Your weekend guide to the metro-east: More than 30 events to choose from

Noon Thursday, Aug. 18, 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 number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear 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.

Events

▪ William & Florence Schmidt Art Center’s 21st Anniversary & Grand Reopening — 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 (opening reception). Schmidt Art Center, SWIC, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. The 21 Years: 21 Artists exhibition will be on display at the Schmidt from Friday, Aug. 19, through, Friday, Oct. 7. The exhibition and reception are both free and open to the public. 618-222-5278 or swic.edu/theschmidt.

▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Event Center, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Featuring everything: local plants, fruit, coffee, produce, flowers, honey, eggs, baked goods, jellies/jams and flea market items. No vendor fees. 618-476-3037.

▪ 98th annual Freeburg Homecoming — 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 19 and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 20. Freeburg Recreation Park, 300 E. Hill St., Freeburg. Live music, carnival rides, games and food. The annual parade steps off at 5 p.m. Saturday. Rodeo 7:30 p.m. both days. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Saturday. facebook.com/FreeburgRecreationPark

▪ Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 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. 618-624-0139 or ofallonstation.com/vine-street-market.

▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 20. 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. The book sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Masks are required at the sale. 618-667-2133.

▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 20. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232 or powerrecycling.com.

▪ Shriners St. Louis BBQ Society Competition — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. Tri-Township Park, Pavilion 1, 410 Wickliffe St., Troy. Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. Saturday. Judging takes place Sunday. Barbecue competition and vendors, beer vendors, City Scoops Ice Cream truck, live music, kids activities and more. 618-616-8628 or facebook.com/stlbbqsociety.

▪ Pitch for Cancer Research Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser — 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. Trenton Community Park, Trenton. Prizes will be awarded to the top four team finishers. Food, beer and drinks will be available for purchase. It is being held in memory of Helen Andersen (Lebanon, IL) and Ashley Furlong, both who died from cancer at such a young age. Cost: $20 per person or $40 per team of two. Proceeds benefit cancer research. To register: https://bit.ly/3chkUtg. For info: Mark Skaer 618-623-2769 or skaer.mark@gmail.com.

▪ O’Fallon Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking Watch Party — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. O’Fallon Public Safety Building, 285 N. Seven Hills Road, O’Fallon. Doors open at 1 p.m. Watch the online broadcast of the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking from Nashville, Tennessee. This is the highlight of the annual international convention where the best speakers from Toastmasters all over the world compete for the title “World Champion of Public Speaking.” Learn how Toastmasters can help you with your skills in public speaking and leadership while we enjoy refreshments and a friendly atmosphere that allows us all to grow in every aspect of our lives. Free admission. 618-616-5994.

▪ Busey Bank Edwardsville Rotary Criterium Festival — 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. Downtown Edwardsville. A wide variety of entertainment ranging from professional cyclists, running, live music, food trucks, family fun, kids races and much more on the streets of downtown Edwardsville. The Entertainment Zone, in the middle of the course, hosts an adult beverage trailer, three food trucks, ice cream, non-alcoholic beverages, and live music focused on classic rock. facebook.com/EvilleCriterium

▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Exercise Class — 10:45-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Tracie Renschen, MS 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. New participants, call 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or 7044 to register.

▪ FAFSA Informational Event — 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23. Southwestern Illinois College, Informational Sciences Building, Room 2020, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. The event will focus on the process of applying to FAFSA, when to apply, what financial assistance is available, who is eligible and who to contact for help.

▪ American Legion Legacy Run — 2:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23. Saint Libory. More than 250 motorcycles are expected to pass through Saint Libory as part of The American Legion Legacy Run. This five-day, 1,150-mile, cross-country motorcycle ride raises awareness and funds for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship, which supports the children of fallen military personnel and the children of disabled veterans who served in the post 9/11 era. The Legacy Run is one of the largest and longest organized motorcycle group rides in the United States. legion.org/riders/legacyrun

▪ Jammin’ at the Zoo — 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24. Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. Enjoy an evening with live music and wine and beer tastings, featuring over 50 selections of wines, specialty canned cocktails and beers from regional microbreweries. Proceeds will benefit the Zoo and its conservation efforts both at the Zoo and around the world. Enjoy live music by FatPocket, DJ Chris Brown, and DJ Micro. Admission includes wine and beer sampling from 6 to 8 p.m. and guests will receive a free light-up tasting glass, while supplies last. For ages 21+. For tickets and info: stlzoo.org/jammin.

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, Aug. 19. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Partner night. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.

▪ Trivia Night Fundraiser — 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Glen Carbon American Legion, 190 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Doors open at 6 p.m. Milligans, silent auction, 50/50, games and more. Bring your own snacks. No outside drinks or alcohol. Cash bar. Cost: $25 per player, tables of eight. To reserve a table: 618-451-2611 or hyaghchig@charter.net. Walk-ins welcome. Benefits the Madison County Historical Society.

Theater/Concerts

▪ Heartland Community Chorus Auditions — By appointment through Friday, Sept. 9. Singers over the age of 16 welcome. Singers needed in each section. Sing a hymn, art song, patriotic song, or Broadway song. Please bring two copies of the music, or one, if you have your piece memorized. You will also be asked to sing some 5-note scales and match some pitch patterns. We will have copies of a few songs at the audition for your use (“Amazing Grace”, “America”). To schedule an audition, contact Luanne at 618-791-8408 or luannemurphy@gmail.com.

▪ Highland Thursday Night Live Concert Series: Johnny Busby — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. Downtown Square, Highland. Enjoy live entertainment on Thursday evenings. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair(s), blanket, cooler, etc., and enjoy the show. The Lions Club will be selling brats, pork burgers and chicken sandwiches. highlandil.gov

▪ Golden Anniversaries Film Discussion: ‘Frenzy’ — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. St. Louis Public Library, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis. Jon Finch, Alec McCowen, and Barry Foster star in this morbid blend of horror and wit — the penultimate film in Alfred Hitchcock’s long career, it was the first to earn an R rating. The Necktie Murderer has the London Police on red alert, and an innocent man is on a desperate quest to find the real serial rapist-murderer and clear his own name. Intro and discussion by Chris King, former editor of the St. Louis American and director of the Poetry Scores films “Blind Cat Black” and “Go South for Animal Index.” cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries

▪ George Portz with Classic Country & Cajun Music — 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. Who Dat’s, 118 E. Main St., Collinsville. Free admission.

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ Friends of the Belleville Public Library — 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. West Branch, 3414 W. Main St., Belleville. New members are welcome.

▪ The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern IL (NAMI SWI) — 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. For family members or other caregivers of someone who has a mental illness. Meetings held the third Thursday of each month. For information, contact Diane at diane.bski@live.com or call NAMI at 618-798-9788.

▪ Parkinson’s Disease Discovery Group — 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23. Sullivan Conference Room, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month. This group provides the opportunity to learn and share helpful information, support each other in dealing with Parkinson’s disease-related issues, and to connect with others who can relate to your experience. Registration is not necessary to attend. Masking (non-cloth) is still required in health care facilities. For more information or questions, please call 618-651-2720. stjosephshighland.org

▪ 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

Food

▪ O’Fallon Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239

▪ 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

▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion

▪ Breakfast in the Park — 8-11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. Schoendienst Park, Germantown. Come for breakfast in the park, featuring ham, eggs, pancakes, sausage plus biscuits & gravy. All meals are served as carryout. Drive-thru and walk-up available. To eat at the park, there will be ample seating under the pavilion and tents, plus live music. For dine-in only, coffee, milk and juice are included. Mimosas and bloody marys available for purchase. There will be a large 50/50 raffle with three winners to be drawn at noon. Donations to The Spassfest accepted. facebook.com/GermantownSpassfest

Reservations Required

▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Space is limited. Registration required. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.

▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24. Online via Zoom. A Slow Flow mixed levels practice that will lead you through a series of yoga poses that focus on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching. Requires Registration. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.

▪ 16th annual When Mental Illness Hits Home Conference — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville. This year’s conference will focus on the topic of “Living in the Now: Moving from Anxiety and Depression to Recovery and Peace.” Presenter Dr. Luis Giuffra will speak on “Depression! Now What? – The Latest Treatments” Marcie Phillis, Ph.D. will speak on “Moving from Anxiety and Depression: Resilience and Beyond.” Chaz Franke will speak on “Connecting to Values as Self-care” and “Developing Inner Listening Skills.” Lunch will be provided and is included in the $40 registration fee. Register online by 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25: snows.org/illness. 618-394-6281.

▪ 28th annual His Kids Cancer Support Golf Tournament — 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Oak Brook Golf Course, 9157 Fruit Road, Edwardsville. Four-person scramble with 18 holes, cart, range balls, longest drive, closest to pin, flighted prizes. Food and beverages on the course and lunch provided. Cost: $300 per team of four ($75 per player). Register by Aug. 22 at hiskidsinc.org. 618-654-4020.

▪ ‘A History of Sin: From Adam to Augustine’ — 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Aug. 27, Sept. 3, 10 & 17. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Visitors Center, 442 S. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville. The saga of sin is a long journey with many twists and turns. In this series we’ll see that there are several different meanings of sin in the Old Testament. We’ll show that even Jesus and Paul did not share the same understanding of sin. And we’ll trace the evolution of sin through some of the important theologians of the early Church. Join us for the history of sin from Adam to Augustine. Cost: $40 for series; $10 per session. Registration required: 618-394-6281 or snows.org.

Worth the Drive

▪ Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market – 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays. KC Hall grounds, 600 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Locally produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegars, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods. facebook.com/SteGenevieveFarmersMarket