Visitors Guide for Events October 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.

		13TH ANNUAL ELSAH PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT Elsah, IL August 18 - October 28, 2012 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 "Elsah - Like No Other." Free Click here for additional information
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		October 1 - November 17, 2012 Tuesday - Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 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 618-346-5160
"FLAGS OVER THE MISSISSIPPI" Hartford, IL		October 13 - October 14, 2012 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
Probable Events Dates, times, and other details will change and will be listed as soon as we get updated information.
Godfrey, IL		September 2 - October 29, 2011 Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane Fridays: 6 pm - 10 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
JERSEY COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL Jerseyville, IL		Saturday, October 1, 2011 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 6 and under are free Other activities are free For more information call 618-498-3514
5K TRAIL RUN/WALK & KIDS FUN RUN Edwardsville, IL		Saturday, October 1, 2011 Kids Fun 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! Awards for top finishers in each age division.  Proceeds benefit the Watershed Nature Center. Entry Fee For more information call 618-692-7578
FALL FESTIVAL Grafton, IL		October 1 - October 2, 2011 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
VINTAGE VOICES Alton, IL		Saturdays in October October 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2011 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: $10 for adults, $6 for children 6 through 12, Prices subject to change. Group rates available. For more information or to purchase tickets call 618-465-6676
APPLE FESTIVAL Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Sunday, October 2, 2011 11 am - 3 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Come out to beautiful Pere Marquette Lodge for apple fever and join us for an afternoon of fun, festivities and apples. There will be live entertainment, craft vendors, tons of family friendly fun and all the ripe, juicy apples you can eat! Don’t miss the Apple Pie Walk at 12:30pm! Free For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
OWL PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Friday, October 7, 2011 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 ext. 1   Click here for more on owls at Pere Marquette State Park
OKTOBERFEST Alton, IL		October 7 - October 9, 2011 St. Mary's Church, 536 E. Third Street Friday: 7 pm. - 11 pm Saturday 1 pm - 11 pm Sunday Noon - 10 pm Polkas, German food, live music, inflatables...it's a fall festival you won't want to miss! Live music will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday. The schedule is packed with activities on the festival grounds. Free, some activities charge a fee For more information call 618-465-4284  or visit www.stmarysoktoberfest.com
ART EXHIBIT Alton, IL		October 7 - November 6, 2011 Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway “ArtEast Small Works” The ArtEAST Small Works exhibit features small pieces by the artists that will be participating in the annual ArtEast exhibition. This allow individuals to preview the works by the artists and select the studios and exhibitions that they would like to visit during the ArtEAST exhibition on October 15 & 16. It also showcase the artwork after the ArtEAST exhibtion. Free For more information call 618-462-5222
WHITE PELICAN PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 8, 2011 9 am Meet at the Visitors Center Have you ever seen the white pelican with wingspans of up to 10 feet soaring over the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers? After a short informational program, the Park staff will lead a drive to view these magnificent birds in the wild. Dress warmly and bring binoculars. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on White Pelicans in the Middle Mississippi River Valley
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 8, 2011 1 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 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
OLD SETTLERS DAYS Kampsville, IL		October 8 - October 9, 2011 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
ART IN THE PARK Highland, IL		October 8 - October 9, 2011 Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm Lindendale Park, 2025 Park Hill Drive The Highland Arts Council hosts this Annual 'Art in the Park' event. Artists will compete for over $10,000 in prizes at one the area's premier art events. There will be plenty of tasty refreshments to enjoy while listening to a great entertainment lineup. There will also be lots of fun things for the kids to do, too. Free For more information call 618-654-3721  or visit www.highlandartscouncil.org
AALA HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR Alton, IL		Sunday, October 9, 2011 12 pm - 5 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 are $12 and will be sold the day of the tour For more information call 618-463-5761
OWL PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Friday, October 14, 2011 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 ext. 1   Click here for more on owls at Pere Marquette State Park
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 15, 2011 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 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
BOOK AND BAKE SALE Elsah, IL		Saturday, October 15, 2011 1 pm - 4 pm Village of Elsah Museum, 26 LaSalle Street This Book and Bake Sale is a fund raising event for the Village of Elsah Museum. Baked Goods will be available on Saturday. The book sale lasts until through the end of October. Free For more information call 618-374-1059
GRAFTON RENDEZVOUS Grafton, IL		October 15 - October 16, 2011 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 618-372-8672
ARTEAST Madison County, IL		October 15 - October 16, 2011 Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Sunday 11 am - 5 pm Various locations throughout Alton, Edwardsville, and other Madison County communities. ARTEAST is the annual studio and exhibit tour that showcases Madison County artists. This self-guided tour takes visitors through the neighborhoods, historic city centers, and the beautiful countryside of Madison County to see the work of over 150 local artists who participate by opening their private studios or exhibit through galleries and unique sites. Many sites are within walking distance from one another. Artists are at their site to talk about their work and provide demonstrations. Free For more information call 618-462-5222
ANNUAL LECLAIRE PARKFEST Edwardsville, IL		Sunday, October 16, 2011 Noon to 5 pm Leclaire Lake Park on Hale Avenue This festival features the sound of Dixieland Jazz by the St. Louis Levee Band Trio (Noon - 2:30) followed by old time folk music from the Lodge Brothers (2:30 - 5 pm), a wine and beer garden, festival food, crafts, pony rides, a display of vintage tractors, games & activities for children and the DAR’s annual book sale.  Narrated trolley tours of the Leclaire National Historic District run every half hour. Free For more information call 618-656-1294
LECTURE Collinsville, IL		Sunday, October 16, 2011 3 pm Leclaire Lake Park on Hale Avenue Collinsville Memorial Library, 408 W. Main Street Dr. Anna Amelung of St. Louis University will be the speaker at a special presentation about "Italy's Unification." Dr. Amelung is well-known as one of the region's best speakers on Italy and she will certainly make this history come alive! Free For more information call 618-344-7143
LECTURE Elsah, IL		Thursday, October 20, 2011 7:30 pm Farley’s Music Hall, 37 Mill Street Robert Bringhurst was a Jersey County artist was well-known and respected in the art world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was an early member of the St. Louis Artists Guild, and was a professor of Sculpture at Washington University in St. Louis. Kris Impastato, Principia College Archivist and docent at the St. Louis Mercantile Library, will describe the sculptor’s principal works in the St. Louis area and elsewhere in the country, his links to the Chautauqua community, and his connections to Frederick Oakes Sylvester, another important regional artist, widely known for his paintings of the Elsah area. Free For more information call 618-374-1565
QUILT & CHURCH TOUR Calhoun County, IL		October 21 - October 22, 2011 10 am - 4 pm Enjoy a beautiful fall day in scenic Calhoun County. Event will feature: quilt displays, quilt appraisals & raffle, quilt supplies & sales, unique crafts, quilting demonstrations, antique cars & tractors, driving tour of hand painted quilt blocks. Quilts can be viewed in Brussels (Village Hall & St. Matthew's Hall), Hardin (First Presbyterian Church & Hall), Kampsville (St. Anselm's Hall)& Belleview (St. Agnes Church). Tickets are $8 in advance; $12 at the door For more information call 618-883-2578 or 618-232-1268
OWL PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Friday, October 21, 2011 7 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 ext. 1   Click here for more on owls at Pere Marquette State Park
LEWIS & CLARK PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 22, 2011 Meet at the Visitors Center Staff dressed in period attire from Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford will discuss the importance that Illinois played in the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Learn about this rich and often overlooked history and learn about this famous expedition that began here in Illinois. This morning session includes a discussion lasting from 9 am - 10:30 am followed by activities for younger explorers from 11 am - Noon. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on Lewis and Clark in Illinois
FALL COLORS WALK Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 22, 2011 1:30 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 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
WOOD RIVER RENDEZVOUS Wood River, IL		October 22 - October 23, 2011 9 am - 5 pm both days Camp Dubois Route 143 and Route 3 Celebrate the historical period between 1700 and 1840. See demonstrators in period clothing, a black powder shoot, a "hawk" throw, fire starting with flint and steel contests, children's and women's activities, period food sales, crafts, Fife and Drum music, vendor sales of period items, contests, flag raising, a battle each day at 2 pm, and much more. Period costumes encouraged for campers, crafters, and other participants. Illustrations of Lewis & Clark's epic journey are located on the trail around the lake. Free - donations encouraged For more information call 618-971-7763
AUTUMN COLORS DRIVE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Friday, October 28, 2011 10 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 ext. 1
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, October 29, 2011 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 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
HALLOWEEN PARADE Hartford, IL		Saturday, October 29, 2011 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		Monday, October 31, 2011 7:30 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.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site	Mississippi River Ferries	Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail	Historic Elsah, Illinois