Upcoming Local Events

Saturday Night Special with Legynds 77 and Special Guest Jeremiah Johnson, April 22nd, 6:30-10pm, Miner’s Theatre, Collinsville. Swain Productions and the Historic Miners Theater proudly present: “A Saturday Night Special” featuring Legynds 77 “A Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd” with guest Jeremiah Johnson. Join us for a 1970’s live Lynyrd Skynyrd experience. They play all the classic hits we all know and love with a handful of deep cuts that will leave any diehard Skynyrd fan jaw dropped. Taking the stage first is Ruf Records Recording artist and 2022 Blues Music Award nominee, Jeremiah Johnson. For tickets, go to bit.ly/3x6npWH.

The Illinois Elvis Festival, April 27-30th, Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville. Calling all ELVIS fans! Join us this April as we come to the great state of Illinois. 3 days of headliner shows paying tribute to the greatest entertainer that has ever lived. Featuring Bill Cherry, Dean Z, Cote Deonath and more of your favorite Elvis Tribute artists! For more info and tickets, go to illinoiselvisfestival.com/illinoistickets.

Collinsville’s 2023 City Wide Garage Sale, April 28 & 29th. Interested in having a Garage Sale at your house? City residents can register by calling the City of Collinsville's Parks & Recreation department at 618-346-7529 by April 21st to be listed in a Garage Sale Guide that will be posted on the City's website and Facebook Page. If you call to register after April 21st, you will be directed to City Hall to apply for a regular Yard Sale permit and will not be included in the City-Wide Garage Sale Guide. Hours for each day are 7am-3pm, rain or shine.

Troy Fire Association Spring ’23 BBQ and Gun Raffle, May 6th, 11am-4pm, Troy Fire House. Save the date! BBQ pulled pork, pork steaks, bratwurst, and jumbo beef franks. Platters include baked beans and potato salad.

3rd Annual Mother’s Day Market, May 6th, 12-4pm, Route 66 Creamery, Hamel. Join us for a beautiful spring day of shopping, snacks, and ice-cream! Local vendors will be in the Creamery's parking lot offering crafts, plants, jewelry, art, and more! Surprise mom with a day shopping local and have some classic Route 66 fare and a cold treat after!

Spring Fling 2nd Annual Event (Cub Scout Pack 103), May 7th, 11am-3pm, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Granite City. This will be an indoor and outdoor vendor event. With all the shopping you need for Mother’s Day gift, Birthdays or even for yourself. If you get hungry, no worries we will have food as well. Admission and parking are free. Consider stopping by and support our local Cub Scout Pack 103. For questions, email daphelaine@yahoo.com

Downtown Alton Pup Crawl 2023, May 20th, 1-6pm, Downtown Alton. What's a pup crawl? It's a pub crawl with dogs! Pet-related vendors, activities, and animal welfare charities will be at several locations where space allows. The Alton Dog Park will be free and open to the public all day on this event. Your $10 ticket gets you a themed bandana for your pet (or you!), food and beverage specials, and the chance to win prizes! All participants can follow a guide passport showing participating businesses and will be put into a drawing for each business from which they purchase food, drinks, or merchandise. The Alton Pup Crawl has included nearly two dozen businesses spanning downtown Alton and in Godfrey. Most locations have outdoor seating and pet-friendly patios. Snag your ticket today and bring the doggo along for an afternoon of fun, drinks, and eats! For more info, go to downtownalton.com/events/pupcrawl.

St. Jacob UCC Strawberry Festival 2023, May 21st, 11am-3pm, Township Park, St. Jacob. Save the Date! Music, crafts, and kid entertainment! Strawberry desserts, brats, pork burgers, and hotdogs!

It doesn’t take the Luck O’ the Irish to throw a great St. Patrick’s Day party. These tips and recipes will help you throw a festive celebration you’ll enjoy as much as your guests including make-ahead corned beef and a minty-green cookie recipe both adults and little leprechauns will love. For more St. Patrick’s Day recipes, check out www.McCormick.com.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and peppermint extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.

2. Drop by heaping tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

3. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool.