From the First Idea to the Final Touch
The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980) is published daily for $178 per year at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. The Southern Illinoisan is owned by Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.
• Publisher: Dennis M. DeRossett, dennis.derossett@thesouthern.com • To subscribe: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618-9973356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. • To place a display ad: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6.
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Celebrate Christmas with Us First United Methodist Church
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Advent Music Vespers
Around the Table Carol Sing
11/29 - Anita Hutton, piano; Robert Weiss, trombone 12/6 - Sidney G. Smith, M.D., organ 12/13 - Susan Frey, organ 12/20 - Edward Benyas, oboe; Kara Benyas, piano
March to the Manger
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618.253.4711 or toll free 1.888.467.4711 Angela Rowe DDCD
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Page 2 Friday, November 20, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan
Advent Bible Study
Sundays, Nov. 22, 29 & Dec. 6, 13, 20 at 9:30 a.m. in the Church Parlor
Sunday, Dec. 6, 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13 at 8:15 a.m & 10:45 a.m.
Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, Dec. 20 at 8:15a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Thursday, Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.
Holiday Events
John Tesh leads off a season of entertainment to keep us merry BY BRENT STEWART THE SOUTHERN
It used to be the Christmas season didn’t begin until the day after Thanksgiving. These days, it begins weeks before December. Is it any wonder people are more like Ebenezer Scrooge than Tiny Tim when Dec. 25 finally rolls around? But that’s really no reason to completely lose the spirit of the season. There are several big shows to keep us merry. The biggest of these shows is multi-talented musician and television personality, John Tesh, who is performing at Shryock Auditorium, presented by Southern Lights Entertainment. “John Tesh is the type of performer who really gives the 110 percent on stage,” said Bryan Rives, director of Southern Illinois University Event Services. “His Christmas concert production is a great combination of highquality production values with music we all cherish during the holiday season. Individuals, families and church groups who attend the concert will certainly get their holiday season
PROVIDED
John Tesh will perform a holiday concert in SIUC’s Shryock Auditorium on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3.
off to a great start.” The former “Entertainment Tonight” co-host will be performing his first set of holiday shows in 15 years, featuring traditional carols and new standards arranged with a big band feel, complete with Tesh’s trademark light show and interaction with the audience. “A good holiday production in my mind is one that has both high production values and appeals to the entire family or community,” Rives said. “If I see families in the audience
with several generations in attendance, that really gets me into the holiday mood.” The Concert: “A Christmas with John Tesh” takes the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. For ticket prices and information, call 618-4536000 or go to Southern LightsEntertainment.com. Also: At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 in Shryock, the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra will present Poulenc’s “Gloria” in the first half of the concert. The second half will feature Ralph Vaughan Williams
“Fantasia on Christmas Carols” and several other holiday selections. The orchestra will be joined by a 130-voice choir, featuring the SIUC Concert Choir and Choral Union. For more information, go to http://symphony.siuc.edu. THE CARSON CENTER IN PADUCAH will host two holiday events. The first is a nationally touring production of “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8. The Nebraska Theatre Caravan has been on the road with this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale for 28 years. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, you can sing along to your favorite Christmas songs with the Paducah Symphony Chorus, the Children’s Chorus and the Paducah Pops Orchestra. For more information on these events, go to www.thecarsoncenter.org. THE PARADISE ALLEY PLAYERS, the official theater company of the Marion Cultural and Civic Center will present “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. “Virginia” is the story of a little girl whose friends
tell her that Santa Claus isn’t real, so she writes a letter to the newspaper to find the answer. SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE will present a Madrigal Feaste. This catered dinner features Madrigal singers presenting traditional Holiday music. Show dates are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4, 5 and 6. To make your dinner reservations or for more information, contact the box office at 618-2525400 ext. 2486 or online at boxoffice@sic.edu. JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE in Carterville last year presented a wildly popular holiday show, “A 1940’s Radio Christmas.” This year, they’ll veer away from that concept slightly to present “Holiday Hop — A Tribute to Rock and Roll” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12. It will be the sixth time JALC has presented this type of show, said Nathan Arnett, choral director and instructor of music at the college. The first was in 1989, when choir professor emeritus Karen Sala conceived the tribute, taking popular standards
and performing them, giving the choir members a chance to put their voices out front. As a JALC choir member, Arnett had the opportunity to perform in one of the shows and has kept the tradition going as choral director. “We will not only focus on the pop music of the 1950s, but we will feature some of the great holiday hits of that era. There will be a few chances for the audience to participate in the production and of course the show will be accompanied by a live ’50s-style band. “I think people who attend these holiday musical events come for the great music, the opportunity to see and hear their family and friends perform, but most of all for the memories. Good or bad, the holidays make an impression on the stories of our lives. I’m hopeful that our audiences come expecting and leave fulfilled.” For more information, call 618-985-2828 ext. 8287 or e-mail activities@jalc.edu. — This article was previously published in the holiday issue of SI Magazine; call 618351-5074 for info on where to get a copy.
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The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 3
Holiday Events
Prairie du Rocher has been ringing in the new year for 285 years BY BRENT STEWART THE SOUTHERN
PRAIRIE du ROCHER — In some areas, the historical traditions of Southern Illinois run deeper than the Mississippi River. As the western corner of our area lines up against the mighty waterway, there are a number of towns of great historical significance. In the colonial era, when strategic placement along the river was of utmost importance, France built several settlements in what would become Southern Illinois. Prairie du Rocher was founded in 1722; a few miles outside the settlement, Fort de Chartres was built
between 1753 and 1756. It was the third such attempt at a large port station; the first two being made of wood, had deteriorated rather quickly in the river bottom. After the outcome of the French and Indian War and the 1763 Treaty of Paris, the British took control of the area, although they didn’t reach Fort de Chartres for two years. A handful of French troops were left for a peaceful surrender. It was renamed Fort Cavendish. The British stayed in the fort until the river threatened to destroy the front wall. The fort was abandoned and left for nature to occupy in 1772. After the Revolutionary War, in 1778, George
Rogers Clark went to a dance in Prairie du Rocher while securing the area for the United States. Clark evidently also viewed the ruins of Fort de Chartres. Despite Prairie du Rocher’s occupation by two other countries, some of the French traditions managed to survive throughout the years. La Guiannee, the traditional French New Year’s celebration, has been continuously celebrated since the same year the town was founded. Gerry Franklin of Prairie du Rocher’s La Guiannee Societe said some people believe the ceremony has its roots as druid tradition. La Guiannee is actually
at each house. “They usually invite us LA GUIANNEE in to have a little bite to eat,” Franklin said. When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 Along the way, the group Where: The group starts out at Fort de Chartres, 1350 sings songs, including State Route 155, Prairie du Rocher. theme of the event, “La Guiannee.” The carolers THE TWELFTH NIGHT BALL will bring instruments, When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 such as fiddles, guitars and Where: American Legion, 509 Henry St., Prairie du mandolins. Rocher. In modern times, there For more: Contact 618-284-7230. are maybe five or so houses on the evening’s route. They start out at Fort de the same name as the song the 21st century is Chartres and use a van to basically, you go to your sung by those who carry the group to each friends’ house, a group of participate in the residence. Most of the people, go from house to celebration. The lyrics house and then move on,” group dress in period describe the tradition of costumes. Franklin said. the poor of the town Another traditional In recent years, La visiting the homes of the French event in Prairie du Guiannee has become wealthy and asking them Rocher is the Twelfth more family friendly, but for items to be able to in the past, you might have Night Ball. Because the celebrate the New Year. received a shot of whiskey French settlers were “What it has become in
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Holiday Events Catholic, the Catholic, the Christmas season really didn’t begin until Dec. 25. “In the Catholic Church, the month before Christmas was a period of atonement, bettering yourself in time for Christmas,” Franklin said. “Once Christmas gets here, we begin the season and part of that is New Year’s. The 12th day of Christmas was the epiphany. On the 12th night, they’d have a ball.” At the Twelfth Night Ball, cake was served to the young men, and the first one who would find a bean in their cake would become king of the ball. He would then choose his queen, and the rest of his court would be chosen by the remainder of beans in the slices of cake. The tradition of the ball continued in Prairie du Rocher until World War II, when most of the young men were at war. It was revived in 1976. Just as in the old times, a string band will play reels and dances, and the cake is used to determine the king and his court. The Twelfth Night Ball is usually on the Saturday closest to Jan. 6. Many people dress in period attire, although Franklin said that is not necessary. Franklin has been involved with the ball since its reorganization. He believes the current installment of the Twelfth Night Ball is just as authentic as any other in the past. “A lot of people reenact history,” Franklin said. “We are not reenacting history; this is it. Of course, 300 years ago, they probably didn’t put glitter in their hair, but some do now. We’re not really doing it to carrying on a tradition; we’re doing it because it’s what we do.”
Step back in time with Christmas at Fort Massac BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
METROPOLIS — Fort Massac State Park is offering visitors an opportunity to learn how Christmas has been celebrated through the years during the Olde Tyme Christmas program. This year it’s at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the park located near Metropolis. “Throughout the fort, we’ll have re-enactors portraying the French from the mid 1750s, an 1812 early American group and Civil War soldiers,” Each group of re-enactors will Terry Johnson, site be enjoying period snacks superintendant of Fort Massac State Park said. such as fruit and cider and “All of these groups will will be available for decorate an area of the interaction with visitors. fort according to the Guests are encouraged to ask time period they questions about both life and represent.” Johnson said visitors Christmas in the early days should not be expecting of Southern Illinois. elaborate decorations and Christmas lights. “There’s not a lot of flash to the decorations,” he explained. “A lot of it is what they would have had on hand in this area back then.” He said holiday decoration in 1757 may have been as simple as just an apple and an orange arranged on some greenery, maybe even with some strung popcorn. Each group of re-enactors will be enjoying period snacks such as fruit and cider and will be available for interaction with visitors. Guests are encouraged to ask questions about both life and Christmas in the early days of Southern Illinois. “It’s very much a living-history event,” Johnson said. “It will be as close to completely accurate as we can make it and it will give a real perspective of history.” Additionally, the park’s visitor center will be decorated with items based on designs of the 1600s and 1700s cookies baked in an authentic period oven, and sample hot spiced tea will be served. An early American band will be playing Christmas songs from the early 1800s as well. “You’ll hear songs that are altogether different than you hear today,” Johnson said. He said the Olde Tyme Christmas is a free event, and it may even change visitors’ perspectives on the holiday. “It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but it definitely will humble you to see how little they really had back then.” Johnson said.
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 5
Holiday Events
A HOLIDAY AFFAIR Relax from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with a community celebration of food, live entertainment and dance. Donation: $20. Proceeds benefit Thelma Gibbs Walker Scholarship Fund for high school seniors. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Gamma Kappa Omega Chapter of Carbondale. When: 7-11 p.m. Dec. 11 Where: Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois, Carbondale Phone: 618-549-5302 BAKE SALE/YARD SALE Grace United Methodist Church Women will host annual Christmas yard and bale sale in Family Life Center. Items for sale include ornaments, candles and tins. Cakes, pies, cookies, candy and bread available. Proceeds will be given to World Hunger campaign. When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 21 Where: Family Life Center, Grace United Methodist Church, 220 N. Tower Road, Carbondale Phone: 618-967-3646 BAZAAR Seventh annual Union County Historical and Genealogy Society’s Christmas Bazaar will offer new, gently used, upscale and collectible holiday related items and gifts. Proceeds will help maintain Union County Museum and will support the Historical Society’s programs and exhibits. Admission is free. When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21, Nov. 27, Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 Where: 117 S. Appleknocker, next to Union County Museum, Cobden Phone: 618-893-2567 or 618-893-2865 BAZAAR Hot chocolate and cookies will be serviced at the end of shopping tour. Open to public. When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5 Where: First Apostolic Church, next to Dollar Store in Sesser Phone: 618-315-3771 BAZAAR AND BAKE SALE United Missionary Baptist Church When: 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 5 Where: United Missionary Baptist Church, one quarter mile off I-57, Lick Creek Exit Phone: 618-833-7888 CANDY CANE LANE Drive through neighborhood decorated with Christmas lights and holiday scenery in downtown West Frankfort beginning at Main Street past the high school. When: 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5-10 p.m. Sunday; Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 Where: Downtown West Frankfort on Main Street
CAROLS AT CANDLELIGHT Informal Christmas celebration in quaint 1886 church on National Register of Historic Places. When: 4 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: St. Anne’s Church, South Main Street, Anna Phone: 618-833-9441 CHRISTMAS CARDS ACTIVITY 4-H Christmas Card activity for family, friends, shut-ins, nursing homes and veterans. For children ages 5 to 18. No cost to make cards. Donation of at least two cans of food accepted by Marion Ministerial Alliance. Deadline to sign up Dec. 16. When: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 18 Where: Williamson County U of I Extension Office, 1306 N. Atchison Ave., Suite A, Marion Phone: 618-993-3304 CHRISTMAS IN COBDEN Village of Cobden and Cobden Community and Business Association will sponsor “Christmas in Cobden” with events and activities including Christmas bazaars at Union County Museum and St. Joseph Catholic Church, exhibits at Yellow Moon Café and more. Santa will be at the “Old Feed Store” from 1-3 p.m. and will hand out goodies for visiting children. Santa will lead a walk downtown at 5 p.m. for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Times of events and participating locations available at Cobden Village Hall on E. Maple. When: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Dec. 5 Where: Village of Cobden Phone: 618-893-2425 CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER City of Chester’s traditional Christmas on the River celebration. Activities planned include a lighted Christmas parade. When: Parade: 7 p.m. Dec. 4; Dec. 5-6 Where: Downtown Chester Phone: 618-826-4187 or 618-826-4311 COOKIE WALK First Christian Church annual Cookie Walk. Assortment of cookies for the holidays and other homemade goods. Cost: $6 per pound, boxes will be provided. Decorative tins and holiday craft items will also be available. When: 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 12 Where: First Christian Church, 306 West Monroe Street, Carbondale Phone: 618-457-6817 COOKIE WALK Immanuel Lutheran Church Cookie Walk. Homemade cookies and candy. When: 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 12 Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1915 Pine Street, Murphysboro Phone: 618-565-2438
Page 6 Friday, November 20, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS STROLL AND HOUSE TOUR Stroll throughout the village includes a craft fair, Festival of Trees, flea market, house tours, museums open and decorated surrey rides (weather permitting). Breakfast with Santa at golf course/open house at business with attendance prizes. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: Community Club Park, Okawville Phone: 618-243-5694 CRAFT AND BAKE SALE Mary and Martha Lutheran Women’s Missionary League craft and bake sale. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5 Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, West Frankfort CRAFT AND WINE FAIR Buy or sell Christmas gifts, crafts, baskets, stained glass, handmade jewelry, quilts, candles and more. Taste and buy wine as gifts from local wineries. Admission: $1; children 6 and under free. When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: Williamson County Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion Phone: 618-993-2657 EXHIBIT AND CONCERTS Self-guided tour of hundreds of nativities from many countries. Tour will include children’s room with games, puppets, books and take home nativity activity. Free concert Friday, Dec. 4 includes Southern Illinois Children’s Choir, Shaina Strings Violin Studio, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Choir and more. Free concert Sunday, Dec. 6 includes Shaina Strings Violin Studio, First Presbyterian Church of Cobden Choir, pianist Jonathan Balagna, Marion High School Madrigals. When: Nativity exhibit: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4; noon5 p.m. Dec. 5; 1-9 p.m. Dec. 6; free concerts: 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 5 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7168 Old HWY 13, Carbondale Phone: 618-684-8587 HOMES TOUR West Frankfort Park Auxiliary will sponsor Holiday Home Tour featuring several homes around West Frankfort. Open house at Old Firehouse Event Center will start at 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets: $10 each. Tickets available at park pool office, Medicine Shoppe, auxiliary members, or by calling Evelyn at 618-937-2205 or Kay at 618-937-3364. When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13 Where: Old Firehouse Event Center, West Frankfort Phone: 618-937-2205 or 618-937-3364
Mark Your Calendars And be sure to pick The Southern on Friday, Dec. 11 for a special section featuring religious and sacred Christmas events and programs.
HOMES TOUR Four homes decorated for the holidays with Elijah P. Curtis Home and Museum where tea will be served. Admission: $6. When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: 405 Market St., Metropolis. Phone: 618-524-7203, 800-949-5740 or 800-248-4373 HOMES TOUR Tour of historic homes. Tickets and map available at Golconda Pope County Museum on East Main Street for $8. Christmas in the courtyard begins at 6 p.m. Depart from museum for candlelight walk and caroling to courtyard for bonfire, hot chocolate, live nativity, cookies and Santa. When: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 12 Where: East Main Street, Golconda. Phone: 618-683-5037 HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS AND FESTIVAL OF TREES Various locations in and around Murphysboro, including historic Logan Neighborhood. Home tour will include five decorated homes in Murphysboro. The OneStop Holiday Shop venue will be located in Davis McCann Center on North 14th Street. Festival of Trees returns and will allow visitors to bid on decorated trees to benefit local charities at General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro’s Logan Neighborhood. Bidding on Festival of Trees will be from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 24 through Nov. 28; Dec. 1 through Dec. 4. When: 1-4 p.m. Nov. 24 through Nov. 29; Dec. 1 through Dec. 4; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5; 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: Historic district, General John A. Logan Museum (1316 Edith St.), downtown and surrounding areas of Murphysboro Phone: 618-521-3227 or 618-565-4167 LA GUIANNEE Members of La Guiannee Society dressed in period costume sing old French songs beginning at Fort de Chartres. Singers continue performance at the Creole House, local homes and eating establishments. Tradition has continued every year since the town was founded in 1722. Public invited to Fort de Chartres for refreshments. When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: American Legion Hall, Fort de Chartres, and sites in Prairie du Rocher. Phone: 618-284-7230. LIGHTS FAIR Tour lighted displays throughout the fairgrounds from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The exhibition hall will be open at 6 p.m. Dec. 4-6, 11-3 and 18-20 only, with musical performances, holiday tree display, visits with Santa. Admission: $5 per family vehicles, $8 on
nights exposition hall is open; no admission to lights display Christmas Day. When: Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Where: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Phone: 618-542-8338. LIGHTS FANTASTIC PARADE Annual Lights Fantastic Parade in downtown Carbondale. Several downtown businesses will provide cookies and refreshments for Holiday Cookie Walk, Polar Express Station at Old Train Depot will have a holiday brochure available, and pictures with Santa’s Reindeer at Town Square. Professional photos available for fee. When: 4-6 p.m. Cake Walk and Letters to Santa; 6 p.m. parade, Dec. 5 Where: Downtown Carbondale Phone: 800-526-1500 or 618-529-8040 LUNCHEONS Holiday luncheons at Riverlore Mansion in Cairo, prepared by Cairo Public Library Board of Trustees. Reservations are encouraged as seating is limited each day. Proceeds toward upkeep and restoration of 1865 historical home. When: Noon, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 through Dec. 3 Where: Riverlore Mansion, 2723 Washington Ave., Cairo Phone: 618-734-1840. MADRIGAL SEASON Marion High School Choir will present 20th annual Madrigal Season with a Madrigal concert Dec. 11 and annual Madrigal Feaste “The Quest” Dec. 12. Tickets for Madrigal concert: $5; tickets for Madrigal Feaste: $15. Tickets available at Marion High School office. When: 7:07 p.m. Dec. 11; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 Where: Marion Junior High West Gym, 1609 W. Main, Marion Phone: 618-993-8196 OLDE TYME CHRISTMAS Decorations from 1700’s with period music and refreshments at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis. When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13 Where: Ft. Massac State Park, Metropolis Phone: 618-524-9321 OPEN HOUSE Union County Museum open house. Special exhibit will feature NOEL collection. Refreshments provided. Free and open to public. Sponsored by Union County Historical and Genealogy Society. When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 12 Where: 119 South Appleknocker, Cobden Phone: 618-893-2865 PARADE Paducah Park Services will present Paducah Holiday Parade in downtown Paducah.
When: 5 p.m. Dec. 5 Where: Broadway and 14th Street to 2nd Street and Madison, Paducah Phone: 270-444-8508 PARADE Floats, bands and Santa. When: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 Where: Ninth and Market streets, Metropolis Phone: 800-949-5740 PETS WITH SANTA Lodge of the Four Paws will host annual Pets with Santa with proceeds going to Perry County Humane Society. Memory Tree will be on display and ornaments in honor of pets may be purchased by donation of any amount. Cost per picture: $5 donation. When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: 2942 Fairground Road, Pinckneyville Phone: 618-357-8627 SANTA’S GIFT HOUSE Williamson County Child Advocacy Center will host annual Santa’s Gift House in Herrin. Children ages three through 12 may shop while parents wait in bakery area. Proceeds help abused children. When: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5 Where: former Maytag Building, Lyerla Drive, Herrin. Phone: 618-942-3800 SILENT AUCTION Friends of Sallie Logan Public Library in Murphysboro is sponsoring a silent auction to benefit the library and its programs. Items include gift baskets, books, gift certificates, coupons and more. Bidding closes Dec. 7. When: Library hours through Dec. 7 Where: Sallie Logan Public Library, 1808 Walnut Street, Murphysboro Phone: 618-684-3271 SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS Rosiclare Improvement Committee and Cougar Outreach Student Organization will present “Sounds of Christmas”, the unveiling of Christmas themed windows. Refreshments and craft mall available. Christmas music provided by brass section of Rosiclare City Band and Tattered Angels. When: Nov. 20 Where: Downtown Rosiclare Phone: 618-285-6837 TWELFTH NIGHT BALL French Colonial costume ball includes coronation of Twelfth Night king and queen. Admission: $10 per person. When: Jan. 9 Where: American Legion Hall, Prairie du Rocher. Phone: 618-284-7180 or 618-288-6474.
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 7
Holiday Events
Holiday Lights Fair features new display, events in the Expo Hall already beautiful fairgrounds, so visitors can really enjoy the drive.” It’s not the roads, DU QUOIN — When it however, that bring comes to decorating for the holidays, few displays thousands of people each December to the outshine the Holiday fairgrounds; it’s the lights. Lights Fair at Du Quoin “We just blanket the State Fairground. Each year since 1999, the event fairgrounds with lights,” Smid said. “In addition to has grown in size and popularity to become one all of the trees and the lights marking the roads, of the largest drivewe have more than 35 through holiday displays in the region, according to commercial lighted scenes placed throughout the Judy Smid, president of fairgrounds. Many people the Du Quoin Tourism tell us it’s the prettiest commission. “The entire display route display they’ve ever seen.” The displays, which is about three miles,” Smid range from traditional said. “It’s smooth, paved Christmas and holiday roads throughout the
BY LES O’DELL
FOR THE SOUTHERN
scenes to dinosaurs, a Ferris wheel and a Candy land display, each costs thousands of dollars. Smid said these are not displays you are likely to find in your neighbor’s front yard. “You just can’t run out to the store and buy displays like these,” she said. New this year will be a lighted drive-through arch as well as other surprises. “We expect more people than ever to visit this year, and we think this year’s Holiday Lights Fair will be exceptional,” Smid said. The displays are illuminated from 5:30 p.m.
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The displays are illuminated from 5:30 to 9:30 each evening Nov. 27 through Dec. 30, including Christmas Day. The Expo Hall is open the first three weekends in December and will feature craft vendors, food, free entertainment and a children’s area. Santa will also be on hand. to 9:30 p.m. each evening, Nov. 27 through Dec. 30, except on Christmas. Additionally, the fairground’s Expo building will be open the first three weekends in December. Visitors will find a number of vendors, food, free
entertainment and an area set aside for children where they can play games, make craft items and take a miniature train ride. Santa Claus will be present for children to share gift requests. Smid said this year all of
the vendors will be offering hand-crafted item and door prizes will be presented each hour. Admission to the Holiday Lights Fair is $5 per family vehicle and $8 on nights when the Exposition Hall is open.
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Holiday Events
Riverlore Mansion, Magnolia Manor offer holiday finery at its best BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
CAIRO — A home steeped in history serves as the backdrop for holiday luncheons each year in Cairo. Riverlore Mansion, built in 1865 by Capt. William Parker Halliday, one of the founders of the city, is decorated for Christmas and is the site of public luncheons prepared by members of the Cairo Public Library Board of Trustees each day Nov. 30 through Dec. 3. Monica Smith, director of the library, said proceeds from the luncheons assist with the upkeep of the mansion, which was purchased by the city in 1999. The home, which features unique architecture including a 32-foot cherry staircase, is open to the public for tours by calling the library. She said that for the holiday luncheons, volunteers have literally spruced up the facility. “It is decorated in all of its Christmas finery,” Smith said. There is room for about 50 people at each of the
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luncheon series’ four days, Smith said. She said meals are prepared by members of the library’s governing body and are very wellreceived. “We’re all pretty good cooks,” she said. “We usually don’t have any complaints, and the plates usually come back to the kitchen very clean.” She said menus offer the traditional fare of the season. Tickets are $15 per person, which includes a tour of the home. “We’ve been doing these luncheons since 2003, and they have gone over very well,” Smith said. She said the event sells out every year, and she recommends that tickets be purchased early. She said that a number of area offices hold their staff Christmas parties in conjunction with the luncheons. For Smith, the holiday luncheons at the Riverlore Mansion have become a tradition of the season in her community. “It’s just a very neat part of Christmas in Cairo,” she said. Riverlore is at 2723
Washington Ave. To reserve your tickets, call Cairo Public Library at 618-734-1840. Another Cairo attraction you won’t want to miss, especially during the holidays, is Magnolia Manor. Magnolia Manor, at 2700 Washington Ave., is a post-bellum home that has been on the National Register of Historic Places since late 1969. Many of the original furnishings are still on display at Magnolia Manor today. The mansion is decorated top to bottom for the holidays, and luncheons and tours are hosted to raise money for the mansion’s upkeep. Holiday House tours are 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 and through Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $6, $2 for children 4 to 12; children younger than 4 are admitted free. Holiday luncheons are 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and begin Monday, Nov. 30 and run through Friday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $15 per person, which includes a tour of the special home. Call 618-734-0201 for tickets and information.
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Celebrate Christmas on the River everyone to come out to share the spirit of Christmas and to have a CHESTER — A weekend great time.” A highlight of the of community-based weekend is the arrival of Christmas activities Santa Claus, who makes known as Christmas on arrives in Chester in an the River kicks off with a untraditional way. He is lighted parade at 7 p.m. scheduled to dock on Friday, Dec. 7. Saturday morning, using This event, featuring a Mississippi River barge bands and lighted floats making their way through as his transportation. “Santa comes down the the downtown area, is river on a boat,” said now in its third year. weekend festivities coThe parade is only one chair Bertha Mae Bleche. of many activities for “For his visit to Chester, residents and visitors hosted during the annual he makes use of the Mississippi.” three-day festival. Bleche said it is not “We’re a small community, and everyone unusual for area children to line the river banks to seems to know one catch a glimpse of St. another,” said Eileen Nicholas. Gordon, celebration coOther events include a chairwoman. “We want
BY LES O’DELL
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tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays, community bazaars and musical showcases, as well as a quilt show and a chickenand-dumpling dinner. Also planned is a competition featuring Christmas trees decorated by members of area organizations, all vying for the title of best decorated tree. Craft lovers can visit the Randolph County Courthouse for a variety of handmade arts and decorations. “Our courthouse is quite unique with an open rotunda, and the entire building will be filled with crafters,” Gordon said. “It’s amazing how much is going on in there.”
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Holiday Events
Festival of trees, home tours highlight weekend in Murphysboro BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
MURPHYSBORO — The charms of Christmas in a small town will be on display during the annual Murphysboro Hometown
Christmas, Dec. 5 and 6. Events including home tours, “one-stop shopping,” art displays and more are all planned as a part of the celebration. One feature, the Festival
of Trees, has been moved to a new location to accommodate more displays and the inclusion of other greenery items. This year’s Festival of Trees will be at General John A. Logan Museum at
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1613 Edith St., and will feature more than two dozen Christmas trees decorated by individuals, companies and organizations. “It is a complete variety of trees every year,” said Lisa Grode, chair of the festival. “In the past, we’ve had an SIU Saluki Spirit tree, a Hawaiian luau tree and a ‘children’s dreams come true’ tree decorated with toys.” Grode said this year she expects a variety of trees ranging from those with traditional Christmas decorations to pet-based trees and everything in between. Each tree will be sold to the highest bidder through a silent auction, with proceeds going to a charity chosen by each tree’s designer. The trees will be on display and open for bids Nov.21 through Dec. 6 during regular hours of the John A. Logan Museum. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday.
The trees will be on display and open for bids Nov. 21 through Dec. 6 during regular hours of the John A. Logan Museum. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday. The museum is at 1613 Edith St.
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will provide a “one-stop shopping” exposition from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at DavisMcCann Center on 14th Street. There will be more than 30 booths featuring a variety of products. “It was such a success last year that we’re expanding the event to the Senior Center where we will have handmade arts and crafts, available,” Sandra Ripley said. Ripley, an administrator for the City of Murphysboro, coordinates some of the weekend’s events. She said additional activities include a tour of elegantly decorated homes in the community as well as the display of local artists’ works at the Hughes Gallery. Additional information is available by calling 618684-3522.
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