Metro-east calendar: Ring in the New Year with a variety of local events

Noon Thursday, Dec. 26, 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 large number of submissions, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear in 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.

Holiday Festivities

▪ Kwanzaa Celebration — 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge, St. Louis. Featured presenter Nicole Adewale, entrepreneur community activist. An experience for the entire family. Please bring a canned good to share with a local food pantry. 314-389-5194 or afroworld.com

▪ New Year’s Eve Party — Noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. The Loading Dock, 400 Front St., Grafton. Celebrating the 2020 new year by dropping 2020 balloons on the ice skating rink. The balloon drop takes place at 8 p.m., but the rink is open from noon to 10 p.m. Skating admission is $10.50, skate rental is $5. There is no charge for spectators. 618-786-3494 or facebook.com/events/2564479350326935

▪ New Year’s Eve Kids Party —1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Fun Spot Skating, 1400 West Blvd., Belleville. Featuring balloon drops, noise makers, free slushie, games and prizes. Cost: $10 admission plus skate rental. No passes, coupons or Groupons. 618-234-4502 or funspotrocks.com

▪ Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration — 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Winterfest Ice Rink, Kiener Plaza Park, 500 Chestnut St., St. Louis. Ring in 2020 with fire performers and princess and superhero appearances while enjoying festive treats from Sugarfire Winterfest Café. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a cost for skate rental. archpark.org/winterfest

▪ WEGAP New Year’s Eve — 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. West End Grill & Pub and The Gaslight Theater, 354 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. A truly unique holiday event that blends old and new in a way that will keep you humming well into the new year. Four-course dinner and show, 8:30 p.m. seating - $85. Early bird seating (dinner only), 5 to 6 p.m. - $50. The Wire Pilots at Gaslight Theater only, 10 p.m. - $35. The Wire Pilots plays captivating original works drawing from a blend of world/jazz and pop music. Special guest, vocalist Kim Fuller, brings her joyful, captivating voice and a collection of jazz and R&B classics. Reservations please. gaslighttheater.net

▪ New Year’s Eve Family Party — 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Fun Spot Skating, 1400 West Blvd., Belleville. Featuring balloon drops, noise makers, free slushie, games and prizes. Cost: $10 admission plus skate rental. No passes, coupons or Groupons. 618-234-4502 or funspotrocks.com

▪ Midnight Masquerade — 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Casino Queen, 200 S. Front St., East St. Louis. New Year’s celebration with a special menu, prize drawings, entertainment and more. For information: casinoqueen.com/stlouis/promotions

▪ New Year’s Extravaganza — 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Old Herald Brewery and Distillery, 115 E. Clay, Collinsville. Ring in the new year roaring ‘20s style with a live band, appetizers and an open bar. Prix Fixe dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. for $35-$45. Tickets for the extravaganza start at $20. For tickets and information: facebook.com/events/956579091380959 or oldheraldbrewing.com

▪ Ringing of the Bells — Noon Wednesday, Jan. 1. Public Square, Belleville. Bring your bells to ring in 2020. 618-233-6769.

▪ New Year’s Day Frozen Party — 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Fun Spot Skating, 1400 West Blvd., Belleville. Featuring snowball fights, meet & skate with Olaf, pictures with Olaf, games and prizes. Cost: $8 admission plus skate rental. All children and skaters pay admission. No passes, coupons or Groupons. 618-234-4502 or funspotrocks.com

▪ 2020 New Year’s Day Dance — 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Okawville Community Club, 511 S. Hanover St., Okawville. Music by the Rendition Band, Food available for purchase starting at noon. facebook.com/events/1317701281721883

Events

▪ Special Service of Music and Testimony featuring Pianist Jim Hendricks — 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. St. John United Church of Christ, 55 W. Church St., Mascoutah. This service will include Christmas. All are welcome.

▪ Celebrate Raja’s 27th Birthday — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. St. Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. The St. Louis Zoo’s bull elephant Raja will receive special presents to stomp open for this “golden birthday.” Visitors are invited to sing “Happy Birthday” and cheer for Raja. Visitors can sign a giant birthday card and learn more about elephants and elephant conservation until 1 p.m. Birthday cupcakes and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. stlzoo.org/raja

▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 3-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. Walgreens, 5939 Belleville Crossing St., Belleville. bloodcenterimpact.org

▪ Free Sunrise Yoga at the Gateway Arch — 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Gateway Arch Visitor Center, 11 N. Fourth St., St. Louis, located just inside the west entrance of the Arch facility. YogaBuzz instructors lead participants through a 45-minute class to relaxing music. All experience levels are welcome. Yoga is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

▪ Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live — 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles, Missouri. Experience the thrill of watching BIGFOOT compete with famous Hot Wheels monster trucks in an action-packed show for the whole family. Free Crash Zone pre-show party for ticket holders 2 ½ hours before each show. Tickets start at $25. hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com

▪ Schlafly Beer’s annual Cabin Fever Beer Festival — Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, Missouri. The outdoor event features 30+ beers of Schlafly’s favorite styles, ranging from seasonals to sought after winter warmers. Tasting tickets available for $35 in advance ($40 at the event) and includes unlimited Schlafly Beer samples, a commemorative tasting glass and full access to the festival grounds. Food and select draft beers available for purchase for non-tasting attendees. Live music from Falling Fences. For tickets and information: schlafly.com/events-calendar

Games

▪ Bridge — 11:45 a.m. Thursdays. Collinsville Senior Center, 420 E. Main St., Collinsville. To participate, must have played bridge before. 618-310-1289.

▪ Euchre Tournament — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. Millstadt Senior Center, 102 S. Jefferson, Millstadt. 618-476-3731.

▪ Elks Hoop Shoot — 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. Fairview Heights Rec Center, 9950 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Free throw contest for children ages 8 to 13 (as of April 1, 2020). Funded by the Elks National Foundation. 618-531-0028.

▪ Althoff Catholic Fathers & Friends’ Bingo — 7-10 p.m. Mondays. CK & L of I Country Club, 2800 N. Illinois St., Swansea.

Theater/Concerts

▪ Singer/Songwriter Thursday at The Abbey — 7-10 p.m. Thursdays. The Abbey, 5801 W. Main St., Belleville. Enjoy live music at The Abbey every Thursday night. thebellevilleabbey.com

▪ ComedySportz Match — 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. CSz St. Louis, 524 S. Main St., St. Charles, Missouri. Outrageously funny improv played like a sport. A perfect combo of funny and sports creating an explosion of laughter and competition on stage. Tickets available at the door on online at cszstlouis.com/tickets. facebook.com/events/789566054848400

▪ Cory and Josh from The Trophy Mules — 9 p.m. to midnight Friday, Dec. 27. Seven Restaurant & Bar, 7 S. High St., Belleville. facebook.com/events/747094019100729

Club News

▪ Stitchin’ in the Stacks — 2-4 p.m. Fridays. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. If you like to knit, crochet or embroider, gather and socialize with others who share your interest and pick up a few tips and tricks as you work your own creations. Bring your supplies. Self-directed program; no instructor. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ Metro East Amputees Support Group — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Board Room, 1 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon. Support group for patients of all ages who have suffered limb loss and for their family and caregivers. For more information: metroeastamputees@gmail.com, 618-515-4100, facebook.com/groups/metroeastamputees or steliz.org

▪ Metro East Social Singles New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Shiloh Eagles, 100 Eagles Drive, Shiloh. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Dance from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. DJ Dr. Dee. Cash bar (no outside drinks allowed), snacks, attendance prizes. Dinner and dance $30 per person. Dance only $15, seating limited. Open to the public. Must be 21 or older. Advanced reservations required. 618-632-5361.

▪ Cook the Book: ‘Taste of Home Appetizers’ — 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. New Athens District Library, 201 N. Van Buren St., New Athens. Browse this month’s cookbook, pick the recipe that speaks to you, then bring it to the library to share. Enjoy what other cooks have made while discussing the challenges and joys or the food’s preparation. Registration required. To register, please visit the library in person. newathenslibrary.org

Food

▪ Millstadt Fish Fry and Jam Session — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Fridays, Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. 618-476-1180.

▪ Waterloo VFW Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Metzger Crook Post 6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Sold by the pound, sandwich or plate. Cod, catfish, walleye, salmon and shrimp. Carry-outs. 618-939-7999.

▪ Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Saturday: fried chicken. 618-222-7171.

▪ Collinsville Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Fridays, Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. North Atlantic cod, whole catfish, sides, desserts. 618-345-2508.

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

▪ Troy VFW Fish Fry — 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays. Troy VFW Post 976 and Auxiliary, 123-A W. Market St., Troy. Cod, catfish, jack salmon, baked fish, chicken strips, shrimp. Dine in or carry out. 618-667-8387.

▪ Collinsville Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Plaza, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out. Fried/baked cod, catfish, sides. 618-345-1492.

▪ Highland Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays. VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Eat in or carry out. 618-654-6367.

▪ O’Fallon Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Cod and tilapia, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks, pizza and additional side dishes. Eat in or carry out. Now accepting credit cards. 618-632-6229.

▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Fried and baked cod, catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, sides. Eat in or carry out. 618-228-7311 or avistonlegion.com

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

▪ O’Fallon Fish and Chicken Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. O’Fallon American Legion, 109 N. Penn, O’Fallon. Carry-outs available. 618-632-8879.

▪ Shiloh Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken wings. Eat in or carry out. Auxiliary bake sale for charity. 618-624-5412.

Reservations Required

▪ Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette — 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton. Informative programs about bald eagles. Learn to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in the area and much more. Reservations are required. 618-786-3323.

▪ Happy Noon Year’s Eve (Family Event) — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Performance by Juggling Jeff, who will teach audience members how to juggle. Music, food and crafts. All adults must be accompanied by a child. Children under 10 must bring an adult. Registration is required. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ Memorial’s Family Care Birthing Center Sibling Class — 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Memorial Hospital Belleville auditorium, 4500 Memorial Drive, Belleville. The class helps prepare older siblings for changes to expect as their family grows. Designed for children ages 2-10. Cost is $5 per child. Registration is required. mymemorialnetwork.com/events

▪ 23rd annual Tour de Stooges — Saturday, May 2. Register early for this annual bike event for chances to win a case of Schlafly beer. Schlafly will be providing 12 cases of its local brew, with three cases to be awarded at the end of each month for those who pre-register, beginning Jan. 1. tourdestooges.org

Worth the Drive

▪ First Day Hike at Hawn — 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Hawn State Park, 12096 Park Drive, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Celebrate a healthy start to the new year by taking a guided hike. Enjoy the crisp winter air as you traverse hills of stately pine and oak trees, rocky streams with waterfalls, sandstone canyons, and cliffs. Hike begins at the Whispering Pines trailhead. Free. 573-883-3603 or mostateparks.com/park/hawn-state-park