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Events Calendar
for the Middle Mississippi River Valley
The Middle Mississippi River Valley is home to hundreds of special events
throughout the year. Unique festivals, country fairs, historical
reenactments, nature activities, ands artists exhibitions are just some of
the events that await visitors to the region. At any given time there is
always something going on. The listings below are just a sampling of the
events that are scheduled for this month and the next. Links are provided
below the listings to the more comprehensive regional calendar pages.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
EXHIBIT
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL |
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October 17 - December 13, 2009
Tuesday - Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Interpretive Center, Collinsville Road
The photographs entered for the North American
Indian Photography Contest will be displayed. The contest, sponsored by the
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Cahokia Mounds Museum Society, is
open to both amateurs and professionals and seeks photographs that transcend
simple snapshots and evoke the spirit of the North American Indian: people,
character, events, objects, symbols, environment, past or present culture,
and soul.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160 |
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FRENCH
& INDIAN
WINTER RENDEZVOUS
Prairie du Rocher, IL |
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Saturday, November 7, 2009
10 am - 5 pm
Fort
De Chartres
4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155
A winter gathering of French & Indian camping and competing in a
team woodswalk musket competition.
Free, Donations appreciated
For
more information call 618-284-7230 |
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50
MILES OF ART
STUDIO & GALLERY TOUR |
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November 7 - November 8, 2009
10 am - 5 pm
Hannibal, Louisiana, Clarksville, Elsberry
Professional artists and artisans in the historic river towns of
Hannibal, Louisiana, Clarksville, and surrounding communities are
opening their studios, galleries, and retail spaces for their
semi-annual Studio and Gallery Tour. Sponsored by the Great River
Road Guild of Professional Artists, an outgrowth of The Provenance
Project.
Free
For more information call 573-242-3132
or visit www.50milesofart.com |
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FOURTH FRIDAY
ART WALK
Ste. Genevieve, MO |
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Friday, November 20, 2009
6 pm - 9 pm
Historic downtown Ste. Genevieve
Several galleries in Ste. Genevieve are offering the opportunity to
view the art works of Ste. Genevieve area and regional artists with
a variety of art forms that will offer something for everyone.
Other retail businesses will also participate in the
event by being open during the same hours. Refreshments will be
served at various locations and maps are available at each location
designating which galleries and studios are open. Held on the
third Friday during November because of the holidays.
Free
For
more information visit
http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com |
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CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Kimmswick, MO |
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Saturday, November
21, 2009
10 am - 9 pm
Downtown Kimmswick
Kimmswick will be filled with the sights and
sounds of the holidays and ready for you and your family to enjoy.
A tree lighting ceremony in front of the Visitor Center at 5pm
hosted by Santa Claus. All of the shops in town will be serving
refreshments. Carolers will be strolling the streets and a horse
drawn trolley will be on-hand for free rides throughout town.
Free
For
more information call 636-464-6464 |
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VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
St. Louis, MO |
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November 25, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday: 1 - 4 pm
Missouri Botanical Garden
The
Missouri Botanical Gardens continues a cherished tradition, which
inspires interest in the Victorian era and its connections to Henry
Shaw and the history of the Garden by decorating the Victorian
country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw for the season with
wreaths, garland, floral centerpieces, greenery and a holiday tree.
Younger visitors can look for old-fashioned toys hidden throughout
the house and will receive a coloring book titled “A Cold Winter’s
Evening in Shaw’s Garden” based on Clement C. Moore’s popular poem
‘Twas the Night before Christmas, which was written in 1823.
Admission, free for members
For
more information call 314-577-5100
or visit the Missouri Botanical Garden
website. |
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ANNUAL WINTER
WONDERLAND
Ladue, MO |
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November 25, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Sunday - Friday: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm for carriage rides only. No motor
vehicles.
Closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
Tilles County Park, corner of Litzsinger and McKnight Roads
St.
Louis County Parks celebrates its annual Winter Wonderland that is created and designed by St. Louis County
Parks employees. A drive through Tilles County Park reveals a winter
wonderland decorated with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights
and holiday displays. Horse-drawn carriage rides available every
night.
Admission
For
more information call
314-615-7275
or visit the St. Louis County
Parks
website. |
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WINTER
WONDERLAND CELEBRATION
Louisiana, MO |
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Friday, November 27, 2009
5 pm
Downtown District
This celebration includes a parade, the lighting
of the city Christmas tree, and the annual wreath decorating
competition. Contests include competitions for the titles of Miss
Snow Queen, Junior Miss Snow Queen, Miss Snowflake and Mr. Frosty.
Horse and wagon will be available for rides.
Free
For more information call 1-888-642-3800 |
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ANNUAL INDIAN
MARKET DAYS
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL |
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November 27 - November 29, 2009
Friday: 12 pm - 5 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm
Collinsville Road
Vendors and American Indian artists will have
jewelry, paintings, crafts, clothing, weavings, carvings, baskets, pottery,
sculpture and more for sale.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160 |
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CHRISTMAS
WONDERLAND
Alton, IL |
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November 27 - December 27, 2009
Monday - Friday: 6 pm - 9 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 5 pm - 9 pm
Rock Springs Park on College Avenue
Drive through Rock Springs Park to see more 2.5 million lights adorning
trees and lighting displays throughout the park. Visitors are sure to be
captivated by the holiday spirit.
Admission is $7 for cars and small vans or
$1 per person for vehicles holding 10 or more persons.
For more information call 1-800-ALTON-IL or 618-465-6676 |
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HOLIDAY DECORATION
DISPLAY
St. Louis, MO |
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November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010
9 am - 6 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Old Courthouse, St. Louis Riverfront
A
celebration of the holiday season as it was celebrated in the
Victorian Era. Period decorations and a 25-foot Christmas tree set
the mood for free concerts. Museum galleries depict holiday
celebrations during St. Louis history.
Free
For
more information call
314-655-1700 |
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CHRISTMAS
TRADITIONS
St. Charles, MO |
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November 27 - December 26, 2009
Historic St. Charles Downtown District
St. Charles celebrates the holidays with
festivities that include caroling, chestnut roasting,
authentically costumed Santas from around the world, and a Santa
Parade each weekend. Visitors will find candlelight shopping and
dining Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings as the shops and restaurants
on South Main Street stay open until 9pm as well as special
activities beginning at 6:30.
Free, some activities charge a fee
For more information call 1-800-366-2427
or visit www.stcharleschristmas.com |
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CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
O'Fallon, MO |
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November 27 - December 30, 2009
Sundays & Tuesday-Thursday: 6:30 pm – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday from: 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Fort
Zumwalt Park (Interstate 70 to the Bryan Road exit)
A
tradition since 1991 the City of O'Fallon presents a
drive-through dazzling holiday one mile display of over one
million lights depicting holiday scenes. Each scene is designed
and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses.
Cars
$9, Vans $15, Buses $1 person Drive through; enjoy our
walk-through night on December 8 or a Train Ride on Mondays by
reservation (no vehicles).
For more information call 636-379-5614 |
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GREAT RIVER ROAD RUN
Alton, IL |
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Saturday, November 28, 2009
Registration begins at 8 am
Eagles Lodge, 426 E. Broadway
Annual race starts in downtown Alton and goes down the Great River Road
and back. Awards will be given, T-shirts to all who enter, plus post
race refreshments.
Registration fee.
For more information call 618-259-2261 or visit
www.altonroadrunners.com |
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SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL
Godfrey, IL |
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Friday, December 4, 2009
6 pm - 8 pm
Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane
Visit beautiful Glazebrook Park as it is lit up
with lights to celebrate the season. Everyone is invited to attend this free
old-fashioned festival with carolers, hot cocoa, carriage rides, and
pictures with Santa.
Free
For more information call 618-466-1483 |
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CHRISTMAS IN KIMMSWICK
Kimmswick, MO |
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December
4 - December 6, 2009
Friday: 10 am - 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Downtown Kimmswick
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in
Kimmswick. The shops will be decked out in their holiday splendor,
carolers will be strolling the streets, and horse drawn carriage
rides will carry you back to a time gone by. With over 25 unique
shops, Kimmswick will make your holiday shopping easy and stress
free.
Free
For
more information call 636-464-6464 |
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ANNUAL
CANDLELIGHT TOURS
Defiance, MO |
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December 4 - December 5, 2009
December 11 - December 12, 2009
Daniel Boone Home,
1868 Highway F
Usher in the holiday season with a visit to the
Boone Home & Boonesfield Village. Each building is decorated
in 19th century fashion and illuminated by thousands of candles,
bonfires and starlight. Period music will echo through the valley
offering a simpler, more delightful holiday experience.
Admission
For more information call 636-798-2005 |
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CHRISTMAS WALK
Augusta, MO |
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December 4 & December 11, 2009
5 pm - 10 pm
Luminaries line the streets as you stroll through
historic Augusta. The walk showcases shops, wineries, churches, and
the brewery. Enjoy roasted chestnuts, a bonfire, music, the decor
of the season and the spirit of Christmas.
Free
For more information call 636-228-4005
or visit the
augusta-chamber.org website |
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ANNUAL
COUNTRY
CHRISTMAS WALK
Ste. Genevieve, MO |
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December 5 - December 6, 2009
Saturday:
9 am - dusk
Sunday 10 am - 5
pm
Kick-off the Christmas season by welcoming Mr. & Mrs. Santa
Claus, listening to Christmas carolers, lighting the city's
Christmas tree, late shopping, and enjoying a live nativity scene. The parade on
Saturday starts at 11 am.
Free
For
more information call 1-800-373-7007 |
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CHRISTMAS ART SHOW & SALE
Ste. Genevieve, MO |
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December 5 - December 6, 2009
Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Patke Room, 255 Market Street
The Ste. Genevieve Art Guild sponsors this art show featuring
area artists showing and selling their work. Cookies and Spiced
Apple Cider are served throughout the weekend. A painting is
raffled each year and there is a silent auction with the
proceeds used to fund an art scholarship for a graduating
senior. A Meet the Artists Reception will be held on Saturday
evening, December 1st from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Free
For more information call
1-800-373-7007 |
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WEIHNACHTS FESTIVAL
Millstadt, IL |
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Sunday, December 6, 2009
10 am - 6 pm
St. James Parish Hall, 405 W. Madison Street
Celebrate a German Christmas with an arts &
crafts fair, favorite German foods, a holiday Cookie Walk, and
German folk music. St. Nicholas arrives in the parade at noon.
Free
For more information call 618-476-1812 |
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OLD-FASHIONED
GERMAN CHRISTMAS
Maeystown, IL |
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Sunday,
December 6, 2009
11 am - 5 pm
Maeystown Historic
District
Celebrate Weihnachts Fest with carol singing in
both German and English, concerts, St. Nickolaus, B&B tours,
tree lighting, traditional German food and shopping.
Free
For
more information call 618-458-6660 |
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TASTE OF CHOCOLATE
Grafton, IL |
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Saturday, December 6, 2008
12 pm - 5 pm
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main Street
Taste the chocolates of Grafton! Enjoy a plate of
homemade chocolate desserts donated by different businesses and
restaurants in Grafton. There will be many different goodies from which to
choose from. Recipe booklets are available for $2.50 each.
This is a great time to shop for all on your Christmas list!
Tickets are a $6
For more information call 618-786-7000 |
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ARRIVAL AT
CAMP RIVER DUBOIS
Hartford, IL |
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December 12 - December 13, 2009
10 am - 4 pm both days
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
New Poag Road and IL-3
Witness the arrival of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as reenactors arrive
at the mouth of the River Dubois to establish their 1803-04 Winter
Encampment. Join the members of the Corps in a military demonstration of
1803 U.S. Army Expedition. Visitors can experience camp life in early
Frontier Illinois, and watch demonstrations of period crafts and skills.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811 |
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ANNUAL
CHURCH WALK
Louisiana, MO |
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Downtown District
The Louisiana Area Historical Museum hosts the
annual Christmas Mid-town Church Walk. After the Walk cookies and
warm cider is served by the Museum Board of Directors.
Free
For more information call 1-888-642-3800 |
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FRENCH
CHRISTMAS
Ste. Genevieve, MO |
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
1 pm - 5 pm
Felix
Vallé
House State Historic Site
This annual celebration highlights the music, customs, and
decorations of an early French Colonial Christmas celebration
known as "Le Reveillon." Costumed guides will explain
the early 1800's customs and the dining room will be filled with
traditional foods. Refreshments and period music will be
provided.
Free
For
more information call 573-883-7102 |
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FOURTH FRIDAY
ART WALK
Ste. Genevieve, MO |
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Friday, December 18, 2009
6 pm - 9 pm
Historic downtown Ste. Genevieve
Several galleries in Ste. Genevieve are offering the opportunity to
view the art works of Ste. Genevieve area and regional artists with
a variety of art forms that will offer something for everyone.
Other retail businesses will also participate in the
event by being open during the same hours. Refreshments will be
served at various locations and maps are available at each location
designating which galleries and studios are open. Held on the
third Friday during December because of the holidays.
Free
For
more information visit
http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com |
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CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
St. Charles, MO |
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Saturday, December 19, 2009
6 pm - 8 pm
First Missouri Capitol
State Historic Site, 200-216 S. Main Street
"Papa and Jackie Wright" with will narrate
and perform "The History of Christmas Music" in this
candlelight concert . This warm holiday
show with marimbas, drums, and various instruments will leave you
with the holiday spirit. Lit entirely by candles, the concert is
held in the legislative chambers.
$6.
Reservations are needed
For more information call 636-940-3322 |
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WINTER
EQUINOX
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL |
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Sunday, December 20, 2009
Arrive by 7 am
Collinsville Road
Observe the winter equinox sunrise and learn of the discovery, form and
function of an ancient post circle called Woodhenge that was used as a
solar calendar by the Cahokians. No ceremony or ritual is presented.
Woodhenge is located 1/2 mile west of Monks Mound and the main entrance to
the site.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160 |
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BALD EAGLE
VIEWING PROGRAMS
Pere Marquette
State Park
Grafton, IL |
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Selected days during December, 2009
8:30 am
Visitor Center
A video presentation is followed by an observational drive. Dress warm
and have a full tank of gas. Binoculars are recommended.
Free, reservations required
For more information call 618-786-3323 |
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The Meeting of the Great Rivers
Scenic Byway - Regional calendar pages for the Illinois
Counties of Madison, Jersey, and Calhoun.
French Colonial Country -
Regional calendar pages for the Illinois Counties of Madison, Jersey, and
Calhoun and the Missouri Counties of Ste. Genevieve and Jefferson.
Gateway to the West
- Regional calendar pages for St. Louis and St. Louis County.
Meeting the Missouri
River - Calendar pages for St. Charles County, Missouri.
Missouri's Lincoln Hills
- Regional calendar pages for the Missouri Counties of Lincoln, Pike, Ralls
and Marion.
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