The Metro East Messenger 9.23.22 Issue

We are definitely feeling the fall vibes lately! To usher in one of our favorite seasons, we made the Metro East Ultimate Fall Bucket List for you! Have fun crossing off these activities in the upcoming weeks. You can find more info about the ideas below by reading their corresponding pages and looking for the beside it.

Go to a Fall Festival. Pages 3, 6, 7, 9, 11

Find a new costume at the “Green Halloween” Costume Swap. Page 3.

Visit a corn maze with your friends. Pages 3, 7, 12.

Go to a Chili Cook Off. Pages 8, 10.

Go apple picking at local farm such as Liberty Apple Orchard (Edwardsville), Mills Apple Farm (Marine),or Braeutigam Orchards (Belleville).

Go on a hayride. (Bonus points if it's haunted!) Page 10

Go to a Boot Scootin’ Barn Dance. Page 12.

Take a scenic bike ride. Visit meprd.org for a map of all the trails in the Metro East.

Grab your broom stick and fly over to Witches Night Out. Page 12.

Visit a local pumpkin farm such as Relleke Farms (Granite City), Demange (St. Jacob), Rinkel (Glen Carbon), or Braeutigam Orchards (Belleville).

Watch a Halloween movie outdoors. Pages 7, 8, 12.

Attend an Oktoberfest celebration. Pages 8, 9.

Go to a Fall craft fair. Pages 6, 10.

Grab some friends and do a Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl. Page 13.

Take a scenic drive up the Great River Road to see the fall foliage. Eat lunch a new local restaurant.

Enjoy a bonfire and live music at The Cabin at Judy Creek. Page 3.

Go to a trunk or treat (or participate in one!) Pages 11, 13.

Put on your costumes and attend the Edwardsville or Alton Halloween Parade. Page 13.

Upcoming Local Events

Live Music Every Weekend at The Cabin at Judy Creek, 3730 S. State Rte. 157, Glen Carbon. Upcoming music: 9/23 Not Petty, 9/24 Aaron Wilkerson Acoustics, 9/25 CTL Duo, 9/30 The Double Wide Duo. Follow their Facebook page for more updates.

Green Halloween Costume Swap, going on now, Collinsville Parks and Recreation Center. Drop off a gently used costume (now thru Oct. 7th) and receive a swap voucher to pick up a “new” one Oct. 11th 13th. More details on collinsvilleil.org/departments/parks and recreation/activities events.

Glow Maze, Sept. 24th, 7 9pm, DeMange Farm, St. Jacob. Grab your friends and tackle the mega mega in the dark! Feel free to get your glow gear on and enjoy the party. This event is appropriate for tweens and teens groups, but we do ask that an adult be on site responsible for their particular group.$10 admission includes hayride to maze entrance and pre maze festivities. Parent pass is $5 to enjoy the bonfire while the kids run the maze. Chairs and snacks/beverages are allowed.

FSS FALL FESTIVAL, Sept. 23rd, 2pm. The 375th Force Support Squadron’s Fall Festival is Friday, September 23 at the Scott Event Center. Enjoy FREE food, games, carnival, and pony rides, petting zoo, AND a live concert from one of Nashville’s hottest cover bands around, The Music City Sound! This event is open to all...active duty, civilians, retirees, contractors, and family members. Don't miss out on the biggest base event of the year!

Hot Air Balloons Over Marine, Sept. 23rd 4pm 24th 11pm, Marine. Family event with bounce houses, face painting, barrel rides, car show and balloon glow. For more info, go to facebook.com/hotairballoonsovermarine

Upcoming Local Events

Edwardsville Art Fair, Sept. 23rd 25th, City Park, Edwardsville.EdwardsvilleArt Fair is a juried fine art show located at City Park in beautiful downtown Edwardsville, Illinois. Featuring the original works of approximately 100 artists and local food and drink, EdwardsvilleArt Fair is a three day opportunity for the family see art, make art, and buy art!

Troy Lions Club Harvest Festival, Sept. 24th, 9am-5pm, Tri-Township Park, Troy. Fun for the whole family. Family scavenger hunt, vendor booths, pumpkin painting, kids' games, kids fishing tournament, food raffles and music.

Edwardsville Township’s 8th Annual Touch A Truck Event, Sept. 24th, 10am 2pm, Edwardsville Township Park (aka Airplane Park). Free event. They are planning on around 25 vehicles for children to explore throughout the day.

Kayaking on Drost Lake, Sept. 24th, 12 5pm at Drost Park, 8 Schiber Ct, Maryville. FREE and open to the public, come out and paddle with members of the St Louis paddling scene and the Maryville Parks district. We provide the boats, life jackets, and paddles, all we need is you. Reservations are needed. Call (618)223 8965.

Highland Firefighters' Picnic, Sept. 24th, 5 11pm, Highland Square. Rusty Rodz Car Club will present a car show. Randy’s Barbecue and The Fainting Goat will be on site with their food trucks come hungry! Live music by Heartbreak Line. Games, raffles, bounce house, firearm raffles, draft beer, touch a fire truck & more.

Opera Edwardsville at Edwardsville City Park, Sept. 30th, 7:30pm. Following a spectacular debut outdoors in 2021, Opera Edwardsville returns to its summer stage at Edwardsville City Park for a free community concert of operatic highlights in celebration of OE’s 5th Anniversary Season. Enjoy stars of the opera under the starry night sky for this open air concert!

Upcoming Local Events

Concert in the Park Riverbend Dueling Pianos, Sept. 24th, 7 8:30pm, Firemen’s Park, Maryville. Bring your lawn chairs and your music requests to challenge the duo. Washington Kettle Corn available!

Lebanon Fall Festival, Oct. 1st, 9am 4pm, W. St. Louis St, Lebanon. Invite your friends out for a day of music, arts, crafts and more. Email slmcpeek@gmail.comfor vendor information.

Fall Farm Day, Oct. 1st, 10am 2pm, Willoughby Heritage Farm. Activities include live animals, games, scavenger hunt, wood carving, face painting, crafts, funnel cakes, kettle corn, hamburger & hotdogs, craft vendors lots of fun!

Family Fall Fest, Oct. 1st, 11am 2pm, Market at Milton, Alton. Join us for a family friendly fall fest at the schoolhouse! We will have free kids' activities and snacks, a variety of vendors, a performance from Iron Dragon and the warehouse will be open for sales! We will have chili and hotdogs for sale as well as Maeva’s coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks!

4th Annual Wood River Food Truck Festival, Oct. 1st, 11am 2pm, Ferguson Ave, Downtown Wood River. We will have food trucks, vendors, live music, and more! Contact Missy at Rustic Roots (618) 660 7766 for vendor info.

Relleke Farms Annual Vendor Fair, Oct. 1st, 10am 6pm, Relleke Pumpkin Patch, Granite City. Relleke Farms is so excited to host local vendors and artisans adding to an already fun filled day at the farm.

Skyview Drive In Craft Fair, Oct. 1st, 10am 3pm, 5700 N Belt W, Belleville. Craft fair and food truck gathering at the Skyview Drive In. Last one of the year!

Upcoming Local Events

Glenfest 2022, Oct. 1st, 5pm, Miner Park, Glen Carbon. Music, food, and fun for all. The Big Rigs from St. Louis hits the stage at 7 pm! Local food and drink vendors, Bubble Bus, Riverbend Ax Throwing,bags tournament, pet parade and more.

Movie, Bonfire and a Maze, Oct. 1st, 7 10pm, DeMange Farm, St. Jacob. Join us for a movie, bonfire and a glow maze! The movies shown are suitable for kids of all ages while the night mazes are best enjoyed by middle school and above! $5 bonfire pass (no maze admission) and $10 includes the night maze. Lawn chairs, snacks etc. are welcome.

Dancing Boots Line Dance Group Presents: Line Dancing at the Legion, Oct. 1st & 15th, 7 11pm, American Legion, Troy. $5.00 per person. Great Food and Drink. Oct. 15th is Family Night! Bring the young Dancers under 18. Visit our Facebook Dancing Boots Line Dance Group for more updates!

Roar-in Car Show, Oct. 2nd, Downtown St. Jacob. Registration 9am 1pm, awards at 2pm. Open to cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles. Silent auction, 50/50, DJ, food and soft drinks for sale by the Lion Club.

Candlelight Yoga in the Park, Oct. 5th, 7pm, Leclaire Park, Edwardsville.Experience pure tranquility with Yoga in the Park's candlelit experience. Yoga in the Park is open to people of all experience levels and is entirely free. All you need to bring is a yoga mat and water. This one time unique experience is brought to you by City of Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department and Donna Bartley. Marine City-Wide Garage Sales, Oct. 6th 8th, 7am 2pm. Sponsored by the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce: https://www.troymaryvillecoc.com/city wide garage sale.

O’Fest 2022, Oct. 7th 9th, Olde Wicks Factory, Highland. Hosted by the Olde Wicks Factory & Schlafly Brewery.It promises to be “The Wurst Party Ever!” Beer, food and lots of live music! Food by Korte Meet Processing and The Fainting Goat. Get $20 advanced tickets at bit.ly/3R2qqhZ. $25 ticket at the door. Ticket price includes all access pass for three days to 7 bands, souvenir beer stein, and $5 draft refills. Featuring music by Heartbreak Line, The Gusto, Alex & Jesse, Benders & Backroads, All Mixed Up, and Me ‘N D.

38th Annual Chili Cook-Off,Oct. 7th & 8th, Main St, Belleville. Hosted by the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, the Annual Chili Cook off has featured the culinary creations of individuals, local organizations, and area businesses for more than 39 years! What started with just a few vendors on one block of East Main Street in downtown Belleville has now grown to more than 50 vendors and is one of the largest festivals in Belleville! For more info, go to bit.ly/bvillechili.

Upcoming Local Events

9th Annual Chili Chase 5K Run/Walk & Kids Pepper Dash, Oct. 8th, 9 11am, Belleville. They will dash down Main Street from Church Street to Charles and back. All participants will receive a medal. Registration Fee: Adults $25. Kids Pepper Dash $5 (13 &under). Register at bit.ly/3xZP6Ad

Witches & Wizards Festival, Oct. 8th, 4 9pm, Downtown District, O’Fallon. Witches and Wizards ages 21 and up will gather to shop at our Witches Market as well as witness all kinds of entertaining performances and happenings. There will be food vendors, entertainers and much more. Get your tickets at refinerysalon1.com/event details/witches wizards festival 2022.

VFW Post 976 1st Annual Oktoberfest! Oct. 8th, 12 10:30pm, Tri Township Park District. This open to the community event is a family friendly, free to enter celebration to bring our communities together and raise money for a great cause. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for the VFW National Home for Children. Live music, free games and bounce house, stein hoisting competition, keg toss challenge, bags tournament, vendors, and food. The event will be held at the west end of Tri Township Park near the football field.

Creepy Crawl Parade and Monster Mash, Oct. 8th, 5 9pm, Granite City. Parade starts at high school and ends in “The District” for the Monster Mash Dance Party.

Maryville Concert In The Park - George Portz & Friends Of Bluegrass, Oct. 9th, 3 5pm, Fireman’s Park, Maryville. Come join us at Fireman's Park in Maryville for a night of music from George Portz & Friends of Bluegrass.

Upcoming Local Events

Hocus Pocus Hayride, Oct. 14th, 5:30 9pm, Laderman Park, Belleville. Hayride, bonfire, s'mores, boo buckets, and a movie themed costume contest! $10.00 per person. Get tickets at www.belleville.net/553/Current Activities.

Haunted Hayride, Oct. 14th & 15th, 7 9pm, Collinsville Recreation Club. Annual Haunted Hayride. Open to the public. Scary fun time for all ages. $15 ages 16+, $10 ages 6 15, Free age 5 and under.

Glen-Ed Pantry Trick or Trot, Oct. 15th, 600 Troy Rd, Edwardsville. Our inclusive 5K allows everyone runners, walkers, individuals , families, businesses, or teams to participate. In the spirit of the season, runners and walkers are invited and encouraged to don their best Halloween costumes for the event. Trick or Trot 5K begins and ends at Lewis and Clark Community College. Register at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Edwardsville/GlenEdPantryTrickorTrot5K.

Fall Craft Fair, Oct. 15th, 8am 2pm, Tri Township Activity Center, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy. Hand crafted items, antiques, and yard sale booths.

2022 Mascoutah Fall Festival/Chili Cook Off/CarShow, Oct. 15th. The Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Fall Fest, Chili Cook off & Car Show on Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 10am 4pm on Main Street in downtown Mascoutah. The chili cook off will be from 11am 3:00pm.

Howl o Ween Open House & Adoption Event, Oct. 15th, 10am 1pm, Partner 4 Pets. Bring the kids and the pets. No Tricks, Just Treats. Trick or Treating Map, Crafts & Games, Balloon Artist, Face Painter, DJ, Costumes Encouraged, Facility Tours. Eat , Drink & Be Scary, Hot dogs & chips, Popcorn, Vampire Donuts & Ice Cold Beer from Recess Brewing. Thanks to Sponsors Pet adoptions for event will be reduced to $25.00! 100% of event proceeds to Partners for Pets.

Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off,Oct. 15th, 12 3pm. Rain or shine on the Riverfront in Argosy Casino’s Valet Parking Lot on Piasa St. Tickets will only be available at the door: $10.00 for adults & $5.00 for kids 12 & under. Your ticket gains you a sample of chili from each team. LIVE MUSIC from Big George Jr. and the NGK Band!

Bark In The Park At Kiwanis Fall Festival, Oct. 15th, 1- 3pm Firemen's Park, 300 N. Donk Ave, Maryville. Family friendly event. Food Trucks on site, Cindy’s petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, pumpkin painting, face painting, firefighter's obstacle course, games, crafts, dog costume contest.

Harry Potter Party, Oct. 15th, 1 3pm, Glen Carbon Library. Get ready for a magical time at Hogwarts! We’ll have activities and treats to excite every witch and wizard, as well as a performance from the talented Edwardsville High School Drama Club! Registration is required for supplies. Please register each attendee as we do have room limits. Register at bit.ly/3QYdvxJ.

Upcoming Local Events

Family Campout 2022, Oct. 15th, Joe Glik Park, Edwardsville. Come join the Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department for the 8th Annual Family Camp Out this October 2022. Enjoy a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars at Joe Glik Park and take part in other outdoor activities. Each family must pre register by October 8th. Call (618) 692 7539 for more information.

30th Annual Leclaire Parkfest, Oct. 16th, 12 5pm, 900 Hale Ave, Edwardsville. Each year, Leclaire Parkfest attracts approximately 5,000 people to enjoy live music, festival food, a beer and wine garden, craft booths, a used book sale benefiting the American Cancer Society, children’s activities, a vintage vehicle exhibit and trolley tours of the Leclaire National Historic District.

Halloween Dog Costume Contest/Craft & Car Show, Oct. 16th, 11am, Collinsville American Legion Post 365. Join us for a great day of cars, crafts, concessions, and costumed dogs! All proceeds from this contest will go toward our annual Children’s Christmas Party. For more info, go to their Facebook page.

Community Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 20th, 5 7pm, Glidden Park, Collinsville. Bring your little ghouls and goblins to a special trunk or treat! If your business or organization is interested in having a spot, please call the activity center at (618)346 7529.

YMCA Fall Festival, Oct. 21st, 6 8pm, O’Fallon YMCA. Join us for our annual YMCA Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat! This event is fun for the whole family! We will have Trunk or Treating, games, food trucks, inflatables, and more. This is a FREE* community event. *Food Trucks do have fees associated with purchases.

Upcoming Local Events

Haunted Corn Maze, Oct. 21st & 22nd, 7-10pm, Rinkel Pumpkin Farm. Recommended for ages 12 & up due to the attractions. Price $6 a person. Randy’s BBQ and kettle corn for sale.

Edwardsville Que & Brew Festival, Oct. 22nd & 23rd. The inaugural Edwardsville Que & Brew Festival will take place in City Park in downtown Edwardsville,IL. The festival will feature a Pro Series & Backyard BBQ competition sanctioned by the St. Louis BBQ Society as well as a craft beer festival! Proceeds from the event will benefit the Que & Brew Festival Fund at the Edwardsville Community Foundation. Additional information at www.edwqueandbrew.com.

Witches Night Out, Oct. 22nd, 4 9pm, Miner Park, Glen Carbon. Calling all Witches! Grab your broomsticks and fly on over to Glen Carbon, IL for a night full of dancing, shopping, eating, and, of course, MAGIC! This is a ticketed fundraiser for those 21 and over. Several wonderful local vendors and handmade artisans, as well as delicious food and drinks, will be setting up shop for this event. For tickets, go to www.edglenjuniorservice.org/witches-night-out-2022.

Boot Scootin’ Barn Dance, Oct. 22nd, 6 10pm, Willoughby Farms, Collinsville. Visit the Farm and dance in the barn ya'll for a fun fall family night! Line Dance Lessons at 7:00 and line dance DJ Mike from Dancing Boots Line Dance Group will play your favorite line dance music! Bonfire, food truck and cash bar. $10 at the door (cash only).

Family Movie Night on EAWR Football Field, Oct. 22nd, 7pm, East Alton Wood River High School football field. Join us for a season favorite, Disney's “Hocus Pocus!” The movie is sponsored by Mason Mansion & Wood River Enrichment Network in memory of Harry & Nick Mason. Gates will open at 6pm and movie will start at 7pm. We encourage all joining us for the evening to bring a canned good for Blessing Boxes at Wood River Public Library and in East Alton's Community Garden.

Upcoming Local Events

Chamber’s Got Talent, Oct. 28th, 5pm, Gateway Convention Center. TMSM Chamber's Got Talent is open to the public and is the Chamber's first Fundraiser since 2019! We will have Live Auctions, Silent Auctions, Raffles, & Community Awards. Catering by Cygan Delaney Catering. Bar provided by Old Herald Brewery. Tickets include attendance, dinner & dessert, entertainment, auctions and group photos. $60/Individual, $270/Private table of 6. For tickets, go to troymaryvillecoc.com/chambers got talent.

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 28th, 6 8:30pm, St. Jacob Elementary School. Join us for games, food, treats, prizes and more. Want to have a Trunk? Email stj.pto@tcusd2.org.

Halloween Party In The Park, Oct. 29th, City Park, Edwardsville. 10am: Community Candy Walk, trick or treat around City Park. 12pm: Costume Contest (all age groups, pets and groups). 12:30 2:30pm: Downtowntrick or treating.

Halloween Festival, Oct. 29th, 4 9pm, Wilson Park, Granite City. Mark your calendars! Different community groups will be set up throughout the Park to pass out candy and there will be different activities along the way!

Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl, Oct. 29th, 5 8pm, Downtown O’Fallon. Solve puzzles, riddles & find hidden clues while bar hopping with your friends for a chance to win The Halloween Hunt! Sign up your team at bit.ly/3BVBPMj. $100 per team.

Edwardsville Halloween Parade, Oct. 31st, 6:30pm, Downtown Edwardsville. This year’s theme is “Back to the 80’s”.

Alton Halloween Parade 2022, Oct. 31st, 7pm, BroadwaySt, Alton. The parade will begin at the corner of Washington Avenue and Broadway and continue Broadwayto Piasa Street. The parade will then turn right onto Piasa to 9th Street.

Spiced Apple Crumble

Apple orchards, apple picking, and apple desserts all scream fall. If you’re looking for something sweet and full of texture that can turn your taste buds upside down, look no further. This scrumptious Spiced Apple Crumble is not only a family favorite but a holiday must-have. Top this killer sweet treat with vanilla ice cream for a sensational, melty, oozing-with-goodness dessert no one can forget. Find more recipes for the fall season and holiday fun at Culinary.net.

Spiced Apple Crumble

Servings: 6 8

Filling:

6 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cubed

1 tablespoon white flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 lemons, juice only

Topping:

1 cup quick oats

1 cup white flour

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/8 teaspoon salt

•vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. To make filling: In medium bowl, add apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and lemon juice. Toss to evenly coat. Spread evenly in 8 by 8 inch baking dish.

3. To make topping: In medium bowl, add oats, flour, brown sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, melted butter and salt. Fork mixture to create crumbles. Pour crumble topping over apple mixture.

4. Bake 30 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

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@themetroeastmessenger