Teach a man to fish ...

There will be some mighty big fish in the angling world at the Let's Go Fishing Show this weekend at the Gateway Center in Collinsville.

Bass fishing pros Paul Elias, Brent Erhler and Alton Jones lead the list of national and regional experts giving seminars at the 20th anniversary show. Topics will include fishing for bass, crappie, trout, catfish, muskie and more.

Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

As part of it's 20th anniversary celebration, the show will give away three fishing boats. The drawing is at the completion of each day.

In addition to the boat giveaways, the first 500 people entering Friday will receive a free issue of Outdoor Guide Magazine. Saturday, the first 500 entering will receive a free issue of Heartland Outdoors Magazine. On Sunday, a free fishing lure will be given to those 16 and older, entering with a paid admission, while supplies last. There will also be numerous attendance prizes and giveaways.

A wide variety of fishing tackle, rods and reels, accessories and aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats will be for sale.

Representatives will be on held to help plan fishing outings at resorts, nearby lakes and Ozark retreats and to charter fishing trips or a Canadian adventure.

All activities are included with admission. Tickets will be available at the door with regular prices $7 for adults; $3.50 for ages 6-15; children 5 and younger are free. On Friday, seniors age 60 and older will be admitted for $5. Parking is free.

Information: 618-288-9952 or www.letsgoshows.com.

Twelfth Night Ball

The La Guianne Societee will mark the end of the Christmas season with its annual Twelfth Night Ball from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the American Legion Hall in Prairie du Rocher.

Guests, dressed in their 18th century finest, will dance to period music in the candlelit ballroom.

In a tradition handed down from the town's earliest settlers, a piece of cake will be offered to all gentlemen in attendance. The cake has four beans hidden inside. The first to find a bean is king of the ball. The remaining beans defire the court and the men choose their ladies.

There will be a full-service cash bar with wines from the Lau Nae winery. Bring your own crystal wine glasses or commemorative wine glasses will be available for sale at the door.

Music will be provided by Cousin Curtis and the Cash Rebates, an old-time string band offering waltzes, schottisches, polkas, reels and square dance. A caller will give brief instructions before the dances.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Cake is served about 9 p.m. Admission is $10. The Legion Hall is at 509 Henry St.

Everyone is welcome. Costumes are not required.

Mayan artifacts

Fortunately, the world did not end last month as many thought the ancient Mayan Calendar had predicted.

Now, you'll be able to see Pre-Columbian Mayan Artifacts from the Museum Collection at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on display Friday through Feb. 8 at the Edwardsville Arts Center.

An opening reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the center inside Edwardsville High School, 6165 Center Grove Road. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Artwork from Middle School students will be featured in the student gallery.

Breakfast and a movie

The Edwardsville Parks Department is planning a Breakfast and a Movie outing for seniors 55 and older Wednesday at the Wildey Theater in Edwardsville.

Snacks and coffee will be catered by a Taste of Heaven Bakery, starting at 9 a.m. The movie is "Fried Green Tomatoes," a 1991 comedy starring Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy. It will begin at 10 a.m.

The cost is $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the arks Office, 118 Hillsboro Ave., or at the door. Reservations are preferred but not required. Information: 618-692-7638.

This is unique art

Jim and Kelly Rutherford, of Fairview Heights, will open an exhibit of repurposed wood, including furniture, decorative pieces and painting, Friday at Sole Survivor Art Gallery, 125 East Main St. in Belleville.

The couple applies their unique inspiration with a modern twist to folk art, including tables, cabinets, headboards, benches and more. A gallery favorite is Kelley Rutherford's sunflower pieces painted in reverse on historic glass windows.

The opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. The exhibit will remain through January.

There will also be a greet and meet with award-winning artist of the month, Kathy Gomric. She will demonstrate her skills and discuss her drawings.