Here come the brides

There's plenty to see -- and win -- at the Belleville News-Democrat's 2013 Bridal Show.

Consider it your first wedding gift.

The show, originally scheduled for Feb. 21, has been rescheduled for 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Four Points Sheraton, 319 Fountain Parkway in Fairview Heights. Thirty local vendors with expertise in fields ranging from photography to flowers, honeymoons to catering, dresses to dog boarding to help you plan for your big day.

Who gets in free? Practice saying "I do," brides.

Let your imaginations soar as you check out goods, services and information on music, cakes, decorations, planning, rental equipment, cosmetics, jewelry, registry services, preparing for a new home and more.

Are you feeling lucky?

Every half-hour, a bride's name will be selected from the attendance drawing box (a total of five names). At 8:30 p.m., each of those selected will get to choose one of these wedding gifts: a dream honeymoon airline tickets to Mexico for two provided by Funjet Vacations, Ambassador Travel and Cruises and the News-Democrat; $500 off a weding gown from Formals of Litchfield; bridal shoes valued at $100 from Bridal Manor in Waterloo; or other prizes.

For more information about the show, call Patti at 239-2572.

Sounds of Ireland

Celtica will perform a concert of traditional Celtic music at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Union United Methodist Church in Belleville.

The group, which plays weekly at local and St. Louis venues, has instrumentalists who play the Irish whistle, bodhran, guitar, flute, banjo, mandolin and button accordion. Dancers from the Clarkson School of Irish Dance will make a guest appearance.

A reception will follow the concert and a free-will offering will be taken.

The church is at 721 East Main St. See a photo of the band on page C6.

Calypso beat

Close your eyes and you'll think you're in the Caribbean when MU Steel brings its Calypso and Caribbean music to St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville on Friday.

The steel drum players from the University of Missouri will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the church, 115 West B St.

Originating on the island of Trinidad in 1946, the steel drum is the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m for unreserved seating. A free-will offering will be taken.

Fairy tale update

What happens to Gretel long after her original adventure with Hansel, when she is grown up with children of her own?

That's the premise the Imaginary Theater Company of St. Louis' production of "Hansel and Gretel: The Next Generation" at 10:30 a.m. Saturday on the lower level of the Fairview Heights Public Library.

A long time has passed since Gretel's encounters with the witch, gingerbread house and spooky forest and now she has a new set of problems with her own children. It becomes apparent that her past has given her the strength and self-reliance her children are lacking, so she helps them achieve it with a lot of surprises, comed and music in the process.

Admission is free, but space is limited. Registration is encouraged by calling 618-488-2070.

War of 1812

A re-enactment from the War of 1812 will be staged on the Gateway Arch Grounds on Saturday.

The free event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., marks the 200th anniversary of the formation of the St. Louis Corps of Artillerists, who helped defend the Mississippi Valley from the British. It will feature hourly 18th century musket and cannon drills and firing demonstrations.