May 2008
Calendar of Events
for the
French Colonial Country
of the Central Mississippi River Valley
including Ste. Genevieve & Jefferson Counties in Missouri
& Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties in Illinois

We regularly update this calendar to provide you with up to date information on a variety of events that take place in French Colonial Country.  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.

FORT DE CHARTRES KID'S DAY Prairie du Rocher, IL		Saturday, May 3, 2008 10 am - 4 pm Fort De Chartres 4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155 A special day for kids with 18th century games, contests, storytelling, puppet shows, prizes and refreshments. Free, Donations appreciated For more information call 618-284-7230
VILLAGE-WIDE YARD SALE Millstadt, IL		Saturday, May 3, 2008 8 am - 2 pm Sponsored by the Millstadt Historical Society. Participant maps, food and beverage available at the Millstadt Community Center, 102 S. Jefferson Avenue. Free For more information call 618-476-3696
FRUEHLINGSFEST Maeystown, IL		Sunday, May 4, 2008 9 am - 4 pm Maeystown Historic District The annual Fruehlingsfest Antique and Garden Show takes place around the stone mill in the heart of this historic town. Fruehlingsfest features quality antique dealers from the Midwest and various nurseries selling annuals, perennials and herbs. A variety of food will be offered at Fruehlingsfest, and a creek-side wine garden, served by Ravissant Winery, will also be featured. Free For more information call 618-458-6660   or visit www.maeystown.com
VIETNAM VETERANS TRAVELING WALL DeSoto, MO		May 7 - May 12, 2008 Mahn Funeral Homes, 900 N. Main Street The Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities throughout the United States. Also featured is a Traveling Museum and Information Center providing a comprehensive educational component to enrich and complete visitors' experiences. Free For more information visit desotomo.com
ART ON THE SQUARE Belleville, IL		May 16 - 18, 2008 Friday: 5 pm - 9 pm Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm Downtown Belleville Ranked as one of the top 100 art shows in the nation this show offers visitors the chance to meet exhibiting artists, enjoy family entertainment, children's workshops, taste fine cuisines, and take a walk through the historic neighborhoods of Belleville. Free For more information call 618-257-0747   or visit artonthesquare.com
ANNUAL SPRING GARDEN WALK Ste. Genevieve, MO		May 17 - May 18, 2008 Saturday's hours: 10 am - 4 pm Sunday's hours: 11 pm - 3 pm Downtown Historic District Experience Ste. Genevieve on tours of its gardens. Throughout the weekend there will also be a Plant Sale by the Master Gardeners, an Herb and Plant Sale at the Bolduc House Museum, a Farmer's Market on Saturday morning, and a raffle drawing. Small Fee For more information call 1-800-373-7007
CIVIC ASSOCIATION HOMECOMING Maeystown, IL		May 23 - May 14, 2008 Friday: 5 pm - closing Saturday: 12 pm - closing Rides and games for all ages, food, beer and other refreshments. Fried Chicken Dinner on Saturday night. Parade, washer tournament, and duck race on Saturday. Both nights feature live music starting at 8:30. Free For more information call 618-458-6660
OPERATION W.A.V.E. Kimmswick, MO		May 24 - May 25, 2008 8 am - 5 pm Downtown Kimmswick Operation W.A.V.E. (We Appreciate our Veterans Event) is Kimmswick's annual salute to the nation's veterans and features WWII vehicles on display including Jeeps, Staff Vehicles and Half Tracks. The “2nd Rangers” will join-in with a Weapons and Ammunition Display, along with an encampment. Most merchants will be giving free gifts and special offers to all Veterans as their way of saying thanks. Free For more information call 636-464-6464
THE GREAT PIZZA BICYCLE RIDE Millstadt, IL		Monday, May 26, 2008 Registration: 8:30 am - 10 am Commercial Club Park 300 W. Parkview This classic Memorial Day ride features routes of various distances along quiet country roads across the Illinois prairie. After the ride return to Breadeaux Pizza for all-you-can-eat pizza and drinks for an additional charge. Fees: $8 Trailnet Member, $12 Non-member, $3 Children under 13 For more information call 314-416-9930 x114
HOMECOMING FESTIVAL Hillsboro, MO		May 30 - May 31, 2008 Friday: 6 pm - 12:30 pm Saturday: 11 am - 12:30 pm Downtown Hillsboro This festival features great music, performers, and arts and crafts. Other activities include a Kids Corner, a Miss Hillsboro contest, a Washer Tournament, Eating Contest, a Kids Demo Derby, a parade, and a carnival. Free For more information call 636-789-4920
AINAD SHRINE CIRCUS Belleville, IL		Saturday, May 31, 2008 Sunday, June 1, 2008 Saturday: 2 pm & 7:30 pm Sunday: 1 pm & 6 pm Belle Clair Fairgrounds Park, 200 S. Belt East Grab the kids and don't miss the annual Shriner's Circus that brings the Big Top to life in Belleville. $10 for adults and $8 for children For more information call 618-874-1870

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.