Holiday Celebrations

Page 22 Friday, November 20, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

•• PPuubblliisshheerr:: Dennis M. DeRossett, [email protected]

•• TToo ssuubbssccrriibbee: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618-997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

•• TToo ppllaaccee aa ddiissppllaayy aadd:: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; fromWilliamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6.

The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980)is published daily for $178 per year at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901.The Southern Illinoisan is ownedby Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.

CCeelleebbrraattee CChhrriissttmmaass wwiitthh UUssFFiirrsstt UUnniitteedd MMeetthhooddiisstt CChhuurrcchh

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Advent Music Vespers5:00 p.m. in our sanctuary each Sunday in Advent.11/29 - Anita Hutton, piano; Robert Weiss, trombone

12/6 - Sidney G. Smith, M.D., organ12/13 - Susan Frey, organ

12/20 - Edward Benyas, oboe; Kara Benyas, piano

Advent Bible StudySundays, Nov. 22, 29 & Dec. 6, 13, 20

at 9:30 a.m. in the Church Parlor

Around the Table Carol SingSunday, Dec. 6, 6:00 p.m.

March to the MangerSunday, Dec. 13 at 8:15 a.m & 10:45 a.m.Service of Lessons and CarolsSunday, Dec. 20 at 8:15a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight ServicesThursday, Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

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BY BRENT STEWARTTHE SOUTHERN

It used to be theChristmas season didn’tbegin until the day afterThanksgiving. These days,it begins weeks beforeDecember.

Is it any wonder peopleare more like EbenezerScrooge than Tiny Timwhen Dec. 25 finally rollsaround?

But that’s really noreason to completely losethe spirit of the season.There are several bigshows to keep us merry.The biggest of these showsis multi-talented musicianand television personality,JJoohhnn TTeesshh,, who isperforming at ShryockAuditorium, presented bySouthern LightsEntertainment.

“John Tesh is the type ofperformer who really givesthe 110 percent on stage,”said Bryan Rives, directorof Southern IllinoisUniversity Event Services.“His Christmas concertproduction is a greatcombination of high-quality production valueswith music we all cherishduring the holiday season.Individuals, families andchurch groups who attendthe concert will certainlyget their holiday season

off to a great start.”The former

“Entertainment Tonight”co-host will be performinghis first set of holidayshows in 15 years,featuring traditional carolsand new standardsarranged with a big bandfeel, complete with Tesh’strademark light show andinteraction with theaudience.

“A good holidayproduction in my mind isone that has both highproduction values andappeals to the entirefamily or community,”Rives said. “If I seefamilies in the audience

with several generations inattendance, that reallygets me into the holidaymood.”

TThhee CCoonncceerrtt:: “AChristmas with JohnTesh” takes the stage at 3p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Forticket prices andinformation, call 618-453-6000 or go to SouthernLightsEntertainment.com.

Also: At 7:30 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 3 inShryock, the SSoouutthheerrnnIIlllliinnooiiss SSyymmpphhoonnyy OOrrcchheessttrraawill present Poulenc’s“Gloria” in the first half ofthe concert. The secondhalf will feature RalphVaughan Williams

““FFaannttaassiiaa oonn CChhrriissttmmaassCCaarroollss”” and several otherholiday selections. Theorchestra will be joined bya 130-voice choir,featuring the SIUCConcert Choir and ChoralUnion. For moreinformation, go tohttp://symphony.siuc.edu.

THE CARSON CENTERIN PADUCAH will hosttwo holiday events. Thefirst is a nationally touringproduction of ““AA CChhrriissttmmaassCCaarrooll”” at 7 p.m. Tuesday,Dec. 8. The NebraskaTheatre Caravan has beenon the road with thisadaptation of CharlesDickens’ classic tale for 28years.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 12, you can sing alongto your favorite Christmassongs with the PPaadduuccaahhSSyymmpphhoonnyy CChhoorruuss, theCChhiillddrreenn’’ss CChhoorruuss and thePPaadduuccaahh PPooppss OOrrcchheessttrraa..

For more information onthese events, go towww.thecarsoncenter.org.

THE PARADISE ALLEYPLAYERS, the officialtheater company of theMarion Cultural and CivicCenter will present ““YYeessVViirrggiinniiaa,, TThheerree iiss aa SSaannttaaCCllaauuss”” at 7:30 p.m. Fridayand Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5,and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

“Virginia” is the story ofa little girl whose friends

tell her that Santa Clausisn’t real, so she writes aletter to the newspaper tofind the answer.

SOUTHEASTERNILLINOIS COLLEGE willpresent a Madrigal Feaste.This catered dinnerfeatures Madrigal singerspresenting traditionalHoliday music. Showdates are Friday, Saturdayand Sunday, Dec. 4, 5 and6.

To make your dinnerreservations or for moreinformation, contact thebox office at 618-252-5400 ext. 2486 or online [email protected].

JOHN A. LOGANCOLLEGE in Cartervillelast year presented awildly popular holidayshow, “A 1940’s RadioChristmas.” This year,they’ll veer away from thatconcept slightly to present““HHoolliiddaayy HHoopp —— AA TTrriibbuuttee ttooRRoocckk aanndd RRoollll”” at 7 p.m.Friday and Saturday, Dec.11 and 12. It will be thesixth time JALC haspresented this type ofshow, said Nathan Arnett,choral director andinstructor of music at thecollege.

The first was in 1989,when choir professoremeritus Karen Salaconceived the tribute,taking popular standards

and performing them,giving the choir membersa chance to put theirvoices out front. As a JALCchoir member, Arnett hadthe opportunity toperform in one of theshows and has kept thetradition going as choraldirector.

“We will not only focuson the pop music of the1950s, but we will featuresome of the great holidayhits of that era. There willbe a few chances for theaudience to participate inthe production and ofcourse the show will beaccompanied by a live’50s-style band.

“I think people whoattend these holidaymusical events come forthe great music, theopportunity to see andhear their family andfriends perform, but mostof all for the memories.Good or bad, the holidaysmake an impression on thestories of our lives. I’mhopeful that our audiencescome expecting and leavefulfilled.”

For more information,call 618-985-2828 ext.8287 or [email protected].

—— This article was previously published inthe holiday issue of SI Magazine; call 618-

351-5074 for info on where to get a copy.

Holiday Events

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 33

John Tesh leads off a season of entertainment to keep us merry

PROVIDEDJohn Tesh will perform a holiday concert in SIUC’s ShryockAuditorium on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3.

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BY BRENT STEWARTTHE SOUTHERN

PRAIRIE du ROCHER —In some areas, thehistorical traditions ofSouthern Illinois rundeeper than theMississippi River.

As the western corner ofour area lines up againstthe mighty waterway,there are a number oftowns of great historicalsignificance.

In the colonial era, whenstrategic placement alongthe river was of utmostimportance, France builtseveral settlements inwhat would becomeSouthern Illinois. Prairiedu Rocher was founded in1722; a few miles outsidethe settlement, Fort deChartres was built

between 1753 and 1756. Itwas the third such attemptat a large port station; thefirst two being made ofwood, had deterioratedrather quickly in the riverbottom.

After the outcome of theFrench and Indian Warand the 1763 Treaty ofParis, the British tookcontrol of the area,although they didn’t reachFort de Chartres for twoyears. A handful of Frenchtroops were left for apeaceful surrender. It wasrenamed Fort Cavendish.The British stayed in thefort until the riverthreatened to destroy thefront wall. The fort wasabandoned and left fornature to occupy in 1772.

After the RevolutionaryWar, in 1778, George

Rogers Clark went to adance in Prairie duRocher while securing thearea for the United States.Clark evidently alsoviewed the ruins of Fortde Chartres.

Despite Prairie duRocher’s occupation bytwo other countries,some of the Frenchtraditions managed tosurvive throughout theyears. La Guiannee, thetraditional French NewYear’s celebration, hasbeen continuouslycelebrated since the sameyear the town wasfounded.

Gerry Franklin of Prairiedu Rocher’s La GuianneeSociete said some peoplebelieve the ceremony hasits roots as druid tradition.

La Guiannee is actually

the same name as the songsung by those whoparticipate in thecelebration. The lyricsdescribe the tradition ofthe poor of the townvisiting the homes of thewealthy and asking themfor items to be able tocelebrate the New Year.

“What it has become in

the 21st century isbasically, you go to yourfriends’ house, a group ofpeople, go from house tohouse and then move on,”Franklin said.

In recent years, LaGuiannee has becomemore family friendly, butin the past, you might havereceived a shot of whiskey

at each house.“They usually invite us

in to have a little bite toeat,” Franklin said.

Along the way, the groupsings songs, includingtheme of the event, “LaGuiannee.” The carolerswill bring instruments,such as fiddles, guitars andmandolins.

In modern times, thereare maybe five or sohouses on the evening’sroute.

They start out at Fort deChartres and use a van tocarry the group to eachresidence. Most of thegroup dress in periodcostumes.

Another traditionalFrench event in Prairie duRocher is the TwelfthNight Ball. Because theFrench settlers were

THE TWELFTH NIGHT BALL

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31Where: The group starts out at Fort de Chartres, 1350

State Route 155, Prairie du Rocher.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9Where: American Legion, 509 Henry St., Prairie du

Rocher.For more: Contact 618-284-7230.


Holiday Events

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Holiday Events

Step back in timewith Christmas at Fort Massac

BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

METROPOLIS — Fort Massac State Park is offeringvisitors an opportunity to learn how Christmas hasbeen celebrated through the years during the OldeTyme Christmas program. This year it’s at 1 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 13, at the park located near Metropolis.

“Throughout the fort, we’ll have re-enactorsportraying the French from the mid 1750s, an 1812

early American groupand Civil War soldiers,”Terry Johnson, sitesuperintendant of FortMassac State Park said.“All of these groups willdecorate an area of thefort according to thetime period theyrepresent.”

Johnson said visitorsshould not be expectingelaborate decorationsand Christmas lights.

“There’s not a lot of flash to the decorations,” heexplained. “A lot of it is what they would have had onhand in this area back then.”

He said holiday decoration in 1757 may have beenas simple as just an apple and an orange arranged onsome greenery, maybe even with some strungpopcorn.

Each group of re-enactors will be enjoying periodsnacks such as fruit and cider and will be availablefor interaction with visitors. Guests are encouragedto ask questions about both life and Christmas in theearly days of Southern Illinois.

“It’s very much a living-history event,” Johnsonsaid. “It will be as close to completely accurate as wecan make it and it will give a real perspective ofhistory.”

Additionally, the park’s visitor center will bedecorated with items based on designs of the 1600sand 1700s cookies baked in an authentic period oven,and sample hot spiced tea will be served. An earlyAmerican band will be playing Christmas songs fromthe early 1800s as well.

“You’ll hear songs that are altogether different thanyou hear today,” Johnson said.

He said the Olde Tyme Christmas is a free event,and it may even change visitors’ perspectives on theholiday.

“It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, butit definitely will humble you to see how little theyreally had back then.” Johnson said.

Each group of re-enactors willbe enjoying period snackssuch as fruit and cider andwill be available forinteraction with visitors.Guests are encouraged to askquestions about both life andChristmas in the early daysof Southern Illinois.

Catholic, the Catholic, theChristmas season reallydidn’t begin until Dec. 25.

“In the CatholicChurch, the month beforeChristmas was a period ofatonement, betteringyourself in time forChristmas,” Franklin said.“Once Christmas getshere, we begin the seasonand part of that is NewYear’s. The 12th day ofChristmas was theepiphany. On the 12thnight, they’d have a ball.”

At the Twelfth NightBall, cake was served tothe young men, and thefirst one who would find abean in their cake wouldbecome king of the ball.He would then choose hisqueen, and the rest of hiscourt would be chosen bythe remainder of beans inthe slices of cake.

The tradition of the ballcontinued in Prairie duRocher until World War II,when most of the youngmen were at war. It wasrevived in 1976.

Just as in the old times,a string band will playreels and dances, and thecake is used to determinethe king and his court.

The Twelfth Night Ballis usually on the Saturdayclosest to Jan. 6. Manypeople dress in periodattire, although Franklinsaid that is not necessary.

Franklin has beeninvolved with the ballsince its reorganization.He believes the currentinstallment of the TwelfthNight Ball is just asauthentic as any other inthe past.

“A lot of people re-enact history,” Franklinsaid. “We are not re-enacting history; this is it.Of course, 300 years ago,they probably didn’t putglitter in their hair, butsome do now. We’re notreally doing it to carryingon a tradition; we’re doingit because it’s what wedo.”


AA HHOOLLIIDDAAYY AAFFFFAAIIRRRelax from the hustle and bustle of the

holiday season with a community celebration offood, live entertainment and dance. Donation:$20. Proceeds benefit Thelma Gibbs WalkerScholarship Fund for high school seniors.Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority andGamma Kappa Omega Chapter of Carbondale.

When: 7-11 p.m. Dec. 11Where: Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S.

Illinois, CarbondalePhone: 618-549-5302

BBAAKKEE SSAALLEE//YYAARRDD SSAALLEEGrace United Methodist Church Women will

host annual Christmas yard and bale sale inFamily Life Center. Items for sale includeornaments, candles and tins. Cakes, pies,cookies, candy and bread available. Proceedswill be given to World Hunger campaign.

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 21Where: Family Life Center, Grace United

Methodist Church, 220 N. Tower Road,Carbondale

Phone: 618-967-3646

BBAAZZAAAARRSeventh annual Union County Historical and

Genealogy Society’s Christmas Bazaar will offernew, gently used, upscale and collectibleholiday related items and gifts. Proceeds willhelp maintain Union County Museum and willsupport the Historical Society’s programs andexhibits. Admission is free.

When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21, Nov. 27, Nov. 28,Dec. 5 and Dec. 12

Where: 117 S. Appleknocker, next to UnionCounty Museum, Cobden

Phone: 618-893-2567 or 618-893-2865

BBAAZZAAAARRHot chocolate and cookies will be serviced at

the end of shopping tour. Open to public.When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5Where: First Apostolic Church, next to Dollar

Store in SesserPhone: 618-315-3771

BBAAZZAAAARR AANNDD BBAAKKEE SSAALLEEUnited Missionary Baptist ChurchWhen: 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 5Where: United Missionary Baptist Church,

one quarter mile off I-57, Lick Creek ExitPhone: 618-833-7888

CCAANNDDYY CCAANNEE LLAANNEEDrive through neighborhood decorated with

Christmas lights and holiday scenery indowntown West Frankfort beginning at MainStreet past the high school.

When: 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday;5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5-10 p.m.Sunday; Nov. 27 through Dec. 31

Where: Downtown West Frankfort on MainStreet

CCAARROOLLSS AATT CCAANNDDLLEELLIIGGHHTTInformal Christmas celebration in quaint

1886 church on National Register of HistoricPlaces.

When: 4 p.m. Dec. 6Where: St. Anne’s Church, South Main Street,

AnnaPhone: 618-833-9441

CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS CCAARRDDSS AACCTTIIVVIITTYY4-H Christmas Card activity for family,

friends, shut-ins, nursing homes and veterans.For children ages 5 to 18. No cost to makecards. Donation of at least two cans of foodaccepted by Marion Ministerial Alliance.Deadline to sign up Dec. 16.

When: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 18Where: Williamson County U of I Extension

Office, 1306 N. Atchison Ave., Suite A, MarionPhone: 618-993-3304

CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS IINN CCOOBBDDEENNVillage of Cobden and Cobden Community

and Business Association will sponsor“Christmas in Cobden” with events andactivities including Christmas bazaars at UnionCounty Museum and St. Joseph CatholicChurch, exhibits at Yellow Moon Café and more.Santa will be at the “Old Feed Store” from 1-3p.m. and will hand out goodies for visitingchildren. Santa will lead a walk downtown at 5p.m. for the lighting of the Christmas tree.Times of events and participating locationsavailable at Cobden Village Hall on E. Maple.

When: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Dec. 5Where: Village of CobdenPhone: 618-893-2425

CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS OONN TTHHEE RRIIVVEERRCity of Chester’s traditional Christmas on the

River celebration. Activities planned include alighted Christmas parade.

When: Parade: 7 p.m. Dec. 4; Dec. 5-6Where: Downtown ChesterPhone: 618-826-4187 or 618-826-4311

CCOOOOKKIIEE WWAALLKKFirst Christian Church annual Cookie Walk.

Assortment of cookies for the holidays andother homemade goods. Cost: $6 per pound,boxes will be provided. Decorative tins andholiday craft items will also be available.

When: 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 12Where: First Christian Church, 306 West

Monroe Street, CarbondalePhone: 618-457-6817

CCOOOOKKIIEE WWAALLKKImmanuel Lutheran Church Cookie Walk.

Homemade cookies and candy.When: 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 12Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1915

Pine Street, MurphysboroPhone: 618-565-2438

CCOOUUNNTTRRYY CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS SSTTRROOLLLLAANNDD HHOOUUSSEE TTOOUURR

Stroll throughout the village includes a craftfair, Festival of Trees, flea market, house tours,museums open and decorated surrey rides(weather permitting). Breakfast with Santa atgolf course/open house at business withattendance prizes.

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.Dec. 6

Where: Community Club Park, OkawvillePhone: 618-243-5694

CCRRAAFFTT AANNDD BBAAKKEE SSAALLEEMary and Martha Lutheran Women’s

Missionary League craft and bake sale.When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, West

Frankfort

CCRRAAFFTT AANNDD WWIINNEE FFAAIIRRBuy or sell Christmas gifts, crafts, baskets,

stained glass, handmade jewelry, quilts, candlesand more. Taste and buy wine as gifts fromlocal wineries. Admission: $1; children 6 andunder free.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6Where: Williamson County Pavilion, 1602

Sioux Drive, MarionPhone: 618-993-2657

EEXXHHIIBBIITT AANNDD CCOONNCCEERRTTSSSelf-guided tour of hundreds of nativities

from many countries. Tour will includechildren’s room with games, puppets, booksand take home nativity activity. Free concertFriday, Dec. 4 includes Southern IllinoisChildren’s Choir, Shaina Strings Violin Studio,St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Choir andmore. Free concert Sunday, Dec. 6 includesShaina Strings Violin Studio, First PresbyterianChurch of Cobden Choir, pianist JonathanBalagna, Marion High School Madrigals.

When: Nativity exhibit: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4; noon-5 p.m. Dec. 5; 1-9 p.m. Dec. 6; free concerts: 7p.m. Dec. 4; 5 p.m. Dec. 6

Where: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints, 7168 Old HWY 13, Carbondale

Phone: 618-684-8587

HHOOMMEESS TTOOUURRWest Frankfort Park Auxiliary will sponsor

Holiday Home Tour featuring several homesaround West Frankfort. Open house at OldFirehouse Event Center will start at 2 p.m. Dec.13. Tickets: $10 each. Tickets available at parkpool office, Medicine Shoppe, auxiliarymembers, or by calling Evelyn at 618-937-2205or Kay at 618-937-3364.

When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13Where: Old Firehouse Event Center, West

FrankfortPhone: 618-937-2205 or 618-937-3364

HHOOMMEESS TTOOUURRFour homes decorated for the holidays with

Elijah P. Curtis Home and Museum where teawill be served. Admission: $6.

When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6Where: 405 Market St., Metropolis.Phone: 618-524-7203, 800-949-5740 or

800-248-4373

HHOOMMEESS TTOOUURRTour of historic homes. Tickets and map

available at Golconda Pope County Museum onEast Main Street for $8. Christmas in thecourtyard begins at 6 p.m. Depart frommuseum for candlelight walk and caroling tocourtyard for bonfire, hot chocolate, livenativity, cookies and Santa.

When: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 12Where: East Main Street, Golconda.Phone: 618-683-5037

HHOOMMEETTOOWWNN CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASSAANNDD FFEESSTTIIVVAALL OOFF TTRREEEESS

Various locations in and aroundMurphysboro, including historic LoganNeighborhood. Home tour will include fivedecorated homes in Murphysboro. The One-Stop Holiday Shop venue will be located inDavis McCann Center on North 14th Street.Festival of Trees returns and will allow visitorsto bid on decorated trees to benefit localcharities at General John A. Logan Museum inMurphysboro’s Logan Neighborhood. Biddingon Festival of Trees will be from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 24through Nov. 28; Dec. 1 through Dec. 4.

When: 1-4 p.m. Nov. 24 through Nov. 29; Dec.1 through Dec. 4; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5; 1-4 p.m.Dec. 6

Where: Historic district, General John A.Logan Museum (1316 Edith St.), downtown andsurrounding areas of Murphysboro

Phone: 618-521-3227 or 618-565-4167

LLAA GGUUIIAANNNNEEEEMembers of La Guiannee Society dressed in

period costume sing old French songsbeginning at Fort de Chartres. Singers continueperformance at the Creole House, local homesand eating establishments. Tradition hascontinued every year since the town wasfounded in 1722. Public invited to Fort deChartres for refreshments.

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31Where: American Legion Hall, Fort de

Chartres, and sites in Prairie du Rocher.Phone: 618-284-7230.

LLIIGGHHTTSS FFAAIIRRTour lighted displays throughout the

fairgrounds from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Theexhibition hall will be open at 6 p.m. Dec. 4-6,11-3 and 18-20 only, with musicalperformances, holiday tree display, visits withSanta. Admission: $5 per family vehicles, $8 on

nights exposition hall is open; no admission tolights display Christmas Day.

When: Nov. 27-Dec. 30.Where: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.Phone: 618-542-8338.

LLIIGGHHTTSS FFAANNTTAASSTTIICC PPAARRAADDEEAnnual Lights Fantastic Parade in downtown

Carbondale. Several downtown businesses willprovide cookies and refreshments for HolidayCookie Walk, Polar Express Station at Old TrainDepot will have a holiday brochure available,and pictures with Santa’s Reindeer at TownSquare. Professional photos available for fee.

When: 4-6 p.m. Cake Walk and Letters toSanta; 6 p.m. parade, Dec. 5

Where: Downtown CarbondalePhone: 800-526-1500 or 618-529-8040

LLUUNNCCHHEEOONNSSHoliday luncheons at Riverlore Mansion in

Cairo, prepared by Cairo Public Library Board ofTrustees. Reservations are encouraged asseating is limited each day. Proceeds towardupkeep and restoration of 1865 historicalhome.

When: Noon, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 through Dec. 3Where: Riverlore Mansion, 2723 Washington

Ave., CairoPhone: 618-734-1840.

MMAADDRRIIGGAALL SSEEAASSOONNMarion High School Choir will present 20th

annual Madrigal Season with a Madrigalconcert Dec. 11 and annual Madrigal Feaste“The Quest” Dec. 12. Tickets for Madrigalconcert: $5; tickets for Madrigal Feaste: $15.Tickets available at Marion High School office.

When: 7:07 p.m. Dec. 11; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12Where: Marion Junior High West Gym, 1609

W. Main, MarionPhone: 618-993-8196

OOLLDDEE TTYYMMEE CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASSDecorations from 1700’s with period music

and refreshments at Fort Massac State Park inMetropolis.

When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13Where: Ft. Massac State Park, MetropolisPhone: 618-524-9321

OOPPEENN HHOOUUSSEEUnion County Museum open house. Special

exhibit will feature NOEL collection.Refreshments provided. Free and open topublic. Sponsored by Union County Historicaland Genealogy Society.

When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 12Where: 119 South Appleknocker, CobdenPhone: 618-893-2865

PPAARRAADDEEPaducah Park Services will present Paducah

Holiday Parade in downtown Paducah.

When: 5 p.m. Dec. 5Where: Broadway and 14th Street to 2nd

Street and Madison, PaducahPhone: 270-444-8508

PPAARRAADDEEFloats, bands and Santa.When: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5Where: Ninth and Market streets, MetropolisPhone: 800-949-5740

PPEETTSS WWIITTHH SSAANNTTAALodge of the Four Paws will host annual Pets

with Santa with proceeds going to Perry CountyHumane Society. Memory Tree will be ondisplay and ornaments in honor of pets may bepurchased by donation of any amount. Cost perpicture: $5 donation.

When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6Where: 2942 Fairground Road, PinckneyvillePhone: 618-357-8627

SSAANNTTAA’’SS GGIIFFTT HHOOUUSSEEWilliamson County Child Advocacy Center

will host annual Santa’s Gift House in Herrin.Children ages three through 12 may shop whileparents wait in bakery area. Proceeds helpabused children.

When: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5Where: former Maytag Building, Lyerla Drive,

Herrin.Phone: 618-942-3800

SSIILLEENNTT AAUUCCTTIIOONNFriends of Sallie Logan Public Library in

Murphysboro is sponsoring a silent auction tobenefit the library and its programs. Itemsinclude gift baskets, books, gift certificates,coupons and more. Bidding closes Dec. 7.

When: Library hours through Dec. 7Where: Sallie Logan Public Library, 1808

Walnut Street, MurphysboroPhone: 618-684-3271

SSOOUUNNDDSS OOFF CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASSRosiclare Improvement Committee and

Cougar Outreach Student Organization willpresent “Sounds of Christmas”, the unveiling ofChristmas themed windows. Refreshments andcraft mall available. Christmas music providedby brass section of Rosiclare City Band andTattered Angels.

When: Nov. 20Where: Downtown RosiclarePhone: 618-285-6837

TTWWEELLFFTTHH NNIIGGHHTT BBAALLLLFrench Colonial costume ball includes

coronation of Twelfth Night king and queen.Admission: $10 per person.

When: Jan. 9Where: American Legion Hall, Prairie du

Rocher.Phone: 618-284-7180 or 618-288-6474.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 77Page 66 Friday, November 20, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

Holiday Events

Mark Your CalendarsAnd be sure to pick The Southern on Friday, Dec. 11 for a special section

featuring religious and sacred Christmas events and programs.


Holiday Events

Holiday Lights Fair features newdisplay, events in the Expo Hall


DU QUOIN — When itcomes to decorating forthe holidays, few displaysoutshine the HolidayLights Fair at Du QuoinState Fairground. Eachyear since 1999, the eventhas grown in size andpopularity to become oneof the largest drive-through holiday displaysin the region, according toJudy Smid, president ofthe Du Quoin Tourismcommission.

“The entire display routeis about three miles,” Smidsaid. “It’s smooth, pavedroads throughout the

already beautifulfairgrounds, so visitors canreally enjoy the drive.”

It’s not the roads,however, that bringthousands of people eachDecember to thefairgrounds; it’s the lights.

“We just blanket thefairgrounds with lights,”Smid said. “In addition toall of the trees and thelights marking the roads,we have more than 35commercial lighted scenesplaced throughout thefairgrounds. Many peopletell us it’s the prettiestdisplay they’ve ever seen.”

The displays, whichrange from traditionalChristmas and holiday

scenes to dinosaurs, aFerris wheel and a Candyland display, each coststhousands of dollars.

Smid said these are notdisplays you are likely tofind in your neighbor’sfront yard.

“You just can’t run outto the store and buydisplays like these,” shesaid.

New this year will be alighted drive-through archas well as other surprises.

“We expect more peoplethan ever to visit this year,and we think this year’sHoliday Lights Fair will beexceptional,” Smid said.

The displays areilluminated from 5:30 p.m.

to 9:30 p.m. each evening,Nov. 27 through Dec. 30,except on Christmas.Additionally, thefairground’s Expo buildingwill be open the first threeweekends in December.Visitors will find a numberof vendors, food, free

entertainment and an areaset aside for childrenwhere they can playgames, make craft itemsand take a miniature trainride. Santa Claus will bepresent for children toshare gift requests.

Smid said this year all of

the vendors will beoffering hand-crafted itemand door prizes will bepresented each hour.

Admission to theHoliday Lights Fair is $5per family vehicle and $8on nights when theExposition Hall is open.

The displays are illuminated from 5:30 to 9:30 each evening Nov. 27 through Dec. 30,including Christmas Day. The Expo Hall is open the first three weekends in December and willfeature craft vendors, food, free entertainment and a children’s area. Santa will also be on hand.

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Celebrate Christmas on the RiverBY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

CHESTER — A weekendof community-basedChristmas activitiesknown as Christmas onthe River kicks off with alighted parade at 7 p.m.Friday, Dec. 7.

This event, featuringbands and lighted floatsmaking their way throughthe downtown area, isnow in its third year.

The parade is only oneof many activities forresidents and visitorshosted during the annualthree-day festival.

“We’re a smallcommunity, and everyoneseems to know oneanother,” said EileenGordon, celebration co-chairwoman. “We want

everyone to come out toshare the spirit ofChristmas and to have agreat time.”

A highlight of theweekend is the arrival ofSanta Claus, who makesarrives in Chester in anuntraditional way. He isscheduled to dock onSaturday morning, usinga Mississippi River bargeas his transportation.

“Santa comes down theriver on a boat,” saidweekend festivities co-chair Bertha Mae Bleche.“For his visit to Chester,he makes use of theMississippi.”

Bleche said it is notunusual for area childrento line the river banks tocatch a glimpse of St.Nicholas.

Other events include a

tour of historic homesdecorated for theholidays, communitybazaars and musicalshowcases, as well as aquilt show and a chicken-and-dumpling dinner.Also planned is acompetition featuringChristmas trees decoratedby members of areaorganizations, all vyingfor the title of bestdecorated tree.

Craft lovers can visit theRandolph CountyCourthouse for a varietyof handmade arts anddecorations.

“Our courthouse isquite unique with an openrotunda, and the entirebuilding will be filled withcrafters,” Gordon said.“It’s amazing how muchis going on in there.”

Riverlore Mansion, Magnolia Manoroffer holiday finery at its best


CAIRO — A homesteeped in history servesas the backdrop forholiday luncheons eachyear in Cairo.

Riverlore Mansion, builtin 1865 by Capt. WilliamParker Halliday, one of thefounders of the city, isdecorated for Christmasand is the site of publicluncheons prepared bymembers of the CairoPublic Library Board ofTrustees each day Nov. 30through Dec. 3.

Monica Smith, directorof the library, saidproceeds from theluncheons assist with theupkeep of the mansion,which was purchased bythe city in 1999. Thehome, which featuresunique architectureincluding a 32-foot cherrystaircase, is open to thepublic for tours by callingthe library. She said thatfor the holiday luncheons,volunteers have literallyspruced up the facility.

“It is decorated in all ofits Christmas finery,”Smith said.

There is room for about50 people at each of the

luncheon series’ four days,Smith said. She said mealsare prepared by membersof the library’s governingbody and are very well-received.

“We’re all pretty goodcooks,” she said. “Weusually don’t have anycomplaints, and the platesusually come back to thekitchen very clean.”

She said menus offer thetraditional fare of theseason.

Tickets are $15 perperson, which includes atour of the home.

“We’ve been doing theseluncheons since 2003, andthey have gone over verywell,” Smith said.

She said the event sellsout every year, and sherecommends that ticketsbe purchased early. Shesaid that a number of areaoffices hold their staffChristmas parties inconjunction with theluncheons.

For Smith, the holidayluncheons at the RiverloreMansion have become atradition of the season inher community.

“It’s just a very neat partof Christmas in Cairo,” shesaid.

Riverlore is at 2723

Washington Ave. Toreserve your tickets, callCairo Public Library at618-734-1840.

Another Cairo attractionyou won’t want to miss,especially during theholidays, is MagnoliaManor.

Magnolia Manor, at2700 Washington Ave., isa post-bellum home thathas been on the NationalRegister of Historic Placessince late 1969. Many ofthe original furnishingsare still on display atMagnolia Manor today.

The mansion isdecorated top to bottomfor the holidays, andluncheons and tours arehosted to raise money forthe mansion’s upkeep.

Holiday House tours are1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27and through Sunday, Dec.6. Tickets are $6, $2 forchildren 4 to 12; childrenyounger than 4 areadmitted free.

Holiday luncheons are11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. andbegin Monday, Nov. 30and run through Friday,Dec. 4. Tickets are $15 perperson, which includes atour of the special home.

Call 618-734-0201 fortickets and information.

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MURPHYSBORO — Thecharms of Christmas in asmall town will be ondisplay during the annualMurphysboro Hometown

Christmas, Dec. 5 and 6.Events including hometours, “one-stopshopping,” art displaysand more are all plannedas a part of thecelebration.

One feature, the Festival

of Trees, has been movedto a new location toaccommodate moredisplays and the inclusionof other greenery items.This year’s Festival ofTrees will be at GeneralJohn A. Logan Museum at

1613 Edith St., and willfeature more than twodozen Christmas treesdecorated by individuals,companies andorganizations.

“It is a complete varietyof trees every year,” saidLisa Grode, chair of thefestival. “In the past,we’ve had an SIU SalukiSpirit tree, a Hawaiianluau tree and a‘children’s dreams cometrue’ tree decorated withtoys.”

Grode said this yearshe expects a variety oftrees ranging fromthose with traditionalChristmas decorationsto pet-based treesand everything inbetween. Each treewill be sold to thehighest bidderthrough a silentauction, withproceeds going toa charity chosenby each tree’sdesigner.

The trees willbe on displayand open for bidsNov.21 throughDec. 6 duringregular hours of theJohn A. Logan Museum.The museum is open from1 to 4 p.m, Tuesdaythrough Sunday.

A variety of vendorsrepresenting popularhome-based businesses

will provide a “one-stopshopping” exposition from9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 5 and noon to 5 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 6 at Davis-McCann Center on 14thStreet. There will be morethan 30 booths featuring avariety of products.

“It was such a successlast year that we’reexpanding the event to theSenior Center where wewill have handmade arts

and crafts, available,”Sandra Ripley said.Ripley, an administrator

for the City ofMurphysboro,coordinates some ofthe weekend’s events.

She said additionalactivities include a

tour of elegantlydecorated homes

in the communityas well as the

display of localartists’ works at the

Hughes Gallery.Additional information

is available by calling 618-684-3522.


The trees will be on display and open forbids Nov. 21 through Dec. 6 during

regular hours of the John A. LoganMuseum. The museum is open from1 to 4 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday.The museum is at 1613 Edith St.

Holiday Events

Festival of trees, home tours highlight weekend in Murphysboro

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