Southern Illinois Events Arts and Crafts and More 2009 and 2008

JANUARY 2009

**12th Night Ball
French Colonial costume ball at American Legion Hall.
Coronation of the 12th Night king and queen. Admission to the dance $10.00 per person.
When: Jan. 5.
Where: Prairie du Rocher.
Phone: (618) 284-7180 or 288-6474.


FEBRUARY

**Midwestern Herb and Garden Show
More than 50 vendors with herbs, herbal products and garden items. Guest speakers. Demonstrations. Educational classes. Classes and admission free.
When: Feb. 13-15.
Where: Times Square Mall, Mount Vernon.
Phone: (618) 242-3151.
www.mtvernon.com

MARCH

**St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Parade, 5K run/walk, Irish stew cook off. Arts & crafts fair, kids' fair. Call for times.
When: March 14, 2009.
Where: Walnut Street, Murphysboro.
Phone: (618) 684-6421 or 800-406-8774.
www.murphysboro.com APRIL
Southern Illinois Irish Festival
April 24-26, 2009
Connie Shanahan, 549-3090

MAY

**MakandaFest
Performance arts outdoor fair. Craft demonstrations, artisans, marketplace, and food. Live music performances of multiple genres such as folk, bluegrass, rock, swing, Irish and blues groups.
When: May 2-3, 2009 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Makanda Boardwalk
Phone: (618) 529-4674.

**Trail of Tears Rendezvous
Encampment portraying Illinois from colonial times to Civil War period. Period crafts. Frontier day to day living reenacted with demonstrations and skits. Children's games such as needle in a haystack. Storytelling. Food and drinks available. The 18th is Children day.
When: May 16,17, and 18. Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Trail of Tears State Forest off Illinois 127, Jonesboro.
Phone: (618) 833-3129.

**HerrinFesta Italiana 2008
A weeklong festival celebrating the Italian heritage of Herrin featuring golf and bocce tournaments, carnival, kids corner, arts & crafts gallery, Italian food and beverage garden. A grape stomp, pasta sauce and pasta eating contest, a parade, nightly entertainment and bands. Call for more info.
When: May 22-26.
Where: Herrin Civic Center and downtown Herrin.
Phone: (618) 942-8445 or 1-800-ITFESTA.
www.herinfesta.comFrench and Indian War Re-enactment

**Living history weekend with re-enactors in period dress. Free admission.
When: May TBA, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis.
Phone: 618-524-9321 or 800-949-5740.
These listing were found HERE

Area festivals offer lots of fun

2008 Below

AUGUST

Balloon Fest
19th annual hot air balloon festival features over 40 balloons, races, balloon glows on Friday and Saturday, craft fair, car show, live music, activities for kids, fireworks, food and cardboard boat races. Admission is $2 per day for adults and students, children 6 and under enter free, and $5 for a three-day non-refundable pass.
When: Aug. 15-17. Friday, 3-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Where: Foundation Park, Centralia, 161 east.
Phone: 1-888-533-2600 or 618-532-6789.
www.centraliail.com

**DuQuoin State Fair
Grand Circuit harness racing, ARCA and USAC car races, carnival midway with kiddieland, exhibits, concession stands, senior center with daily entertainment, conservation world, petting zoo, home show, daily livestock shows, Agriland Expo, top entertainers nightly. General parking fee $5. Call for show times and admission fees.
When: Aug. 22-Sept. 1. Fairground opens at 10 a.m. daily, Carnival opens at noon on weekends and 3 p.m. during the weekdays
Where: DuQuoin State Fair grounds, U.S. 51, Du Quoin.
Phone: (618) 542-1515 or 542-1535.
www.duquoinstatefair.net

**
Carbondale Chamber Art, Craft and Yard Sale
Vendors from around the area set up booths to sell a variety of merchandise. Antique alley, crafters corner, local businesses.
When: Aug. 23, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: SIUC Arena parking lot.
Phone: (618) 549-2146.
www.carbondalechamber.com

SEPTEMBER

**Labor Day Celebration
Parade at 10 a.m. from courthouse to the fort. Live music. Free admission.
When: Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Where: Fort Massac State Park and downtown Metropolis.
Phone: (618) 524-9202

**Horseshoe Lake Labor Day Celebration
Pancake breakfast at 6:30 a.m., BBQ from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Music all day, games, prizes, crafts, and bake sale.
When: Sept. 1
Where: Horseshoe Lake Community Center (Alexander County).
Phone: (618) 776-5942.

**95th Annual Carterville Free Fair
Queen contest, Little Mr. & Miss Carterville and Junior Miss Carterville contests, carnival, kiddy car races, ping-pong ball avalanche, cake walk, free music, parade on Saturday, bingo, John A. Logan Band, food and contests. Free admission
When: Sept. 5-6, evenings and all day Saturday.
Where: Cannon Park, Carterville.
www.cartervillelionsclub.org

**Popeye Picnic 29th annual. Popeye Museum, carnival rides, food court, tours, prize raffles, street dance, teen dance, Popeye films, parade, fireworks and petting zoo. Theme is Popeye and the pirates.
When: Sept. 5-7
Where: Center of town, Chester
Phone: 826-4567
www.popeyepicnic.comRend

**Lake Car Show
Features variety of classes - antique, street rods, trucks, foreign, stocks. Live music, food, and vendors.
When: Sept. 6
Where: Benton Public Square.
Phone: (618) 438-2121.

**Cedarhurst Craft Fair
32nd annual. 130 artists, children's activities, entertainment, demonstrations and unusual foods. Admission: $3, children 10 and under free. Craft fair preview begins on Sept 5th with a $20 admission fee. Charge for parking.
When: Sept. 6-7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mitchell Museum, Richview Road, Mount Vernon.
Phone: (618) 242-1236 or 800-252-5464.
www.cedarhurst.org

Murphysboro Apple Festival
Apple pie contests, carnival, road races, arts and crafts, free nightly entertainment, food, children's free fair, children's pet/hobby parade, AppLYmpics, car/truck show, marching band competition, prince & princess contest, and a queen contest. Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday. No alcohol.
When: Sept. 10-14.
Where: Downtown Murphysboro.
Phone: (618) 684-6421 or 800-406-8774 or 684-3200.
www.murphysboro.com

Area festivals offer lots of fun

**Cache River Days
Beauty pageant, arts and crafts, flea market, parade, softball tournament, yard sales, BBQ and music.
When: Sept. 12-14.
Where: Ullin Ball Park.
Phone: (800) 248-4373.

**Pope County ESDA Car Show
Hot rods, classics, police cars. Admission free.
When: Sept. 14.
Where: Main Street, Golconda.
Phone: (618) 683-5171.

**Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off
21st Year. A three day Barbecue festival with live entertainment, street dance on Friday, and raffle tickets. Saturday the judging commences with three elimination rounds at 10 am, 2 p.m., and a Grand champion announced at 6 p.m. along with six other place winners.
When: Sept. 18-20
Where: Murphysboro, corner of 17th and Pine streets.
Phone: (618) 684-8902
www.17thstreetbarbecue.comCarbondale Main Street Pig Out

**Kansas City-sanctioned barbecue cook-off. Games, live entertainment, children's activities. Washer's tournament Saturday. 5-K night run on Friday. Several new adult activities. Food and beverage vendors. Beer and wine tent. Admission $3. Children under 12 are free. Every admission has chance to win season tickets to St. Louis Blues or round trip ticket on Amtrak to Chicago to attend Blues Festival.
When: Sept. 19-20; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, Noon-11 p.m.
Where: 710 S. Illinois parking lot, Carbondale.
Phone: (618) 529-8040.
www.carbondalemainstreet.com

**Shrimp Festival (Pope County)
8th Annual. Many restaurants participating. Food vendors and many shrimp dishes. Beer tent. Horse and buggy rides, shrimp cook-off.
When: Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Golconda.
Phone: (618) 683-MAIN.

**French Colonial Crafts and Trades
A hands-on event of 18th century crafts. Learn to construct items using period tools. Free Admission.
When: Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Fort de Chartres Prairie du Rocher
Phone: (618) 284-7230
www.ftdechartres.comCreal

**Springs Wonder Water Reunion
Contests, carnival, crafts, entertainment, food, and gospel sing Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Parade, classic car show, and live entertainment with dancing.
When: Sept. 24 - 27, Evenings and all day Saturday.
Where: Creal Springs City Park and downtown.
Phone: (618) 996-2311.

**Past to Present Festival
Heritage demonstrations of crafts such as weaving, spinning, lye soap making, apple cider making, broom making, pottery making, quilting, and pie baking Carnival rides, entertainment, kids games, food booths, antiques display and flea market, petting zoo. Contests, flea market. Food stands. Parking $1 per car.
When: Sept. 27-28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Saline County Fairgrounds, Illinois 34, North, Harrisburg.
Phone: (618) 252-5255 or 252-0603.

**9th Annual Wine and Art Festival
Fifty Illinois artists will demonstrate their craft and offer work for sale during this popular outdoor festival. Taste varietals from thirteen Illinois wineries, enjoy local specialty foods and listen to local music
When: Sept. 27 Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center, Whittington, Exit 77 off I57.
Phone: (618) 629-2220.

OCTOBER
**Fall Festival
Carnival, games, contests, and parade.
When: Oct. 2-4.
Where: Vienna City Park.
Phone: (618) 658-2063.

**Fall Festival
When: October 4
Where: Benton Public Square
French and Indian War Assemblage
Living history event from 1754-1763 portraying 18th century camp life. Contests including shooting and drill competition. Vignettes. Donations accepted.
When: Oct. 4-5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher.
Phone: (618) 284-7230.

**Riverboat Days
Annual event features golf tournament, parade, Riverboat Queen contest and Ball, Little Miss contest, pet parade, church tours, quilt show, and flea market. Admission for some events.
When: Oct. 5-8.
Where: 8th St., Cairo.
Phone: (618) 734-1840.

Union County Colorfest Celebration
Home tours by P.A.S.T. from 10-4, arts and craft fair , Biathlon race, music, B-B-Q, applebutter making demonstrations, and petting, zoo. Kid fest at Anna City Park 9 - 5, Saturday. Will host the First Annual Wiener Dog Derby. The doggie fashion will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the race beginning at 2:00 p.m.
When: Oct. 10-12
Where: Throughout Union County.
Phone: (800) 248-4373.

Sesser Oktoberfest Festival
Vendors, carnival, music, car show, craft show, overload horse pull, barbecue cook off, a 50/50 drawing, flea market, and a Bicycle Poker Run on Rend Lake Bike Trail, children's activities.
When: Oct. 11, beginning at 8 a.m.
Where: Sesser City Park.
Phone: (618) 625-5566.


Pope County Fall Festival
Arts, crafts, food and more. Free admission.
When: Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Main Street, courthouse lawn, Golconda.
Phone: (618) 683-9702 or 672-4317.

Oktoberfest
Parade on Friday at 6 p.m. Craft fair starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, King and Queen Coronation on Saturday as well as live entertainment and food vendors. Lots of kids activities.
When: Oct. 12-13.
Where: Downtown and City Hall parking lot, Steeleville.
Phone: (618) 965-3134.

**American Thresherman Fall Festival
Demonstrations on making apple butter and molasses, corn shelling and husking, rail splitting, and other crafts. Operating sawmill, rides on miniature train, consignment auction of antiques. Tractor pull at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Admission $2.
When: Oct. 17-19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Perry County Fair grounds, Pinckneyville.
Phone: (618) 357-3241.

Vulture Fest
Arts and crafts, live entertainment, vulture art contest and live cultures. Bev Shofstall will have birds from Free Again.
When: Oct. 18-19 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Makanda.
Phone: 529-4674.

**Fort Massac Encampment
Annual encampment with military and civilian activities. Both days begin with the posting of colors. Highlights include mock battles and tactical demonstrations. Traders and craftspeople in authentic costumes. Children's' games, period music and food. Free admission.
When: Oct. 18-19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis.
Phone: (618) 524-9321 or 800-949-5740.


NOVEMBER
**Fort de Chartres Winter Rendezvous
Winter camp life 1750-1820 reenacted. Gathering of traders and reenactors depicting 18th Century life. Woodswalk, team shooting contest. Traders. Donations accepted.
When: Nov. 1-2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher.
Phone: (618) 284-7230.

Southeastern Illinois Heritage Festival
160 booths of crafts and art, entertainment, and food. Free admission.
When: Nov. 1-2; Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg.
Phone: (618) 252-5400 ext. 3213.
www.sic.edu


Autumn fest pre-Holiday Craft Show
More than 100 juried arts and crafts exhibitors/vendors. Demonstrations.
Free admission. Free parking. Rain or shine.
When: Nov. 8-9; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 10a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: John A. Logan College, Carterville.
Phone: (618) 985-3741 ext. 8416.

**Pope County Deer Festival
Parade Saturday 1 p.m., queen contest Friday night, vendors, and food.
When: Nov. 20-22.
Where: Courthouse Square, downtown Golconda.
Phone: (618) 683-6286.

**Holiday Lights Fair
Several lighted displays throughout the fairgrounds, musical performances, holiday tree display, visits with Santa. The exhibition hall will be open in addition to the light displays beginning on Dec. 7 on weekends only. Family vehicles $5.00. Expo Hall nights - $8.00.
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 30. Closed Christmas Day.
Where: DuQuoin Fairgrounds.
Phone: (618) 542-8338.

DECEMBER

**Holiday Home Tour
Tour begins at Extension office where you pick up a map for $5.
When: Dec. 2, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Vienna.
Phone: (618) 658-2063.

**Metropolis Christmas Parade
Christmas parade with floats, bands, and Santa.
When: Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Ninth and Market.
Phone: 800-949-5740.

**Lights Fantastic
Annual holiday parade featuring 70-75 lighted floats and marching bands. Pre-event activities begin at 4 p.m. throughout downtown. Life reindeer, town square pavilion before parade. Professional photos available with the reindeer.
When: Dec. 6, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Carbondale. Grand Avenue to Town Pavilion on Illinois Avenue.
Phone: 800-526-1500 or (618) 529-8040.

**Christmas Homes Tour
Four homes decorated for the holidays along with Elijah P. Curtis Home and Museum where tea will be served. Admission $6.
When: Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m.
Where: 405 Market St., Metropolis.
Phone: (618) 524-7203 or 800-949-5740 or 800-248-4373.

**Christmas House Tour
Tour of historic homes. Tickets available at Golconda Pope County Museum for $10, refreshments available. Christmas in the courtyard begins at 6 p.m. depart from museum for candlelight walk and caroling to courtyard. Bonfire, hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa.
When: Dec. 13, 1-6 p.m.
Where: Golconda.
Phone: (618) 683-5037.

**La Guiannee
Members of La Guiannee Society dressed in period costume sing old French songs beginning at Fort de Chartres. Singers continue performance at the Creole House, local homes and eating establishments. This group has continued this tradition every year since the town was founded in 1722. Public invited to Fort de Chartres for refreshments.
When: Dec. 31, 7:00 p.m.
Where: American Legion Hall, Fort de Chartres, and Prairie du Rocher.
Phone: (618) 284-7230.