September 2008 Calendar of Events for French Colonial Country

POPEYE'S PICNIC Chester, IL		September 5 - September 8, 2008 The annual Popeye's Picnic is always held the first weekend following Labor Day. This year's event will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Popeye starting on Friday afternoon and features plenty of food, music, dancing, sporting events and other contests, a parade is held on Saturday morning and a sizeable fireworks display is the finale on Sunday evening. The event is centered around the downtown area of Chester, but activities are held throughout the town. Free, some activities charge a fee For more information visit www.popeyepicnic.com

CANNON SCHOOL Prairie du Rocher, IL		September 6 - September 7, 2008 9 am - 5 pm Fort De Chartres 4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155 4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155 An instructional course for historical artillerymen. A certificate of safety will be issued to participants who pass the course. There will be a live firing competition. Free, Donations appreciated For more information call 618-284-7230

STE. GENEVIEVE CATHOLIC CHURCH PICNIC Ste. Genevieve, MO		Sunday, September 7, 2008 Knights of Columbus Hall 6th & Market Streets Chicken Dinner and sandwiches starting at 11 am. Attractions include a Quilt Bingo, Quilt Auction, children’s games, and the usual picnic attractions. The prizes for the wonderful raffle to be announced. Free

APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL Maeystown, IL		September 26 - September 27, 2008 Old Rock Mill, Maeystown Historic District Friday: peeling of the apples at the Mill from 8 am – 1 pm. Saturday: apple stirring at the Mill from 6 am – 3 pm. Free For more information call 618-458-6660

FRENCH COLONIAL CRAFTS & TRADES Prairie du Rocher, IL		Sunday, September 21, 2008 9 am - 5 pm Fort De Chartres 4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155 Visitors to this event will learn how to construct 18th century items using period tools. This is a hands on opportunity for the public. Free, Donations appreciated For more information call 618-284-7230

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN HOUSE Prairie du Rocher, IL		Sunday, September 21, 2008 10 am - 4 pm Creole House The Randolph County Historical Society will conduct guided tours of the Creole House, a 19th century home with French American transitional architecture that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Creole House is only a two block detour for visitors attending the Rendezvous at Fort de Chartres. Free For more information call 618-284-3319

ANNUAL TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Ellis Grove, IL		September 27 - September 28, 2008 Saturday: 11 am - 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm - 6 pm Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site 4372 Park Road A weekend featuring the sounds of Bluegrass, Cajun, Country, and Irish music. There will also be craft shows and food vendors. Sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Society. Parking is $5 per car For more information call 618-859-3031


Probable Events Dates, times, and other details will change and will be listed as soon as we get updated information.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PICNIC Columbia, IL		Monday, September 3, 2007 11 am - 10 pm 117 E. Madison Food and drink, craft booths, games, and bingo. Free For more information call 618-281-5105

JARROT MANSION OPEN HOUSE Cahokia, IL		Saturday, September 8, 2007 12 pm - 4 pm Jarrot Mansion, 124 E. 1st Street The public is invited to this rare opportunity to see the interior of the Jarrot Mansion, Illinois' oldest brick building, which has been undergoing renovation. Free For more information call 618-332-1782

TOCO FAMILY FESTIVAL Belleville, IL		Saturday, September 8, 2007 The YMCA Outdoor Center, 2437 Park Road 12 pm The TOCO Family Festival is 24 hours of camping fun and features local and regional musical acts, canoeing, fishing, swimming, an Artist Caravan, kids activities. This year proceeds from the TOCO Festival benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Advanced TOCO Tickets are a $25 donation. Children 10 and under are free For more information call 618-580-0303 or visit www.tocofestival.com

CHARITY SHOOT Millstadt, IL		Sunday, September 23, 2007 11 am Belleville Quail Club, Concordia Church Road The Millstadt & Waterloo Optimist Clubs will be holding a Meat Shoot & Sporting Clays Shoot . Events include Card Shoot, 5 Stand Sporting Clays, Wild Bird Wobble, Long bird Contest, BB Gun Shoot, and Cake Wheel - No swedge barrels. There will be free Mulligan soup and all proceeds go to youth activities. Free For more information call Kenny Valentine at 618-939-7975 or 618-939-8882

ART EXHIBIT Belleville, IL		September 13 - October 26, 2007 Tuesday - Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm Thursday: 11 am - 8 pm Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College MEMORY: This exhibit looks at the ways that works of art convey that most ephemeral aspect of our lives and identity - our memories. Each artist in the Memory exhibit has a Master of Fine Arts degree from SIUE. The work exhibited includes photographs by Peter Gifford, metal sculptures by Agnes Pal, and Rachel drawings by Hayes. Free For more information call 618-222-5278 or visit www.schmidtartcenter.com

OKTOBERFEST Belleville, IL		September 21 - September 22, 2007 11 am - 11 pm Downtown Belleville Belleville celebrates it German heritage by hosting its annual Oktoberfest which includes tapping of the "Golden Keg" on Friday, carnival rides, a Kid’s Korner, a Poker Run on Saturday, a raffle, live music in the evenings, and plenty of food, beer, and other refreshments. Free For more information call 618-398-8560 or visit www.bellevilleoktoberfest.com

MUSIC FESTIVAL Raddle, IL		Sunday, September 30, 2007 St. Ann's Church Yard A benefit Bluegrass and Folk festival with performers including The Gordons and Etherton Switch is being held to benefit a non-profit organization named "Sandra's Comfort." Meals, desserts and beverages will be available and a silent auction will also be held. For more information call 618-559-4287 or 618-521-4009