large variety of family entertainment, artisan's village, great food, classic car show, and cruise night. Free, some activities charge a fee For more information call 618-656-7600
OLD SETTLERS DAYS Kampsville		October 10 - October 11, 2009 10 am - 5 pm daily Riverside Park This event on the banks of the Illinois River depicts the life and times of the early Calhoun settlers. Civil War re-enactment, carriage rides, fiddle contest, mountain-man activities, apple-butter making and other period demonstrations, food, crafts, and live entertainment. Free For more information call 618-465-2114
"FLAGS OVER THE MISSISSIPPI" Hartford, IL		October 10 - October 11, 2009 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
AALA HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR Alton, IL		Sunday, October 11, 2009 12 pm - 6 pm This annual self-guided tour features some of Alton’s most the beautiful homes, interesting buildings, and churches of Alton, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sponsored by the Alton Area Landmarks Association. Tickets: $12 For more information call 618-463-5761
GUIDED NATURE HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 17, 2009 8:30 am Meet at the Visitors Center Feeling adventurous? Try this extended hike with the staff and explore some of the Park’s most interesting trails. The focus will be on exercise and stamina as the hike takes participants past creeks, 100-year old trees, and stops at two scenic overlooks. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a snack, a camera, and binoculars for this six mile hiking adventure that will last about 3 hours. Free For more information call 618-786-3323
NATIVE AMERICAN POTTERY DEMONSTRATION Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 17, 2009 2 pm Meet at the log cabin near the Visitor Center Learn how Native Americans created pots, dishes, and ceremonial items at this pottery demonstration. After a lecture on this ancient craft, participants will will get hands on experience in making a bowl or a piece of primitive art that they can take home with them. Free For more information call 618-786-3323
AUTUMN COLORS DRIVE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Thursday, October 22, 2009 Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:30 am Meet at the Visitors Center Come join the staff on a scenic drive to view the natural beauty that is unique to Pere Marquette State Park. A lottery will be held to decide who will be able to ride with the Park Interpreter with the rest following in their own vehicles. The drive will stop at a local restaurant and will return to the Park at approximately 2 pm. Free For more information call 618-786-3323
FALL COLORS WALK Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 24, 2009 2 pm Meet at the Visitors Center Pere Marquette comes alive with color in the fall. Join the Park's staff for a walk to experience the brilliant colors and the many other wonders of nature first hand. The hikes are approximately 2 miles and last about 2 hours. Don't forget comfortable shoes and a camera. Free For 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.
ARTIST EXHIBITION Alton, IL		August 10 - October 5, 2008 Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway Jacoby Arts Center presents Brigham Dimick: Mortal Bodies, featuring the work of Edwardsville artist Brigham Dimick, Assistant Professor in Art & Design at SIUE. He is a recipient of a 2008 research fellowship at SIUE, and has recently exhibited his work at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. Dimick's work is deeply personal, often using his own likeness to explore his sense of mortality and his meditations on the calamities of others. These concepts are explored in this current exhibition through a series of waxworks, meditation drawings, and paintings that begin with a photograph of his body. Free For more information call 618-462-5222
HARVEST WINEFEST Edwardsville, IL		Thursday, October 2, 2008 6 pm - 9 pm Lewis & Clark N. O. Nelson Campus The Alliance of Edwardsville & Glen Carbon hosts its annual premier social event with over 200 wines, both domestic and foreign, are available for tasting with special pricing on all wine orders during the evening. The Harvest WineFest also features great hors d'oeuvres by local restaurants and caterers, live music, and a silent auction. Tickets required For more information call 618-656-7601
5K TRAIL RUN/WALK & KIDS FUN RUN Edwardsville, IL		Saturday, October 4, 2008 Kids un Run starts at 9 am, 5K at 9:30 am Watershed Nature Center, 1591 Tower Avenue Mark your calendar and get ready to lace up your shoes for the Watershed Nature Center 5K Trail Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run! Awardes for top finishers in each age division.  Proceeds benefit the Watershed Nature Center. Entry Fee For more information call 618-692-7578
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
FALL FESTIVAL Grafton, IL		October 4 - October 5, 2008 Saturday 11 am - 11 pm Sunday 11 - 6 pm St. Patrick’s Church on Route 100 Enjoy fall festival fun all weekend long near the riverfront in Grafton. They’ll be serving up fish, brats, delicious homemade pies, and other goodies. In addition, there will be crafts, theme baskets, thousands of pumpkins & colorful gourds, & Indian corn, a country store, basket raffle, kids' games, bingo, charitable games, washers and much more. The "Night Owls" will be performing on Saturday with Dan Sproat entertaining throughout the day Sunday. Pancakes and sausage will be served Sunday morning from 8 am to 11 am. Free For more information call 618-786-3512
OWL PROGRAMS Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Friday, October 10, 2008 Friday, October 17, 2008 Friday, October 24, 2008 Friday, October 31, 2008 8 pm Meet at the Visitors Center A variety of owls inhabit Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding area. A lecture by the Park staff will tell you what these bird sound like and the individual habits of each species. After the lecture there will be a short 1 1/2 mile hike (part of the hike is uphill) to listen for these fascinating birds. After the hike there will be a marshmallow roast. Please bring one flashlight per family. Marshmallows and drinks will be provided. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 Click here for more on Owls
ROUTE 66 BICYCLE RIDE Edwardsville, IL		Saturday, October 10, 2008 Registration: 8:30 am - 10 am Get your kicks on this pleasant ride that takes cyclists to some of the scenic parts of Route 66. The ride follows routes of various distances along flat to rolling terrain with no big hills. Return to the Route 66 Festival for food and more fun! Fees: $8 Trailnet Member, $12 Non-member, $3 Children under 13 For more information call 314-416-9930 x114
GRAFTON RENDEZVOUS Grafton, IL		October 18 - 19, 2008 10 am - 4:30 pm daily Grafton Riverfront This event celebrates the pre-1840's fur trade era with reenactors camping along the the Illinois River in teepees and period tents. Activities includes tomahawk and knife throwing competitions, black powder and archery contests, and other period demonstrations, food, crafts, and live entertainment. Free For more information call 314-251-4916
ARTEAST Madison County, IL		October 18 - October 19, 2008 11 am - 5 pm each day Various locations throughout Alton, Edwardsville, and other Madison County communities. ArtEast, the Edwardsville-Alton Studio Tour is an annual event showcasing more than 100 artists living and working in Madison County and includes studio tours, multiple exhibitions, and the chance to meet the artists themselves. Free For more information call 618-462-5222
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		October 20 - December 14, 2008 Wednesday. - Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm Interpretive Center, Collinsville Road The photographs entered for the North American Indian Photography Contest will be displayed. The contest, sponsored by the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Cahokia Mounds Museum Society, is open to both amateurs and professionals and seeks photographs that transcend simple snapshots and evoke the spirit of the North American Indian: people, character, events, objects, symbols, environment, past or present culture, and soul. Free For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160
QUILT & CHURCH TOUR Calhoun County, IL		October 24 - October 25, 2008 10 am - 4 pm Residents of Calhoun County will be displaying their beautiful quilts at three historic churches along with "A County for All Seasons" photo gallery, and a Tri-County Antique Club display. There will be quilt appraisals, quilter’s demonstrations, and quilt supplies & sales. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 day of tour For more information call 618-232-1268
ESCAPE TO THE WOODS WEEKEND Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		October 24 - October 26, 2007 The event begins Friday at 4 pm and ends Sunday at noon. The Sierra Club invites its members, prospective members, families, friends and guests to an escape weekend in the woods. The Sierra Club has reserved Camp Ouatoga for the weekend, a Depression era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project because it is remote and isolated from the rest of the park, high on the hills overlooking the stunning, scenic Illinois and Mississippi River valleys. Interested parties are invited to stay one night or two at the Camp, which features a kitchen/dining hall, staff house, cooks cabin, first aid building, and a swimming pool. Free For more information call 618-462-6802   or visit illinois.sierraclub.org/piasapalisades
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
HALLOWEEN PARADE Alton, IL		Friday, October 31, 2008 7 pm Parade begins at Washington Avenue and Broadway "Most Haunted Small Town in America" hosts its annual Halloween Parade with Alton's scariest costumes and comical characters featuring over 80 participants including floats, bands and parade flair. Free For more information call 618-462-7527

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.