Five things to do this weekend: Take in art, history and fairs but don’t forget the catsup — festival

You might think that the weekend after an explosive three-day binge, those hearty souls who arrange our weekend fun might be lying on the couch with a cool cloth. However, you would be quite wrong. They’ve been planning this weekend for ages.

Cahokia Mounds

Native American artists will be showing and selling their work at the 20th annual Contemporary Indian Art Show both Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville.

Bill Iseminger of the site says there is “something for everybody and every pocketbook,” and there is a wide variety of media and styles reflecting the 15 tribal affiliations of the artists.

“I always like the painting and the pottery,” Iseminger said, also pointing out the show would have sculpture, jewelry, beadwork and more by artists from around the country.

Jarrot House

Hang in there, we first have a little history so you know why an unfurnished house tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday is on the Five Things list. The Jarrot Mansion, near Illinois 3 and Illinois 157 in Cahokia, is rarely open to the public but is making an exception just days before Bastille Day.

Cahokia is the oldest town on the Mississippi River, according to the Jarrot Mansion website, and was founded in 1699 by French Canadian priests to serve the Cahokia and Tamaroa Indians. During the next century, the village became an agricultural and commercial center, and by 1810 a man named Nicholas Jarrot had finished his home there.

Just who was Nicholas Jarrot? Born in France, he was a refugee of the Revolution there, and in the Cahokia area became a land speculator and a judge.

Most homes in 1810 around here were French-influenced timber buildings. Not Jarrot’s — he went full-on Federal style for his not-so-humble abode.

Check out the woodwork. The chair rails. The pocket doors — one refinished and the other untouched. And, oh my goodness, the floors.

It’s enough to send a wanna-be rehabbing junkie into a case of the vapors.

Fair enough

A 5K kicks off the Clinton County Fair on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. in Carlyle, but the real fun starts Sunday. Go to www.clintoncofair.org for the full schedule; and check out the free antique tractor pull at 11 a.m Sunday. The fair’s goals are to “highlight agricultural products, livestock, farm machinery and provide good family fun.” Which, we all know, includes carnival rides and food. The fair runs through July 18.

Down the road a smidge to the west and in Washington County, their fair ends its run on Saturday in Nashville. Call 618-327-4401 or 618-327-3298 for details, or head on over to enjoy the demolition derby at 7 p.m. Saturday or the carnival rides and livestock displays.

Catsup

Those who eat French fires with mayo (heathens!) may need to stay away from Collinsville this weekend, and we’re duct-taping the Associated Press stylebook closed as well to allow for a certain spelling.

The city is celebrating the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle’s birthday with big ole bash from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday in Woodland Park. Car shows, old-fashioned birthday party games and eating contests featuring the tangy tomato topping on hot dogs or tater tots are on the schedule.

Music Sunday

After a full weekend of goings and doings, take it easy on Sunday night with live jazz by Anthony Wiggins and Friends. The Fairview Memorial VFW Post 8677 hosts the group from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at 5325 N. Illinois St.

If Motown and more are your style, try the free concert at Metter Park in Columbia, with Fanfare. At 206 E. Legion in Columbia, the night’s music will have also have R&B, country, big band and classic rock.

This story was originally published July 10, 2015 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Five things to do this weekend: Take in art, history and fairs but don’t forget the catsup — festival."