Annual Events
Attractions
Calendar of Events
Contact Tourism
Dining
Hotels
Maps
Meetings
Shopping
This Week in Mt. Vernon
Visitors Guide
 
Mt. Vernon Home Page

Calendar of Events

 

June 2009
May 15 - July 26 The Cedarhurst Wood Project in the Main Gallery at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  The nation's top wood artists will each showcase a work created onsite from trees taken down on the Cedarhurst property making way for the museum's major expansion.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
May 15 - July 26 In Medias Res: Chris Wildrick in the Beal Grand Corridor Gallery at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Chris Wildrick, Assistant Professor in the School of Art and Design at Syracuse University, New York, works in a manner dependent upon the collection of raw data, its classification and interpretation.  His survey and data analysis of Cedarhurst will be mounted on canvas, having similar visual aesthetics as abstract paintings.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or www.cedarhurst.org.
May 15 - July 26 CitiBlocs in the Barbara J. Beck Family Education Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  A fantastic education material, CitiBlocs planks are produced from only 100% natural pine from sustainable forests in New Zealand and can turn up almost anywhere.  It's a world full of building, fantasy and fun!  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
May 15 - July 26 Mt. Vernon WOOD! in the Creative Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Members of the Mt. Vernon Woodcarvers, including wood turner artist Don Dodson and wood furniture artist Charles Ehrenhaft will be featured.  Works will range from very small, intricate woodcarvings to large handcrafted specialty furniture.  For more information call (618) 242-1236.
May 16 - July 26 Kapla Days in the Family Center Gallery at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Kapla planks are produced from only 100% natural pine from sustainable forests in France.  Children, parents, and grandparents alike will enjoy building their creation of a lifetime or perhaps pattern one after a standing model.  For more information call (618) 242-1236.

July 2009

July 1 Cedarhurst Book Club presents Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
July 2-5 4th of July Celebration at Fairview Park, Centralia, 4-10 p.m.  Carnival, food, entertainment, fireworks, and more.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 532-5910.
July 4 Salute to Freedom at Mt. Vernon Airport.  Food vendors, entertainment, kids' games, and fireworks.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 242-3151.
July 4 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
July 4-5 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  On Sunday, enjoy gospel and patriotic songs by Dee Ann Schnautz from 2-3 p.m.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
July 7-24 Camp Cedarhurst for Kids.  Children of all ages will enjoy Tribal Adventures at this year's summer camp with art activities and workshops at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
July 11 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
July 11 Independent Silver Band Concert at Pittinger Band Shell, Centralia, 7:30 p.m.  Old fashioned town band concert.  For more information call (618) 242-1537.
July 11-12 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  On Saturday, Rusty & Ron Watson of Down Memory Lane will have displays, demonstrations, and sales from 1-3 p.m.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
July 17 Jefferson County Garden Tractor Association Tractor Pull at Wells Bypass Fairgrounds, 4 p.m.  For more information call (618) 315-4445.
July 17 United Methodist Children's Home 14th Annual Charity Golf Classic at Green Hills Golf Club.  Registration is at 10 a.m. and shotgun start at 11.  For more information call (618) 242-1070 ext. 255. 
July 17 Movie in the Park, "Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa" at Veterans Park, 8:30 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-6890.
July 17 Jefferson County 4-H General Projects Show at Times Square Mall, 9-11 a.m.  Judging of exhibits made by 4-H members.  After judging, the exhibits will be on display and awards ceremony will begin at 4 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-0780.
July 17-18 Central City Lion's Festival at Central City Lion's Park, 300 South Morrison, Centralia, 6-11:30 p.m.  Annual family picnic style festival with food, games, carnival, and entertainment.  For more information call (618) 532-5552.
July 18-19 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  On Saturday, enjoy the barbershop singing group Sweet Adeline's from 2-3 p.m.   Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
July 18 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
July 18 Summer Gospel Extravaganza & Ice Cream Social at Bryan Park Band Stage, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
July 18 - August 30 The Smithsonian presents Journey Stories at the Wabash County Museum, 320 North Market Street, Mt. Carmel, 2-7 p.m. daily.  Journey Stories is a compelling Smithsonian exhibition that shows how our evolving mobility changed a young nation and how transportation made us grow.  The accounts of travelers themselves express the hopes and promises of fresh starts, the grim realities of forced migrations and difficult journeys, and the thrills of personal travel.  For more information call (618) 262-8774.
July 19-22 Jefferson County 4-H Show at the 4-H Fairgrounds at Rend Lake College, Ina.  Shows begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at various times in the afternoon.  Show includes judging of animals raised by 4-H members.  For more information call (618) 242-0780.
July 24 - August 1 Marion County Fair at the Marion County Fairgrounds, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
July 25 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
July 25 Southern Illinois Swim League Championship at Veterans Park.  For more information call (618) 266-7211.
July 25 Bluford Ruritan Club Breakfast at 814 6th Street, Bluford, 7 a.m. - until the last person leaves.  Breakfast and fellowship.  For more information call (618) 732-8317.
July 25-26 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  On Sunday, enjoy the church choirs concert from 1:30-3:30 p.m.  Southtown Apostolic Church confirmed.  Three other choirs are possibilities.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.

August 2009

August 1 Ice Cream Social at the Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  For more information call (618) 246-0033 or visit www.jchs.mvn.net.
August 1 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
August 1 Garage Sale at 9 Cusumano Professional Plaza, 7 a.m. - noon.  Rain or shine.  For more information call United Cerebral Palsy at (618) 244-2505.
August 1 Jefferson County 4-H BBQ at Veterans Park, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Serving BBQ Pork and all the fixins.  Dine in the air conditioned Community Building or use the drive thru to take your meals home or back to the office.  Advance tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children.  For more information call (618) 242-0780.
August 1-2 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
August 2 Cedarhurst's Sunday Afternoon Story Time presents Cassie's Word Quilt by Faith Ringgold in the Beck Family Center library area at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road, 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
August 2 Mt. Vernon Elks 17th Annual Children's Care Corp. Benefit Bass Tournament at Rend Lake.  Cash & prizes awarded.  For more information call Alan Metje at (618) 242-2191 or (618) 244-0625, Robert Morrison at (618) 967-0270, or Mike Glenn at (618) 204-9559.
August 7-8 Eagles State Officer's Weekend at the Eagles, 901 Prairie Avenue, Friday 3-10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.  For more information call (618) 244-1868.
August 7 - October 18 Southern Illinois Artists Open Competition and Exhibition in the Main Gallery at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  A biennial favorite, this prestigious competition has grown to include more artists than in the past and represents the diversity of work being produced by artists of the Midwest.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
August 7 - October 18 20th Annual Gathering of Quilts at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  The Annual Gathering of Quilts will be featured in both the Beal Grand Corridor and Shrode Art Center and include approximately 25 quilts representing the region's finest quilters.  Juried members of the Cedarhurst Quilters, among other regional quilters, will participate.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
August 7 - October 18 Snuggle and Snooze: Quilts for Children in the Barbara J. Beck Family Education Center Gallery at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  This exhibition features an array of children's quilts by the Cedarhurst Quilters plus history, books, and projects for children.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
August 8 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
August 8 Downtown Car Show/Mt. Vernon Cruise Night in downtown Mt. Vernon.  Entertainment, food, demonstrations, and much more.  For more information call (618) 242-6166.
August 8-9 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
August 8-9 Outboard Power Boat Races National Championship at Raccoon Lake, Country Club Road, Centralia, 12:30-5:30 p.m.  2 days of Hydroplane races.  Concessions and novelties available.  For more information call (618) 532-1160 or visit www.centraliail.com.
August 15 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
August 15 YMCA 31st Annual 10K/5K Festival Run at the YMCA, 1304 Broadway, 7:30 a.m.  Annual run through Mt. Vernon.  Trophy presentation and shirts for all participants.  For more information call (618) 242-5345.
August 15-16 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  On Sunday, check out the Black Powder Funs & Tomahawks demonstrations.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
August 21 Movie in the Park, "Kung Fu Panda" at Veterans Park, 8 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-6890.
August 21-23 Centralia Balloon Fest at Centralia Foundation Park.  For more information call (618) 532-6789 or visit www.cetraliail.com.
August 22 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
August 22 Jefferson County Garden Tractor Association Tractor Pull at Wells Bypass Fairgrounds, 4 p.m.  For more information call (618) 315-4445.
August 22 Kiwanis Fun Day Bike Tour.  Start at Anheuser Busch Warehouse.  Registration begins at 7 a.m.  Ride starts at 8.    Enjoy both a fun and challenging ride.  For more information call (618) 244-2331 or visit www.fundaybikeride.com.
August 22 Bluford Ruritan Club Breakfast at 814 6th Street, Bluford, 7 a.m. - until the last person leaves.  Breakfast and fellowship.  For more information call (618) 732-8317.
August 22-23 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
August 29 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
August 29-30 Carillon Summer Concert, corner of Noble & Elm, Centralia, 2-2:45 p.m.  Carillon solo concerts with guest carillonists and tours of the 165 ft. Bell Tower.  For more information call (618) 533-4381 or visit www.centraliail.com.
August 29-30 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.

September 2009

September 2 Cedarhurst Book Club will discuss The Man Who Made Vermeers: Unvarnishing the Legend of Master Forger Han van Meegeren by Jonathan Lopez at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
September 5 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
September 5-6 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
September 11-12 Southern Illinois Bluegrass & BBQ at Bryan Park, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
September 11-13 Southern Illinois Antique Power Days at the Marion County Fairgrounds, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
September 11-13 Cedarhurst Craft Fair at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Join the thousands of visitors during this two-day event held each year the first weekend after Labor Day.  More than 120 exhibitors from throughout the country show and sell crafts as diverse as feather jewelry, contemporary furniture, quilting, pottery, woodworking, glass, and ceramics.  The fair includes continuous entertainment, children's activities, and a variety of foods.  Cedarhurst Craft Fair was named a Top 100 Event in North America by the American Bus Association in 2003. For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
September 12 Grape Stomp at Genkota Winery, 301 North 44th, 7-11 p.m.  For more information call (618) 246-9463.
September 12 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
September 12 Jefferson County Garden Tractor Association Tractor Pull at Wells Bypass Fairgrounds, 4 p.m.  For more information call (618) 315-4445.
September 12-13 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
September 18 Movie in the Park, "Mary Poppins" at Veterans Park, 7 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-6890.
September 18-19 KR Gathering & Fly-In, Mt. Vernon Airport.  Each year, KR enthusiasts, builders, and pilots travel to the KR Gathering to exchange ideas, to learn more about the KR, talk to pilots and other builders, take pictures to assist in the building process, and see friends from past Gatherings.  See some of the finest innovation and craftsmanship in aircraft built by the pilots themselves.  For more information call (618) 242-7016 or visit www.krgathering.org.
September 19 Apple Fest, Bryan Park, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
September 19 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
September 19 Wamac Fall Festival, Wamac Park, Wabash Avenue, Centralia, 6 p.m. - midnight.  Food, entertainment, carnival atmosphere, games, sports competitions, and beer garden.  For more information call (618) 532-1138.
September 19-20 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
September 21-November 30 Fall Classes in the Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Classes include ceramics, stained glass, painting, knitting, drawing, and pewter casting.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
September 24 Meet Chief Lame Wolf at C.E. Brehm Memorial Library, 101 South 7th Street, 6-7 p.m.  Meet historical figure Chief Lame Wolf, a Delaware Chief whose band of Indians lived in this area.  For more information call (618) 242-6322 or visit www.mtvbrehm.lib.il.us.
September 26 Racing at the I-57/I-64 Raceway, Wells Bypass Road.  Hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30.  For more information call (618) 244-4700.
September 26 Friends of the NRA Fund Raising Banquet at the Holiday Inn, 5:30-9:00 p.m.  Banquet and auction to support local shooting sports education and gun safety.  For more information call (618) 315-4950.
September 26 Cedarhurst Family Days presents Printmaking with Apples in the Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road, 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
September 26 Ironclad Art: The Motorcycle at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Registration begins at 9 a.m.  This event will showcase an array of bikes from vintage, to touring, to custom.  Music, concessions and awards add up to a fantastic fall day.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
September 26 Bluford Ruritan Club Breakfast at 814 6th Street, Bluford, 7 a.m. - until the last person leaves.  Breakfast and fellowship.  For more information call (618) 732-8317.
September 26-27 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
September 26-27 Wine & Art Festival at the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop at Rend Lake.  Features tasting of Illinois wine, presentations by Illinois artists, and entertainment by local musicians.  Specialty foods will be available to complement the wines you will be tasting.  For more information call (618) 629-2220 or visit www.wineandartfestival.com.

October 2009

October 1 Cedarhurst School of Performing Arts presents Laura Ingalls Wilder at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  3 performances.  The story of Laura and her family traveling across America in search of a place they can call home, comes to life in this performance.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 1-3 Midwest LSA Expo at the Mt. Vernon Airport, 100 Aviation Drive.  This brand new event in 2009 has been created to sell LSA's, LSA ancillary equipment, and LSA related services.  The event location and airport offers many positive attributes to make this expo successful.  For more information call (618) 242-7016 or visit www.midwestlsashow.com.
October 3 Little Egypt Festival, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
October 3-4 Heritage Festival at the Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Arts, crafts, entertainment, and food.  For more information call (618) 246-0033 or visit www.jchs.mvn.net.
October 9 Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing at Green Hills Golf Club, 1 p.m.  Annual golf outing to showcase members and have some fun.  For more information call (618) 242-5725 or visit www.southernillinois.com.
October 9-10 Illinois State Quartet Convention at the Community Theater, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
October 10 Jefferson County Garden Tractor Association Tractor Pull at Wells Bypass Fairgrounds, 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 315-4445.
October 10 American Diabetes Association Fund Raising Walk, Veterans Park, 800 South 27th Street, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  For more information call (618) 244-7775.
October 10 Cedarhurst Family Days presents Fall Landscapes in the Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road, 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 10-11 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
October 10-18 Southern Illinois Harvest Festival, downtown Mt. Vernon.  Featuring a week full of events, with a parade and other festivities on Saturday, October 17.  For more information call (618) 316-4723 or visit www.silharvestfest.mvn.net.
October 11 Cedarhurst Chamber Music presents Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble was created in 1967 to perform the larger chamber work, from quintets to octets, with players who customarily work together.  Drawn from the principal players of the Academy Chamber Orchestra, the Chamber Ensemble tours extensively with annual visits to Europe, North and South America, and Australia.  The ensemble has released over 30 CDs under the Phillips Classics, Hyperion, and Chandos labels.  This concert promises to be nothing short of stunning!  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 11 Cedarhurst's Sunday Afternoon Story Time presents I Spy Shapes in Art by Lucy Micklethwait in the Beck Family Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road, 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 15 Folksongs of Illinois at C.E. Brehm Memorial Library, 101 South 7th Street, 6-7 p.m.  A concert of Illinois Folksongs by Becky Halker.  For more information call (618) 242-6322 or visit www.mtvbrehm.lib.il.us.
October 17 Little Egypt Fly-In & Veterans Reunion, Mt. Vernon Airport.  War birds and aircrafts will fill the runways beginning at 9 a.m.  Other prestigious models are also scheduled to appear.  Many field activities may be experienced throughout the day.  Fun for the entire family.  For more information call (618) 242-7016 or visit www.mtvernonairport.com.
October 17 Apple Fest at Hawkins-Schwartz Orchard, Route 37 South, Dix, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Fun-filled day featuring apple products, pumpkin patch, face painting, kids games, and food.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 266-7756.
October 17-18 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
October 19 Cedarhurst School of Performing Arts presents Moving With Science at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  3 performances.  This dynamic dance program introduces students to basic scientific principles affecting human movements.  Students will watch Sir Isaac Newton teach a team of dancers how gravity and his Laws of Motion work.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 22-31 World Coon Hunting Championship at the Marion County Fairgrounds, Salem.  Professional Kennel Club, Inc. is the nation's largest organization devoted to the registration of coonhounds and to the sport of competitive raccoon hunting.  With headquarters in Evansville, IN, PKC licenses more than 8000 night hunts for coonhounds annually, in addition to hunting copetitionf for squirrel dogs and beagles.  Additionally, PKC provides a conformation show format for PKC registered dogs and cosponsors an annual PKC/Purina National Bench Show Tour for coonhounds and curs.  For more information call (618) 548-1276.
October 23-24 Six String Guitar Show, Holiday Inn.  This event is put on by Southern Illinois Productions, a not-for-profit organization.  For more information call (618) 218-2517 or visit www.southernillinoisproductions.com.
October 24 Bluford Ruritan Club Breakfast at 814 6th Street, Bluford, 7 a.m. - until the last person leaves.  Breakfast and fellowship.  For more information call (618) 732-8317.
October 24-25 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
October 29-30 30th Annual Mt. Vernon Teachers Conference at Mt. Vernon Township High School, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-3151.
October 30-31 Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 North 27th Street, open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.  Authentic log cabins and museum containing Jefferson County memorabilia.  Free admission.  For more information call (618) 246-0033.
October 30 - December 31 Shrode Photography Competition in the M.S. Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  This show is a wonderful opportunity for amateur and professional photographers in the area to exhibit their work and receive advice and comments from a professional artist/juror.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 30 - December 31 Marilyn Boysen Retrospective in the Beal Grand Corridor Gallery at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Marilyn Boysen is most noted for her elaborate, sculptural masks inspired by Native American, African, and Polynesian cultures.  The exhibition will include masks, kimonos, drawings, and sculptures.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 30 - December 31 Rajistan: Ancient Colors and Traditions in the Main Gallery at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  For St. Louis photographer Ray Marklin, "taking a walk" is a photographic travelogue and exploration of place and people.  Ray's latest walk has taken him to the region of northern India, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.  Visitors will share the artist's emotional and intellectual experiences through this powerful body of work.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 30 - December 31 One World, One Family: Darcy Kiefel Photographs for Heifer International in the Barbara J. Beck Family Education Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Although Darcy Kiefel is known throughout the sport world as the first woman to break into the men's club of European racing, she now works exclusively as a humanitarian photojournalist for Heifer International.  Kiefel brings us face to face with people overcoming poverty and hunger with Heifer's assistance.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
October 31 Annual Halloween Parade, Poplar Street, Centralia, 7-10 p.m.  Floats, marching bands, clowns, antique cars, horses, and more.  Food and novelty vendors along parade route.  For more information call (618) 532-5000 ext. 13 or visit www.centraliail.com.
October 31 Fall Festival, Downtown Centralia & Recreation Complex, Centralia, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.  Streets are blocked and filled with games, entertainment, car show, art and craft fair, chili cook-off, children's costume parade, mini train ride, and haunted house.  For more information call (618) 532-3214 or visit www.centraliail.com.

November 2009

November 4 Cedarhurst Book Club will discuss Monsoon Diary: A Memoir with Recipes by Shoba Narayan at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
November 5 Make a Christmas Ornament at C.E. Brehm Memorial Library, 101 South 7th Street, 6-7 p.m.  Learn to make a Christmas ornament.  For more information call (618) 242-6322 or visit www.mtvbrehm.lib.il.us.
November 6 Cedarhurst School of Performing Arts presents The Rainbow Fish at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  3 performances.  This delightful, touching musical teaches the value of sharing true friendship with others.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
November 7-8 Mt. Vernon Knife Show at Veterans Park Community Building, 800 South 27th Street.  Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Buy, sell, trade - custom, antique, factory production knives.  For more information call (618) 242-4514.
November 13 Cedarhurst School of Performing Arts presents The Diary of Anne Frank at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  3 performances.  This moving story is based on excerpts from the diary written by Anne Frank while she and her family were in hiding for two years during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
November 14 Cedarhurst Chamber Music presents Gaudete Brass at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  The Gaudete Brass Quintet has quickly established itself as one of the finest brass chamber ensembles in the country today.  Founded in 2004, the quintet is committed to sharing the great brass quintet literature with audiences in an exciting and relevant way.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
November 14 Christmas Craft Show at St. Theresa Gym, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
November 16 Cedarhurst School of Performing Arts presents The Gaudete Brass at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  2 performances.  Students will enjoy the up close encounter with brass instruments such as trumpet, horn, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet and euphonium.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
November 28 Cedarhurst Family Days presents Enamels and India in the Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road, 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
November 28 Bluford Ruritan Club Breakfast at 814 6th Street, Bluford, 7 a.m. - until the last person leaves.  Breakfast and fellowship.  For more information call (618) 732-8317.
November 29 Cedarhurst's Sunday Afternoon Story Time presents Indian Tale: The Very Hungry Lion by Gita Wolf in the Beck Family Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road, 3 p.m.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.

December 2009

December 1-31 Festival of Lights, Foundation Park, Route 161 East, Centralia, 6-11 p.m.  Drive through a magical display of Christmas lights.  Visit Santa on Friday and Saturday nights.  For more information call (618) 532-3214 or visit www.centraliail.com.
December 5 Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis at Rend Lake College, 8:45 a.m.  5K run, 5k walk, 1 mile fun walk, and Reindeer Run (children age 5-12).  For more information call (618) 993-1777 or visit www.jinglebellrendlake.com.
December 5 Annual Christmas Parade, Downtown Mt. Vernon.  For more information call Debbie at (618) 242-0385.
December 6 Cedarhurst Chamber Music presents Katie McMahon, Vocalist at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  Katie McMahon is probably best known for her exquisite soaring soprano solo in the original Riverdance single.  Before her work in Riverdance, Katie, a born and bred Dubliner, was classically trained in voice and harp and studied Italian and drama in Trinity College.  She has released three critically acclaimed solo CDs and is in great demand for her performances of traditional Irish music with a classical edge.  At Cedarhurst, Katie will perform Celtic music with a holiday focus.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
December 11 Cedarhurst School of Performing Arts presents The Little Mermaid at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Richview Road.  3 performances.  For more information call (618) 242-1236 or visit www.cedarhurst.org.
December 11 United Methodist Children's Home 5th Annual Live Nativity, 2023 Richview Road, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.  Come and enjoy sights and sounds of Christmas including live animals.  For more information call (618) 242-9108.
December 13 Christmas Home Tour, Salem.  For more information call (618) 548-3010 or visit www.salemilchamber.com.
December 18-19 Christmas in the Park at Veterans Park.  Drive through the park decorated with thousands of lights in a mix of traditional and religious themes, and also live scenes.  For more information call (618) 242-6890.
December 26 Bluford Ruritan Club Breakfast at 814 6th Street, Bluford, 7 a.m. - until the last person leaves.  Breakfast and fellowship.  For more information call (618) 732-8317.
December 28-30 Centralia Annual Holiday Basketball Tournament at Centralia High School, 2100 East Calumet Street, Centralia, 8 a.m. - midnight, as scheduled.  Annual Holiday basketball tournament - host teams throughout the nation in this prestigious event.  For more information call (618) 532-7391 or visit www.centraliail.com.

**The Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau reserves the right to approve and edit all submitted copy and will not be held responsible for incorrect entries.