Ready to check out some fireworks? Metro-east calendar has you covered this weekend
Noon Thursday, June 30, is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions.
Due to the number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear the week before the event date.
Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.
Highlighted Event
▪ The Illinois Black Woodstock Festival — 2 p.m. Sunday, July 3, to 8 p.m. Monday, July 4. 8221 State St., East St. Louis. Putting a spin on the infamous Woodstock theme over 50-100 solidified Black-owned businesses. Enthusiasts travel from around the world for commerce, family fun, history making speakers, live performances and a fireworks show (8 p.m. Monday) that you do not want to miss. Free and open to the public. blkwoodstock.com
Fourth of July Events
▪ Fair St. Louis — Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4. St. Louis. Fair Saint Louis brings people together from across the country to celebrate America’s Biggest Birthday Party. The fair is three days of world-class live entertainment across Kiener Plaza and Ballpark Village, family attractions, hands-on STEM activities, delicious food, breathtaking fireworks, and a guarantee of summertime fun. Every year we build on our success and traditions, innovating to expand and connect with our community in new and relevant ways. The Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular takes place against iconic backdrop of the mighty Mississippi River and the breathtaking Gateway Arch Monday, July 4, at approximately 9:30 p.m. fairsaintlouis.org
▪ 2022 Fireworks Spectacular Dam Jam — 1 p.m. Saturday, July 2. Carlyle Lake, Carlyle. Enjoy a full day of live music ending with a Fireworks display shot off from point 1. The fireworks can be viewed by boat over beautiful Carlyle Lake or on the shore at the Dam West and Dam East Recreation Areas. Bring your coolers, lawn chairs, blankets and swim suits and enjoy the whole day. Volleyball Tournaments, Sand Castle Building Contest, Live Music, vendors, games and more. carlylelake.com
▪ Fireworks Over O’Fallon — Dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.) Sunday, July 3. O’Fallon Family Sports Park, O’Fallon. Fireworks will be launched near the west entrance of the park. Spectators are asked to park only in designated parking areas. No parking in the grass or side of roadways in the Sports Park. Restrooms near the Splash Pad and north side of the park will be open. 618-624-0139.
▪ Liberty Bell of the West Patriotic Ceremony — 1 p.m. Monday, July 4. Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial, 302 First St., Kaskaskia. The public is invited to attend the 52nd annual patriotic ceremony celebrating our nation’s independence at the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial on Kaskaskia Island in southwest Illinois. The program will feature remarks by Justice David Overstreet, member of the Illinois Supreme Court from the Fifth Judicial District. Music will be performed by the Chester Municipal Band with vocalist Steve Colonel. A rifle volley from historic interpreters Les Compagnie Franche de La Marine at de Fort de Chartres will accompany the patriotic celebration. A plate lunch, sandwiches and other refreshments will be available. Bring lawn chairs.
▪ City of Highland Fireworks Display & Special Event — 5-9 p.m. Monday, July 4. Korte Recreation Center, 1 Nagel Drive, Highland. Celebrate the Fourth with food trucks, drink vendors and live music in front of the Korte Rec Center (weather permitting) before the evening’s fireworks display.
Events
▪ Swansea Farmers Market Kids Day — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m .Thursday, June 30. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Duck pond, crafts, produce, music and food. All are welcome.
▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, July 1. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted 9 a.m to 8 p.m. on the day of the sale and on Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Masks required. 618-667-2133.
▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Event Center, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Featuring everything: local plants, fruit, coffee, produce, flowers, honey, eggs, baked goods, jellies/jams and flea market items. No vendor fees. 618-476-3037.
▪ St. Andrew’s Book Sale — 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 1, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 2. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 406 Hillsboro, Edwardsville. All books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and games at the clearance sale are priced at 50¢ each to make checkout quick and easy for this sale. Payment is by cash or check. In case of rain, the sale will take place inside Pearson Hall. 618-656-1294.
▪ Tower Grove Park Beer and Cocktail Garden — 4-8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through October. Ruins Pond, Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis. Enjoy a variety of seasonal and classic Schlafly beer, four seasonally rotating cocktails from STL Barkeep, food truck fare, live music, yoga and yard games. Free to attend. A portion of the beer and cocktail proceeds will benefit Tower Grove Park. schlafly.com
▪ St. Michael’s Church Paderborn Annual Picnic — 3 p.m. Saturday, July 2. St. Michael’s Church Paderborn, 4576 Buss Branch Road, Waterloo. All-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner 3-7 p.m. Hand-stitched quilt/cash bingo 6 p.m. Mass at 3:30 and 5 p.m. Raffle with usual picnic attractions.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 5. Memorial Hospital Belleville, Auditorium, 4500 Memorial Drive, Belleville. Must be 16 years of age or older to donate, feeling healthy and well on the day of the drive. Photo ID required. Lunch provided to all donors. Appointments welcome but not required. 800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org sponsor code: MemorialBelleville.
▪ Swords & Roses — 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 5. New Athens District Library, 201 N. Van Buren St., New Athens. Swords and Roses is a singing, sword swinging, stunt show. In “Sword Fights and Shanties,” we’ll join the Captain and First Mate as they sail off for adventure with the use of song. facebook.com/events/1228810837924432
▪ Food on the Move — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. New Shining Light HDNC, 740 Broadway Ave., Venice. Free food distribution. SNAP support and referrals provided. Masks and social distancing required and enforced. stlfoodbank.org
Games
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 6 p.m. Thursdays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Mahjong — 12:30 p.m. Fridays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Mahjong is a game usually played by four people with 144 tiles that are drawn and discarded until one player secures the winning hand. Join our group and play this popular tile game. 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or ext. 7044.
▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, July 1. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Highland Thursday Night Live Concert Series: Janet Evra — 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30. Downtown Square, Highland. Enjoy live entertainment on Thursday evenings. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair(s), blanket, cooler, etc., and enjoy the show. The Lions Club will be selling brats, pork burgers and chicken sandwiches. highlandil.gov
▪ Highland Muny Band — Approximately 8 p.m. Friday, July 1. Downtown Square, Highland. Listen to the beautiful music of the Muny Band all summer. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/HighlandMunyBand
▪ St. Paul Fine Arts Series: Millstadt Community Choir — 3 p.m. Saturday, July 2. St. Paul UCC Sanctuary, 115 W. B St., Belleville. There is no ticket charge; however, a free will offering will be received. For more information call the church office at 618-233-3303 or visit stpaulucc.org.
▪ Millstadt Community Choir Patriotic Concert — 7 p.m. Sunday, July 3. Zion Evangelical Church, 117 W. White St., Millstadt. Free and open to the public. 618-660-4255.
▪ Whitaker Music Festival 2022 Concert Series: We Are Root Mod — 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Entry at 5 p.m. The Whitaker Music Festival offers a lineup of free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the Garden grounds in summertime bloom as you listen to the tunes and rhythms of an eclectic rotation of artists from week to week. Live music will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 3. Free admission entry begins at 5 p.m. Last entry is at 8:15 p.m. Advance reservations required. mobot.org/whitaker
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 4th of July Dance — 1-4:30 p.m. Monday, July 4. Okawville Community Club, 511 S. Hanover St., Okawville. Food available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: fried chicken, fish, German potato salad, slaw, applesauce, desserts. Admission: $8 per person.
▪ Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. Free and open to all. For info or to join the Zoom meeting, contact Craig at 618-567-6095. palgroup.org
▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org
▪ Gateway East Artist Guild — 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Meetings are open to art enthusiasts with any level of skill from beginner to professional. The public is invited. This month’s program is presented by painter Terri Shay (terrishay.com). GEAG meets the first Wednesday of every month. More information at GEAG.net.
▪ Belleville Community Band — 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson St., Belleville. Currently seeking new members, particularly woodwinds, percussion and tuba. Visit the Belleville Community Band Facebook page for more info.
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7. Online via Zoom. Program: Navigating the Society’s Public Website. SCCGS’s public website has 495 web pages and PDF documents. Do your searches get the most from this website? Learn a few shortcuts and tricks from Diane Walsh, webmaster since 1999. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ PFLAG Edwardsville — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4. Rainbow House, 808 N. Main St., Edwardsville. There is no support meeting in July. If you need support before the August meeting, email plagedwardsville@outlook.com or call 618-977-5078.
Food
▪ O’Fallon Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229 or facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry with Car Show — 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, July 1. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com
▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion
▪ Boy Scout Troop 622 4th of July BBQ Fundraiser — 11 a.m. to ?? Monday, July 4. St. James Catholic Church Parish Center, 423 W. Madison St., Millstadt. Featuring pulled pork, brats, pork steaks, hamburgers and hot dogs. Serving sandwiches and places with choice of two sides.
Reservations Required
▪ The Salvation Army of St. Clair County Women’s Auxiliary ‘Dress and Angel Program’ Registration — 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 6; 1-7 p.m. Thursday, July 7; and 1-4 p.m. Friday, July 8. Belleville Corps, 20 Glory Place, Belleville. Registration is required for the Aug. 6 event, which is an opportunity for children ages 4-12 to choose an outfit, jacket and socks for the upcoming school year. Open to residents of St. Clair County. Required information at registration: parent picture for all adults in the household, birth certificate/medical card for all persons in the household and proof of residency (utility bill within the past 30 days or lease agreement). 618-235-7378.
▪ Adult Zumba with Aimee — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, July 7. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Join us for an evening workout with our very own Zumba Fitness instructor! Come in comfortable exercise clothing and bring a water bottle. Space is limited. Requires Registration. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ 2022 Patron of the Arts honoring Paul Albert — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14. The Ink House, 117 N. Second St., Edwardsville. Featuring artwork by local artists and artwork raffle. Cost: $30 per person, includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Purchase tickets by Wednesday, July 6. 618-655-0337 or edwardsvilleartscenter.com.
▪ History Camp for Kids — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, July 18, through Thursday, July 21. Center for Educational Opportunities, 201 Staunton Road, Troy. The four-day camp is geared towards Madison County students ages 9-11 and will include a field trip to a historic site in Madison County and history-based learning activities. Cost: $100 per child, includes transportation, entry fees, educational materials and snacks. Participants must bring a sack lunch each day. Limited to the first 30 participants. Register online at bit.ly/madcohistorycamp. 618-830-1647.
▪ Vacation Bible School - Cooking School — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, July 25 through Friday, July 29. Hope Lutheran Church, 3715 Wabash, Granite City. For children kindergarten through sixth grade. Call 618-876-7568 to register.
Worth the Drive
▪ Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market – 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays. KC Hall grounds, 600 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Locally produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegars, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods. facebook.com/SteGenevieveFarmersMarket
