Mark Your Calendars for Eastern Region Events!

Next up, we’ll focus on so many gatherings and events that are taking place in our Eastern Region this fall. This region is our largest, accounting for 12 counties – Clark, Clay, Crawford, Cumberland, Edwards, Hamilton, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White. We’ll kick off with one of the most popular events in our Eastern Region which can be found in Hamilton County. The McLeansboro Kiwanis Club hosts the McLeansboro Fall Festival each year for the last 65 years. When it began, it was a one-day celebration called Dairy Days – it has since grown into a three-day event that is beloved by thousands of folks throughout southern Illinois. “What separates this event from others is the free, professional, worldwideknown entertainment,” explains Jerry Prince, Chairman of the Fall Festival’s Entertainment Committee and Past President as well. Over the years, they have had a ton of talent visit McLeansboro – from Sawyer Brown and the Oak Ridge Boys to Lee Greenwood and Confederate Railroad, along with many others. For this year’s event – the Fall Festival will host Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder on Thursday the 9th, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Friday the 10th , and Exile on Saturday the 1th. The best part is, the McLeansboro Fall Festival costs folks nothing to enjoy, the concerts are all FREE – which is made possible from donations. “We have a very supportive business community,” Prince admits. “I feel great that they have enough confidence as I reach out to them to contribute, to make this all possible.” Aside from the entertainment, the McLeansboro Fall Festival has another component that makes it unique. Several years ago they added the Fox Hollow Downhill Derby Race to the list of activities, and it has been VERY well received. In the near future, they plan to offer those races for younger kids to participate from 7 to 8 years old, all the way to the age of 19. “I think that our festival is starting to take on a different atmosphere, because I think it might be becoming a southern Illinois staple,” Prince says. “We start getting calls right after our festival from people wondering when the next year’s event will be, and who will be performing. People like to plan class reunions, family reunions, vacations, or just passing through – and let those things coincide with our Festival.” In terms of any health precautions, Prince says they’ll follow any guidelines that the state and the department of health have in place. As an affiliate of the National/International Kiwanis Club – they will do whatever they can in order to stay in compliance, which is why they made the difficult decision to cancel last year’s Fall Festival. Another parallel celebration going on at the same time is the Bicentennial of Hamilton County. On February 8th of 1821, Hamilton County was formed from White County – so throughout this year there have been and will be gatherings to celebrate the occasion. In the 200 years of Hamilton County, there have been several remarkable individuals to contribute to history, including past Illinois Governor John Henry Stelle. Stelle was born in McLeansboro and went on to be a very key figure in writing the G.I. Bill of Rights in 1944. Prince says between the Fall Festival and the Bicentennial, 2021 is an extremely exciting time for folks in the community – and they can’t wait to have everyone in town. “We welcome everyone, and we’re very appreciative that we’re able to do what we’re doing,” adds Prince. The 2021 McLeansboro Fall Festival is slated for September 9th – 11th, so make sure to keep an eye on the McLeansboro Kiwanis Club Facebook page for any updates regarding the event going forward.

Fall Follies Parade in Oblong, IL

Did you know that the Heath Bar was created in Robinson, Illinois? The fantastic toffee and chocolate bar has deep ties to the community of Robinson, which is why they have an event called the Heath Harvest Festival. This annual celebration features live entertainment, car show, parade, toffee demonstrations and so much more. Glenda Fulling, the President of the Heath Harvest Festival says that after taking last year off – the community is excited to have the event in the downtown square this fall. “It is very important to our community to host this event for our businesses to thrive and most importantly for our community residents and visitors,” Fulling explains. “This festival brings a great deal of tourism to our community and we want to make their experience fun and safe. Not having the festival last year was hard on so many, so this year we want to invite our class reunions back, our yearly visitors back, as well as some new faces to our community. We have many businesses already on board to do their part to make this years festival the best ever.” Fulling adds that the Festival will definitely take the pandemic into account when it comes to this year’s event. “We will be making as many provisions as possible to ensure the safety of our guests with placing of our vendors, sanitation stations, and more,” Fulling says. “Most likely, our demographics for our vendors will change a bit in order to keep our vendors spaced properly for social distancing.” The 2021 Heath Harvest Fest is set for October 1st and 2nd, and you can visit their website for more information at heathharvestfest.com.

Another community in Crawford County with a long running tradition is Oblong. The Oblong Fall Follies and Spooktacular Halloween Parade has become a fan-favorite over the last few decades, and the parade has been deemed the largest nighttime parade in the state! “We are extremely excited to be moving forward with the events this year,” says Diane Houdasheldt, President of Oblong’s Chamber of Commerce. “Our visitors and vendors safety will be our top concern and we will be following all needed safety precautions deemed necessary for all those attending our event,” Houdasheldt adds. Fall Follies has been a tradition for over 50 years in Crawford County. “People look forward to attending the entertainment, browsing the craft booths, enjoying the great food at many food vendors, and shopping our downtown stores. No matter how far people move away, coming home to share their memories with others is always a highlight,” Houdasheldt explains. For those who plan to attend the Fall Follies and Halloween Spectacular on Saturday, October 30th this year, Houdasheldt says the community welcomes you with open arms. “We would encourage people to be courteous and patient while attending this years' event but also come to enjoy the fun we have on Halloween in Oblong, Illinois,” she says. “You can mark off on your bucket list that you have been here and plus attended the largest nighttime parade in Illinois!” For more details, check out the Oblong Chamber’s website at theonlyoblong.com.

White Squirrel Car Cruise in Olney

Sticking in Crawford County, but located a bit further east – we’ll dive into details on this year’s Wabash Valley Wine and Art Festival in Palestine! “This is an outdoor event held on the four blocks of Main Street in Palestine,” says Susan Goodwine, a committee member for the Wine and Art Festival. “We have changed the location for the walk-in/advance purchase pick up location,” she adds. “This year, it will take place in the historic Fife Opera House at 123 S. Main Street. This building will allow separate entrance and exit doors in addition to being a much larger facility to allow for social distancing.” Fifteen wineries are signed up to participate in the event this year by offering samples and wine for sale. Goodwine adds that the community is ramping up it’s efforts to provide visitors as many amenities as possible when they’re in town. “Two new restaurants have opened their doors for business. A new retail establishment and a bed/breakfast also plan to be up and running by October as well,” Goodwine says. “We’ll have art and craft vendors, live music on both days, food vendors and a Car Show on Sunday to round out the event.” Not only is this event a great time with great wine, but it is also for a good cause. “The money from this event goes back into projects for the community,” Goodwine adds. “In the past, it helped build the beautiful new pavilion where the entertainers perform during the festival, new playground equipment for our park, electrical upgrades and a sound system for Main Street, fireworks for the Christmas lighting at the park, a boat ramp on the Wabash River and several other projects. The Wabash Valley Wine and Art Festival is scheduled for the weekend of October 2nd – 3rd , and for more information you are encouraged to check out their brand-new website at palestinewinefest.com.

There is also plenty happening in White County this fall. Communities like Grayville, Enfield, Carmi, and Norris City are all gearing up to host an array of different events! The first of the bunch is Grayville Days, which is held each year on Labor Day weekend. Grayville Days is a staple of this small community, and usually features live entertainment, a parade, different dinners, and fireworks! Head to Carmi a couple of weekends later for Big Wheels on the Little Wabash Monster Truck Show, Mini Tractor Pull & Concert on September 18th. There will be live entertainment following the show featuring No Fences – The Garth Brooks Tribute Band at the White County Fairgrounds. Race enthusiasts will also want to visit the Carmi Airport for the Grudge Street Racing event on September 11th, 18th, and October 2nd. Make plans to visit Norris City the weekend following for Dairy Days on September 24th – 25th . They are celebrating their sesquicentennial, which is 150 years of Dairy Days, so make sure to get out and enjoy the festivities! Another milestone event is set for October 1st and 2nd in Enfield. The community is celebrating their Mule Days event for the 100th time! “Mule Days is very important to Enfield and its identity,” explains Cindy Birk Conley, a representative for White County. “There is a Mule painted on the town’s water tower, most of the high school reunions are planned around Mule Days. Several of us have large collections of Mule Day t−shirts and sweats.” So why in the world is it called Mule Days? Well, Conley says that’s simple. “The event started out with mule auctions and judging, and today has baby, tot and Miss Mule Days pageants,” Conley says. “There have always been a lot of music and dances, chances for young people to have fun and adults to visit with friends. If you were a student at Enfield or now NCOE, you probably helped build a float for the parade or played in a school band. In recent years there have been large crowds for bingo, which helps fund the event.” For those who consider themselves ‘farm to table’ foodies – you’ll want to check out the White County Farm to Table Dinner in Carmi on Thursday, October 7th . This event is to celebrate White County farmers and agriculture businesses. The money raised for this event will go to the White County FFA clubs. That weekend, the Carmi Kiwanis club is hosting their long-running Corn Days event on October 8th and 9th, which is always a good time.

Just north of White County lies Edwards County, which hosts two very popular events in the fall. One will appeal to artists, and the other appeals to anyone who is hungry! The first on the calendar is the Albion Area Chamber of Commerce and West Salem Development Association’s “Albion Paint Out” scheduled for Saturday, September 25th . “We’re absolutely thrilled to host the 2021 Albion Paint Out,” admits Averi Goodman, Secretary for the Abion Area Chamber of Commerce. It has been a long time coming and we miss all of our favorite Plein Air artists.” Goodman says it was extremely important to get the Paint Out back up and art show and sale last year, it’s not the same as having the artists set up and accessible to talk to in person! They have quite a large following in Edwards County,” she explains. If you happen to be an artist that would like to participate in this event, the folks of Albion are happy to have you. “We’re surrounded by historical homes, buildings and landmarks,” adds Goodman. “You’ll enjoy your stay with folks who appreciate the talent each and every Plein Air artist shares with everyone!” For more details, give the Albion Paint Out a look on Facebook, or contact Averi Goodman at 618−445−7833. Whether you’re a spectator or an artist, we hope you enjoy your time! Now to the next event, which involves cooking a TON of food in absolutely gigantic pots. For those who have been to Albion, you’ve likely seen the signs that say ‘Chowder Capitol of the World.’ It’s a self−proclaimed title, but man oh man, do they know how to make some chowder in Albion. The City of Albion Chowder is held on the second Saturday of October, and it attracts folks from all over the place. The event did take place in 2020, but it was limited to drive-thru only. “That drive−thru worked very well,” admits Jessica Gwaltney, the Chamber President and Chowder Director. “We’re discussing that possibility again. We will have the pre-filled buckets again, as we have a sponsor for those.” To those who have never had Albion Chowder, it’s not like a New England-style chowder – and there are no clams in it. If you do decide to partake in this southeastern Illinois staple, here are a few tips from Gwaltney. “Get there early. Prepare to wait in line. Prepare for us to sell out quickly,” she admits. Aside from the fact that it’s delicious, there’s a reason why folks keep coming back until it sells out, year after year. “Tradition,” Gwaltney says simply. “It’s something that has evolved over the years but has held true to its roots. Something that started as family celebrations, turned in to small community celebrations, to large community celebrations has definitely held its place in our hearts.” Make sure to follow the City of Albion Chowder Facebook page for updates as the day gets closer!

The county next door to Edwards is Wabash, and they have a couple of their own events planned for the next few months as well. Since we were just talking about chowder, we may as well continue with chili, right? The fall is just the right time to make a big pot of chili, and eat it all! If you consider yourself a chili champion, make plans to head to Mt. Carmel for the Wabash County Chamber Chili Cook-Off at Beall Woods State Park on October 2nd . Because the event is outdoors at a state park, social distancing won’t be an issue – but there will be extra PPE and hand washing areas set up. On top of the Chili Cook-Off, there are a couple of additions to the event this year. “We are adding a 5K Forest Run and the Little Mr. Harvest Prince contest as well as the Chili Cook-Off, Corn Hole Tournament, Washers Tournaments and Chili People's Choice event,” explains Lesley Hipsher, Executive Director of the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce. If you’re an avid runner, make a trip back to Wabash County towards the end of October for the Riverview Ramble – Half Marathon/ 10K/5K event. David James is President & COO of the Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company, and is working with local partners to provide the first half marathon ever hosted in Mt. Carmel. “Being the first year for the event, it’s importance is to the local community assistance programs who will receive the proceeds from the race and the local retailers and restaurants who will benefit from race participants and spectators who may travel to Mt. Carmel for the event,” James explains. They are hoping to have food trucks on hand for the event as well, according to James. In terms of health and safety, they have that covered, too. “MCPU has partnered with Wabash General Hospital to provide race day emergency health services. All state mandated Covid−19 mitigation policies will be followed,” adds James. The event welcomes runners and walkers of all groups, to come enjoy a course that is mostly flat and highlights their beloved community. Enjoy that exercise!

Autumn Fest in Marshall, IL

Now to Clark County, which is home to Marshall’s Autumn Fest – the biggest festival of the entire year throughout the county. “This event draws folks in from miles away,” says Jennifer Bishop, the Executive Director for the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce. “Many of our small businesses, they base their entire year around being at the festival.” This is one of those types of events that has a little bit of everything for everyone. It is three days long and has activities ranging from a 5K and craft vendors, to food trucks and a HUGE parade, as well as live entertainment. Bishop says it’s been amazing to see how far Autumn Fest has come since it began. “This event started more than 25 years ago with $75 and has grown exponentially with community support and fundraisers. Each year more and more events and talent are brought into our rural community,” Bishop adds. The Autumn Fest is set up for September 17th – 19th this year, and you can always check out more information at marshallautumnfest.com.

Mule Days in Enfield, IL

When it comes to the sheer amount of events, there may not be any other community that has more going on this fall than Olney. There are a handful of different events to dive into, and they all bring something different to the table, depending on your interests. We’ll kick it off with a free event, everyone loves free, right? The Olney Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Olney Bicycle Classic on September 18th. Because it is an outdoor event, social distancing will not be a problem – but they will be following any reduced capacity specifications at that time. On top of being a fun, free event – it also spotlights the incredible local bicycle industry in and around Olney. Keep an eye on Olney’s Chamber of Commerce website for more details on the event at olneychamber.com. Fans of art will be intrigued by the Olney Arts Council Fall Festival, which is planned for Saturday, September 25th. Much like many other events, the OAC Fall Festival has had the discussion about sanitation areas, distancing, and mask regulations – and they will follow any guidelines deemed necessary by IDPH. Keegan Tucker, the President of the Olney Arts Council says the group is also considering other changes to the event. “We are always brainstorming ways to make the event better than the last and we have some ideas up our sleeve we are excited to see come to fruition,” Tucker says. “We think the public will enjoy the changes and additions we are looking to make.” Getting the OAC Fall Festival reignited after 2020 will also provide a boost to the community. “This event brings many individuals from outside our community into Olney for a day. This is great for our local businesses and restaurants. We are so looking forward to being able to support artists, vendors, and local businesses/restaurants once again in the same manner we have seen before with our Fall Festival,” Tucker explains. ”This event also helps to raise funds for other outreach projects we do throughout the year. Having this event will help boost what we are able to put back into our community for art enriching opportunities.” For more information on the Olney Arts Council, visit olneyartscouncil.com. Another art-themed event that Olney is hosting over the span of several months is Olney Walldogs, Mad Dog 2020+1. If you recall, we did a detailed write-up in the 2020 Spring/ Summer edition of the Tourism Times, because it is a huge event that folks in Olney had been planning for years. “We had been working since 2017 to host this large event in 2020. COVID−19 completely changed all of our plans surrounding the project, so we have had to move forward with a different scope, but we will be completing the same goal,” explains Kelsie Sterchi, Olney’s City Clerk and a Co−Chair for the Walldogs event. In terms of the different scope that Sterchi mentioned, the event is now taking place in several different increments – among other substantial changes. “We have chosen to complete 2−3 murals each month from May to October,” Sterchi adds. We will also only be having the amount of artists present that are needed to complete the art. We will not be bringing in 200 from all over the world, and will no longer be offering host housing for the artists.” There will be some virtual engagement for those who are interested, and while pretty much everything has changed – the community will still be left with beautiful murals that depict their rich history. “Visitors from near and far will be able to enjoy the mural walk that we will also create in the future with a publication to guide visitors along,” adds Sterchi. For more information on when and where in the community the murals are being created each month, visit olneywalldogs.com for all of the details – and give them a follow on Facebook! The next event we’re about to mention is simply unique. If you have been to Olney, you have heard of their beloved White Squirrels. Did you know that each year they host their Annual Squirrel Count? This event was another one of the few that operated last year, because it is outside and everyone is scattered around town counting squirrels – so it’s the perfect activity in terms of being safe and socially distant! So the big question is, why in the world is everyone counting squirrels? “Our white squirrels are a source of great pride to Olney residents, and a point of interest for visitors from near and far,” Sterchi says. “The count helps us to track the health and population of our white squirrels while noting any additional influences that may contribute to the year’s numbers. Attendees have said it’s like “a natural scavenger hunt” and love to explore Olney’s neighborhoods.” It is never too early to volunteer for the Squirrel Count! If interested, contact Sterchi at cityclerk@cityofolney.com. Volunteers can participate in one or more dates. The dates of this year’s Annual Squirrel Count will be October 2nd, 9th , and 16th. The final event to dive into for Olney is being held in August, and will be of interest to car enthusiasts! The White Squirrel Car Club is hosting its 34th Annual Tractor and Car Show at the Olney City Park on August 21st – 22nd . As may be expected, the group is over the moon to have this year’s event because it was cancelled along with so many others in 2020. According to Jeff Lathrop, WSSC’s Tractor and Car Coordinator – there will be a few changes to this year’s gathering. “Some of the new events planned for this year is a 6−mile tractor drive and car cruise in downtown Olney and Miller Park, and possibly a petting zoo,” explains Lathrop. Although this is not the longest running event in the community, Lathrop says it has grown quickly since its debut six years ago. “The WSSC tractor started in 2015 as a few tractors on display, to now with many children events, flea market, auctions and etc. The WSSC tractor and car show has continued to grow with the wonderful support of our businesses, organizations, and clubs,” he adds. If you would like to check out more details about the White Squirrel Cruisers and this event, look them up on the web at whitesquirrelcruisers.com. We hope you found something to do this fall, because the events are full steam ahead!