Dozens of events, fish fries, more on the metro-east weekend calendar

Noon Friday, Sept. 23, 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.

Highlighted Event

▪ Belleville Area Humane Society 11th annual Wine for Whiskers — 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. The Weingarten, 1780 East Illinois 15, Belleville. Featuring live music by Social Lite, a fabulous silent auction, raffles, scrumptious food selections by Silver Spoon Catering & Drink Makers, delicious Weingarten libations, and beautiful floral arrangements by Grimm and Gorly. Tickets are $60 in advance and available online at bahspets.org/event/wine-for-whiskers-2022.

Events

▪ St. Clair County Garden Club Fall Plant Sale — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. Swansea Farmers Market, front of Rural King, North Illinois Street, Swansea. The sale features many perennials such as named iris and daylilies, phlox, hostas, oriental lilies and various bulbs as well as house plants, succulents, air plants and cactus. Lovely colored glass bouquet vases, hanging baskets and large planter pots are just $1. Members will be available to answer gardening questions and provide hints for winter care.

▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through October. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea.

▪ Food Truck Night IV: Fall Festival — 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. Liederkranz Park, Millstadt. A night of food, music, library card signups, games and more. Confirmed trucks are the Spud Shack, Fantastick Pops, the Fine Swine, Clara B’s Kitchen Table, and Truckeria Del Valle. facebook.com/events/1073303316894981

▪ SWIC Manufacturing Day Open House — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Southwestern Illinois College Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road, Granite City. Check out high-tech automated manufacturing machinery, hear from regional manufacturers and discover how American manufacturing is flourishing. Featuring new technology, educational programs, career opportunities, products and services. Free and open to the public. 618-931-0600, ext. 7476 or swic.edu/mfgday.

▪ Free Clothing — 9-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24. 1050 N. State St., Freeburg. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, shoes, books and miscellaneous items. All free. Sponsored by Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank. 618-539-5070.

▪ 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.

▪ Tower Grove Park Beer and Cocktail Garden — 4-8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through October. Ruins Pond, Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis. Enjoy a variety of seasonal and classic Schlafly beer, four seasonally rotating cocktails from STL Barkeep, food truck fare, live music, yoga and yard games. Free to attend. A portion of the beer and cocktail proceeds will benefit Tower Grove Park. schlafly.com

▪ Canine Carnival at the Alton Farmer’s & Artisans’ Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24. Henry Street and Landmarks Boulevard, Alton. Features of the event include a Pet Parade at 10 a.m., and a Costume Contest at 10:30 a.m. Bring your dog dressed to impress, because the winner of the costume contest will receive a $20 gift certificate to Petco. Rescue agencies will be holding an adopt-a-thon, so if you are looking for a new best friend, come meet some loveable dogs who need a good home. There will be face painting, balloon animals, and activities for pets and families. Vendors will be selling pet-related products such as handmade dog treats, toys, bandanas, clothing, collars, bow ties, and pet portraits. Information will be available for services such as pet grooming and more. facebook.com/AltonMainStreet

▪ Fairview Heights Elks Lodge Parking Lot Sale — 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24. Fairview Heights Elks Lodge 664, 9480 Old Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Sale includes many household goods, miscellaneous items.

▪ 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.

▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee while supplies last. All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This family and pet friendly event is free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/2744441022531626

▪ Turkey Hill Grange Flea Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25. Turkey Grange Hill, 1375 IL-15, Belleville. Homemade apple butter, variety of vendors, yard sale items. turkeyhillgrange.org

▪ Edwardsville Township 8th annual Touch-A-Truck Event — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Edwardsville Township Community Park, 6368 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville. Nearly 25 vehicles will be on site for children to explore throughout the day. Parking for the event will be at Edwardsville High School and Metro East Lutheran High School with First Student providing complimentary shuttles to Township Park. Emergency vehicles, farm equipment, antique tractors, boom trucks, line trucks and more are open to young explorers all day. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/EdwardsvilleTownship

▪ St. Augustine Parish Picnic — 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, 1910 W. Belle St., Belleville. Includes home cooked chicken dinner, outdoor food and drinks, games, inflatables for the kids, baskets, Halloween stands, live music. 618-233-3813.

▪ St. Clare Parish’s 22nd annual Oktoberfest — 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. St. Clare School campus, Third and Cherry streets, O’Fallon. Includes pork roast dinner from 4-7 p.m., festival foods, live music, games, raffles, kids activities and more. 618-632-3562 or stclarechurch.org/oktoberfest.

▪ Advantage Illinois Free Seminar — Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Morris University Center, International Room, 6 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville. The SIUE School of Business and Town and Country Bank invite you to learn about how Advantage Illinois can boost your small business and maximize your economic impact. RSVP at https://qrco.de/bd0THE.

Games

▪ ‘Star Wars’ Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. Silver Creek Saloon, 2520 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville. Luke, Darth Vader, Yoda, Chewy and much much more. Come support the Belleville Philharmonic and play Star Wars trivia. There will be some awesome Star Wars prizes and gift cards from Silver Creek. Cost: $10 per person, $13 at the door. https://bit.ly/3qQ8tsz

▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.

▪ Germantown Fire Department Shooting Match — Noon Sunday, Sept. 25. Schoendienst Park, Park Road, Germantown. Includes food – fried chicken, firehouse chili, wings, roller dogs and more – beverages, raffles, Kids Corner and more. Rain or shine.

▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.

Theater/Concerts

▪ Highland Thursday Night Live Concert Series: RX Blues Band — 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. 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

▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ — 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents the final installment of the Harry Potter series in concert. Justin Freer conducts as the orchestra plays Alexandre Desplat’s score to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” in concert while the film plays on the big screen. For tickets and info: 314-534-1700 or slso.org.

▪ ABBA Mania — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. ABBA Mania is a rock musical that will take audiences back in time to the disco era, featuring ABBA’s hits and all their signature costume changes, choreography and big studio sound. For lifelong fans or for those who haven’t had the opportunity to see ABBA live, this show is the perfect excuse to discover or relive the memories of the band that took over the disco world. For tickets and info: 618-537-6863 or thehett.com.

▪ Navy Band Great Lakes Woodwind Quintet Fair Winds — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. A versatile woodwind ensemble with a repertoire consisting of classical, military marches and patriotic compositions. Comprised of professional musicians, Navy Band Great Lakes regularly performs for military engagements, public concerts, recitals and educational clinics for audiences throughout the Midwest. Admission is free for the public; however, tickets are still required. For tickets and info: 618-537-6863 or thehett.com.

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ O’Fallon Women’s Club — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 111 O’Fallon Troy Road, O’Fallon. Breakfast meeting. Speaker Teri Rankin will talk about “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” Yearbooks will be ready for pickup. Note the change for the first meeting of the Club year. ofallonwomansclub.org or facebook.com/OFallonWomansClubInc

▪ Highland Garden Club — 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. Korte Rec Center, 1 Nagel Drive, Highland. A brief business meeting followed by a make-n-take led by Marge Coles of Walter Knowles Florist. Those who wish to participate will be making an artificial Christmas decoration. Cost for the activity is $20. Visitors are always welcome to attend.

▪ GriefShare Seminar/Group — 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 6. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, lower level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. A special weekly seminar and support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. Featuring practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others who have experienced the death of a loved one. Participants can start at any time. Cost: $20 for the workbook. 318-344-3151 or bklee54@yahoo.com for info or to register.

▪ Parkinson’s Disease Discovery Group — 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27. 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

▪ The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern IL (NAMI SWI) — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27. First Baptist Church, 534 St. Louis St., Edwardsville. For family members or other caregivers of someone who has a mental illness. Meetings held the fourth Tuesday of each month. For information, contact Pat Rudloff at silverlining6@charter.net or call NAMI at 618-798-9788.

▪ 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 Women’s Classes — 9:30-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. Morning classes include teaching for newborn through Pre-K. Together with other women, we will be studying the later history of Israel. For info or to register, call or leave a message with Jane at 618-520-8357 or Candy at 618-363-3285.

▪ Belleville Community Band — 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson St., Belleville. Currently seeking new members, particularly woodwinds, percussion and tuba. Visit the Belleville Community Band Facebook page for more info.

Food

▪ 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

▪ 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, tilapia, catfish, 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

▪ Boy Scout Troop 30 Bar-B-Que — 11 a.m. until sold out Saturday, Sept. 24. Okaw Valley Park, New Athens. Pork steaks and brats, plates and sandwiches, green beans and pork-n-beans. New Athens Fall Festival, fire department kickball tournament.

▪ St. Teresa Church, Marydale Drive-Thru Chicken Dinner — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. St. Teresa of Avila Church, 18021 Marydale Road, Carlyle. Menu includes 1/2 fried chicken (four pieces), dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, slaw. Cost: $13 per meal. facebook.com/MarydaleStTeresa

Reservations Required

▪ Jewelry & Paper Crafts Class — 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. April Barnes from Three Sisters Crafts returns to show us how to make new offerings. Make a decorative notepad ($3) or bracelet ($5) for yourself or for a gift. Reserve your spot, 618-234-4410, ext. 7044 or 7034. Sponsored by the St. Clair County Office on Aging.

▪ Adult Zumba with Aimee — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 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. Requires Registration. glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ Life Day | Heroes for Life — 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. First Baptist Church of Columbia, 1200 Valmeyer Road, Columbia. Includes motorcycle ride, walking scavenger hunt trivia, Balloonatic, RN Sparkle Face & Pain Tattoo Artist, basket raffle auction, kids activities, life prayer chain and more. Cost: $25 per person; kids 5 and under free. Register; supportmylifenet.com/events/life-day. 618-939-4224.

▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. 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.

▪ Fore! The Foundation Golf Scramble — 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Oak Brook Golf Course, 9157 Fruit Road, Edwardsville. Registration 7 a.m. There will also be a couple of special holes that will challenge all levels of golfers. There will be beer carts, goodie bags, attendance prizes and more. 618-667-8769 or troymaryvillecoc.com.

▪ 12th annual For Kids’ Sake Superhero 5K — 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Turley Park, 1010 N. Glenview Drive, Carbondale. One of the largest run/walks in Southern Illinois, this annual fundraiser benefits orphans and students in Bangladesh. Participants are encouraged to assemble teams, compete for prizes, and fundraise for children in need. Register by Sept. 26 to guarantee a T-shirt. Registration is open now at forkidssake.net.

▪ 16th annual Community Link Buddy Walk — 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Northside Park, Breese. Following the one-mile walk will be an afternoon full of activities to celebrate Community Link’s 50th anniversary. To register for the walk: commlink.org.

▪ Walk-Run-Roll to Build Community for Friends of Fisher House St. Louis — 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Jefferson Barracks St. Louis County Park, Gold Star Shelter, 345 North Road W., St. Louis. (Virtual option available) Registration 7 a.m. Early Bird registration for $30 per person with Sept. 25 deadline. fisherhouseinstl.org

Worth the Drive

▪ 42nd annual Builders Home & Remodeling Show — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, Missouri. Hundreds of home pros, demonstrations and more. stlhomeshow.com

▪ 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

▪ Friends of the Shawnee National Forest National Public Lands Day Event — 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins, 798 Karbers Ridge Road, Elizabethtown. The Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, along with the United States Forest Service, is hosting a training on cut stump herbicide treatment. Optional trash blast to follow. facebook.com/shawneefriends

▪ Traditional Music Festival — Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25. Larry Crites Park, 2232-2292 Old State Highway A, Festus, Missouri. Featuring George Portz & Friends of Bluegrass, Howlin Bros., Baker Family, Harmonica Champ Eric Thompson, Farm Hands, Punches Family, Southside Creole Playboys, Thunder & Lightning Cloggers, O’Falolain Irish Dancers and more.