Metro-East Living

Belleville Oktoberfest, other fall festivals highlight southwestern Illinois calendar

Noon Thursday, Sept. 16, 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. For the week’s full list of events, visit bnd.com.

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.

See the list for:

Festivals

40th Belleville Oktoberfest — 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 18. Public Square, downtown Belleville. Beer, food, live music, games and activities, car show, vendors and more. bellevilleoktoberfest.com

37th annual Collinsville Italian Fest — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Uptown Collinsville, 221 W. Main St., Collinsville. This annual family-friendly event includes over 30 food stands, kids activities, live music, games, vendors, contests and more. italianfest.net

19th annual Street Art Festival — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Downtown Square, Highland. Annual festival where the streets are transformed into an artist’s canvas. Includes food, drink and activities. For more information: highlandillinois.com/streetartfestival.html.

Schlafly HOP in the City — Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St., St. Louis. This year’s “Lil’ HOP in the City” will look a “lil” different, offering a slightly different take from year’s past to accommodate COVID-19 safety. No tickets are required to attend this event, and there will be exclusive festival beer, food trucks, live music and year-round beer styles for purchase. schlafly.com

Mississippi Earthtones Festival 2021 — Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. 300 E. Broadway, Alton. Join Alton Main Street and the Sierra Club for a celebration of our river through art, music, and conservation. Learn how to incorporate more sustainable practices into daily life. A variety of fun and educational activities are planned for all. Local artisans will offer their wares, music will fill the air, and delicious food and beverages will be available. riversandroutes.com

Apple Festival — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Pere Marquette Lodge, 13653 Lodge Blvd., Grafton. Warm apple pie, yummy treats, apple crafts and handmade jewelry are just a few of the offerings at the Apple Festival. The festivities will also include apple wine tasting, kids activities and restaurant favorites. The annual Pumpkin Roll takes place at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. 618-786-2331 or pmlodge.net.

Events

Town Hall Discussion: Issues Related to Homelessness — 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 16. The Salvation Army, 20 Glory Place, Belleville. Featuring an opportunity to meet the new commanders of TSA. No cost to attend, no reservations needed. Sponsored by Homeless Assistance Programs/TSA. For information, contact Maria Maloy at homeless618@gmail.com.

Gateway Greening: Vine Crops - Trellises, Pruning and Care for Grapes and Kiwis — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16. Online via Zoom. Woody vine crops like grapes and hardy kiwis can be grown successfully in St. Louis but take different care than trees and shrubs. Come and learn about the best trellis type to use, easiest varieties to grow, how to prune, and methods of disease control for these exciting and unique fruiting crops. Free online event and open to the public. facebook.com/events/3101914816707213

Exhibit Opening Reception: Justin Bailey – Traces I Was Here — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Cecille R. Hunt Gallery, 8342 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis. Opening reception with remarks at 6 p.m. The exhibit will run through Oct. 22. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 314-246-7272 or 314-246-7957.

Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the book sale and on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.

e-Cycle Event — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18. Troy United Methodist Church, 407 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Drop off electronics and appliances for recycling. For a list of accepted items or items not accepted, visit troymaryvillecoc.com/e-cycle.

Scrap Metal & Electronics Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Scrap metal and electronics recycle drive presented by St. Clair County. Free event, no appointment required. Fees applied to Tube/Box (CRT) TV/Monitors based on size: $20-$40. powerrecycling.com

Ride for Wishes — 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Starts at Ted’s Motorcycle World, 4103 Humbert Road, Alton, and ends at Alton VFW Post 1308. The seventh annual Ride for Wishes will honor the event’s founder and longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer Norma Glazebrook, who passed away Aug. 8 at the age of 89. Sign-up, with giveaways and free bagels, begins at 10 a.m. and leaves at noon for a 60-mile nonstop tour through Madison, Jersey and Macoupin counties. All vehicles are welcome. In the past, dune buggies and hotrods have been welcome additions. The ride will be escorted by Illinois State Police motorcycle officers. An after-ride party at VFW Post 1308 includes a dinner from Carver’s barbecue, contests, raffles, more giveaways, a silent auction and a tribute to Glazebrook. Cost: $15 per rider and $10 per passenger. http://site.wish.org/goto/ride

10th annual Paint Historic Belleville and Art Auction — 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Historic Garfield Street Saloon Museum, 633 E. Garfield St., Belleville. Twelve paintings of historic buildings including a streetscape will be painted by local artists and auctioned starting at 1 p.m. Live music and light snacks will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. Rain date scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2. For more information: bellevillehistoricalsociety.org or facebook.com/bellevillehistoricalsociety.

Youth Entrepreneur Fest — Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. John Thornton Memorial Park, Washington Park. Black on Black love is calling on all kid bosses to promote your business and make money. Spotlighting youth ages 6-18 and celebrating youth entrepreneurship. Shopping, food and fun. 415-574-8150.

Pints in the Park — Noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays. Tower Grove Park, Roman Pavilion, 4378 Northwest Drive, St. Louis. At this Schlafly Beer pop-up beer bar, guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal and classic Schlafly beers. Food trucks from 3-6 p.m. Live music 1-5 p.m. Free to attend. A portion of the beer proceeds will benefit Tower Grove Park. schlafly.com

National Great Rivers Research & Education Center Virtual Neighbor Night — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21. Virtual event. Jace Tunnell, director of the Mission-Aransas Estuarine Research Reserve at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, will present information on a citizen science project called Nurdle Patrol. Nurdles, a relatively new environmental issue, are tiny plastic pellets that serve as raw material in the manufacturing of plastic products. Nurdles wash up on beaches, riverbanks and lake shorelines by the millions. Scientists are working to gather information about where nurdles are located, making volunteers and citizen scientists a vital part of the effort. To register: https://conta.cc/3ym64ae.

31st annual Jobs Plus Regional Job Fair — 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 22. Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. Applicants should bring their résumés, be prepared to interview and should be dressed professionally. Face coverings will be required for all attendees. 618-296-4325 or 618-296-4445.

Memorial Service For Homeless People — 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 22. The Salvation Army, 20 Glory Place, Belleville. Free hot meal at noon. No cost, no reservations. Sponsored by Homeless Assistance Programs. homeless618@gmail.com

‘Rally Around the Tower’ Classic Car Show — 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. Mertz Ford parking lot, 100 E. Washington St., Millstadt. Registration: 9:30-11 a.m. Entry fee: $20. Custom trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Dash plaques for the first 100 cars. Music by Best Sounds Entertainment. Sponsored by Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower and Mertz Ford.

Edwardsville High School Class of 1960 & 1961 Reunion — Saturday, Oct. 2. Knights of Columbus, 7132 Marine Road, Edwardsville. The classes of 1960 and 1961 will hold their 60th and 61st class reunions. For questions and information, contact Mary Moran Houba at maryehouba@gmail.com or 618-920-3142.

Coat, Hoodie, and School Supply Drive Thru — Drop offs will be located at Children’s Home & Aid office at 601 James R. Thompson Blvd (Building E), East St. Louis on the following Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, and Nov. 18. Please ask the front desk for a Youth Service Staff member to drop off the items during that time. For questions regarding drop offs please call Stormy Tovar at 618-566-6227. Please make sure the items are new for sanitary purposes.

Games

Metro Cribbage Club — 6 p.m. Thursdays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.

Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Partner Night. Only store bought, individually wrapped items can be brought for snacks. Water and soda available for purchase. Questions call 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.

Theater/Concerts

Emily Skinner: A Broad with a Broad, Broad Mind — 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 18; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $35. Vaccination required for entry. bluestrawberrystl.com

Comedy Night at GC Cinema: Jeremy Nunes — 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Granite City Cinema, 1243 Niedringhaus Ave, Granite City. Often referred to as “Comedy’s next great storyteller,” Jeremy Nunes’ unique show has been in demand for over 20 years. He’s drawn rave reviews for his clever observations, unique storytelling style and ability to improvise with his audience. For tickets and information: granitecitycinema.com.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Annual Community Concert — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22. Art Hill at Forest Park, 1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Stéphane Denève open its 2021/2022 season with a free community concert on Forest Park’s Art Hill. The annual concert—featuring classical music, film music, and patriotic tunes—concludes with a festive fireworks display. slso.org

Michael O’Hara/The Torch Singer: Birthday Bash — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $20. Vaccination required for entry. bluestrawberrystl.com

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony — 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Music Director Stéphane Denève heralds a season of resilience and spirit. Jessie Montgomery’s “Banner” both celebrates and interrogates America’s national anthem. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky fights demons to triumph in his Fourth Symphony. In “DANCE,” composer Anna Clyne, cellist Inbal Segev, and choreographer Kirven Douthit-Boyd echo the words of the poet Rumi: “Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off.” slso.org

Club News & Support Groups

National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern Illinois (NAMI SWI) — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Online via Zoom. Virtual support meetings for family members and other caregivers of individuals with mental illness. Meetings are peer-led and rely on the knowledge and experiences of the group to help one another. Registration is required in order to receive the link to these meetings. For more information or to register, contact Pat Rudloff at silverlining6@charter.net.

Stitchin’ in the Stacks — 2-4 p.m. Fridays. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Do you like to knit? Crochet? Embroider? Whatever your passion, gather and socialize with others who share your interest, and perhaps pick-up a few tips and tricks as you work on your own creations. Please bring your crafting supplies. This is a self-directed program; there is no instructor. Snacks allowed. glencarbonlibrary.org

Saint Louis Astronomical Society: ‘Mapping Millions of Galaxies and Quasars – The Sloan Digital Sky Survey’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Online via Zoom. Log in for an illustrated presentation by Larry Bartoszek of Bartoszek Engineering. Bartoszek will talk about the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the insights it’s provided into dark matter and dark energy, as well as visible galaxies and quasars. slasonline.org

Senior Swing Timers Dance — 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. American Legion Post 137, 109 N. Penn St., O’Fallon. Music by Dr. Dee. Wear patriotic colors for a chance to win a prize. Admission: $12. 618-277-4540.

Grief Support Group — 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Diana Cuddeback, LCSW, with Heartlinks Grief Support Center facilitates this peer grief support group for older adults who have lost a loved one. Grief is hard. Learning about the grief process and being with others who understand helps. This group meets on the third Monday of each month. Please call Susan at 618-234-4410, ext. 7044, with the St. Clair County Office on Aging to register for the class.

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of St. Clair County — 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21. Belleville Corps & Community Center, 20 Glory Place, Belleville. Membership meeting. Held the third Tuesday of the month.

GriefShare Seminar/Support Group — 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 7. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Conference Room, Lower Level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. A helpful, encouraging seminar for people grieving the death of a loved one. Featuring practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others. There are 14 total sessions; join any time. Cost: $15 for the workbook. For information or to register: 618-344-3151 or lcookparishnurse@charter.net.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. If you would like to join the teleconference, please call/text 618-567-6095 or email craigloddeke@yahoo.com. palgroup.org

O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon and via Zoom. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org

Bible Study Fellowship — 9:30-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. Morning class includes classes for newborn through Pre-K. We will be studying the gospel of Matthew through April. 618-520-8357 or 618-593-4104.

Metro East Pachyderm Club meeting — Socialize/order dinner and drinks at 5:30 p.m.. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. Eckert’s Restaurant, Farm & Country Store, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Guest speaker: Michael Butler. Topic is redistricting maps. 618-334-3799.

Farmers Markets

Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Fresh local produce, baked goods, unique handmade crafts and more. facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc

Monroe County Farmers Market - Columbia — 3-6 p.m. Thursdays. Schnucks parking lot, 100 Columbia Center Drive, Columbia. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket

Sparta Farmers Market — 2-5 p.m. Fridays. Broadway and St. Louis streets, Sparta. facebook.com/farmersmarketspartail

Millstadt Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Plants, produce, baked goods, kettle corn, honey, eggs, crafts, bling and a little bit of everything. 618-476-3037 or facebook.com/MillstadtFarmersMarket.

Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market — 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays. 600 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Enjoy a weekly fresh selection of locally produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegar, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods. facebook.com/SteGenevieveFarmersMarket

Belleville’s Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. South Charles Street at East Main Street, Downtown Belleville. Fresh produce, grass fed beef and other meats, plants, honeys, jams and jellies, crafters, and more. facebook.com/Belleville-Old-Town-Farmers-Market-930383016993451

Monroe County Farmers Market - Waterloo — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Monroe County Annex parking lot, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket

Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street, Alton. An abundance of fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and flowers, locally-raised, hormone-free meat, handmade soaps, jewelry, artwork, and more. downtownalton.com or facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket

Land of Goshen Community Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. 100 St. Louis St., Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Fresh, locally grown produce, live music and so much more. goshenmarket.org or facebook.com/goshenmarket

Vine Street Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. First St., O’Fallon. Locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. A selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages and artisans. Live music, patio seating, food truck on site. Bicycle and pet friendly. 618-307-6045, facebook.com/events/2248932065238151 or ofallonstation.com/vine-street-market.

Bethalto Market in the Park — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Central Park, 213 N. Prairie St., Bethalto. bethaltomarketinthepark.org

Food

O’Fallon Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod available along with hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and additional side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229.

Mascoutah Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept 17. Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Call 618-566-2288 to order.

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. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand

Collinsville American Legion Fish Fry — 3-7:45 p.m. Fridays. Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Curbside delivery and dine-in. Cash or check only. Place a curbside order by calling 618-345-2508. facebook.com/legionpst365

Collinsville Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Plaza, Collinsville. Limited menu. Dine in and drive-thru. No call-in orders. facebook.com/KC1712

Highland Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays. VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Fish, chicken, shrimp, sides. Carryout and limited indoor dining. Masks required for customers going through the serving line. No call-in orders. facebook.com/vfwpost5694

Millstadt Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Eat in or carryout. Call ahead for carryout. 618-476-1180.

Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod, catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com

Glen Carbon American Legion Post 435 Fish Fry — 4:30-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 435, 190 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Limited menu of dinners and sandwiches, catfish, cod, Alaskan white fish and chicken strips, slaw and fries. Dinners: $11, sandwiches: $8, sides: $2.50 each. Curbside/Carryout service. 618-288-7119.

Shiloh Eagles Fish Fry — 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Shiloh Eagles 545, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and sides. Full menu. Dine-in or carryout available. For carryout, call 618-624-5412.

Reservations Required

Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org/calendar.

Weekly Sunrise Yoga — 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St., St. Louis. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. Sunrise Yoga produced by Gateway Arch Park Foundation and led by Yoga Buzz. Free and open to the public. In-person attendance is limited so pre-registration is required at archpark.org/events/sunrise-yoga. The class will be streamed live at facebook.com/gatewayarchpark.

Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22. Online via Zoom. Classes are suitable for those newer to yoga or those wanting a basic flow class. This class introduces traditional yoga postures, teaches you how to breathe, and helps you feel more comfortable in the yoga practice. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org/calendar.

Adult Zumba w/ Aimee — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, Youth Room, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Join us for an evening workout with our very own Zumba Fitness instructor! Come in comfortable exercise clothing and bring a water bottle. Space is limited and masks will be required. Requires Registration. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org/calendar.

Masterworks Chorale Bavarian Oktoberfest — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Fezziwig’s Marketplace, 225 W. First St., O’Fallon. The $30 reservation includes charcuterie and fondue and two tickets for wine or beer and entertainment by members of the Masterworks Chorale. Reservations requested by Sept. 20 online at singmasterworks.org or by calling 618-560-9491.

Pedal for Prairie — The month of October. Commit to riding your bike 50 miles during the month of October to raise funds for the Prairie Heart Foundation. Choose from three different participation levels and register by Sept. 21 to receive your shirt and water bottle. For information or to register: prairieheart.org/pedal-for-prairie.

Victorious Missionaries Fall Retreat — 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, through lunch at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Visitors Center, 442 S. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville. In our retreat time together, we will celebrate our giftedness, reclaim our space, thank God for our being here, and embrace the wonder of who we are as children of God. Cost for the weekend is $175, which includes six meals, two nights lodging, snacks and handouts. If you choose to commute, the cost is $115. The cost for both Saturday and Sunday is $100; for Saturday only is $70 (includes lunch and dinner). Pre-registration is required. 618-394-6281 or snows.org/reflection21

Haunted Belleville Walking Tour 2021 — 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, through Saturday, Oct. 23. Labor & Industry Museum, 123 N. Church St., Belleville. Venture into a night of haunted history with us as we explore Belleville’s historic Hexenbuckel Neighborhood. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets: $20. For tickets and information: 618-234-0600 or eventbrite.com.

Polar Express Train Ride — Wednesday, Nov. 17, through Thursday, Dec. 30. St. Louis Union Station, 201 S. 18th St., St. Louis. Tickets are now on sale for the Polar Express Train Ride holiday attraction at St. Louis’ Union Station. Tickets start at $35. Prices will vary by day and time. stlthepolarexpressride.com

Blood Drives & Vaccination Clinics

Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic — 2-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Global Brew Tap House, 455 Regency Park Drive, B, O’Fallon. Get the shot, get a free beer. Already vaccinated? Show your card and receive $5 off your purchase. Vaccine type: Johnson & Johnson (one dose; no second shot needed)

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. New Life Community Church, 1919 State St., East St. Louis. The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed. A second dose will be necessary in three weeks. The vaccine will be available to any Illinois resident age 12 and older. Please bring some form of identification as well as insurance information. However, insurance is not required, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the vaccine. No appointment required.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Lighthouse of Hope Church, 45 Sheffield Drive, Belleville. The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed. A second dose will be necessary in three weeks. The vaccine will be available to any Illinois resident age 12 and older. Please bring some form of identification as well as insurance information. However, insurance is not required, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the vaccine. No appointment required.

Worth the Drive

Living History Saturday — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. History comes alive in historic Ste. Genevieve on Saturdays. Enjoy “Hands-On History” presentations, demonstrations, music and craft activities at historic sites. Take a free walking tour or join a Ranger Talk and learn about fascinating aspects of historic Ste. Genevieve. Visitors might be able to try throwing a tomahawk, learn how to make moccasins, watch yarn being spun, or learn how filigree is made. Activities vary weekly. Enjoy the ambiance created by costumed strollers and various musicians and crafters on hand to greet visitors. Come interact with these special presenters. visitstegen.com

This story was originally published September 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

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