What’s Happening: Local events for Oct. 1-8

Concerts

• Back Porch — 6-10 p.m. Friday; 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Sit “N” Bull Saloon, 31 S. Mill St., New Memphis. Free live music. American Originals (dance tunes, classic rock) on Friday; Lon-I & The Petty Thieves (blues) on Saturday.
• Harvest Festival — 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Hidden Lake Winery & Banquet Center, 10580 Wellen Road, Aviston. Music by Paul Jarvis and The Old Barn Boys.
• Eckert’s Concerts — noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Free. Music by Casey Reeves (folk rock) Saturday, Lemen & Moon (acoustic duo) Sunday.

Dances

• Square & Round Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Caseyville Township Building, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Sponsored by Dandy Dancers. Kate Garrison and Joe Obal calling; Glenda Morgan cuing. Information: Sue Larsh, 630-841-4156.
• Square Dance — 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Gibault Catholic High School, Columbia Avenue and Moore Street, Waterloo. Finger food. Caller Stan Mangogna. Sponsored by Waterloo Quadrilles Square Dance Club. Information: Don Schilling, 618-939-7069.

Events

• Haunted Laser Tag — 8-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October, Edison’s Entertainment Complex, Edwardsville. A haunted house with laser tag and spooky characters lurking in the fog. Cost: $7-$25. For pricing details, edisonfun.com/laser-tag/.
• Film Forum — 7 p.m. Thursday, Liberal Arts Complex Theatre (LAC Room 1370) at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Aspiring filmmakers and directors of all ages are invited. Meet several local filmmakders, hear their stories and ask questions. Filmmakers are Ja Kanzler, “Marshall the Dog” and “23 Minutes to Sunrise”; Brian Jun, “Steel City,” “She Loves Me Not” and “Sleep with Me”; and Dan Steadman, “Hidden Hills,” “Expect Delays” and “Neila” (formerly Belleville). Information: stlhumanities.org/calendar.
• Bad Movie Night — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Blum House, 414 W. Main St., Collinsville. Movie playing is “Troll 2.” Free.
• Belleville Chili Cook-off — 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, downtown Belleville. Individuals, businesses and organizations compete for prizes. Samplings available for purchase. Children’s area. 5K run. Music both nights. See story, page C1.
• Alton Haunted Odyssey Tour — 7-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, begins at My Just Desserts, 31 E. Broadway (in the historic Simeon Ryder Building), Alton. All tours include a three-hour trolley jaunt to some of Alton’s most sinister haunts. Cost of the Waking The Dead Tour is $35, includes a dinner of autumn salad, chicken tettrazini, roll, choice of pumpkin pie or toll house brownie. Reservations: AltonHauntedTours.com or 618-462-3861.
• WWII Days — Friday-Sunday, Fort de Chartres Historic Site, Prairie du Rocher. WWII historic re-enactors set up camp, display the gear and weapons used by soldiers and stage mock battles. World War II vendors, vehicle displays. On Saturday night, the 2nd Ranger Battalion of St. Louis will hold a 1940s-style “canteen dance” at the nearby Prairie du Rocher American Legion Hall. Historic interpretes wil be there in period dress but anyone is welcome to take part, costume or no costume. The dance cover charge is $5.
• Archon 39 Convention — Friday-Sunday, Gateway Center, Collinsville. Archon is fan-run science-fiction and fantasy convention. For a schedule and other information, go to archonstl.org or call 800-289-2388.
• Faith’s Oktoberfest — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Faith Lutheran Church, 520 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon. German food, music, bake sale and games for all ages. Free-will offering will be taken.
• Lebanon Fall Festival — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, West St. Louis St., Lebanon. More than 100 craft vendors, activities for kids, food. Free.
• Tour de Bluffs Bike Ride — 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Prairie du Rocher Village Park. Registration at 7:30 a.m. Choice of scenic “rider friendly” routes of 12, 25 or 42 miles. Proceeds to toward preservation of 19th Century Creole House. Registration information: 618-859-3742 or http://www.greatriverroad.com/stegen/fcceventpages/prairiebluffride.htm#sthash
• Walk-A-Thon — 10 a.m. Saturday, Scottish Rite building parking lot, 1549 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville. Registration open at 9 a.m. for a 3-mile walk. Sponsored by The Children’s Dyslexia Center of Southern Illinois. Entry fee: $27 per adult, $20 per child. T-shirts available day of walk. Register/information: 618-235-9392, 618-235-3350, learningcenter@SRIL092com.
• Walking Tour of West Belleville — 10 a.m. Saturday, 1106 W. Main St. (West End Park), Belleville. Tour is approximately 16 blocks long and lasts about 60 minutes. Cost: $10 per person. 12 and older. Benefit for Belleville Historical Society. Reservations required. Call 618-236-7481 or rdevb@earthlink.net.
• Tunes and Tires — Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, 8729 Lebanon Road (historic Blackjack), Troy. Bluegrass/country music festival and car cruis sponsored by St. John the Baptist Chapel Foundation of the Troy Knights of Columbus. Music by three bands. Admission: $5; free (kids 10 & younger) Food, drinks. Show car owners get free admission and a voucher for free food and drink, eligibility for door prizes. Bring your lawn chairs.
• 5K Run/Walk for Peter’s Place — 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Moody Park at Longacre, 425 Ruby Lane, Fairview Heights. Registration 7-8 a.m. Fundraiser to benefit Peter’s Place Foundation, a Christ-centered, non-denominational ministry aimed at providing free, long-term residential support for young men ages 18-28 who struggle with substance abuse and/or mental illness. Entry fee: $25. Refreshments after the race. Information: Sherry Koehl, 618-558-0757 or www.petersplacefoundation.org.
• Pet Blessing — 9-10 a.m. Saturday, O’Fallon United Church of Christ, 207 W. Adams St., O’Fallon. Ask A Vet booth with Dr. Gary Gass. Representatives from Spencer Kennel and Animal Shelter and other local pet-related businesses will be on hand. Sponsored by The Youth Group as a community service project.
• Blessing of the Animals — 10 a.m. Saturday, St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville. Celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Bring any pet, dog, cat, horse, goat, etc. Dogs must be on leash.
• Jumpin’ Pumpkin Jamboree — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Eckert’s Belleville, Millstadt and Grafton Farms. Wagon rides, live entertainment, festival foods, children’s activities. Fees charged for some activities.
• St. Michael’s Octoberfest — Saturday-Sunday, St. Michael’s School, I-55 Exit 41, Staunton. Saturday: 5K Run, registration 7 a.m., Race begins 8 a.m.; Parade, 9 a.m.; All day auction starts at 9 a.m.; music by Serengeti Steve, 11 a.m.-noon; Smash Band, 7-11 p.m. On Sunday: Polka mass with Tamburitzans, 10 a.m.; corn hole/bags tourney, 12:30 p.m.; Tamburitzans, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; The Music Men, 1-4 p.m.; Doc Holiday, 5-9 p.m.; chicken dinner, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (carry-outs available unit 3 p.m.). Wine garden and beer tent. Harry Potter games including Frog Launch and mini Quidditch. Photo booth.
• Rose Society Show — noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday, 225 E. Main St., Belleville. Come for the roses, stay for the chili. Many beautiful roses and arrangements on display. Single stem roses for sale.Free.
• Clinton County Amazing Race — registration begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, starts and ends at O.W. Billhartz Civic Center, New Baden. Stops throughout Clinton County. Food, kids games, bakset raffles. All ages welcome (driver must be at least 18; teams of 2-6 members). $10 per adult, $5 per child 2-14. For information or to register a team, call Susie Oestringer at 618-444-4540 or Jessica Damm at 618-444-5775. Proceeds benefit HIS Kids. Presented by New Baden Lions Club.
• Taste of Germany — Sunday, Fischer’s Restaurant, Belleville. Belleville/Paderborn Sister Cities celebrates its 25th anniversary. Doors open at 4 p.m. with cash bar; dinner at 5 p.m. Authentic German meal, beer, wine and entertainment. Music by the Larry Haller Duo during cash bar and dinner. After dinner concert by Joe Polach’s St. Louis Express. Tickets are $34. Call Sally Berkel at 618-234-2331. Proceeds benefit Belleville Sister Cities Youth Exchange Program.
• Christian Music Festival — 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Metter Park, Columbia. A Christian community collaboration concert features vendors and kids activities.
• Food Pantry Fall Drive — 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Mascoutah Moose Lodge, 111 N. 2nd St., Mascoutah. Music by The Steve Meisner Band. All proceeds will benefit the Food Pantry. Cost: $10 per person in advance, $12 per person at door. Get tickets: Danny Krausz, 618-531-7445. All-you-can-eat chicken dinner from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., $9 per person. All proceeds benefit the Mascoutah Food Pantry.
• Stephenson Auction — 9 a.m. Sunday, Benjamin Stephenson House, 409 South Buchanan, Edwardsville. Information: 618-692-1818. Proceeds go toward maintaining the Stephenson House and educational programs.

Exhibits

• Mourning Col. Stephenson — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Oct. 1-31, 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, Edwardsville. Col. Stephenson died in the house on Oct. 10, 1822, and visitors will get a glimpse of the mourning customs practiced by the family almost 200 years ago. Watch as lawyers begin cataloging the Stephenson’s personal items for the probate records, and as Lucy prepares to auction off her belongings. 618-692-1818.
• Schmidt Art Gallery — through Oct. 15, Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville. “CODEX ISOM” by Ron Isom uses design, composition and symbolic contest to create esoteric connections to the universe. “A Moment in Time” by Stewart Halperin is a photographic journey of light, color, subject and movement that align to offer a moment unfolded. “Vertical Series” by Florin Hategan includes large-scale figurative prints of young adults who represent the struggle with identity and integration. “letting go, to seed” by Jessica White includes outdoor birdseed drawings that reflect the transience of nature and people.
• David Carriel Exhibit — Opening 6-8 p.m. Friday, The Governor French Academy, 223 W. Main St., Belleville. Complimentary drinks and refreshments. 24 medium-large size photographs by David Carriel, of Belleville, on display. Open to public during normal school hours until Oct. 23.

Food

• Caseyville Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Friday, Caseyville VFW Post 1117, 415 N. Long, Caseyville. Fish plates, desserts, sandwiches, burgers and more.
• Collinsville Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Friday, Collinsville VFW Post 5691, 1234 Vandalia, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out. Cod, catfish fillets, Tilapia, sides.
• Collinsville Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Friday, Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. North Atlantic cod, whole catfish, Cajun cut-ups, crab cakes, sides, desserts. Information: 618-345-2508.
• Collinsville Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, Illinois 157, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out. Fried/baked cod, catfish, sides. Senior plate starting at $4.99. 618-345-1492.
• Fairview Heights Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road. Walton’s Fish Fry. Serving jack salmon and wild-caught grilled salmon. Homemade desserts. Carryouts: 618-632-5222.
• Granite City Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Friday, St. Elizabeth Church, Granite City. Cod, catfish, pollock, jack salmon, shrimp. Eat in or carry out.
• Highland Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Eat in or carry out. 618-654-6367.
• Mascoutah Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Dine in or carry out. 618-566-2288.
• Millstadt VFW Fish Fry — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Friday, Millstadt VFW Post 7980, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Open jam session from 6 p.m. Sponsored by Millstadt VFW Post 7980.
• O’Fallon Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Sponsored by KC and Ladies Auxiliary. Cod and bluegill, burgers, hotdogs, sides. Eat in or carry out. 618-632-6229.
• O’Fallon Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 805, 221 W. First St., O’Fallon. Sponsored by Sgt. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 and Ladies Auxiliary. Fried and grilled fish and chicken, homemade sides and desserts. Children’s menu. To-go orders delivered to car. 618-624-2651.
• O’Fallon Fish & Chicken Fry — 5-8 p.m. every Friday, O’Fallon American Legion, 109 N. Penn, O’Fallon. Carry outs available. 618-632-8879.
• Quail Club Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod, walleye, shrimp, wings, burgers, sides, desserts. Carryouts available. No phone orders.
• Scott VFW Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Scott VFW Post 4183, Belleville. DJ, 8-1 p.m.
• Shiloh Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Sponsored by Eagles No. 545. Cod, Walleye, shrimp, chicken strip plates. Eat in or carry out. 618-624-5412.
• Summerfield Fish Fry — 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Summerfield Lions Club, 100 E. Park St., Summerfield. Carry outs 618-934-3841.
• Swansea Fish Fry — 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Swansea Fish Stand, 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, shrimp. 618-222-7171.
• Troy VFW Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Friday, Troy VFW Post 976 and Ladies Auxiliary, 123-A W. Market St., Troy. Choice of cod, catfish, jack salmon, baked fish, chicken strips, shrimp. Dinners include bread and choice of two sides. Dine in or carry out. 618-667-8387.
• Wurstmarkt — 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Friedens United Church of Christ, 820 N. Main St., Marissa. Sausage, mashed potatoes/gravy, sauerkraut, green beans, corn, applesauce, desserts, drinks. Cost: $10 adults, $4 children (5-11). Carryouts. Large parking lot, handicapped accessible, baked goods, crafts, country store.
• Marine Pancake & Sausage Breakfast — 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Marine Lion’s Club, 406 E. Division St., Marine. Proceeds to benefit Marine Lions Club and the Gravius Memorial Library. Pancakes, pork sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits/gravy, coffee, tea, juice. Price: $8 adults, $3 children (4-12), children (3 & younger) free; $8 carryouts.
• New Memphis Chili Dinner — 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New Memphis. Chili, hot dogs, drinks, desserts. Carryouts available.
• Chicken & Roast Pork Dinner — 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Ss. Peter & Paul Church, 207 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Eat in cafeteria or Morris Hall. Carryouts. Chicken, roast pork, mashed potatoes/grave, dressing, green beans, corn, salad, applesauce, rolls, desserts, coffee, tea, lemonade. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children (8-12), children (7 & younger) free. Silent auction, 50/50 drawing.
• Walton’s Chicken Dinner — 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, Fairview Heights. Homemade desserts. For carryouts call 618-632-5222.
• Fried Chicken — 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. All you can eat. Adults $10; $8 seniors; $5 children (12 and younger). Sponsored by Millstadt VFW Post.

Games

• Cribbage — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Drive, Collinsville. Nine games against nine different opponents. Information: Phil at 618-288-7910 or Yvonne at 618-344-1521.
• Euchre Tournament — 7 p.m. Friday, Smithton Senior Center. Partner Night.
• Card Party and Luncheon — noon Tuesday, St. Luke’s Hall, 226 N. Church St., Belleville. Cards, bingo, games with prizes. Menu: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, cake. Cost: $6. Presented by St. Luke Perpetual Help Sodality.
• Cribbage — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Camelot Bowl, 801 Beltline Road, Collinsville. New players wanted. Information: Yvonne, 618-344-1521 or Phillip, 618-288-7910.

Markets

• Swansea Farmer’s Market — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Locally grown crops (corn, tomatoes, watermelon) baked goods, eggs and crafts. Information: Norm Geloat, 618-978-8753 or swanseafarmersmarket@yahoo.com.
• Fall Rummage & Bake Sale — 4-7 p.m. Friday; 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sacred Heart Women’s Club, Dupo. Admission Friday: Canned goods or monetary donation to benefit DuKare.
• Rummage & Bake Sale — 5:30-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B St., Belleville. Sponsored by St. Paul Women’s Guild. Saturday 9 a.m.-noon brown bag special.
• Rummage Sale — 4-7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Troy United Methodist Church, 407 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sposored by the United Methodist Women. Proceeds to go support Christian Missions.
• O’Fallon Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, downtown O’Fallon (next to caboose). Locally grown produce.
• Alton Farmer’s & Artisans’ Market — 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays; 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 17, parking lot, corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street. Locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic crops, produce, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, fresh eggs, honey, bread, baked goods, flowers, potted plants, artwork.
• Old Town Market — 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, corner of North First and West Main streets, on the parking lot of the St. Clair County Public Health Department, Belleville. Vendors include produce, flowers, plants, summer sausage, crafts. “Cycle of Giving” bicycle repair is present on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
• Book Sale — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Tri Township Library 209 S. Main St., Troy. Books, magazines, puzzles, games, DVD, CD donations are accepted during library hours or on day of sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
• Patio Book Sale — 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Six Mile Regional Library District, 2145 Johnson Road, Granite City. All books 50 cents. Proceeds benefit SMRLD. Special books priced separately. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
• Gun & Knife Show — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Belle-Clair Expo, 200 South Belt East, Belleville. Illinois largest hunting and trade show. Buy, sell, trade. Ammunition, knives, coins, military, guns, reloading supplies, accessories, hi-tech optics.
• Rummage Sale — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. (half price) Oct. 8; 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ($2 a bag day), Oct. 9; St. Mary, Trenton.

On Stage

• “The Music Man” — 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday and Looking Glass Playhouse, 310 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon. Get tickets at 618-537-4962 or www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.
• Rich Guzzi Comedy Hypnosis — 8 p.m. Saturday, Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Tickets: Box office, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; 618-307-1750; www.wildeytheatre.com.

Shoots

• Millstadt Meat Shoot — noon Sunday, Millstadt Sportsmen’s Club, 4951 Schmidt Lane, Millstadt. 12 gauge only. Food, refreshments, picnic stands.
• Belleville Meat Shoot — noon Sunday, American Legion Post 1255, 201 Eiler Road, Shoot and wheel rounds, raffles, free food.

Trivia

• Swansea — 7-10 p.m. Saturday, CK&L of I, 2800 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Hosted by The Brass Rail Players. Cost: $80 per table (max of 8 people). Mulligans, 50/50 raffle, heads and tails, cash prizes. Bring your own food, no outside drinks. Soda and alcohol available at the bar. Reservations: 618-767-6016, board@brfassrailplayers.org.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 3:01 AM with the headline "What’s Happening: Local events for Oct. 1-8."