Southwest IL calendar features Belleville Shriners’ parade, Veterans Day events & more

By Jennifer Green

Updated November 3, 2021 12:43 PM

Noon Thursday, Nov. 4, 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.

Events

▪ Ainad Shriners’ Lighted Parade — 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. Downtown Public Square, Belleville. The parade will step off from 3rd and A streets, proceed west on A, left on 6th and then left on Washington to 3rd Street, then left to West Main and right on Main around the Square to Forest Avenue. Anticipating numerous lighted entries and several musical groups along with the Shrine units. This parade is being held instead of our Spring Parade which was canceled due to COVID.

▪ Godfrey Women’s Club Christmas Carousel — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4; Friday, Nov. 5; and Saturday, Nov. 6. Former Dora’s Spinning Wheel, 96 Northport Drive, Alton. The shop will be filled with handcrafted items made by our members for your home or to give as gifts to family and friends. Raffle tickets are available for purchase prior to and during the event. For information: ksteinmann@sbcglobal.net.

▪ Fall Speaker Series: Life on the Mississippi (Before 1492) — 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4. Virtual event. Long before Columbus, and Mark Twain, Native Americans lived and thrived in the Mississippi River valley. Join Julie Zimmermann as she talks about Native American life in the American Bottom, from Clovis to Cahokia to contact with Europeans. Register at https://conta.cc/3ngNugo. 618-468-2784.

▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 5. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations are 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.

▪ The Sheldon: Fall Gallery Opening — Friday, Nov. 5, through Saturday, Jan. 15. The Sheldon Art Galleries, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. A free public opening will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, in the Bellwether Gallery of St. Louis Artists. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. thesheldon.org/events/fall-gallery-opening

▪ St. Andrew’s Fall Book Fair — 3-8 p.m. (by reservation only) Friday, Nov. 5, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 6. St. Andrew’s Eposcopal Church, 406 Hillsboro Ave., Edwardsville. Featuring more than 20,000 used books, well organized and priced to sell. Categories include fiction (hardcover and paperback), children’s books, history, literature, pets, sports, regional history, cookbooks, gardening, art, biography, music, humor, large print, religion, reference, science fiction and much more. For Friday reservations: 618-656-1294 or standrews-edwardsville.com.

▪ Belleville’s Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 6. 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

▪ Midwestern Woodcarvers Show — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Belle-Clair Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 200 South Belt East, Belleville. Come and see some of the best carvers from around the country display their artwork at one of the largest carving shows in the country. It’s a great chance to get a unique Christmas gift for a loved one, a piece of artwork for your home or to learn about wood carving. Hourly attendance prizes, demonstrations, wood and tool vendors, tool sharpening and more. Free parking. bcfairgrounds.net

▪ Christmas Open House — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. Country Vibes Vendors and More, 511 N. Washington St., Bunker Hill. The open house will have a lot of old and new items, including Christmas. facebook.com/events/937768533504059

▪ Food for Vets Food Drive — 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 6. Urban League St. Clair County Division, 10220 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Food supplies will be available for the first 155 registered veteran families in need. Drive-thru pick up. To register, call 314-680-2905 or visit TheKaufmanFund.org

▪ Schlafly Full Moon Festival — 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, Missouri. Schlafly Full Moon Festival offers an evening full of food, beer and live music with bonfires across Schlafly Bottleworks and a pig roast. Local chefs will also compete for your affection (and stomach space) in the deliciously-competitive Schlafly Chili Cook-Off. Open to the public for free, beer and food for purchase. schlafly.com

▪ Owl Prowl and Fishing Program — 5:30-11:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. Pere Marquette State Park, Visitor Center, 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton. Enjoy an educational program on fishing at 5:30 p.m. with Urban Fishing Coordinator Scott Isringhausen. Following the talk, young kids can fish at the bluegill pond next to the Visitor Center. Poles and bait provided. A program on owls and other creatures heard outdoors at night starts at 7 p.m. Afterwards, the group will take a night hike to listen for owls and other night sounds. The hike will be about 2 miles long and a portion of it will be uphill. Bring one flashlight per family. Refreshments provided. facebook.com/events/564014944631854

▪ Schlafly Maplewood Market — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, Missouri. A neighborhood-wide celebration of all things local, hosted at Schlafly Bottleworks in historic downtown Maplewood. The Maplewood Market provides seasonal offerings from local bakers, growers, makers, artists, crafters, performers, nonprofits and more. schlafly.com

▪ St. Louis Jewish Book Festival — Sunday, Nov. 7, through Thursday, Nov. 18. In-person at J’s Staenberg family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur, Missouri, and online. With events featuring more than 30 books from authors in every genre. Stream author talks from the comfort of your home or come meet your favorites at the signing table. The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 with the keynote event featuring Natan Sharansky and Gil Troy. For the schedule and other information: jccstl.com/festival-events-schedule.

▪ Drop Through the Water Cycle — 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. NGRREC Field Station, 1 Confluence Way, East Alton. Go on an adventure and learn what it’s like for a water droplet to move through the water cycle. Join us for a short story about the water cycle then take part in a fun activity to actually travel through the water cycle. We’ll wrap up this fun event with a craft. Free and open to the public. 618-468-2785 or jenryoung@lc.edu. facebook.com/NGRREC

▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. Millstadt VFW Post 7980, Upstairs Hall, 200 S. Veterans Drive, Millstadt. To schedule an appointment: 800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org.

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, Nov. 5. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 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.

▪ St. Louis Baseball Writers’ Virtual Trivia — 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. Online event. Play St. Louis baseball trivia with questions written and asked by the people who cover the Cardinals (including Hall of Famer Rick Hummel, Derrick Goold, 101 ESPN’s Randy Karraker and more). This fun event will benefit the BBWAA Baseball Writers’ annual scholarship fund. Prizes and bragging rights are on the line. For info or to register: eventbrite.com.

▪ Polish American War Veterans annual Turkey Shoot — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Polish American War Veterans, 2180 N. 81st St., Caseyville. With 12, 16 and 20 gauge shotguns only. No bull barrels, No swedged barrels. No scopes allowed. Raffles throughout the day. 618-398-5040 or facebook.com/events/2876695899211561.

▪ Holy Rosary Parish Quilt Bingo — 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Holy Rosary Parish Gym, 2729 N. 43rd St., Fairmont City. Doors open at 11 a.m. Mexican food and beverages will be available. Reservations can be made by calling 618-274-3486.

▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Bingo — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. St. John UCC, 2901 Nameoki Road, Granite City. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. For those who are 50 and over or disabled. Cost: $1 to play and $1 for four cards. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Masks recommended. 618-444-6771.

Theater/Concerts

▪ ‘Peace in the Prairie’ — 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. The Stage, 3524 Washington Ave., St. Louis. Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective presents “Peace in the Prairie,” an original presentation exploring the concepts of peace and violence, juxtaposing urban life as experienced by African American people living in the city of St. Louis, Missouri and the state’s endangered prairie lands. A Q&A will follow the screening. For tickets and information: storystitchers.org.

▪ ‘The Laramie Project’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville Main Campus Complex Theatre, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. “The Laramie Project” centers around a hate crime that attracted worldwide attention, bringing sexual discrimination and violence to the forefront of public discussion. The play reveals the reaction to the 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for students, and can be purchased at the door, cash only.

▪ Marielle Kraft and Emily Rowed — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $15. Vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry. bluestrawberrystl.com

▪ McKendree Theatre presents ‘LOVE/SICK’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 6, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. John Cariani’s collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 80-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, “LOVE/SICK” is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone. For tickets and information: mckendree.universitytickets.com.

▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Mozart, Brahms and Nikolaj — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, frequent guest conductor and soloist, plays alongside SLSO musicians for a night of enchanting chamber music. W.A. Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet glides through Powell Hall, beaming all the while. Johannes Brahms‘ String Sextet is an emotional tour—loving, lamenting, excited, and serene. For tickets and information, visit slso.org.

▪ 39th annual Perry Biggs Memorial Fiddle Contest & Bluegrass Show — 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. Civic Center, 210 W. Bond, Patoka. Featuring George Portz & Friends of Bluegrass, country vocalist Caitlyn Richards, and Midwest Region Premier Fiddle Contest. Cost: $7 adults, $3.50 children. Sandwiches, suppers and refreshments. 618-632-1384.

▪ The Trophy Mules — 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. The Fainting Goat, 408 W. Johnston St., Pocahontas. Corey and Josh from The Trophy Mules perform acoustic. facebook.com/events/1804654883052014

▪ Davina and the Vagabonds — 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $40. Vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry. bluestrawberrystl.com

▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Stéphane Conducts Shostakovich — 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Stéphane Denève believes in the healing power of music. James Lee III processes the grief of his father’s death in “Emotive Transformations.” Dmitri Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony responds to stinging criticism with defiance and renewal. Jean Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, with soloist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, is an intimate conversation between close musical friends. For tickets and information, visit slso.org.

▪ GameChanger, The Live Tour w/ David Phelps & Special Guest Mickey Bell — 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 200 N. Main St., Waterloo. Doors open at 5 p.m. The concert, featuring David Phelps, as well as Phelps’ musical entourage, will feature many of the songs from his brand new GameChanger recording. Like many creative people, Phelps found himself with a lot of downtime and a desire to create during the 2020 Pandemic. Putting pen to paper and then spending time in the studio, Phelps went from being a dreamer to an inventor – and it was a GameChanger. For tickets and information: 618-939-7123 or itickets.com.

▪ Keri Chryst: The French Connection — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $15. Vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry. bluestrawberrystl.com

▪ Distinguished Speaker Series: Lance Geiger: The History Guy — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Lance Geiger is “The History Guy” on YouTube, where he tells forgotten stories of ancient and modern events “that deserve to be remembered.” Admission is $15. Reservations are recommended. For tickets and information: thehett.com.

▪ Emmet Cohen Trio — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $25. Vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry. bluestrawberrystl.com

▪ Jessica Vosk — 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $40. Additional performances at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov. 13 Vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry. bluestrawberrystl.com

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ PFLAG Edwardsville —7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4. Immanuel UMC Rainbow House, 808 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Offering support, education and advocacy for LGBTQ people and their allies. 618-977-5078.

▪ 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

▪ Marine Historical Society — 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8. Marine Township Senior Citizens Center, 101 W. Silver St., Marine. The meeting is open to the public. All are welcome.

▪ 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.

▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 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.

Food

▪ O’Fallon K of C 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. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. 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

▪ St. Elizabeth Church Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7. St. Elizabeth Church, 2300 Pontoon Road, Granite City. Cod (fried and baked), pollock, shrimp. Eat in or carryout.

▪ 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 (baked or fried), 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.

▪ Quail Club Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Road, Belleville. Cod, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts available. Carryout available. No phone orders.

▪ St. Augustine’s Carryout Wurstmarkt Sausage Dinner — 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. St. Augustine’s Parish, 1910 W. Belle St., Belleville. A $12 plate includes three pork sausages, mashed potatoes and gravy, sauerkraut, green beans, two potato pancakes, applesauce and horseradish. Walk-ups welcome. stasaints.org

▪ Drive-thru Whole Hog Pork Sausage Dinner — 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Marine United Church of Christ, 111 N. Center St., Marine. A fresh meat sale will take place 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, and during the event Sunday. Sausage links, ribs and backbones will be available in five-pound packages. Also available will be liver sausage and head cheese. Sunday dinner menu: whole hog pork sausage, mashed potatoes and gravy, sauerkraut, green beans, apple pie. There will also be raffles for a quilt, side of beef, whole hog and four dinners for 2022. 618-887-4465 or marineucc.org.

Reservations Required

▪ Dasher’s Lightshow — Friday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Dec. 31. PowerPlexSTL, 5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd., St. Louis. A massive drive-thru Christmas display where families can connect their vehicle radio to a dedicated radio station and watch the hundreds of thousands of lights and displays dance and blink in sync with the music. Admission starts at $35 per vehicle. For tickets and information: dasherslightshow.com.

▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. 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.

▪ Beginner Knitting Group with Greta — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 20. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, Youth Room, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Experience how easy it can be learning to knit through our structured, interactive, social knitting group. Perfect for true beginners or those looking for an easy refresh project. Different intermediate skills will be introduced on a project by project basis. Set up as a two-day class, with “homework” in between. Please wear a mask. Registration required. glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Exercise Classes — 10:30-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Tracie Renschen, who has a Masters in Kinesiology, (the study of mechanics of body movement) leads this exercise class to focus on strengthening the various muscles of the body, helping with balance and arthritis. Cost: $3 per class. Call 618-234-4410, Mary (ext. 7034) or Susan (ext. 7044) if you will be attending the class.

▪ Prepared Childbirth Class — 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, and Tuesday, Nov. 16. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, 1 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon. This two-part class teaches relaxation techniques, controlled breathing, physical and emotional changes that occur during labor and birth. Pain control options are discussed. Both mother and support person learn how to take an active part in the birth process. Cost: $20. To register, email childbirtheduc@hshs.org. hshs.org/StElizabeths

▪ Triad Strong 5K and 1-Mile Kids Fun Run — 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. Silver Creek Elementary, 209 N. Dewey St., Troy. Registration and packet pick-up 7-8:30 a.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m., Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m. Registration fee: $25 until Monday, Nov. 8, $35 after Nov. 8. Part of the proceeds will go to Logan Kowalski to help in his fight against Leukemia. triadstrong5k.itsyourrace.com

Worth the Drive

▪ River-to-River Trail Society Hike: High Knob Area of Gallatin County — 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. Meet at the parking lot atop High Knob, about two miles north of Karbers Ridge, Illinois. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. The hike will run on Trails 153, 180, 180C, and 185, as well as a portion of the River-to-River Trail. Drive slowly passing through the horse campground. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. 618-841-4838 or rivertorivertrail.net

Veterans Day Events

▪ ‘Salute to Veterans’ Musical Tribute — 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. Luther Ely Smith Square, Gateway Arch National Park, 20 N. 4th St., St. Louis. Honoring the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. military veterans, the program will feature a performance by the 399th Army Band Missouri Brass Quintet based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and will include both patriotic and traditional repertoire. Free and open to the public. archpark.org/events/salute-to-veterans

▪ Kaskaskia College Veterans Day Remembrance Celebration — 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Starts with a free biscuits and gravy breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the student center for veterans and their guests. Special program at 9:45 a.m. in the Jane Knight Auditorium for students and the public. Includes the presentation of colors, a performance of military service songs and guest speaker Col. Brian M. Alexander, Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations and Commander of OSI Third Field Investigations Region at Scott AFB. Program free and open to the public. 618-545-3177.

▪ Fourth annual Veteran’s Care Day — By appointment, Thursday, Nov. 11. Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, building 263 2800 College Ave., Alton. Veterans are invited to register for free dental services. Appointments are first come, first served. To register, call Holly at 618-474-7200.

▪ Veterans Day Program — 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. First Baptist Church, 1111 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. The program will include guest speaker Major General Vincent Barker, USA, Chief of Staff, USTRANSCOM, and the introduction of the new inscriptions to the monument. The public is invited. Masks required. ofallonveteransmonument.org

▪ Veterans Day Ceremony and Memorial Dedication — Noon Thursday, Nov. 11. Leighton Evatt American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Kicks off with a parade along Main Street in Downtown Collinsville at 10 a.m. facebook.com/legionpst365

▪ O’Fallon annual Veterans Day Parade — 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. O’Fallon Community Park, 401 E. Fifth St., O’Fallon. The parade starts on South Hilgard, turns west (left) on Third Street, north (right) on Lincoln Avenue, west (left) on First Street and ends at VFW Post 805. Rain or shine. facebook.com/ofallonveteransmonument

▪ War Stories: A Veterans Day Salute to the Soldier — 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Vue17, 17th floor, University Tower, 1034 Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis. A live and lively one-of-a-kind panel of combat veterans moderated by NFL Coach Gregg Williams, the event includes social hours following the taping with book and poster signings. Event preceded by the Saint Louis International Film Festival screening of the documentary “The Final 19” at the Tivoli Theatre at 5 p.m. Reserve free tickets for the screening at cinemastlouis.org/sliff/final-19.

This story was originally published November 3, 2021 at 12:23 PM.