SI Magazine Summer 2009

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SPECIAL FEATURES INSIDE

Marion shows its sweet side

Summer 2009

SIU’s last season at McAndrew Stadium The sparks of ideas set Kindling on fire Wine, people and song at Rustle Hill

Head out on the highway

Artist finds perfection in flaws

There’s nothing better than a motorcycle ride in summer

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SECURITY

24-Hour Staffing • Emergency Response System Medication Reminders • Fire & Security Protection

PEACE OF MIND

3 Home Cooked Meals A Day • Housekeeping and Laundry Services Planned Activities • Assistance with Daily Needs

PRIVACY

Private Apartments with Private Bathrooms • Personal Kitchenettes Independence and Choice

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SI

Letter from the editor

Spend time with motorcycle people and eventually you’ll hear someone say, “My worst day on the bike is better than my best day at work.” I’ve been riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles for years and I wish someone gave me a dollar every time they uttered that phrase. I’d probably have enough money to buy another Harley, but only Gary Metro as a companion, not as a replacement for the year 2000 Heritage Softail Classic I call “Black Beauty.” It still gleams like it just rolled off a showroom floor, even though I’ve logged nearly 25,000 miles. Each mile has a memory. My wife, Debbie, and I rode the Harley through the Black Hills of South Dakota and into Wyoming during the 2002 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Our stops included the Devils Tower National Monument and a diner in Belle Fourche, S.D., where I was the victim of a hilarious gag. A waitress conspired with Debbie, and I was asked to try to get a stubborn lighter lit. I flicked it

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repeatedly until it occurred to me that it was jolting me with electricity with each attempt. Everyone in the diner was in on the gag, too, and they were howling with laughter when I finally said, “Ouch! This hurts!” and tossed the trick lighter on the counter. We also rode to the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Rally in Milwaukee, Wis., a city made famous by beer and powerful motorcycles. It was a long ride from our then-home in Mason City, Iowa, but we stayed with old friends, listened to great music and laughed so much we forgot our saddle sores. That’s the way it is for the people who ride motorcycles. It doesn’t really matter whether the two-wheelers are made by Harley-Davidson, my personal favorite and an Americanmade icon, or by other manufacturers. Our region is filled with challenging hills and beautiful scenery – just perfect for roaring against the wind. You can head out on the highway, too, by checking out the cover story by Les O’Dell, beginning on page 10.

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ContentsSummer 2009

10 photo by Steve Jahnke Jeremy Davis and Domine Walton, employees of Black Diamond HarleyDavidson in Marion, sit on a 2009 HarleyDavidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide at the scenic overlook in Alto Pass.

Rustle Hill Winery

14

Great eats in Marion 28 Honeybakers and Larry’s House of Cakes Du Quoin Grandstand 34 Taking center stage at the Du Quion State Fair

19

Marion, Illinois: A look at a few of the wonderful things that Marion has to offer.

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Great motorcycle rides in Southern Illinois

6 SIU Football: The last year at McAndrew Stadium

New to the Shawnee Trail

Perfect Imperfection Janet Althoff’s great mosaics

Open Roads

40

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Kindling: A fresh look at fresh ideas

44

Rend Lake: Life the way it should be

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Popeye: Eating his spinach in Chester, Illinois

this issue letter from editor 3 where we live 24 community leaders 30

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out and about 42 calendar of events 46 P.S. 48

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SI

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SIU Football

by Todd Hefferman

Football team’s walk will continue at new stadium

A last season at McAndrew Stadium Although the regular season opens Sept. 5 at Marshall, SIU will host five games this season, the last at McAndrew Stadium, beginning Sept. 19. Here is a quick look at the 2009 SIU football home schedule: Sept. 19: Division II Southwest Baptist, 6 p.m. Sept. 26: North Dakota State, 6 p.m. Oct. 10: Illinois State (Homecoming), 2 p.m. Oct. 24: Youngstown State (Family Weekend), 3 p.m. Nov. 14: Missouri State, 2 p.m.

photo by Steve Jahnke

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SIU freshman linebacker Brandin Jordan marches with the rest of Salukis through the Saluki Way tailgating area on their way to McAndrew Stadium before their seasonl i v i n g , w o r k i n opener g , v against i s i t Lock i n g Haven S o on u tThursday, h e r n Sept. I l l 8, i n2006. o i s

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photos by Steve Jahnke

t will be a little shorter, but the Southern Illinois University Carbondale football team’s annual parade from Lingle Hall to the football stadium will continue in 2010. The Salukis A small hot-air balloon floats expect to open a over and designates the new, still-unnamed SIU Alumni Association’s tailgating tent on Saluki Way football stadium on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006. in the fall of 2010 but will keep the tradition that currently takes the players and coaches through Saluki Row and up the hill to its old playing field, McAndrew Stadium. Fans typically line up about an hour before game time to listen to the SIU marching band and cheer on the players as they make their first public appearances of the day. “We did that at the University of North Dakota, too, and it’s something the fans look forward to,� SIU football coach Dale Lennon said. “It’s part of the tradition that took place, and it’s Saluki fans get excited just before opening kick-off Saturday, Oct. 11, important to 2008, at McAndrew Stadium.

Ticket prices/info Season tickets: $95 for adults, $90 for faculty/staff Single-game tickets: Not set yet, according to the SIU ticket office. Last season the school charged $19 for adults and $8 for kids for reserved seats (on the press box side), and $15 for adults and $8 for kids for general admission tickets (student section side). More info: SIU ticket office at 618-453-2000 or 800-877SALUKIS

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keep it. With (the new) walk, it’ll be a little tighter. It won’t be as long, but it could bring even more excitement.� Fans had a lot to get excited about last year, as SIU won a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference title with Northern Iowa and reached the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs for a sixth straight year. The Salukis went 6-1 at home last year, losing to New Hampshire in the opening round of the playoffs. Through the first three home games, SIU was on pace to break its all-time average attendance mark. Tailgating on one game day drew more than 15 tents to the lawn between the stadium and Lingle Hall. A new weekly coaches’ show and a Friday lunch at Mississippi Flyway in Carbondale added to the football team’s exposure in the area. Lennon, the first first-year Saluki coach ever to win MVFC Coach of the Year honors, hosted a question-and-answer session with radio personality Mike Reis every Thursday during the season at Buffalo Wild Wings in Carbondale. On Friday afternoons before home games, Lennon shared game film of opponents with fans at the Flyway. SIU Athletic Director Mario Moccia said he hopes to recreate the pregame atmosphere in front of Lingle Hall at the new stadium. “We’ll continue to push tailgating and Saluki Row, even though the geography might change a little bit,� Moccia said. “The atmosphere is a big thing for recruiting. That’s a big thing in getting players ready for the game, and I think it’s intimidating to the other team, too.� Once a doormat in the Gateway Conference, SIU’s football team returned to prominence under Jerry Kill and now, Lennon. Between 1997 and 2001, SIU won six conference games and had five straight losing seasons. The Salukis finished 9-3 in Lennon’s first year, and he could return more than half the starters on both sides of the ball this fall. “There are still things to build on,� Lennon said. “That’s what excited me about this job. With everything that’s been accomplished, there’s still another level we can reach,� Lennon said. “And I’m not just talking about football and explaining the game. It’s about getting the fan support in that whole football experience.�

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SI

business buzz

Kindling

by Brent Stewart

Kindling W

hen you’re driving across Illinois 13 between Carbondale and Marion and pass what used to be the Pioneer Cabin restaurant, at first glance, you may not know exactly what the new owners are doing in there. Actually, they’re doing quite a bit, and most likely, you’ll find something you want. It’s been more than three months since Kindling Spirits, Foods and Florals has been open, and it has already begun to

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Building a business on lots of great ideas

generate significant interest that extends beyond the Crainville community. Diane Emery and her husband, Larry, returned to Southern Illinois two years ago to be closer to their families. Larry, a golf professional, had worked at country clubs in the St. Louis area, as well as in Florida. It wasn’t long before Diane was working with her friends, Crystal Lukens and Susie Chrostoski, who were designing weddings

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photo by Brent Stewart

photo by Tom Barker

and providing floral people are going to have arrangements. in their lives, whether Over the course of it’s an anniversary or a the next year, they also birthday, a graduation or began catering events as even a funeral.” well. Working out of a In the liquor part of pole barn in Herrin and the business, Kindling renting kitchens, the quickly established itself three women had their by featuring high-end side business on top of liquors, wines and their day jobs, and they beers, in addition to kept getting busier and James Brown of Carterville pours a glass of ale for Brian Neal of Waltonville during a beer what you would find in sampling session at Kindling in Crainville. busier. In December a conventional store. 2008 alone, they During its first week, catered more than 40 it had wine and beer events. tastings. There was They knew they also a pairing dinner, would have to expand. where various Belgian So when the Pioneer beers were served with Cabin building became a different course of available, Diane and food, something that is Larry thought the common practice at a place might make it local winery but which possible for all of them had not been done with to move from what beer in this area. they had been doing The focus on highas sidebusinesses into a end spirits enabled the full-time endeavor. The liquor store to take Emerys purchased the building and renovated the inside. on a life of its own. On Monday nights, Kindling hosts an “The florals we had already been doing, and all this time evening of beer tasting, where customers can come in and we never really had any advertising; everything had been buy a few bottles and share with their friends while enjoying word of mouth,” Diane said. complimentary appetizers. They regularly have local The Emerys had a plan in mind for the business. The new wineries come in for tastings, and more pairing dinners are building allowed them to add a liquor store, as well as a planned. small dining area inside and outdoors. In March, Kindling This summer, Diane said it will also begin serving lunch. opened with a diverse range of services. “We feel like this building has a little bit of character to “It all works together,” Diane said. “Putting out a retail it,” Diane said. “It feels warm to me, because of the wood. I presence, you don’t want to just be focused on just weddings. feel like it’s a nice atmosphere that people feel comfortable You want to be able to deal with all the other celebrations in and when they come in, they want to stay a while.” Kindling Spirits, Food and Florals Where: 1420 Main Street, Crainville Phone: 618-985-5647 Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday

The Division of Continuing Education Conferences and Professional Programs “The success of your program is our business.”

Office of Distance Education “Take an SIUC course anywhere, anytime! Courses are available in online semester-based, print-based, and web-based format.”

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Washington Square C Mail Code 6705 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: (618) 536-7751 Fax: (618) 453-5680

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SI

cover story

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Motorcycling Southern Illinois by Les O’Dell

photo by Chuck Novara

My favorite Southern Illinois rides …

“Route 3 all up and down the river. It’s great all the way to Cairo. It’s got a good surface and great scenery.” Cliff Colbert, Du Quoin

“To and from Giant City State Park. It’s a great destination with nice, curvy blacktop roads.” John Bible, Jonesboro

“Grape Vine Trail between Routes 127 and 3. There’s no commercial traffic on it, and it has beautiful scenery. It’s very peaceful.” Frank Caruso, Christopher

“Route 3 along the Mississippi River. There’s caves, lots of little towns and great scenery. It’s pretty serene.” Jarod Peyton, Wayne City

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“We love the ride to Fern Clyffe State Park. It’s beautiful.” Jacinta Hupe, Carterville “A lot of the backroads down around Cobden and Bald Knob Cross. It’s a really scenic area.” Van Hammel, Chester

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“Giant City State Park. It’s beautiful, especially in the fall.” Mike Glodich, West Frankfort “Shawnee National Forest. With the scenery, wildlife and winding roads, you can just get out and enjoy the forest.” Vince Kiesow, Woodlawn

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Open roads For many, there’s no better way to go than on a motorcycle

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“Motorcycles are a great way to spend your Sunday or day off. The freedom of the road is very enjoyable,” Wynn said. For many, there is no better way to enjoy the beauty of Southern Illinois than on a motorcycle. “We live in one of the nicest motorcycle areas in the United States,” said Kevin McClearey of SI Motorsports in Carbondale. “With beautiful roads throughout the region and through the Shawnee National Forest that are well-maintained and not too heavily traveled, the motorcycling is fantastic.” Riding is a sensory experience for Tim Moore of Lake of Egypt. “Motorcycling gives you a chance to see and to smell things that you can’t from a car. You get to be in the outdoors, plus you have the freedom to experience the power of the motorcycle. You get the whole experience of leaning, the wind, the G-forces in a curve. You don’t have that in a car,” he said. Matt Hupe of Carterville agreed. “On a motorcycle you get to experience more and because of the need to be safe, you have to be more aware, so you look around more,” he said. “On most bikes, you’re not distracted with the radio, so you really take in the sights and sounds around you.” Hupe and his wife, Jacinta, often ride together on Suzuki cruiser 800cc motorcycles.

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here are many qualities that make Southern Illinois a great region for hitting the roads—open highways, great weather and scenic beauty. The number of people enjoying the region on two wheels is growing. “We can see by our sales figures that there are a lot more people riding in Southern Illinois than ever before,” Shad Zimbro, co-owner of Black Diamond Harley-Davidson in Marion said. “Motorcycling is very popular right now.” He said that even though the increase in popularity has been fueled partially by climbing gasoline prices, many people are discovering the joys of motorcycling in Southern Illinois. Other area motorcycling enthusiasts agreed that for all types of people on all types of motorcycles, the region offers something for everyone. “There are great options for motorcycles in all of the great outdoor areas of Southern Illinois and for all sorts of motorcycles,” Derek Wynn, sales manager at Yamaha of Southern Illinois said. “There’s touring bikes, cruisers, sports bikes, scooters and motorcycles for the dirt bike crowd.” He said that while a new Motocross Park under construction near West Frankfort will be popular with motocross enthusiasts, and sport bike riders enjoy safely riding the area’s highways and racing at a local drag strip, a majority of the area’s motorcyclists enjoy the open road.

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SI

cover story

“I used to always ride as a passenger, but Matt convinced me to take the motorcycle rider course just so I’d know what to do in case of an emergency,” Jacinta explained. “It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I got my own license then decided I needed a motorcycle of my own.” Women choosing to get their own motorcycle is a part of growing trend, according to David Hayes of H & H Motorsports in Harrisburg. “A lot of females are getting into motorcycles right now,” he said. “We hear some of them say it’s because of fuel mileage, others say they don’t want to be a passenger anymore; they want their own bikes.” Hupe said that despite the increasing number of women who ride, she still gets some “funny looks” from other motorists unaccustomed to seeing female motorcyclists. However, these looks and stares do not deter her from riding either with others or alone. “I would encourage other women to take up motorcycling. It’s fun and not as hard as it looks,” she said.

Other women said they enjoy riding as a passenger. Nancy Mallett of De Soto is perfectly content riding with her husband on their Gold Wing motorcycle. Charles Mallet said his wife of 35 years has been hooked on riding motorcycles since he took her for a ride on a little scooter when they were dating. “She has no desire to have her own motorcycle, but she loves riding,” he said. Mallet said that she has received specialized training offered by the Gold Wing Road Riders Association that teaches passengers (called co-riders in the association) how to take control of the motorcycle in case of emergency and bring the motorcycle to a safe stop. Moore added that being a passenger on a motorcycle requires more than just going along for the ride. “It takes a special level of trust and some skill to be a passenger. It’s hard when you get a rider back there that doesn’t know how to lean,” he said. “To be honest, I don’t think I could be a very good passenger.”

Riding in luxury

by Les O’Dell

photo by Chuck Novara

Long trips are comfortable on luxury motorcycles because of their design and amenities, according to Shad Zimbro, coowner of Black Diamond Harley-Davidson in Marion. “You can get stock motorcycles with heated seats and airbags, CD players, even electric locks,” he said. “The bikes are just unbelievable.” Zimbro said his motorcycle even allows him to plug in a heated suit for winter time riding. “You can ride with temperatures all the way down to 25 below,” he said. “I actually rode last year when it was just 11 degrees.” Deputy Sheriff Charles Mallett spends a lot of time behind the wheel of a Jackson County police cruiser. When he is not working, Mallett eagerly trades his patrol car for a vehicle with fewer wheels and more amenities: a luxury motorcycle. Mallet is among a growing number of Southern Illinoisans who have discovered the joys of riding motorcycles with indulgences usually found only in lavish automobiles.

Robert Gales of Chester has been riding motorcycles for 40 years.

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“Our motorcycle has lots and lots of chrome goodies as well as electronic cruise control, AM/FM stereo with a CD player, heated grips for cold weather and a custom saddle,” he said. While many of the features on his motorcycle, a 2004 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing, are after-market add-ons, Mallet said Gold Wings are known for their features. The motorcycles can be equipped with satellite radios, tire pressure monitoring systems, anti-lock brakes, navigation systems and even airbags. Mallett said he has ridden more than a half-million miles since his first time on a minibike as a child. Now, he and wife Nancy often pull out of their De Soto driveway for destinations throughout Southern Illinois and all of North America on their Gold Wing. This summer’s itinerary includes lots of rides through the region and a trip to the Rocky Mountains. “We’ll be taking a trip to Colorado. We will be traveling with several other couples and we’ll meet up with others along the way, ending up with a group of almost 40.” It is common for luxury motorcycles to hit the Interstates, according to Derek Wynn, sales manager at Yamaha of Southern Illinois in Herrin. “The big touring bikes are motorcycles you can easily take cross-country,” he said “They have everything from cruise control and roadside assistance to full audio systems with CD changers, plus so much storage you can take anything with you.” Wynn said one of the benefits of a luxury motorcycle is being able to ride in comfort.

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“They have better wind protection and are comfortable. You just don’t get tired of being in the saddle. You can do 500 or 600 miles a day, no problem,� he said. Other riders enjoy the comfort of luxury motorcycles for hobby riding. When Randy Sellars, owner of Vernell’s Interstate Service in Marion, is not working on trucks or cars, he said he enjoys to taking to the highways on his luxury Harley-Davidson. “Any time I can get out and ride, I’m happy,� he said. “I don’t ride as much as many other people, but for me it’s really therapeutic. I enjoy my Sunday rights, just seeing what we have right here at home.� For Sellars, now on his third luxury motorcycle, the comfort is key. “It’s like driving a luxury car,� he said. “Once you step up to a luxury bike, you just don’t want to go backwards to something less comfortable.� Some area motorcycle riders have taken the comfort level and the customization of their bikes to amazing levels. Robet Gales of Chester is among them. Gales and his family ride a 1999 Gold Wing that has been customized by a Kentucky-based company with a Tricar, a sidecar package. The car portion of the motorcycle includes a complete canopy covering for inclement weather. For Gates, the move to an unusual motorcycle came out of necessity. My wife and I had a Gold Wing years ago, and when we had our daughter, we

said one of the benefits of motorcycle groups is the camaraderie. “We get together and do group rides and we often pull together to do fundraisers for charities.� Case said that practically every weekend in the area there are charity rides such as poker runs and even Bike-and-Seek events. “They’re like scavenger hunts on wheels,� he said. While many riders participate in organizations including brand-specific groups and those with specific interests, Case said that membership in a club is not necessary to enjoy motorcycling. “You don’t have to be involved in a group to enjoy motorcycling. There are a lot of people who just ride on their own and have a great time,� he said.

didn’t want to stop riding. We bought a large sidecar for that motorcycle where my wife and daughter’s baby seat could ride side-by-side,� he explained. “My daughter has ridden with us since she was 6 months old; she’s 16 now.� In addition to the sidecar, he has a matching trailer to complete the ensemble. All together, it serves as the family’s primary source of transportation. “We use the motorcycle for about everything,� Gales said. “Since we’ve had it we’ve never used a car for a vacation; always the motorcycle. From March to November it gets almost all of our use.� Gales said that the motorcycle’s trailer makes it perfect for shopping. “We even use it for grocery shopping. It will haul more than I can pay for,� he said with a laugh. “The trailer will carry a lot; more than the trunk of any car I’ve ever had.� He estimates the value of the motorcycle to be upwards of $50,000 and called the bike “a real head turner.� It has been featured in several motorcycle magazines and has won numerous awards at shows across the country. Gales said that no matter where he goes, the motorcycle always gains attention. “Whenever I come out of a store, I don’t have to look for where I parked. I know my motorcycle is where the crowd has gathered.�

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McClearey said that regardless of whether women are passengers or are riding their own bikes, motorcycles have changed to meet diverse tastes. “It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all situation. Motorcycles have been specialized over the years to where now it is pretty easy to match up a rider with the perfect motorcycle for them. There’s a bike out there for just about everybody,� he said. There are also motorcycle groups and events to suit all type of riders. Some motorcyclists choose to participate in group associations and rides such as those organized by the Die Hard Bikers Organization, a collection of about 100 Southern Illinois motorcyclists. Group president Danny Case of Shawneetown

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SI

wine country

On the Trail by Brent Stewart

photos by Tom Barker Customers enjoy a cool Saturday afternoon at Rustle Hill Winery.

Rustle Hill Winery Rising to new heights on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Underneath a clear, sunny sky on a Friday evening in June, singer-songwriter Stace England greeted the audience at Rustle Hill Winery. As his band, the Salt Kings, launched into their first song, the music rang out to all corners of the venue. Inside the main building, a few couples were enjoying wine and waiting on their meals. Outside on the deck, a table of women were enjoying sangria. Further out on the grounds, at the top of the hill that begins to dip toward the amphitheater, a family sat at a picnic table, their children playing in the grass. A couple of songs into the performance, an elderly man and two girls walked out to the dance floor in front of the stage and began dancing.

“The amphitheater is really fabulous space for musicians, the best in the region,” England said. “We used a small PA system and didn’t even mike our guitar amps in such a large outdoor space, but we had many positive comments about the sound. They’ve clearly set things up right for both audience and performer.” Although the winery is approaching only a one-year anniversary, Rustle Hill has already established a place on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. In addition to making and serving great wine, owner John Patrick Russell has created an impressive venue for different types of live music. Rustle Hill has three stages: one indoors, a smaller outdoor stage close to their main building and deck seating for smaller

Rustle Hill Winery is at 8595 U.S. 51 North, Cobden For more information call 618-893-2700 or go to www.rustlehillwinery.com 14 SIMagazine : Summer 2009

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acoustic performances, and the terms of business and undergo a aforementioned amphitheater, resurgence, which he says is based, which could potentially attract very simply, on people. large, nationally touring acts. “Over the last 10 or 15 years, I’ve They’ve certainly made an watched the wine trail really have impression on visitors to the wine a remarkable effect on the county, trail, as well as on the musicians and it wasn’t because we got a new who have played at the winery. industrial factory, the classic kind “Owner J.P. Russell is a smart of way a place will grow,” Russell businessman, musician friendly said. “It’s an industry that’s based (Top) Rustle Hill owner John Patrick Russell poses on the upper deck of the winery’s main building. (Below) Rustle Hill’s and a nice guy,” England said. on people coming in and people are “The operation is very professional bandstand at the base of its natural amphitheater was the first coming in because of the wine trail. structure built on the property. and was on-point in everything “It’s a hundred miles away from we encountered. That makes a Memphis and St. Louis, and it’s half difference to a band when you are a day’s drive from Chicago, so there trying to deliver a good show.” are millions, dozens of millions of The land on which Rustle Hill people, who, when they find it, sits has been in the Russell family say, ‘Unbelievable that you have since 1970. Relocating to Southern this kind of pristine place.’ The Illinois from California because wine trail allows them to come in, his father took a teaching position the bed-and-breakfast association at Southern Illinois University allows them to stay, the university Carbondale, Russell attended and gives it a sophistication, and a little graduated from Cobden High town like Cobden gives it an oldSchool. world feel.” “Cobden kind of represents an interesting crossroads,” In April 2007, the grapes were planted and Russell initially Russell said. “You’ve got the university crowd that has intended to plant grapes only to sell. The more he thought moved into Cobden in the last 30 years. My dad was one of about it, the more ideas he had. Eventually, the first structure the first guys to move down here. on the property was built, which was the bandstand at the “Cobden has become a real melting pot. There are three base of a natural amphitheater. century farms in Cobden that have been the same family for Still, there wasn’t really a plan of building a winery, per a hundred years, running a farm. That’s just unheard of. So, se, but there needed to be a reason for people to come out. you’ve got that ‘old-time’ kind of thing, and then you’ve got Over several months, the main building and cabins were this university influence that’s moved in, and it’s just a neat built around the bandstand. Rustle Hill opened for business place. And I’m a representation of that,” Russell said. I also in June 2008. married Debbie Flamm, so my kids are now sixth-generation Although the winery wasn’t the focus in the beginning, in Cobden.” Rustle Hill certainly takes its wine seriously. Rustle Hill Two years ago, Russell was looking at his family farm and, makes all of its own wines from Southern Illinois fruit and knowing quite a few people in the Southern Illinois wine have one of the great senior vintners in the area, Alan industry, decided to plant a vineyard. From his years in the Dillard, who was formerly with Alto Vineyards and has his area, Russell has watched Cobden experience a decline in own winery in Jonesboro.

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SI

wine country

photo by Tom Barker

Their next major building project is a processing plant, which Russell predicts will land Rustle Hill in the top five wine producers in the area. “We brought something to the mix that didn’t exist,� Russell said. “We are a full winery and vineyard like everyone else, but we also have the amphitheater. It puts us into a slightly different category in terms of what it is we are. Every time you come here, there ought to be something new going on.� With the addition of an indoor stage, Rustle Hill also is able to host events year-round, and they’re looking to build a large banquet hall with a much larger space for performances. When you go out to Rustle Hill for the evening, you can get a full meal. As opposed to the other wineries, you can get a beer, which helps them to serve a wide ranging audience. “Once I got the vineyard planted, I began to look at the possibilities of this, and I began to step back and look at what the wine trail has done and ask what does Southern Illinois need and how can I add to it,� Russell said. “This idea began to flesh out. It offers something unique; it really is a nice piece that A group of customers enjoy Rustle Hill wines, appetizers and live music didn’t exist in our while at the amphitheater Saturday, June 6. wine trail.�

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Special Marion Section

Marion Tower Square makes an artistic statement Local bakeries will satisfy your sweet tooth

The

Center

Marion lives up to its nickname ‘The Hub of the Universe’

www.southernillinoismag.com

Activity of

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Special Marion Section

Marion Cover Story

Hip to be Square by Brent Stewart

Arts play a vital role in making

Marion Town Square

a go-to destination

photo by Thomas Barker

Storm clouds roll over Marion Town Square on Thursday, June 11.

Marion Tower Square is still bustling with activity, as it might have been 50 or 100 years ago. There are banks, law firms, financial consultants and shops dedicated to sewing, music, racing and sports cards and collectibles. You can even shop for unique and inexpensive items from the Salvation Army. At night, you can enjoy live music and have a drink at John Brown’s on the Square. During the last 30 years, shopping centers, large chain stores and malls were built. This offered residents more shopping options, but at the same time drew customers away from the older parts of town and the small, locally owned shops that might have occupied the same spot for generations. This transition left downtowns bare. The tall, majestic buildings, which stood for a hundred years and retained so much local history, sat empty and fell into disrepair. This is not necessarily the story of any one town, but the story of Southern Illinois and rural America as

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a whole — from Harrisburg to Marion to Carbondale to Chester. Somewhere along the line, however, the people of these communities looked around and were unhappy with what they saw. Nostalgia, pride and entrepreneurship inspired activity in the heart of downtowns. Main Street organizations were formed, bringing local and state resources together to plan a rebirth of these areas. In many cases, towns such as Paducah looked to the arts and arts organizations to bring life back to their downtowns. In Marion, the town square has a rich and vibrant history when it comes to the arts; and it continues to this day, providing entertainment and education to enrich the city and the surrounding Southern Illinois area. This history is illustrated by the presence of two major outlets for artistic expression, Little Egypt Arts Association and Marion Cultural and Civic Center.

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photos by Alan Rogers

In an unassuming building on the west side of Tower Square, simply labeled Arts Centre, five women sit quietly at tables set up in the rear. Paint brushes in hand, they focus intently on the projects in front of them. Little Egypt Arts Association, founded in 1995, originally met at the old Marion Civic Center. The organization’s mission was to increase exposure for area artists and provide access to education and training for personal and creative expression through the arts. In 2000, the association moved to its current facility, formerly a men’s clothing store owned by the Powell family, which donated the building to the organization. “It really, really means a lot to us to have that space on the square,” said Kay Howell, the association president. “A lot of new buildings are like pole barns. This gives us a special feeling.” LEAA today has 144 members. Classes are conducted for children, beginners and more experienced artists on a variety of subjects, including photography, painting, drawing and sculpture. “The artists in the area didn’t really have a place to go to congregate,” said Colleen Thompson, association member. “There’s nothing better than to get a group like that, who are interested in the same thing, together.” The Arts Centre houses a gallery shop, hosts regular exhibitions and provides individual artists with studio space to work on projects. So far, the association has renovated the upstairs and downstairs of the Arts Centre, and members are painting a mural on the north side of the building. “It seems like home when I come up here,” said Bonnie Davis, a recent addition to the association. “When I was a kid, this was the area you came to, the Illinois Brokerage, the Ben Franklin store, and all that. You came to the square to shop.”

Kim Randolph (right) shows a painting she has been working on to other women in a watercolor class at the Arts Center on Marion’s town square.

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Special Marion Section

The Little Egypt Arts Association Art Centre is at 601 Tower Square in Marion. The gallery and gift shop is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For information about the association, classes or membership, call 618-998-8530, or go to littleegyptarts. com.

If Tower Square is the heart of Marion, then Marion Cultural and Civic Center is the soul of the town. For almost 90 years, the building on the southwest corner has provided the town with hours of entertainment. Opening in 1922, it originally was known as Orpheum Theater, the flagship of a chain of vaudeville and movie venues. When it closed in 1973, the city of Marion purchased the building and, with only the assistance of volunteers, restored it to its former glory. For the next 22 years, numerous national touring theatrical production and musicians, as well as local acts, performed on the civic center stage. Paradise Alley Players, the center’s official community theater group, hosted at least three productions a year there. Then, on March 10, two days after a Marion High School production, the original civic center building was destroyed by fire. Although it was a terrible tragedy for the town, there was no question that the civic center would return. The question was where. “There was discussion of building it both where the old hospital is and out in the major commercial area,” said Josh

Benson, director of operations for the center. “But the final consensus was that it had always been part of the square, and it had always been part of the heart of Marion, and, for it to retain its significance to the city, it really needed to stay there in the heart of the city.” A much larger 33,000-square-foot facility was constructed on the center’s original site, with seating for 1,065. In 2008, 68,000 people came through the doors of the center to view local productions, such as Artstarts’ “A Chorus Line” and Paradise Alley Players’ “Sabrina Fair.” WBVN radio brought in contemporary Christian music performers Randy Stonehill and Phil Keaggy. And nationally touring productions have included acts such as “Nunsense,” starring television actress Sally Struthers, as part of the center’s patron series. “I think it’s something of a point of pride for the town that they have such an amazing facility in a smaller town such as Marion, and that it does function the way it does, and it is constantly busy,” Benson said.

The Marion Cultural and Civic Center is on Marion’s town square.

photo by Alan Rogers

The Marion Cultural and Civic Center is at 800 Tower Square Plaza. For more information about upcoming productions, call 618-997-4030 or go to www.marionccc.org.

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Special Carbondale Section

Where we live

Preserving the past, creating a legacy

Marion couple lovingly tends to their historic home

photo by Steve Jahnke

by Debbie Luebke Metro

A two-car garage, patio and driveway on the back of the house are composed of more than 6,000 bricks. The driveway was laid by hand in concentric circles.

Preserving the heritage of the past and creating a legacy for the future are essential to Bernie and Becky Paul. Their values resonate within the walls of their two-story Italianate brick home in Marion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1854 for then-U.S. Congressman Willis Allen, the home likely served as the site of a supper between Allen in his later years as a circuit judge and groups of attorneys, including a young man named Abraham Lincoln. Now ownership of the home is once again in the hands of someone from the legal profession. Bernie is an attorney in Marion. Becky worked for many years for her father at Baker Chevrolet. The Pauls married not long after Bernie bought the home in 1973. Becky, in her wedding dress, walked down the dark walnut stairway into the front parlor, where they exchanged vows in front of the original fireplace. “There are a thousand stories in this house,” Bernie says. “We’re very proud of it.” Although the home was in good condition when they moved in, they restored many parts of the house. In 1992, they built an addition that is authentic to the period. 24 SIMagazine : Summer 2009

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Bernie was a close friend of the family that previously owned the house, and Becky often passed by the place when she was a girl, telling her mother she wished she could visit the people inside. “I always thought it looked so homey and so welcoming,” Becky said. “It’s not at all pretentious and has a lot of charm.” For Bernie, whose family moved frequently when he was growing up, having a stable home for their two sons was important. “I wanted a family home to bring up kids and see my grandkids grow,” he said. After the Allens, the house was home to a doctor, a saloonkeeper and a coal miner. In the 1930s, an upstairs apartment was rented to tenants. By the 1940s, the house was badly deteriorated with a dilapidated front porch, overgrown vines, broken windows and birds nesting inside. New owners in 1945 restored the handmade windows, painted the entire exterior of the house white and lowered ceilings inside. The Wilsons, who sold the home to the Pauls, converted a back porch into a family room and added closets to an upstairs bedroom. When Becky began redecorating the home in 1974, ceilings were restored to their original height, and the doors l i v i n g ,

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separating the upstairs apartment were removed. The upstairs bathroom was extensively remodeled, and the original terra cotta brick on the exterior was restored. The 1992 addition matches the architecture of the original 1854 portion of the house, including the slope of the roof and the tall, curved windows. The construction expanded the kitchen and added a large, open family room, a sun porch, a back porch off the kitchen, a brick patio and a “I always thought it looked so homey and so basement recreation and bar room. welcoming. It’s not at all pretentious and has To carefully preserve the history of the home, the Pauls had an archaeological survey done of a lot of charm.” – Becky Paul the backyard before construction began. The excavations unearthed the foundation of a summer kitchen, ceramic pieces and glass bottles dating to the 1850s, a cistern and a well. Bits of other historic places are incorporated in the home. The couple obtained long-grain pine floors, beadboard walls and cypress siding from the former Jordan Store, an 1800s grocery and filling station on Illinois 13 between Marion and Harrisburg, and used the materials in their family room, a bathroom, back porch and a stairway leading to the basement. The store was frequented by notorious gangster Charlie Birger and his gang, whose headquarters at Shady Rest was nearby. The red tile floor in the basement room came from the roof of the old Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot in White County, which was built in the 1800s. Cabinets in the kitchen are recycled and restored pine boards with seed glass, ordered from England. The kitchen stove is a turn-of-the-century design AGA, which also came from Britain (where Becky and Bernie went to cooking school), a cast iron behemoth with four ovens that weighs a ton. Many pieces of the 1854 home remain. The original glass panel is above the front door. A brick archway from the old back porch leads into the kitchen. A Victorian-era gas light chandelier hangs in the master bedroom. A guest bedroom still has the same door. Square nails can be seen on the

photos by Steve Jahnke

photo by Steve Jahnke

(left) Becky turned an old dresser into this sink basin in the downstairs bathroom and added an inspirational quote. (right) This is the Pauls’ downstairs bar and recreation room.

(left) This is the front room or former parlor of the Willis Allen House on South Market Street in Marion, where Bernie and Becky Paul have lived for more than 30 years. (right) Bernie and Becky Paul have lived in the Willis Allen House since the early ‘70s when they got married. Bernie bought the house as a wedding present for his wife because he knew she had wanted to live there ever since she was a little girl.

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photo by Steve Jahnke

Special Marion Section

side of the main walnut stairway, and the knob at the top of the lower post is cut off, a tradition when a mortgage was paid in full. Becky made sure brick was made to match on the sun porch and patio, and the manufacturer made numerous attempts before getting it right. “The problem was everything was so new looking,� she says. “I wanted it to look like it had always been here. I hunt and hunt until I find what I want.� Obviously a stickler for detail, Becky enlisted the help of Waylan Sims of Distinctive Interiors in Marion to find colors and designs authentic to the 1850s. The floral wallpaper in the foyer, mostly green and red with some blue and yellow, sets the color palette for the rest of the house. Max Jones of Plantscape Nursery in Herrin designed the landscape with plants common to the 1800s. A willow oak tree, typical of the 1850s, overhangs the patio, and there are oak leaf hydrangeas and quince in the flower beds. Antiques and heirlooms from the Pauls’ families mix with their finds and gifts from friends to furnish the rooms. The master bedroom includes a small side room where, perhaps, a nurse or maid once tended to the children, but which now houses Becky’s collection of antique compacts. The poster bed, armoire and dresser are hand-carved ash. The floral draperies and an oil painting of a peaceful cottage by a river reflect the colors of the 1850s wallpaper in the foyer. The master bath features an 1800s floral border along the ceiling, brass wall sconces, an old Pullman train rack to hold towels and an English antique maple dresser with a mirror that Becky converted into a washstand. A 1930s table from Becky’s mother and 1890s chair from Bernie’s grandmother are also in the room. The two upstairs guest bedrooms, once their sons’ rooms, now feature lovely white linens, including a quilt of morning glories that Becky’s mother worked on while she was pregnant with her. A yard sale find from New Orleans, where the Pauls frequently travel, furnishes one of the rooms — hand-carved

A sun porch leads to a brick patio on the back end of the house, which is actually an addition that was constructed in the early ‘90s.

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photo by Steve Jahnke

mahogany bed, dresser, desk and bureau. A dolls’ cradle, made for Becky by her grandfather, sits in a corner. In the front parlor, which the Pauls use as a front living room, a Wurlitzer piano dominates the room. Becky got the piano when she was 5. On the walls are a large portrait of the couple, painted by a friend from New Orleans for their 25th wedding anniversary, as well as antique portraits of women, which once belonged to Becky’s grandmother. They also have Bernie’s grandfather’s autograph book from 1891, “one of our treasures,” they say. The library contains floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on two walls and Becky’s father’s antique desk with a leather top. Becky loves cookbooks and Bernie, history. Both read novels. The original brick from the back of the house is on a wall of the bathroom, which also contains a cast-iron, claw-foot bathtub. The basement recreation room, which Bernie calls “the man cave,” has a bar, pool table, juke box and antique slot machines. A Murphy bed pulls out of one wall, and the ceiling is textured with straw, “just like you see in English pubs,” Becky explains. Riding boots from a World War II officer sit by the fireplace. The 6,000-square-foot house has been host to fundraisers and tours, and it has seen many family holiday and birthday celebrations. But for the Pauls, it’s just home. They don’t want a museum; they want a place where they can relax with family and friends. “It’s not a formal, sit-down dinner, white-tie type of thing. It’s a family home,” Bernie says. “The number of old homes is dwindling, and they are part of our heritage,” Becky adds. “This is a solid, stable place for the family. It’s a place to go home.”

The Pauls have installed an AGA cooker in their kitchen. The cooker, which is found in 750,000 households worldwide, was invented in the 1920s by Dr. Gustav Dalén, a blind Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Appalled that his wife and their maid had to constantly tend to their old-fashioned range, Dalén set out to design a modern cooker that would look after itself.

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Special Marion Section

Good Eats

by Mary Thomas Layton

by

Larry’s House of Cakes

photos by Steve Jahnke

Sink your sweet tooth into the choices

Larry’s House of Cakes co-owner Neil Clayton straightens some trays of cookies.

The sugar cookie. Plain or iced, it’s legendary at Larry’s House of Cakes. “The cookie is good enough by itself,” said co-owner Neil Clayton. “You put a good thing on top of a good thing, and that makes a great thing.” Neil and his two brothers, David and Dale, know a good thing when they see it. Several years ago, the three bought the business their father opened nearly 50 years ago. Pastry patriarch Larry Clayton works mostly just on holidays, now that he is semi-retired. The busiest holiday is Christmas, Neil said, and following closely behind are Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving. In 2008, the bakery sold an average of 2,000 cakes a month, he added. And donuts and brownies and pies, oh my! That’s plenty of sugar and spice and everything nice for two dozen employees. Virtually every conceivable confection can be found at Larry’s House of Cakes, acknowledging birthdays, graduations, weddings and anniversaries. And because business is so good in Marion, the owners are preparing to open a bakery later this summer in Carbondale. Customers can personalize cakes with their favorite snapshots, thanks to a high-tech computer that scans photos

onto edible paper. These customized creations have proven popular in the corporate world. “Companies give us their logos, and we’re able to reproduce it. Larry’s House of Cakes sells a wide assortment of We can put logos on cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and Italian cream cakes. cookies,” Neil said. “Five years ago, that luxury didn’t exist. Neat little things like that are happening all the time.” Of course, not everybody needs a celebration or even an occasion to buy a dessert. Plenty of customers on their way to work stop by the bakery for a pastry and a hot or cold beverage. And after work, they’re back for a dessert to finish off that Monday night meatloaf or Friday night catfish. But it could be a fruit pizza — a sugar cookie crust filled with cream cheese and whipped topping covered with strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and other exotic fruits. Or maybe it’s just a cupcake, simple yet satisfying. Choices abound.

Larry’s House of Cakes, 905 S. Court St. in Marion, is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To place an order, call 618-993-3906. For more information, log onto the Web site at www.larryshouseofcakes.com. 28 SIMagazine : Summer 2009

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A banana creme pie prepared by Honeybakers in Marion. photos by Alan Rogers

Nikole Griffith holds a signature apple dumpling prepared by Honeybakers in Marion.

A fresh fruit punch prepared by Honeybakers in Marion.

Honeybakers Longtime patron Kathy Kerley could be a spokesman for Honeybakers. “We drive down here from Benton just to eat here. We’ve been coming here since they opened. Everything is absolutely delicious,” said Kerley, whose favorite dinner starts with homemade chicken and dumplings and ends with a serving of Strawberry Delite. A seasonal favorite at Honeybakers, Strawberry Delite nestles layers of cream cheese, freshly sliced strawberries and whipped topping in a pecan cookie crust. A cousin to this popular treat is Peach Delite, which features the finest fruit from Southern Illinois orchards. But the granddaddy of desserts at Honeybakers — a signature sweet served year around — is Chocolate Delite. “We sell more of that than anything else put together,” said Nikole Griffith, a hostess for Honeybakers. Owners Keith and Diana Ingram serve everything from Georgia Pecan Pie to Memphis-Style Barbecue to Spicy Bayou Jambalaya. Their motto is “Good Eatin’ from Down South.” The Ingrams opened Honeybakers in 1993, after back surgery ended Keith’s 15-year career in carpentry. “My wife has always been a great cook. I talked her into opening the restaurant,” Keith said. “Neither one of us had even worked in a restaurant before.” They have one son, Lindsey, who works as an industrial designer in Chicago. He worked his way through college busing tables and serving customers. “We run a small mom-and-pop restaurant that keeps mom and pop busy all the time,” Keith said. It keeps their 15 employees busy, too. Diana spends much of her time leaning over a big table with a wooden rolling pin preparing the perpetually popular chicken and dumplings and the made-from-scratch dinner rolls served with honey spread. Featured on the menu under the heading of “comfort food,” Honeybaker Hot Plate offers a choice of roast beef,

Taste, flair and sweet, down-home hospitality

oven-roasted turkey breast, honey-cured ham or homemade meatloaf served with Idaho whipped potatoes and gravy and old-fashioned green beans. This down-home favorite is served with soup or salad Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday at lunch. A complement to any lunch or dinner would be Honeybakers’ homemade apple dumplings: whole, cored Granny Smith apples filled with sugar and cinnamon and wrapped in pastry crusts, bake from the inside out. “It’s basically an apple pie,” Keith said, “just a different presentation.” All of Honeybakers’ desserts are homemade. The most popular pie is Chocolate Buttercup. It is filled with whipped peanut butter and whipped chocolate pudding, coated with whipped topping and covered with Reece’s Peanut Butter chunks. One of Keith’s favorite desserts is Praline Sweet Potato Pie. “Once you taste this sweet potato pie, you may never go back to eating pumpkin pie,” he said. Keith also is quick to recommend Honeybakers’ Florida Key Lime Pie. It is prepared from a recipe dating back to the Civil War. The unmistakable tang derives from 100 percent pure Key Lime Juice shipped straight from Miami. From sandwiches to specialty dinners to designer desserts, guests may dine in, carry out and order just about everything from party trays to holiday dinner packages. A restaurant, bakery and catering service, Honeybakers is an ensemble of taste, flair and down-home hospitality. Honeybakers is in Town & County Center, 1131 N. Carbon St., Marion. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. To place an order, call 618-9970992. For more information, visit online at www. honeybakers.com.

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ent of cakes.

Good Eats

by Mary Thomas Layton

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Special Marion Section

Community Leaders

George Trammell by Les O’Dell

The ‘trail boss’ From dreams of being a cowboy to helping grow business in Marion, chamber director George Trammel has served his hometown well George Trammell planned to be a cowboy. In fourth grade, he wanted to ride horses and tend cattle on the dusty trail. Things didn’t work out exactly as he anticipated. Now 62, Trammell is president and chief executive officer of Marion Chamber of Commerce. Oh, he did go out west a few years after graduating from Marion High School in 1964, but he wasn’t responsible for livestock. Instead, he served as crew chief of an Air Force F-106 high altitude fighter interceptor aircraft at Air Defense Command posts in Everett, Wash., and Fresno, Calif. After the service, Trammell worked and attended classes at Fresno City College. And like a lonesome cowpoke on the range, he longed for home. “I always envied people who had a hometown and were proud of where they were from,” Trammell said. “I missed home and wanted to come back to Marion.” In 1977, he returned home to Marion, where his mother, Ina, worked as an office staff member at WGGH radio. Spurred on by her encouragement to enter the business world, Trammell applied to work at the new Kroger grocery store under construction in Marion and decided to continue his education by attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

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Special Marion Section

“They had some issues getting the new store finished, so instead I worked in Carbondale for one semester and went to school. After that, they invited me to join the management program,” he said. “I spent 15 years as a manager at Kroger stores throughout Southern Illinois.” In 1990, Trammell left Kroger and finished the education he had started earlier, earning bachelor and master degrees in workforce education from SIUC. While finishing his graduate degree, he again was prodded by his mother — this time to apply to work with the chamber of commerce. “My mother was the first woman to ever serve on the board of directors for the Marion Chamber of Commerce, so when they began looking for a new executive, she encouraged me to apply. It was an honor to be selected for the job,” he said. This time, his employer told him to get involved in the community. “The biggest things that I do are to promote Marion as a great place to eat, sleep, shop, work and live and to provide the members of the chamber of commerce with benefits. One of my other directions from the board was to be active in the community. They wanted a very visible person out in the community, so I’ve gotten involved in everything,” Trammell said. He has served the Williamson County Tourism Bureau, has been a member of Williamson County Regional Airport’s task force, and he is active in Rotary Club and Marion Main Street, as well as a number of other civic and charitable organizations, all while making time for his family. His wife, Sue, is an assistant professor at John A. Logan College in Carterville. His daughter, Elizabeth, is a senior at SIUC and son, Christopher, will be a freshman at the University of Illinois. Now in his 12th year with Marion chamber, Trammell has become a fixture promoting both his hometown and the entire region. “Marion is one of the entryways into Southern Illinois,” he said. “The chamber works to not only benefit and promote Marion, but all of Southern Illinois. We’re all in this together.” Trammell is quick to give credit to Marion Mayor Robert Butler and the Regional Economic Development Corp. for Marion’s growth. But his own efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recognized locally and statewide, he received the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ top honor in 2007. For him, serving as trail boss for Marion businesses is honor enough, adding that he doesn’t plan to ride off into the sunset anytime soon. “I can’t ever imagine retiring. For fun, I work,” Trammell said. “If I didn’t do this, I don’t know what I’d be doing. I hope to keeping on serving the chamber as long as I can.”

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SIDu Quoin State Fair entertainment

by Joanna Gray

Making music and memories on the

Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand stage

Flash back to 1970, a Saturday night in September. I’m sitting in the first row of the Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand with my friend, Don. We had just turned 18, and we were wrapping up the summer the way we always did, by going to the fair. That night, we were eagerly anticipating the moment when the legendary Diana Ross would step onto the stage. At last, she appeared in a spotlight in all of her sequined splendor. Later in the show, we were thrilled when she reached out her slender diamond-laden fingers to brush our outstretched hands as she sang her hit, “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand.” “I’ll never forget the Diana Ross concert,” reminisced Don Donini, 57, a former West Frankfort resident now living in Chicago. “Growing up, I looked forward to going to the Du Quoin State Fair every summer. Along with Diana Ross, I saw The Carpenters, Steppenwolf, Sonny and Cher and many other groups who were popular then. I’ll always remember those good times at the fair.” The Grandstand entertainment at Du Quoin State Fair has had a reputation for nearly a half century of bringing bigname, family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price. Ask nearly anyone in Southern Illinois to pick his or her Top 10 fair entertainers, and you’ll hear names such as Red Skelton, Nat “King” Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope and Wayne Newton, along with popular music makers including Alabama, the Beach Boys, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Vince Gill, the Doobie

Brothers, Lynrd Skynyrd and Sara Evans. That is just a small sampling of hundreds of entertainers who have graced Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand stage. Ticket prices for the fair’s Grandstand show are also legendary and unbelievably affordable compared to traditional concert ticket costs. Tickets for the Diana Ross show in 1970 were only $5. In 1991, fairgoers could see Garth Brooks for $12. And in 2001, tickets for country music superstar Kenny Chesney were a steal at $18. In 2009, Du Quoin State Fair will continue that tradition Aug. 28 through Sept. 7. As of early June, the crowdpleasing Charlie Daniels Band and country newcomers Halfway to Hazard have been booked for Saturday, Aug. 29. Country artist Craig Morgan will appear Wednesday, Sept. 2, followed by Keith Anderson Thursday, Sept. 3. Joe Diffie will take the stage Sunday, Sept. 6. The Labor Day headliner had yet to be announced. All of the shows are still a value at $25 and $30 for tickets. Last year, headline performers included “American Idol” star Kellie Pickler and Sawyer Brown. In 2007, rock legend Alice Cooper and the 26th annual Colgate Country Showdown featuring Lorrie Morgan attracted rock and country fans from Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana and beyond, numbering among the approximately 300,000 to 350,000 people who attend the fair every year. Although the fair’s entertainment budget is controlled by the state of Illinois and is moderate in comparison to larger, privately owned venues, fair manager John Rednour Jr. and his staff always succeed in bringing some of the best performers to the Grandstand.

Sharon Clark of Southern Illinois is one of the hundreds of entertainers who have graced the stage here she starts a sultry version of ‘Proud Mary’ for the crowd at the fair.

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“We try to catch the up-and-coming entertainers and some of the old favorites when they’re coming through our area,” Rednour said. “That way, we can bring in top entertainment within our budget and still keep the ticket prices affordable. Our top ticket price now is $30. Compare that to going to a concert in St. Louis, where you’ll pay $60 for the least expensive seats, plus factor in what you would spend for a hotel room and meals. Our Grandstand entertainment is a huge value.” Rednour said some of the most popular shows during the last 20 years have been Toby Keith in 1994 and New Kids on the Block in 1989. Keith had just won new artist of the year from the Country Music Association. “New Kids on the Block were supposed to be the opening act for pop star Tiffany, but their record had hit big by the time of the show. New Kids became the headliner, and we had a sold-out show,” Rednour said. “A similar thing happened in 2006 with Dierks Bentley, who was booked when he was just coming onto the country music scene,” Rednour said. “By fair time, he had several hits. Between Bentley’s show and our headliner, George Jones, we nearly doubled our ticket sales that year.” In addition to Grandstand entertainment, Rednour also is proud of the talented local bands and performers who are hired to play free events in the veterans tent, Exhibition Hall and other areas throughout the fair. He said his entertainment budget also must stretch to cover this important aspect of the fair’s family-friendly experience. “We have a lot of great entertainers right here in Southern Illinois, and we like to give them a chance for more exposure to larger audiences,” Rednour said. “Also, the free entertainment is part of the $5 parking/admission fee, so a family of four can see several thousand dollars worth of entertainment for that low cost. That includes all of the different acts, such as the jugglers, high wire acts, wildlife exhibits and more, in addition to the live music.” The fair’s Grandstand also hosts modified stock car races, as well as the World Trotting Derby and other harness racing events. Until 1980, the Hambletonian, the premier harness racing event, had been hosted in Du Quoin. But it is the Grandstand entertainment shows that have left the most lasting impression on many in Southern Illinois. Don and Virginia Beggs of Du Quoin are always happy to talk about the stars they have seen live at Du Quoin State Fair over the course of their 61-year marriage. The two were in the Grandstand to see classic performers Bob Hope, Louis Armstrong, Pat Boone, Johnny Carson, Milton Berle, Liberace and many others. “The George Strait show with the Ace in the Hole Band was one of the best we’ve ever seen,” Don said. “Ray Price

2009 continues a tradition of great music entertainment at affordable prices from Aug. 28 through Sept. 7. As of early June, the crowd-pleasing Charlie Daniels Band and country newcomers, Halfway to Hazard, have been booked for Saturday, Aug. 29. Country artist Craig Morgan will appear Wednesday, Sept. 2, followed by Keith Anderson on Thursday, Sept. 3. Joe Diffie will take the stage Sunday, Sept. 6. The Labor Day headliner had yet to be announced. All of the shows are still a great value at $25 and $30 for tickets. Learn more about Du Quoin State Fair, see the Calendar at the back of this magazine or visit online at www.agr.state. il.us/dq/.

was another favorite, and Garth Brooks in 1988. George Strait and Ray Price are now in the County Music Hall of Fame, and we saw them at the top of their careers at the Du Quoin State Fair.” The Beggs’ friends, Jim and Helen Stanhouse, remember the Liza Minnelli show as their favorite. “Liza was great, and so were Sonny and Cher,” Helen said. “Another memorable show was Johnny Cash. I remember the stage had a backdrop of a huge train engine. We’ve seen so many great entertainers who we wouldn’t have been able to see anywhere else.” Those kind of experiences entice music lovers and families back to Du Quoin State Fair. Rednour still remembers the Saturday night his dad took him and some friends to a Shrine Circus at the Belle Claire Fairgrounds when he was 5 years old. He believes that it’s the simple things, not the most expensive, that mean the most. “The fair is a place where you have so many opportunities for first-time experiences that turn into memories,” Rednour said. “Most people in Southern Illinois can’t afford to take their kids to Disneyland or afford to go to a concert in St. Louis and spend the night. But parents can afford to bring them to the fair and still get to be heroes to their kids. Or a guy might take his girlfriend to see their favorite singer appearing at the Grandstand, and down the road in their older years they can say, ‘Remember when we started dating, and we went to the Du Quoin State Fair?’ Making memories like that is what I think makes the Du Quoin State Fair so special.”

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mall

Wyoming native and country singer Chris Ledoux gets the crowd going with his first song during his performance at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Weird Al put on a dazzling show for a huge crowd at the Grandstand.

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profile by Brent Stewart

Spinach Can Collectibles owner Debbie Brooks talks to a customer from behind the front desk of Popeye collectibles in Chester.

Debbie and Mike Brooks keep ‘The Sailor Man’

true to his roots

Southern Illinoisans adopted Superman as one of their own after the man of steel migrated from Smallville to Metropolis. But another super-strong character with more direct ties to the area is just as famous. His name is Popeye. Popeye creator E.C. Segar, who was born in 1884 and died in 1938, began working at Chester Opera House at the age of 12, doing odd jobs for the theater and accompanying the pianist on drums during the silent movies. Eventually Segar became a projectionist, but he also drew cartoons on the sidewalk to advertise the week’s movie feature. The cartoons caught the eye of his boss, Bill Schuchert, who encouraged his young employee to develop his talent. Schuchert eventually paid $20 for Segar to take a correspondence course in cartooning. Upon completion, Segar went north to begin his career, where eventually he was hired by The Chicago Herald. But Segar never forgot Chester. When he was offered a job with King Features Syndicate in New York City, he based different characters on people he knew in his hometown. His

Thimble Theatre cast starred Olive Oyl, who was strikingly similar to a woman named Dora Paskel, who operated a general store in Chester. In 1929, a sailor with large forearms and who smoked a corncob pipe debuted. Popeye was based on Frank “Rocky” Feigle, a thin, wiry, pipe-smoking man who swept a bar in Chester. He had a reputation for coming out on top in a fight. The character was a hit. Chester celebrates its favorite animated son with the annual Popeye Picnic. These days, you can hardly look around town without seeing his squinty-eyed mug. That’s partially because of the efforts of Mike and Debbie Brooks, who run Spinach Can Collectibles, the Popeye Shop and Museum and the official Popeye Fan Club, which now has 1,900 members from all over the world. Four years after their first visit to Chester, the two moved to the place that influenced Segar’s creations. They opened up their shop in the building that once housed Chester

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Q

Denne Kornechuk (center) from Ontario, Canada, puts on his best Popeye face at the Popeye Picnic in Chester while Al Beck (left) of Pinckneyville and Don Kennedy of Chester play trombone on the street. Beck and Kennedy were supposed to play for the parade, but decided to take to the sidewalks when the parade was canceled.

Opera House. Having collected Popeye memorabilia all of their married lives, the museum displays only half of their collection. In the 14 years the museum has been open, people from all 50 states and 63 countries have come to Chester to check out the Brooks’ collection and see where it all began. Before this year’s Popeye Picnic, Debbie Brooks sat down to talk about the museum and the beloved character that is strong to the “finisch” because he eats his “spinisch”.

Q

Tell me how this all came about.

In 1972, I was in Arkansas on vacation with my girlfriend and her mom, and I met my husband. We were 15, 16 years old at the time. He was there on vacation with his mom and dad and a couple of buddies, and we only lived four miles apart in Memphis, Tenn. Well, he’s a Popeye nut. So, we start dating, and in 1978 we get married. Just as a joke,

we start collecting Popeye, which is funny. No kids, just collecting Popeye. We started the fan club in 1989. We called King Features to see if there was a fan club, and they said there hadn’t been one since the 1930s. They allowed us to do it, and we have almost 1,900 members now from all over the world. We found out about Chester in 1990, being the home of Popeye. We came up here for the Popeye Picnic and thought “This is wild; there’s hardly anything in this town about Popeye except the Popeye statue.” They’d done the picnic, but there was really nothing else here. We thought, this would be great, to move to Chester. For four years, we thought about it. We had partners, at the time, from Connecticut. We both decided to move here in 1994. The building happened to be for sale, which is the opera house that the real Wimpy owned. Everything started in this building. The people of Chester said, “You’re crazy for moving here. You’ll never survive in this town.” But now, we’re still open

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s

30TH ANNUAL POPEYE PICNIC

Visit the Popeye Museum and enjoy carnival rides, food court, tours, prize raffles, street dance, teen dance, Popeye films, parade, fireworks and petting zoo. When: Sept. 11-13 Where: Center of town, Chester Phone: 618-826-4567, www.popeyepicnic.com

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profile 15 years later. Now, the police officers wear Popeye on their uniforms, the fire department has him on their fire truck and on the fire station. We have all these signs now. Our partners moved on to North Carolina, and we bought them out. We didn’t plan on being here. We were going to go to Nashville, and we thought, “This is crazy. Why leave?” I love the town. Moving here from Memphis, the big city, this is fun. I like the little town, because you don’t have any traffic lights and all that stuff. And I think this is something Chester needs. Now, with all the statues of Popeye characters coming up, we have four statues. The fifth one is being made now. We’re going to have a total of 16 statues in the town. This is really going to be cute.

Q

What do you think the town’s attitude was toward Popeye before you came into town?

The annual Popeye festival draws a big crowd each year for the parade, shopping and entertainment.

For more festival fun, see the calendar at the back of this magazine.

They felt about Popeye like I felt about Elvis and Graceland. It’s like people with the arch in Missouri. You don’t think anything about it, really. A lot of people don’t like Popeye, still, to this day, who live here, but I think now people are enjoying it. More and more people are getting excited about it, especially with all these statues coming up. You still have people who say, “I can’t believe they’re doing this,” but you’re going to have your people like that.

People wander around the Popeye Museum in the Spinach Can Collectibles store on Illinois 3 in Chester during the Popeye Picnic. Chester is called the birthplace of Popeye, a cartoon series started in 1929.

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And, you know, I’ve never been to Graceland, couldn’t have cared less about Elvis and Graceland, and that’s the way a lot of people are around here. But you’d be surprised at the ones who said something about not liking Popeye who are all into it now. They’re the first to bring in their family and friends and whoever’s visiting and tell them about the store. A lot of them, when they’re going out of town, will wear the shirts that say Home of Popeye — Chester, Illinois, to promote the character. So this has been good for the town.

DVDs now, because a lot of these cartoons aren’t shown.

Q

Q

Why do you think Popeye has stayed popular for so long? He’s just like Superman; there’s just something. He’s wholesome, even though he’s always getting into fights with Bluto; that’s when the spinach came out. Everybody knows Popeye. He’s known all over the world in different languages by different names. All the animation that’s out now, that stuff will never be around like Disney, Superman, Popeye and Warner Brothers, all that stuff. They will always be around, and it’s up to grandparents and mom and dad to teach these kids or show them the

You recently had an interesting visitor to the museum. There were a couple of guys who came through the door a couple of weeks ago. One was all into Popeye, and he was asking me all these questions and I thought, “This guy looks familiar, but he’s thinner and has these little glasses on.� I finally said, “Where you from? What brings you to Chester?� like I do most people. And his buddy said, “Well, this is Bill Paxton from the movie ‘Twister,’� and Bill said, “Well, this is Scotty Thompson, and he was the preacher in the movie with me.� I asked him what brought him here, and he said they were following the path of the 1925 tornado, just to get out of Hollywood. He bought cartoons for his daughter, because she loves the black-and-white cartoons. I didn’t get a picture of him, didn’t even think about it. But he took the business card, and I got his autograph a couple of times. That was the excitement for the day. You never know who’s going to come though the door!

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SIJanet Althoff Perfect imperfection the arts

by Brent Stewart

Talent, instinct and willingness to let the pieces fall where they may help Janet Athoff create expression through mosaics

When you look at one of Janet Althoff’s mosaic pieces, it takes a lot of time to really see what’s there. You might move your finger along a row of beads intricately worked onto a mannequin bust, along with stained glass, china and small rocks. The design is so intricate, it’s hard to imagine the amount of work that went into putting the piece together, as well as the planning of it. As Althoff sat on the deck of Starview Vineyards in Cobden, where her work is currently on display, she explained the philosophy behind her art. It’s a much more organic process than one might think. “My thing is, I don’t like anything perfect,” she says. “Imperfection is really perfect for me. There are some mosaics that really have to be perfect, but my style is very spontaneous. Most of the time, I don’t know how it’s going until I grout it, and I spit-and-shine it. When I start something, it’s moment to moment what I’m going to do with it. I think my brain’s a kaleidoscope or a carnival or something; it’s just going.” Originally from Du Quoin and now living in Carbondale, Althoff was raised on the Caribbean island of St. Johns, which she feels helped shape her “gypsy soul.” Fifteen years ago she saw a picture in a magazine of a mosaic table and thought, “I can do that.” Her first attempt was unsuccessful. Althoff says she wasn’t using the proper adhesive. She eventually stomped on the piece and threw it away. “I just didn’t have the confidence,” Althoff says. “It was awful.” But because she likes working with her hands, the experience stuck with her. Althoff admits she “probably

couldn’t even draw a stick figure,” but she knew she could create art in the mosaic style that was in the magazine. Eventually she had the confidence to try again. Since then, she barely stops, retreating to her small studio at home most nights of the week. “I just really have a passion,” Althoff says. The first piece Althoff sold was at the former Art Lovers Trading Company in Carbondale. It was a bowling ball she had decorated, and the piece sold immediately. Althoff was surprised and encouraged. However, soon after, a close family member fell ill, and Althoff went to Florida for four months to help out. Upon her return, Althoff found her artistry had reached a new level, personally. “When I came home, I had to have something,” Althoff says. “It’s a great stress reliever. I go out to my shed, and as soon as I walk in the door, the stress just lifts. It’s very therapeutic for me.” Althoff says part of the fun of creating her mosaics is collecting materials. Thrift stores, estate auctions, antique

If you would like to see work by Janet Althoff, it’s on display at Starview Vineyards. 5100 Winghill Road, Cobden. For more information, call 618-893-9463. Althoff says she creates her mosaics from anything and everything she can find.

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photos by Steve Jahnke

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shops, flea markets and the basements and attics of friends are all fertile ground for objects that could be used in a mosaic piece. Those friends are quite helpful. Once, Althoff came home to find her driveway lined with bowling balls. “I use just about anything that doesn’t breathe,” Althoff says. “Nothing’s safe.” Although now she has met quite a few people who create a similar type of art, and she has joined groups on the Internet, learning her craft has been more trial and error than anything else. There are many ways to describe Althoff’s self-taught style. “Outsider Artist,” “Primitive,” and “Folk Art” are just a few of the terms that have been appplied to her art. But for Althoff, it comes down to self-expression. Although her creations are made from flawed materials, maybe that’s what the best art is, a flawed creation reflecting the imperfect beauty of its creator, making it easy for others to relate.

Local artist Janet Althoff stands between two of her mosaic art pieces, which are on display at Starview Vineyards.

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SIFarmers’ Markets out and about

by Tom Barker

Off to market Where you can connect with friends, neighbors and the best fresh food and handmade goods

photos by Tom Barker

The secret is out. Southern Illinoisans are becoming increasingly aware of a great place to get fresh foods at low prices, connect with others in their communities and maybe even make a buck or two. That place is the local farmers’ market. Once or twice a week throughout the warmer months of the year, thousands of residents visit their community markets, looking for good deals on fresh produce or to mingle with friends. Either way, the farmers’ market is no longer what it used to be. While fresh vegetables, plants and other homegrown goods remain the keystone to any local market, veggies are just the tip of the iceberg these days. Nowadays, shoppers will find all kinds of things for sale on vendor tables, including arts and crafts, baked goods and handmade jewelry. Helen Borcky and her son, Dean, for example, have done well selling homebaked pies, cookies and breads at the West Frankfort

farmers’ market. Borcky’s pies, in particular, have become incredibly popular throughout her five years at the market, usually selling out within the first 30 minutes the market is open. “I have people buying six or 10 of the pies at a time,� Borcky said. “I just enjoy the people. I have for many years.� Carbondale Farmers’ Market is one of the largest around and is well established with more than 30 years behind it. Patrick Sweeney, president of Carbondale Farmers’ Market, has been selling his organically grown produce for 26 of those years. Sweeney credits the increased popularity of the markets to the good nutrition, good taste and social connection customers would not find in a grocery store. “All those factors are huge in people’s choice-making, and then you add in that supporting the local farmers supports the local economy. It’s just a win-win-win situation,� Sweeney said.

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Sweeney also believes a trip to the farmers’ market is a one-of-a-kind learning experience for most customers. They get to talk to the farmers about growing methods, cooking techniques, nutritional information and recipes. “It’s very social,” he added. The variety of vendors at any market is perhaps its most attractive quality. Some vendors, namely small farmers, are trying to make a living, and they depend on the market to get their fresh-picked produce sold. Others, such as artists and craftsmen, want to showcase their work while earning extra revenue. A large portion of vendors, however, see their participation in the markets as a hobby, doing it mainly for the fun of it. Even though the farmers’ market experience may be new to some, many frequent marketgoers cannot imagine a Saturday morning without it. “It’s an essential event, a big part of my life,” said Mary Sullivan of Carbondale. “I try to buy as much of my menu as possible.” Whether you are trying to make a living, find good deals on good foods or just get out and meet people, there is a place at the nearest local farmers’ market for you.

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Where to find them Benton: 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Civic Center Carterville: 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, parking lot

adjacent to Old National Bank on South Division Street Carbondale: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Illinois 13 West Town Mall; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Town Square, east parking lot Cobden: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, South Front Street (Old U.S. 51) Du Quoin: 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, city park Johnston City: 7 to 11 am Saturday, on Broadway downtown across from La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant Marion: 6 to 10 a.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. to sell-out Saturday, 507 W. Main St. Murphysboro: 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, between Walnut and Chestnut streets Pinckneyville: 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, on the square Vienna: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, city park West Frankfort: 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, city park

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SIA Great Lake outdoors

Rend Lake by Mary Thomas Layton

“Life the way it should be.” That’s how Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center owner John Reilly describes a Rend Lake luxury retreat. “You don’t have to drive far to feel far away from it all,” Reilly said. “Everybody should feel the freedom of Rend Lake. Rend Lake is such a relaxed and carefree place. Come to Rend Lake and just do nothing.” One of the seven wonders of Illinois, Rend Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on 44,000 acres. Illinois Department of Natural Resources leases 3,000 acres from the Corps of Engineers for Wayne Fitzgerrel State Park. “I lease the eight acres from IDNR that the resort is on. The feds are the state’s landlord, and the state is my landlord,” Reilly said. “Rend Lake is the largest attraction in all of Southern Illinois; 3.5 million people come through this 44,000acre complex every year. This resort was developed to be an economic engine for Southern Illinois.” Open year-around, visitors come for romantic getaways, anniversary celebrations, family get-togethers and recreational opportunities. A horse-and-carriage ride, ideal for newlyweds, offers an elegant and memorable way to tour the resort, and guests eager to indulge themselves might prefer a room with a Jacuzzi. The conference center, which is outfitted with wireless Internet and the latest in audio and visual equipment, provides the perfect backdrop for corporate meetings. The center also hosts a variety of gatherings, including weddings, family reunions, political functions, charity events and dances. Windows Restaurant offers casual fine dining with traditional and new American cuisine. Open every day except Christmas, restaurant hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. “We’re full of surprises,” said Jeff Fairbanks, executive chef. Some of the surprises, he said, include a wide selection of Cajun delicacies. Specials include a seafood buffet Friday night, prime rib buffet and pasta bar Saturday night and a fried chicken buffet Sunday. Diners who wish to eat by moonlight rather than candlelight may dine on the outdoor deck. While buffets are popular at Windows Restaurant, its “flagship” is the one-pound New York Strip, Fairbanks said. Clark Gyure, marketing and promotions consultant, described Rend Lake Resort as the perfect vacation. “People who come here are treated like family. That’s one of the reasons people keep coming back time and time again. It’s the hospitality that brings them back,” Gyure said. He pointed out that many regular guests live right here in Southern Illinois. “It’s just a wonderful place in our own backyard,” Gyure said. “You don’t have to drive to Key West to see a beautiful sunset.” 44 SIMagazine : Summer 2009

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“It’s just a wonderful place in our own backyard” – Clark Gyure

Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center is at 11712 E. Windy Lane in Whittington, four miles west of Interstate 57 off Illinois 154. It’s a five-hour drive from Chicago and only 90 minutes from St. Louis and Paducah. For reservations or more information, call 618-629-2211 or toll-free at 800-633-3341.

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Windows Restaurant offers casual fine dining with traditional and new American cuisine. Open every day except Christmas, restaurant hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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photos by Paul Newton (clockwise from top left) The Flagship building at Rend Lake Resort. The Great Room at Rend Lake Resort. A 22-mile bike track circles Rend Lake Resort. A boater makes his way across Rend Lake on June 2.

A Mecca for luxury seekers and sports enthusiasts, Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center offers elegant accommodations and seemingly endless recreational opportunities. The secluded, lake-front resort is nestled in the 3,300acre Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park in Southern Illinois. Set along the water are 105 luxury guest rooms and cabins with private decks. Guest may enjoy an abundance of amenities and activities: • Fine dining at Windows Restaurant; spirits and camaraderie at Reilly’s Lounge • Outdoor swimming pool and access to indoor pool • Fishing, swimming and boating in the lake

• Opportunities for sailing and other water sports • Large marina with fuel station, complimentary boat slips and boat launch ramps • Tennis court • Horse rentals • Campgrounds • A 27-hole PGA championship golf course • A championship trap and skeet range • Hunting • Hiking and biking trails • Sheltered pavilions, picnicking areas and bird watching centers • Convenience store/gift shop stocked with snacks, packaged beer, local crafts and gift items

www.southernillinoismag.com

Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center: Amenities and activities a glance

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local events

July

weekdays Where: Du Quoin State Fairground, U.S. 51, Du Quoin Phone: 618-542-1515, www.duquoinstatefair.net

WHITTINGTON GUN CREEK DAYS

Events for the family include country music, dancing, food, crafts, tractor and horse pulls. When: July 30-Aug. 1 Where: Old School Ballpark, Whittington Phone: 618-6292190

August COBDEN PEACH FESTIVAL

Carnival rides and games, Peach Queen Contest, homemade food and peach cobbler. Free admission. When: Aug. 7-8 Where: Downtown and near high school, Cobden Phone: 618-893-2425

DU QUOIN STATE FAIR

Grand Circuit harness racing, ARCA and USAC car races, carnival midway with kiddyland, exhibits, concession stands, senior center, daily entertainment, conservation world, petting zoo, home show, daily livestock shows, Agriland Expo, top entertainers nightly. General parking fee $5. Call for show times and fees. When:Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 10 a.m. Carnival opens at noon on weekends and 3 p.m. on

September PEPPER FEST

A favorite gathering for all chile heads and hot pepper fans. Walk the pepper field and see many varieties of hot peppers in bloom, meet vendors and see who makes the best hot/spicy food. Features salsa, jellies, spices and pepper products for sale, local music. When: Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Darn Hot Peppers, 827 Vines Road, Cobden Phone: 618-893-1443, www.darnhotpeppers.com

SHAWNEE HILLS WINE FESTIVAL

Features wine from 12 wineries along with great live music. When: Sept. 5-6 Where: Downtown Cobden Phone: 618-697-4006, www.shawneewinetrail.com

30TH ANNUAL POPEYE PICNIC

Visit the Popeye Museum and enjoy carnival rides, food court, tours, prize raffles, street dance, teen dance, Popeye films, parade, fireworks and petting zoo. When: Sept. 11-13 Where: Center of town, Chester Phone: 618-826-4567, www.popeyepicnic.com

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CEDARHURST CRAFT FAIR

Features around 160 exhibitors, children’s activities, entertainment, demonstrations and unusual foods. Admission: $3, children 10 and under free. Craft fair preview Sept. 5, $20. Shuttle bus runs from Times Square Mall. Charge for parking/shuttle bus service. When: Sept. 11-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mitchell Museum, Richview Road, Mount Vernon Phone: 618-242-1236 or 800-252-5464, www.cedarhurst.org

MURPHYSBORO APPLE FESTIVAL

Apple pie and peeling contests, carnival, road races, arts and crafts, free nightly entertainment, food, children’s free fair, children’s pet/hobby parade, AppLYmpics, car/truck show, grand parade, marching band competition, prince and princess contest, and a queen contest. When: Sept. 15-19 Where: Downtown Murphysboro Phone: 618-684-3200, www.murphysboro.com

POPE COUNTY SHRIMP FESTIVAL

Many restaurants participate. Food vendors and many shrimp dishes, beer tent, horse and buggy rides, shrimp cookoff. When: Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Where: Downtown Golconda Phone: 618-683-MAIN

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MURPHYSBORO BARBECUE COOK-OFF

Features three-day barbecue festival with live entertainment, street dance, raffle. Judging commences Saturday with Grand champion and other winners announced at 6 p.m. When: Sept. 24-26 Where: Murphysboro, corner of 17th and Pine streets Phone: 618-684-8902, www.17thstreetbarbecue.com

NINTH ANNUAL WINE AND ART FESTIVAL

Fifty Illinois artists will demonstrate their craft and offer work for sale during outdoor festival. Taste varietals from 13 Illinois wineries and local specialty foods and listen to local music. When: Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center, exit 77 off I-57, Whittington Phone: 618-629-2220, www.wineandartfestival. com

October SALINE COUNTY BLUEGRASS AND BBQ

Bluegrass and Cajun entertainment, plenty of great barbecue. When: Oct. 3 Where: Saline County Pioneer Village, Harrisburg Phone: 618-252-6789.

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parting shot

p.s. photo by Steve Jahnke The Southern

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Orange daylilies fill this stretch of roadway next to a barn on Milligan Hill Road near Alto Pass.

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