The Metro East Messenger 12.16.22 Issue

Upcoming Local Events

NCG Free Holiday Family Film Fest, Dec. 16-24th, 11am. NCG Cinema, in Alton, will be showing The Polar Express now through Dec 24th at 11am. Free tickets are available in theater only, first come, first served.

Boonies Farm Christmas, Dec. 16th-23rd, 5-9pm, Boonies Farm, 8863 Dustman Rd, Worden. Come experience the 2nd Annual Boonies Farm Christmas event! Our farm is being transformed with Christmas lights and holiday magic to bring you a “Merry & Bright” experience featuring activities for all ages, treats, and photo ops to make memories that will last a lifetime! See Santa, farm animals, firepits, barrel and train rides, Frozone tubing hill, yard games, and much more. Tickets: Online $11, at the gate $15, 2 years and under are free. Pet friendly. For more info and tickets, go to booniesfarm.com/christmas.

The Annual Way of Lights, Now through Dec. 30th, 5-9pm, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows as the Annual Way of Lights Christmas display illuminates the grounds. Since 1970, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have invited one and all to make the Way of Lights a part of their family tradition. This breathtaking display focuses on the birth of Christ, the one true light of the world. Find out more by visiting: www.snows.org/wayoflights.

Live Music Every Weekend at The Cabin at Judy Creek, 3730 S. State Rte. 157, Glen Carbon. Upcoming music: 12/16-The Double Wide Duo, 12/17-Drew Lance, 12/18- Julie Gary Acoustics, New Year’s Eve-RHB Acoustics. Follow their Facebook page for more updates.

Upcoming Local Events

Christmas Wonderland 2022, open nightly through Dec. 27th, Rock Spring Park, Alton. The "Grandpa Gang" has hung close to 4 million lights for this annual event, have added new displays, and updated many with LED lights. Bring the whole family and enjoy a leisurely car ride through the park filled with lights, displays and holiday cheer! Open Mon-Fri: 6-9pm & Sat-Sun: 5-9pm. Suggested donation $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people.

Santa House, Downtown Highland Square. Come see Santa in his house Mon-Fri 6-8pm, Sat. 10am-12pm & 1-4pm, or Sun 1-4pm. Santa will leave his house to return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

Pictures With Santa at Granite City Cinema. Bring your camera! Pets are also welcome! Cost is $10 per photo. Friday 12/16: 5-8 PM, Saturday 12/17: 1-4 PM & 5- 8 PM, Sunday 12/18: 1-4 PM & 5-8 PM, Monday 12/19: 5-8 PM, Tuesday 12/20: 5-8 PM, Wednesday 12/21: 5-8 PM.

Brunch’n With Santa, Sundays in December, 11am-2pm at FLOCK & Food Truck Park, 210 Ridge Street, Alton. This is an all-ages event with a take-your-own photo with Santa op! Coffee and pastries available for purchase from The Coffee Box plus our delicious menu of cocktails, mocktails and of course, our house made hot cocoa piled high with marshmallows!!

Santa Nickel Plate Station, Wednesdays 5:30-8pm and Saturdays 1-4pm. Now through Dec. 21st. The holidays are right around the corner and there is no better person to help start spreading the ho-ho-holiday cheer than the big man himself! Visits with Santa are free! Bring your camera and a smile! We've got you covered for the rest. Nickel Plate Station is located opposite the Market Basket on Troy Rd, Edwardsville.

Upcoming Local Events

Santa And His Reindeer Are Coming To Addington Place Of Edwardsville, Dec. 16th, 4-6pm. Come join us for an exciting evening with Santa and his reindeer! Get your golden ticket for photos, hot cocoa and dessert bar for the special kiddos in your life. Make sure you are ready for a family photo by our Polar Express backdrop. This event is free and open to everyone.

Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 17th, 8:30-11am, Edison’s Entertainment Complex, Edwardsville. $10 per guest includes a pancake breakfast (sausage, bacon, eggs, coffee and juice) and free photo with Santa. $18 per guest includes everything plus an all-access pass (bowling, laser tag and arcade). Kids 2 and under are free with a paid adult. Call (618) 307-9020 for reservation. Public walk-ins are also welcome!

Sweets with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Dec. 17th, 9-11am, Neighbors Bakeshop, Edwardsville.Christmas donuts and treats available for purchase! Take your own pictures with Santa!

Christmas Craft Fair, Dec. 17th, 9am-3pm, Collinsville High School. This craft fair we will have vendors, food, vintage items, pictures with Santa, raffle prizes, face painting and a lot more. For more info, emailJkelly@cusd.kahoks.org.

Snacks with Santa! Dec. 17th, 10am-12pm, Worden Police Department. Children of all ages are invited to have snacks with Santa, as they give him their special Christmas wish list.

Upcoming Local Events

Meet Santa at Heroic Adventures, Dec. 17th, 11am-2pm, Edwardsville. Santa is fitting a visit to Heroic Adventures into his busy schedule! Snap some pictures of Santa and your furry family members. Shop for some great holiday gifts. A percentage of sales from the day will be donated to the Metro East Humane Society!

Gift Wrapping by the ELFs (Edwardsville Library Friends), Dec. 17th 12-4pm & 18th 2-4pm, Edwardsville Library. Let the ELFs wrap your gifts! The EdwardsvilleLibrary Friends (ELFs) will offer free gift wrapping again this year in the Library rotunda. Bring your unwrapped gifts and browse the library while you wait! Monetary donations are always welcome.

A Joyful Nutcracker, Dec. 17th, 4 & 7pm, Miner’s Institute, Collinsville. Joyful Arts Movement is thrilled to present A Joyful Nutcracker, which is our variation of the classic, timeless story. Admission is a new cleaning supply or new toiletry item per person which will be donated to the Collinsville Food Pantry. Questions? Email us at info@joyfulartsmovement.com.

Bethalto Christmas Village, Dec. 17th & 18th, 5-8pm, Bethalto. Come see Santa in the Gazebo, barrel car rides for the children, s’more making station, craft and food vendors, live nativity, food items for purchase, and more! The Village is located on an asphalt path connecting the park to the Bethalto Arboretum light display. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Winter Market and Sing-Along at the Cabin, Dec. 17th, 5-8pm, Yanda Log Cabin, Glen Carbon. Looking for unique, affordable gifts? This is the place! Vendors include: Seven Forks Farm, Iris Hill Farm, Gingerstitcher, Tenderloin Lavender Farms, Nook Handsewn Crafts, The Glen Carbon Library, Glen-Ed Pantry, HappilyEverLaughterrCustom Jewelry and New Direction Farm.

Upcoming Local Events

The Nutcracker at SIUE, Dec. 17th & 18th. Turning Pointe Academy of Dance is proud to present the Nutcracker at Dunham Hall at SIUE. Dec. 17th at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 18th at 2pm. Buy tickets now at bit.ly/3ESmFrp

The Christmas Carol Pub Crawl, Dec. 17th, 5-8pm, Downtown District, O’Fallon. Get into the Christmas Spirits with your ugliest Christmas sweater and sing your way around downtown with a Christmas carol! Each bar will be great practice for your team to compete in the Christmas carol contest at the end of the night. Christmas drink specials, Christmas carol contest, ugliest Christmas sweater contest, prizes and get your picture taken with Bad Santa! Sign up your team of 10 or less at bit.ly/3EUFURc

A Very Merry Family Adventure, Dec. 17th, 5:30m, 1 District Dr. Edwardsville. Join us for a fun evening of sharing stories, searching for Christmas lights, and time together with family and friends. Sign up for a time slot and come pick up your scavenger hunt kit at Liberty Middle School. You will even have a chance to win a gift card from one of our amazing EdGlen small businesses! Sign up by clicking this link: bit.ly/3H09BD9

Winter Market 2022, Dec. 17th & 18th, 12-4pm, Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville. Winter Market is a holiday shopping experience for you and your family! Shop & Stroll 30,000 square feet of one of kind gifts, handmade crafts, boutique items, kid crafts & activities, family fun for everyone! Visit Santa, make a craft together sponsored by Collinsville Home Depot, and have the kids burn out that stored winter energy in the bounce house, photo booth, face painting, and much more! Admission and parking are free.

Christmas Wonderland, Rock Spring Park, Alton, IL

Bethalto Christmas Village, Bethalto, IL

53 & 57 Dianne Drive, Belleville, IL

8 Magnolia Dr., Belleville, IL

1616 Berkley Lane, Belleville, IL

8459 Dupont Lane, Belleville, IL

421 John Henry Road, Belleville, IL

7912 W. Washington, Belleville, IL

Way of Lights, 442 S. Demazenod, Belleville, IL

110 Westbrook Ct. Collinsville, IL

55 Woodford Way Collinsville, IL

1904 Pinehurst Ct., Collinsville IL

19 Grandbrook Collinsville, IL

93 Spring Glen, Collinsville, IL

315 Strong Ave, Collinsville, IL

700 Ostle Collinsville, IL

Cherry Hills Collinsville, IL

105 N. Metter Ave. Columbia IL

South Coles Ct. Edwardsville, IL

Marilyn Circle, Fairview Heights, IL

9490 Holy Cross Rd, Fairview Heights, IL

Winter Wonderland, Horner Park, Lebanon, IL

9 Barbarotto Lane, Maryville IL

Oberkfell Dr. Maryville, IL

116 W. Laurel St. Millstadt

107 & 109 E. Adams, O’Fallon, IL

1250 Conrad Lane, O’Fallon, IL

1301 Bradstreet Dr. O’Fallon, IL

376 Macon Ct. O’Fallon, IL

206 E. Wesley Dr., O’Fallon, IL

1010 North Smiley, O’Fallon, IL

621 Sommerset Lane O’Fallon, IL

924 Moye School Rd. O’Fallon, IL

Roxana Comm. Park, 2 Park Dr, Roxana

1927 Llewellyn Road, Swansea IL

1906 North 16th Street, Swansea

160 Pine Dale Drive, Swansea IL

2036 Grandview Drive, Saint Jacob IL

118 Elmer St. Troy, IL

119 Pebblebrook Lane, Troy, IL

Upcoming Local Events

The Nutcracker Tea Party, Dec. 18th, 12pm, The Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville. Whitley's Wishes Nutcracker Tea Party is sure to become your new favorite holiday family tradition! Join us for a magical afternoon with Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince as the advanced class from Rena's Dance Unlimited performs selections from this holiday classic. This 45-minute performance will delight the child in all of us but is especially suitable for little one's ages 3-10 who aren't quite ready for the full ballet. Tea Party tickets include a scrumptious seated buffet lunch and delightful desserts as well as a character photo keepsake. Kids 3-12 can also enter our coloring contest for a chance to win their very own Nutcracker! Proceeds from this event go to Whitley's Wishes to fund critical research needed to find a cure for DIPG, pediatric brain cancer. For tickets, go to bit.ly/3UjBbOH.

New Year's at Noon, Dec. 31st, 10am-12:30pm, Edwardsville Children’s Museum. Put on your fanciest party clothes and join us for a New Year’s party complete with a clock craft and a balloon drop at noon! This event is free with admission.

New Year's Eve Party, Dec. 31st, 12-4:30pm, Korte Rec Center, Highland. End 2022 with a SPLASH! Bubble Blower and a Countdown with a Slide Drop at 3pm with beach balls and rubber ducks. Balloon animals by Robin in the lobby starting at 12:30pm. Members FREE Non-members Daily Rate. No-Preregistration Required.

Daddy Daughter Dance, Feb. 3rd, 6-8:30pm, Rox Arena, Roxana. Enjoy a night of dancing, dinner, prizes, crafts & more. Music provided by DJ Kirstan Gray. Make memories that will last a lifetime! Cost $30 per couple, $15 for additional child. Register at signupville.com/eastalton

Upcoming Local Events

NYE Balloon Drop! Dec. 31st, 12-10pm, The Loading Dock Bar & Grill, Grafton. It's back! Join us for a family-friendly NYE party! Help us ring in the New Year (a little early) with a Balloon Drop on the ice! The ice-skating rink will be open 12pm10pm, the balloons go down at 8pm! Our full menu and bar is available in the rink! Ice Skating Admission $10.50 Skate Rental $5. No charge for spectators. Tent rental and party packages available. For more info, go to graftonloadingdock.com

NYE Masquerade Party, Dec. 31st, 5pm-12:20am, The Olde Wicks Factory, Highland. Join us for our 3rd Annual NYE Party! This year, our theme is a Masquerade Party/Ball in our newest & biggest venue space, The Main Hall. 5pm Doors, Open for Cocktail Hour (Grand Hall & Gatsby Room), 6:30pm Doors Open for Main Hall/Dinner, 6-8 pm Dinner Buffet, 8pm-12:30am Live Band & Dancing. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/3Fx4Wq3.

Gateway Wedding Show, Jan. 26th, 5-9pm, Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville. The Gateway Wedding Show takes the stress out of planning your next event! In just a few hours, you can meet more vendors than you could visit in a month. We bring you a face-to-face sampling of virtually everything you'll need to plan your perfect event!

Puppy Love- Valentine’s Trivia, Jan. 31st, 7pm, Collinsville VFW. Come test out your knowledge of all things love! Rounds will include General Knowledge, Puppy Love, Rom-Coms, Audio, Picture, And MORE! We will be collecting donations for SAGA Humane Society. Please bring an item or 2 from their wish list! No minimum for a team, with a max of 8 players. For more info, go to bit.ly/3huEk0K.

Small Bites And Savory Treats To Feed A Crowd

The holiday season brings gatherings and parties of all kinds, meaning dishes that can feed a crowd are all too important for successful entertaining. Recipes that come together quickly mean more time with loved ones. We hope these small bite recipes help your holiday parties! Find more recipes for at milkmeansmore.org.

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks”

Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes freeze time, Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 40

•2-2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened

•¾ cup powdered sugar

•1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

•1 teaspoon salt

•2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

•¾ cup peppermint crunch baking chips

1. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Gradually add flour and mix on low until combined. Add baking chips and continue mixing on low until fully combined.

2. On wax paper or parchment paper, form dough into 12-14-inch log and freeze at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

3. Heat oven to 350° F.

4. Cut shortbread dough into 1/4-inch slices; bake 13-15 minutes on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Holiday Baked Brie Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of “Foxes Love Lemons”

Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 14 minutes Servings: 8

•2 tablespoons unsalted butter

•8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced

•kosher salt

•ground black pepper

•1 brie round (8 ounces)

•3 tablespoons honey

•¼ cup pomegranate arils

•¼ cup shelled pistachios

•crackers or toasted bread, for serving

1. Heat oven to 350° F. In large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 8-10 minutes, or until deep golden brown, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper; remove from heat.

2. Place brie on parchment-lined rimmed baking pan; drizzle with honey. Transfer to oven and bake 5-7 minutes, or until inside of cheese is softened but outside remains intact.

3. Transfer brie to serving platter; top with pomegranate arils, pistachios and mushrooms. Serve with crackers or bread.

Cheese Buds

Recipe courtesy of Sheila Johnson of “Eat 2 Gather”

Prep time: 15 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes, plus 1 hour chill time

Servings: 12

•1 cup cake flour or all-purpose flour

•1 cup grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese

•½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into chunks

•1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

•40 pecan halves

•1 egg white, whisked with 1 teaspoon cold water

•smoked paprika

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Add flour, cheese, butter chunks, salt and cayenne pepper to food processor. Process until ingredients form into ball, about 1 minute.

3. Remove dough from food processor, wrap with plastic wrap and press into flat round. Place in refrigerator 1 hour.

4. Dust counter with flour and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. Using 1-inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

5. Place one pecan on top of each round. Using pastry brush, lightly paint each cracker with egg wash. Sprinkle with smoked paprika.

6. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until buds just start to brown around bottom edges.

7. Remove from oven to cooling rack. Store in airtight container up to 1 week or freeze 1 month.

Roasted Garlic-Whipped Feta Crostini

Recipe courtesy of Liz Della Croce of “The Lemon Bowl”

Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 16

•1 bulb garlic (about 12 cloves)

•4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

•1 teaspoon salt, divided

•1 teaspoon pepper, divided

•32 slices baguette

•8 ounces feta cheese

•½ cup whole milk

•2 tablespoons lemon juice

•½ cup pomegranate seeds

•¼ cup parsley, minced

1. Heat oven to 400° F.

2. Slice garlic bulb in half, exposing garlic heads; place in center of large piece of foil. Drizzle each half with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Wrap foil tightly around garlic and roast until caramelized, about 30 minutes.

3. Place baguette slices on large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake on middle rack until golden brown, about 10 minutes; set aside.

4. Place feta cheese, milk, lemon juice, remaining salt and remaining pepper in high-speed food processor. Once garlic finishes roasting, add garlic cloves to food processor. Pulse until whipped and creamy, adding more milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasonings, to taste, if necessary.

5. To serve, spread each crostini with whipped feta and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and minced parsley.