What’s Happening: Local events for July 2-8

Concerts

Bellevue Park — 7 p.m. Thursday, Bellevue Park, 401 Bellevue Park Drive, Belleville. Music by the Tommy Tunes. Free. Bring lawn chairs.

Edwardsville Municipal Band — 8 p.m. Thursday, City Park, 112 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville. Free. Patriotic and American music. Concession operated by Edwardsville Catholic Schools Band Boosters. Information: www.edwband.com.

Patriotic Concert — 7 p.m. Friday, Zion Evangelical Church, 117 W. White St., Millstadt. The choir will present the musical “Freedom,” a salute to American Liberty. Free. Patriotic selections by the full choir, the men’s chorus, the women’s chorus and the ZQ of Zion Church.

Free Summer Concert Series — 7-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Eckert’s Country Store, 951 S. Greenmount Road, Belleville. Music by Jeremiah Johnson Band (Mississippi River blues) on Friday; Zydeco Crawdaddys (Zydeco) on Saturday. Kids’ activities, food, custard, soft drinks, wine, beer available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or blanket.

Southern Gospel Concert — 7 p.m. Saturday, Bethalto Church of God, 800 E. Bethalto Drive, Bethalto. Featuring Sould Out Quartet. Offering will be taken. Information: Tom and Sheron, 618-616-281, southerngospel4u@aol.com.

Back Porch Concert — 4-8 p.m. Saturday, 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Sit “N” Bull Saloon, 31 S. Mill St., New Memphis. Music by Stan Denton & The Wanted on Saturday and Billy Barnett on Sunday. Free.

Maryville Concert — 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Bobby’s Frozen Custard, 2525 N. Center St. in Maryville. Music by Naked Rock Fight featuring Dawn Weber (hot jazz). Free. No alcohol or outside refreshments allowed.

At the Square — 7 p.m. Monday, 10 Public Square, Belleville. Music by A Step Beyond. Bring lawn chairs. Free. Sponsored by Belleville Parks and Recreation.

Bluegrass in Fosterburg — 7 p.m. Monday, Fosterburg Community Park. Free. Music by George Portz & His Friends of Bluegrass. Special Guest Brenda Cook. Sponsored by Fosterburg Park District.

Benld Park — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Pavilion, Benld City Park, Benld. Music by Scrap Iron & Gold. Free. Park opens at 6 p.m. Free parking. Bring lawn chairs. Foods sold: hot dogs, big smokies, Italian beef, soda, water, strawberry shortcake with ice cream.

Alton Concert Series — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Alton High School Performing Arts Center, 4200 Humbert Road, Alton. Music by Gary Dammer and His Big Band. Free. Sponsored by the North Alton Godfrey Business Council.

Dances

M.U.S.I.C. Dance Club — 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Collinsville VFW, 1234 Vandalia, Collinsville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Music by Mr. T & the Houseshakers Band. Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at door.www.facebook.com/MUSICSwingDance.

Fourth of July Dance — 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Okawville Community Club, Exhibition Hall, Okawville Community Park, Okawville. Admission: $5 per person, $10 per couple. Community Club will sell chicken, fish, side dishes, soda, tea, coffee, beer. Serving begins at 1 p.m. Okawville Immanuel Lutheran Church Alumni and Friends Association members will sell homemade pies, cake, ice cream.

Events

Motorcycle Bike Night — 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Fairview Memorial VFW Post 8677, 5325 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights. Barbecue plates for sale.

Steeleville Fourth of July — Thursday-Saturday, Steelville. Carnival rides, food, live music and beer stands. Craft stands before and after the parade at 10 a.m. Saturday. 3K Firecracker race at 9 a.m. Saturday. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday.

Patriots in the Park —Thursday-Sunday, Wilson Park, Granite City. Auto show, Patriot Idol contest, parachute demonstrations, carnival rides and games, food, live entertainment and rides. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday on Coolidge Middle School grounds. Patriots in the Park 5K run, 8 a.m. Friday. Softball tournament Friday through Sunday.

Albers Blast Off Parade and Fireworks — Friday, Albers. Parade will start at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion. Bryan “Pops” Kennedy, longtime schoolteacher and coach at Albers Elementary School, is the grand marshal. Fireworks at dusk.

Caseyville Independence Day Picnic — 5 p.m. Friday, Caseyville Park, Caseyville. VFW Color Guard will post colors. Music, inflatables for kids and adults, Kiddie Train, kids games, food. VFW will display military artifacts and vehicles and kids can have their picture taken in military attire. Firecracker Car Cruise (registration 3-5 p.m.; entry fee is a can of food or pet food). Corn-on-the-cob eating contest, 7:15 p.m.; first watch fire and police departments battle it out, then it’s open to adults and kids. Washers tournament at 3 p.m. Music by Sweetwater, 5-8 p.m.; followed by Larry Raymer. Fireworks, 9:30 p.m.; bring lawn chairs or blankets.

PB&J Festival — 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Highland downtown square. Free popcorn and peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Vendors will sell food and crafts. Entertainment by Scott AFB Roots in Blue.

Dupo Picnic— noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Dupo Park. Food, games, booths, rides (free from 1-5 p.m.), washer tournament, 4 p.m. Music by Rat Rod King, 1:30-5:30; Kingdom of Solis, 7-11 p.m. Large fireworks display at dusk.

Old Fashioned July Fourth Celebration — 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Scheve Park, Mascoutah. Food and craft booths, softball and kickball tournaments, rides, kids games, raffle, poker, artisans. Music by The Davis Brothers Band, 4-6 p.m.; opening ceremonies, presenting of colors, “Star Spangled Banner” by Roots in Blue, 6:30 p.m.; U.S. Air Force Band of MidAmerica Roots in Blue, 7-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9:30 p.m.

Liberty Bell of the West Patriotic Celebration — 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Fort Kaskaskia, overlooking the flooding Mississippi River near the confluence of the Kaskaskia River. Flooding has moved the celebration from the usual site at the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial on Kaskaskia Island. Illinois’ original capital city celebrates two important events pm July 4: Independence Day and the day Kaskaskia was captured from British forces during the American Revolution. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier will speak on “The Bell Still Sounds.” John Dodge will give a glimpse of life in the early years of our country. Patriotic music by the Chester Municipal Band. Rifle volley from historic interpreters, Les Companie Franche de La Marine, de Fort de Chartres. Sandwiches and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs.

Columbia Fourth of July Celebration — 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, American Legion Hall, 375 E. Locust, Columbia. Free. Fish stand and drink stands open, 11 a.m.; bingo inside the hall, noon; washers tournament, 1:30 p.m.; all concession stands open, 4 p.m.; Kloepper card tournament, 4:30 p.m.; music and entertainment for all ages, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Parade of decorated bikes and creative patriotic costumes down historic Main Street. Fireworks at dusk.

St. Michael’s Paderborn Picnic — Saturday, 4576 Buss Branch Road, Waterloo. Sponsored by St. Michael’s Church, Paderborn. All-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner, 3-7 p.m.; hand-stitched quilt/cash bingo, 6 p.m.; Masses, 3:30 and 5 p.m. Raffle. Paderborn is 3 miles off Illinois 159, 4 miles south of Smithton.

Alhambra Fourth of July — Saturday, Alhambra. Food. Fireworks at dusk.

Troy Fireworks — dusk Saturday, Tri-Township Park, Troy.

5K & 10K Group Walk — Register 8:45 a.m. Saturday, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, 211 S. 3rd St., Belleville. Walk begins at 9 a.m. Sponsored by Illinois Trekkers Volkssport Club. $3 fee for all participants. Pets welcome, must be leashed and owner responsible for cleanup. Information: Trudy, 618-670-6920, trudyduffman@yaloo.com, www.illinois-trekkers.org.

5K Triple Header — Participate in all three events and win the Triple Header Menu. 5Ks include Macoutah Meldown 5K Fun Run/Walk to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, July 4; Beacon Pathway to Hope 5K Run/Walk at Belleville West High School; Hecker Tiki Trop, Aug. 15. For details, visit www.beacon5K.com

Corvette & Mustang Nights — 4 p.m. Monday Dandy Inn, 1030 Lincoln Highway, Fairview Heights.

Car Cruise — 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dandy Inn, 1030 Lincoln Highway, Fairview Heights. First 100 cars will receive a free commemorative plaque.

Washington County Fair — Tuesday-Saturday, Washington County Fair, fairgrounds, Nashville. Carnival rides, daily events, livestock, 4-H displays and exhibits, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, entertainment, food.

Exhibits

Elsah Photography Exhibit — 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 2, Elsah Village Hall, 26 LaSalle, Elsah. Theme: “Elsah — A Hidden Surprise.” Viewing at other times is by appointment.

Art Exhibition — through July 30, William & Florence Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Brian D. Smith: “Passage and Occurrence,” paintings that process memory through the metaphorical arrangement of color, texture and shape. Leandra Spangler: “Voyage,” paper sculpural forms inspired by nature. Adam West: “Fauxtographs,” photographs of fabricated scenes that create a playful conversation about reality and imagination.

Food

Barbecue — 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Turkey Hill Grange Hall, corner of Green Mount Road and Illinois 15 (near Eckert’s), Belleville. Pork steak, brats, potato salad, baked beans, slaw, chunky applesauce, 4-bean salad, brownies, cobbler, pie, cake, canned drinks. Carryouts available.

Aviston Fish & Chicken Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton St., Aviston. Eat in or carry out. 618-228-7311.

Caseyville Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Friday, Caseyville VFW Post 1117, 415 N. Long, Caseyville. Fish plates, desserts, sandwiches, burgers and more.

Collinsville Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Friday, Collinsville VFW Post 5691, 1234 Vandalia, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out. Cod, catfish fillets, Tilapia, sides.

Collinsville Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Friday, Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. North Atlantic cod, whole catfish, Cajun cut-ups, crab cakes, sides, desserts. Information: 618-345-2508.

Collinsville Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, Illinois 157, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out. Fried/baked cod, catfish, sides. Senior plate starting at $4.99. 618-345-1492.+

Fairview Heights Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road. Walton’s Fish Fry. Serving jack salmon and wild-caught grilled salmon. Homemade desserts. Carryouts: 618-632-5222.

Granite City Fish Fry — 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 1300, 3401 Century Drive, Granite City. Cod, jack salmon, catfish, shrimp, chicken strips. Eat in or carry out. 618-877-8764.

Mascoutah Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Dine in or carry out. 618-566-2288.

Millstadt VFW Fish Fry — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Friday, Millstadt VFW Post 7980, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Open jam session from 6 p.m. Sponsored by Millstadt VFW Post 7980.

O’Fallon Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon. Sponsored by KC and Ladies Auxiliary. Cod and bluegill, burgers, hotdogs, sides. Eat in or carry out. 618-632-6229.

O’Fallon Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 805, 221 W. First St., O’Fallon. Sponsored by Sgt. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 and Ladies Auxiliary. Fried and grilled fish and chicken, homemade sides and desserts. Children’s menu. To-go orders delivered to car. 618-624-2651.

O’Fallon Fish & Chicken Fry — 5-8 p.m. every Friday, O’Fallon American Legion, 109 N. Penn, O’Fallon. Carryouts available. 618-632-8879.

Scott VFW Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Scott VFW Post 4183, Belleville. DJ, 8-1 p.m.

Shiloh Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Sponsored by Eagles No. 545. Cod, Walleye, shrimp, chicken strip plates. Eat in or carry out. 618-624-5412.

Summerfield Fish Fry — 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Summerfield Lions Club, 100 E. Park St., Summerfield. Carryouts 618-934-3841.

Swansea Fish Fry — 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Swansea Fish Stand, 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, shrimp. 618-222-7171. Fried chicken on Saturdays.

Troy VFW Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Friday, Troy VFW Post 976 and Ladies Auxiliary, 123-A W. Market St., Troy. Choice of cod, catfish, jack salmon, baked fish, chicken strips, shrimp. Dinners include bread and choice of two sides. Dine in or carry out. 618-667-8387.

Independence Day BBQ — 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Central Bank parking lot, Intersection of Illinois 159 and 163, Millstadt. Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 622. Featuring Carolina-style pulled pork, pork steaks, brats, hamburgers — sandwiches and plates with choice of two sides. Also selling soft drinks, hot dogs and nachos from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Millstadt Display of Independence fireworks at the Village Park.

Walton’s Chicken Dinner — 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, Fairview Heights. Homemade desserts. For carryouts call 632-5222.

Fried Chicken — 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. All you can eat. Adults $10; $8 seniors; $5 children (12 and younger). Sponsored by Millstadt VFW Post.

Games

Cribbage — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Drive, Collinsville. Nine games against nine different opponents. Information: Phil at 618-288-7910 or Yvonne at 618-344-1521.

Euchre Tournament — 7 p.m. Friday, Smithton Senior Center. Partner night.

Cribbage — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Camelot Bowl, 801 Beltline Road, Collinsville. New players wanted. Information: Yvonne, 618-344-1521 or Phillip, 618-288-7910.

Markets

Swansea Farmer’s Market — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Senior coupons are in. Locally grown crops (corn, tomatoes, watermelon) and crafts. Information: Norm Geloat, 618-978-8753 or swanseafarmersmarket@yahoo.com.

Alton Farmer’s & Artisans’ Market — 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays; 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 17, parking lot, corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street. Locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic crops, produce, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, fresh eggs, honey, bread, baked goods, flowers, potted plants, artwork.

Old Town Market — 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, corner of North First and West Main streets, on the parking lot of the St. Clair County Public Health Department, Belleville. Vendors include produce, flowers, plants, summer sausage, crafts. “Cycle of Giving” bicycle repair is present on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 10:04 AM with the headline "What’s Happening: Local events for July 2-8."