The Metro East Messenger 9.24.21 Issue

Inside: Read Our Local Business Spotlight On 7 Local Coffee Shops In The Metro East Photo : Goshen Coffee, Edwardsville, IL

Buy One Entrée, Get One Half Off Must Present Coupon Expires 10/24/21

www.metroeastmessenger.com

2

Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid 19 restrictions.

7th Annual Hot Air Balloons Over Marine, Sept. 24th & 25th, 155 North Duncan St, Marine, IL. Watch bunches of colorful balloons float above at the 7th Annual Hot Air Balloons Over Marine event. The main event features launches on Friday and Saturday evenings, a sunrise launch on Saturday morning, and a balloon glow on Saturday evening. In addition, there will be many aviation activities and displays for attendees to enjoy, as well as other activities, food, drinks, a bounce house, and much more. For more info, go to http://www.bomarine.org/.

Edwardsville Art Fair, September 24- 26th, City Park, 101 S. Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL. Edwardsville Art Fair is a juried arts festival presenting the work of approximately 65 talented artists. The show takes place in City Park surrounding the Edwardsville Public Library in beautiful downtown Edwardsville. There is something for everyone to love at Edwardsville Art Fair. For more information, go to www.edwardsvilleartscenter.com/edwardsville-art-fair.

A Harvest Gathering 2021 Vintage Market, Sept. 24-26th at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 S Belt E, Belleville, IL. We are a destination for decorators, designers, boutique owners, families, and weekend fun seekers of all ages. Each Forever Vintage Market Event is held over three days several times a year. It is the perfect venue for talented vendors to display their passions and express their artistic expertise. Tickets can be purchased at door! First Pick Friday 1pm-7pm ($10), Saturday 10am-5pm ($5), Sunday 10am-3pm ($5).

Collinsville’s Fall 2021 Garage Sale, Sept. 25th, 7-11am at the parking lot of Collinsville Activity Center, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

3

Local Events Taco Crawl, September 25th 2pm, Chava’s Mexican Restaurant, Edwardsville, IL. You are invited to join Chava's, Taqueria Z, The Foundry, Cleveland Heath and Big Daddy's for the second annual Taco Crawl. More detail to follow but save the date.

Proceeds benefit the Ed Glen Food Pantry.

Fishing Derby, Oct. 1st, 5pm, South Pond at the Sports Park, 301 Oberneufemann Rd, O’Fallon. Come out to the O’Fallon Family Sports Park at the South Pond for a fun evening of fishing. Fishing poles and bait will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own! Please register for this free event here: https://bit.ly/3hZo4Sk. First Fridays Late Night Art and Shopping Experience, Oct. 1st, Nov. 5th, Dec. 3rd, 5-9pm. Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late-night art and shopping experience which spans 13 locations across the Downtown Alton district. This event will be held on the First Friday of each month from September through December 2021, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Everyone who has their passport stamped at each location will receive a $10 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking near Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5-9pm.

Fall Farm Day at Willoughby Farm, Oct. 2nd 10am-2pm, 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville. Enjoy all the Fall festivities including hayrides, scavenger hunt, nature walk, kidz zone, goat yoga, food and drink, crafts, animals, and more. U of I Master Gardeners will be there, and fall/farm crafts, pumpkins and mums will be for sale. $2 per person, 2 & under free.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

4

Local Events Magic And Mayhem In Downtown Granite City, Downtown Granite City becomes spooky every Saturday in October!

Catch Ghouls and creepy characters roaming the downtown streets amidst the dance party at the Monster Mash. Test your nerve at the annual haunted house! For more info and full list of events, go to https://www.facebook.com/gcmagicandmayhem/events.

Kellsie's Hope Foundation 5k & 10k Race~ Celebrating 10 Years, Oct. 3rd, 9am at Firemans Park, Maryville. Stay around for a celebration at the conclusion of the race with a princess & hero meet & greet, treats, and activities for the whole family! For more info, go to https://bit.ly/3kxTOQq. All proceeds benefit Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. Giving HOPE to families suffering from childhood cancer through wish granting and supporting childhood cancer research.

Granite City Social Club Bingo, Oct. 3rd, at St John UCC, 2901 Nameoki Rd. Doors open at 12:30pm. Games start 1:30pm. $1 admission and $1 for 4 cards. Everyone 50 years old and up or disabled welcome to play. Masks are required at this time. Questions call 618-444-6771.

Family Campout at Glik Park, Oct. 6th, 710 E. Lake Dr, Edwardsville. Don't miss the chance to camp out at Glik Park in Edwardsville. The cost is $40 for a family of up to four, additional person (over 2 years old), $5 fee. Provided: dinner, s’mores, breakfast, a movie, campfire, crafts and a night of family fun. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3CawCxJo. Blood Drive, October 8, 10:00am-1:00pm, MML Insurance, 2166 Pontoon Rd, Granite City, IL. Help save lives; blood supply is critically low! Schedule an appointment on the Donor Bus to donate blood. Donors get their choice of a retro t-shirt or a gift card. Go to mmlins.com/blood-drive/ to select a time and use group code 10876. www.metroeastmessenger.com

5

4-Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268

302 E. Main St, Collinsville, IL (618) 855-8855

$9.99/LB Must present coupon.

Expires 10/24/21

10% Off Any Merchandise In Our Store! www.Code3BBQSupply.com

CHELSEY REED

Save 10% On Grooming, 1 Day of Lodging Or Day Camp !

Hair Designer & Makeup Artist 2400 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (618) 410-0882

25% Off New Client Cut & Color Service

www.bennysbnb.com

*Must mention ad when booking

(618) 344-4096

www.metroeastmessenger.com

2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

6

Local Events Art in the Park, Oct. 8th-10th at Lindendale Park, Park Hill Dr, Highland, IL. The 17th Annual Art in the Park offers indoor and outdoor spaces filled with world class art in the hometown atmosphere of Lindendale Park. This two-day juried indoor and outdoor exhibit, sponsored by Highland Arts Council, shows the works of nearly 60 artists in eleven mediums: painting, clay, glass, drawing/pastels, fabric/fiber, wood, sculpture, photography, jewelry, graphics/printmaking and mixed media. Approximately 9,000 attendees shop on Saturday, October 9, 2021, from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, October 10, 2021, from 11 am to 4 pm.

Belleville Chili Cook-Off, Oct. 8-9th, Downtown Belleville Main Street. 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 37 years! What started with just a few vendors on one block of East Main Street in downtown Belleville has now grown to more than 60 vendors and is one of the largest festivals in Belleville! For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/bvillechili.

Edwardsville Book Festival, Oct. 9th, 9am-3pm at Edwardsville City Park, 112 S. Kansas St, Edwardsville. Join in for a day of book-ish fun, including local authors, booksellers, music & storytelling, fun activities for kids, crafts for sale, and food & drink. For more details, go to bit.ly/3DXYhDs. October Skyview Craft Fair, Oct. 9th, 10am-3pm at Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater, 5700 N Belt W, Belleville. Free event.

They will have crafters, vendors, and food trucks. Masks required.

Glen Fest 2021, Oct. 9th, 5-10pm, Miner Park, Glen Carbon. Food, drinks and entertainment. Bubble Bus 5-7, Johnny Rockett Band 7-10pm, and fireworks at dusk.

Maryville Concert in the Park, Oct. 10th, 3-5pm, Fireman’s Park, 300 N. Donk Ave, Maryville, IL. Music by the George Portz & Friends. Bring your lawn chairs. Additional parking available at Mother Of Perpetual Help Church east of the park.

O'Fallon Movie Series- Jumanji II: The Next Level, Event sponsored by the O’Fallon Parks & Recreation. Join us at 5:30pm at the Community Park, 401 E. 5th St. O’Fallon, on fields 4/5. Family friendly and FREE, so bring your popcorn buckets and blankets for family movie night.

Annual Touch-A-Truck, Oct. 16th 10am-2pm, Edwardsville Township Comm. Park, 6368 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL. Over the past six years, this FREE community event has given area families and children the opportunity to explore and learn about various vehicles they see every day, as well as some that are rarely accessible. In past years, Touch-A-Truck has hosted more than 30 vehicles of various purposes (fire trucks, farm equipment, utility vehicles, transit busses, etc.) and has welcomed thousands of guests.

Place Your Upcoming Events Here! (It’s Free!)

Email: metroeastmessenger@gmail.com, Phone: (618)407-3097 www.metroeastmessenger.com

7

Local Events Witches Night Out 2021, October 16th, 4-9pm, Miner Park, Glen Carbon, IL. The date is set, the magic is brewing, and we can’t wait to show you what’s in store for our 2nd annual in person fundraising event. LIVE music by Johnny Rock-Itt & the Double Wide Symphony. Tickets go on sale at the stroke of midnight August 1st! Early bird special of $20 until 8/31. For tickets, go to https://bit.ly/3lwbNHV. Flugel Fest 2021, Oct. 16th, 11am-6pm, on the Highland Square. Live music by Heartbreak Line. Wing eating contest, best wings contest, bags tournament, kids' corner, silent auction and food & beer vendors. For more info, bit.ly/3lbfuAW. Touch A Truck, Oct. 16th, 10am-2pm, Edwardsville Township Comm. Park, 6368 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville. Over the past six years, this FREE community event has given area families and children the opportunity to explore and learn about various vehicles they see every day, as well as some that are rarely accessible. In past years, Touch-A-Truck has hosted more than 30 vehicles of various purposes (fire trucks, farm equipment, utility vehicles, transit busses, etc.) and has welcomed thousands of guests.

Adventure Night, Oct. 16th, 5-8pm, Tri-Township Park District, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy. The annual Adventure Night is back: hayrides, face painting, food, games, costume contest and more. Free for the whole family!

Leclaire Parkfest 2021, Oct. 17th, 12-5pm, 900 Hale Ave, Edwardsville, IL. Join us for the 29th Annual Leclaire Parkfest at Leclaire Lake Park! The event will feature live music, arts and craft booths, games, trolley tours, and more! Food booths and a wine and beer garden will also be available. For more info: https://bit.ly/2Vu0WDw.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

8

The Metro East has some amazing small independently owned coffee shops, each unique in their own way with their offerings and atmospheres. In honor of National Coffee Day, September 29th, we decided to put together a list of the best shops you should know about. So, whether you like the trendy, eclectic kind of coffee shops, or the straight up, traditional, drive thru kind for your caffeine fix, here’s a guide to some of the best coffee shops in the Metro East.

First up is Germania Brew Haus (pictured above) located in Alton. This one-of-a-kind spot, isn’t your normal coffee shop.

Not only do they have amazing craft coffee drinks, but they also have a self-pour beer wall offering many local and regional beers. We love this their cozy atmosphere inside and their outside deck on the second floor. The owners, a husband and wife team, are also Army and Air Force veterans. Germania Brew Haus is located at 617 E. Broadway, Alton. They also have a second location with a drive-thru at 5775 Godfrey Rd in Godfrey. germaniabrewhaus.com Next up is Balance Coffee & Tea located in Belleville, just south of the square. Known for their artisan small batch roasting (pictured left), these owners really know how to make a smooth, fresh cup of coffee. Be sure to take a couple bags of fresh ground beans home with you. Another interesting fact, this laid back, chilled out coffee shop is in a 20th century railroad depot. Balance Coffee & Tea is located at 732 S. Illinois St, Belleville. balancecoffeeandtea.com

This next coffee shop is a craft coffee company based out of Edwardsville called Goshen Coffee. Because they use a rare form of air roasting, their coffee is always smooth and never bitter. (If you prefer your coffee black, you know what I mean.) Their clean, modern design, convenient drive thru (yes, they do pup cups), and close proximity to SIUE, make it a big hit in the Edwardsville community. They are located at 6120 Shoger Dr, Suite A, Edwardsville. goshencoffee.com 9

The Coffee Box (pictured right), is one of my personal favorites when I’m in a hurry and just need a quick caffeine fix. They are a drive thru and walk up only coffee shop located in the heart of Maryville on Route 159. They also have plenty of outside seating if you want to sit and enjoy your freshly made brew and freshly made treats. This veteran owned coffee shop was awarded the best coffeehouse in Maryville by Restaurant Guru this year. And we agree! They are located at 2615 N. Center St, Maryville. If you are traveling thru Rt. 159 in Maryville, be sure to stop in! www.the-coffee-box.com

When you hear EXO Lounge, you may not immediately think coffee, but you should. This nail bar and lounge (pictured left) is one of kind with its exquisite details and elegant ambiance. They have always offered a wide range of specialty cocktails and wines and now they offer hot and cold coffee drinks that rivals any high-end coffee shop. This is a great place to pamper yourself with a perfect cappuccino while getting a mani, pedi. Don’t need your nails done? No problem. The 2,000 square foot upscale patio is the place to go when you want a beautiful atmosphere to relax in or meet up with friends. In a hurry? They also offer curbside pick up. They are located at 2 157 Center in Edwardsville. visitexo.com

The next time you’re in the Collinsville area, you must stop at Verona Coffee. This corner coffee shop in the middle of Main Street has everything you want.

They serve freshly ground Kaldi coffee and all the specialty and seasonal drinks you could ask for. We especially love their freshly baked goods including the gluten free peanut butter cookies (pictured right).

Their super relaxed atmosphere and glass windows make it great place to chill while watching the people pass down Main Street. Need Wi-Fi? No problem (password: ipromisetoneverbuystarbucksagain). They also offer online ordering and curbside pick up. You can find Verona Coffee at 101 East Main Street Collinsville. facebook.com/veronacoffeecompany 10

The last local coffee shop we want to tell you about is The Abbey Espresso Bar and Cafe`, located in West Belleville. This place is full-service café that has everything you need. First, it is super spacious, making it a great place to work, study, hang out or meet a small group a friends. But it’s also still cozy feeling, due to the comfy seating area with fireplace. (Think Panera, but much better.) It also has a large outside patio, fire pit and stage for live music from local musicians. The Abbey has a full menu of coffee drinks, breakfast items, baked goods, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and even weekly dinner specials.

They also have a drive-thru. You can find The Abbey at 5801 W. Main St, Belleville. (As with all of these coffee shops, be sure to check their hours of operation due to Covid and staffing.) www.thebellevilleabbey.com Where will you be going for your java on National Coffee Day on September 29th?

We hope that you’ll choose a locally owned coffee shop that day (and the rest of the year) and continue to support small local businesses in the Metro East.

Pictured are Lindsey Keller-Janssen representing Keller Farms and Nancy Berry, Executive Dir. of St. John’s Community Care.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

11

Local Events Taste of St. Jacob & Trunk or Treat, Oct. 22nd, 6pm at N Douglas St, St. Jacob. Hosted and sponsored by the Village of St. Jacob. Some proceeds will be donated to our very own PTO at SJES! Would you like to be a Food Vendor or Craft/Goods vendor? Contact Jamie Runion via text or call to 618-420-6870. Would you like to have a trunk in the Trunk or Treat, or volunteer to help make this event a huge success? Contact Katrina Hunerkoch at 618-201-6147.

E-Cycle Event, Oct. 23rd, 9am-12pm at First Baptist Church, 7110 State Rt. 162, Maryville, IL. Slight charge on TVs. For more info, go to troymaryvillecoc.com or call (618)667-8769.

Big Trucks, Food Trucks and Trunks with Treats, Oct. 23rd, 4pm, at South Roxana Dad’s Club 417 Roxana Ave, South Roxana. An event for everyone! We will have Big Trucks for kids to explore, food trucks, vendors, hayrides, bounce houses and end with a trunk or treat!

Wood River Halloween Parade, Oct. 30th, 10:30am. Get in the Halloween spirit with the Wood River Halloween Parade!

Halloween Party and Costume Contest in City Park, Oct. 30th, 10am-1pm. Edwardsville Parks and Recreation is ready to have a Halloween Party in City Park! We will have festive decorations. Fun Music. Local businesses and organizations "trunk or treating" around the park starting at 10 AM. Then at Noon we start the costume contest! 10 AM - Trail of Treats Trick or Treat around City Park. 12 PM - Costume Contest (All age groups, Pets and Groups). 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Downtown Trick-or-Treating to the businesses along Main Street.

Coffee Word Search

BREW DECAF

CAPPUCCINO ESPRESSO

CREAMER MOCHA

ROAST

SUGAR

LATTE

COFFEE www.metroeastmessenger.com

12

Local Events Alton Halloween Parade 2021, Oct. 30th, 7:30-10pm. The parade will begin at the corner of Washington Ave. and Broadway and continue to Broadway to Piasa St. The parade will then turn right onto Piasa to 9th Street. For more information, call (618) 614-3632 Edwardsville Halloween Parade, Oct. 31st. The parade will leave Lincoln Middle School parking lot at Schwarz & West St, then travel east on St. Louis St. to Vandalia St, then north on North Main St. and will disband at High St. O'Fallon Band Boosters 40th Annual Art and Craft Fair, Nov. 6th-7th, 9am-5pm, O’Fallon Township High School, 600 S Smiley St, O'Fallon. You will be sure to find unique holiday gifts from over 200 vendors, filling over 300 booths at our fair.

Stop by our Bistro or Bake Sale while you are shopping to support the band and guard's big trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade in January 2022! All proceeds support the amazing OTHS Band and Color Guard Programs.

Annual Tiger Band Art & Craft Fair, Nov. 13-14th, 6161 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville. he Tiger Band Art & Craft Fair is an annual arts and craft fair with handcrafted items from over 200 vendors sponsored by the Edwardsville Band Boosters. All proceeds from this show benefit the Edwardsville High School band program. Concessions will serve breakfast and lunch..

Strollers are not permitted. The hours of operation are Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Fall Craft Fair, Nov. 20th, 8am-2pm, Tri-Township Activity Center, 284 Riggin Rd, Troy, IL. Entrance fee: $1 or nonperishable food donation. 12 & under: free to enter. Vendors: tritownshippark.org/craftfair to apply. Call 618-667-6887 or email jessica@tritownshippark.org for more info. www.metroeastmessenger.com

13

www.metroeastmessenger.com

14

Directions:

Next time you’re in a pinch for something sweet that pairs well with a hot cup of coffee, try these Sopapilla Bars. They have a sugary, crunchy exterior, but on the inside, they are creamy and delicious.

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 2 packages (8 ounces each) crescent rolls 24 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 9-by-13-inch glass baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place one package unrolled crescent rolls in bottom of dish. Pinch seams together.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until soft. Add 1 cup sugar and cornstarch. Beat mixture until combined. Add vanilla extract and egg. Beat until combined. Pour batter onto crescent roll dough. Smooth with spatula.

On floured surface, unroll second package crescent roll dough. Pinch seams and roll dough to 1/2 inch longer and wider. Place rolled sheet on top of cheesecake layer. Spread melted butter over top.

In small bowl, whisk remaining sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of bars.

Bake 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool to room temperature. Chill in refrigerator 3 hours or overnight.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

15