Metro East News
by Chronicle Media — December 7, 2016DEC. 8-11
Bankside Rep Brings Holiday Extravaganza to JAC
Thur.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3
Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton
$10 on Thur.; $15 Fri.-Sun.
Geoff Calloway tapped into his love of radio as theater and his experience as a student disc jockey when he wrote Bankside Rep’s new Christmas play, “Silent Night, Holy Noely.” For more information, call (618)
462-5222.
DEC. 9
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Alton Memorial Hospital, 1 Memorial Drive, Alton
Free
Therapist Julie Clayton will lead the group for those who care for other who suffer from Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit altonmemorialhospital.org.
DEC. 9-10
Getting in the Christmas Mood
Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat. 3-4:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 1111 E. US Highway 50, O’Fallon
Free
Family-friendly production that combines a 90-voice choir and a big band. For more information, call (618) 632-6223.
DEC. 10
Breakfast with Santa in Wood River
Saturday, 8-10:30 a.m.
Round House Recreation Center, 633 N. Wood River Ave.
$3 children; $4 adults
Breakfast for children includes 2 pancakes, 2 sausage links, and juice or milk. Adult portions are larger. For more information, visit wrparks.org/breakfast-with-Santa.
Elves’ Workshop at the Wildey
Saturday, 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.
Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville
$12 per child
Kids love to give holiday presents too! Drop your children off at The Wildey Theatre for some holiday fun and gift making. Children will leave with a handful of gifts for their loved ones. Parents can enjoy some time alone for their own shopping. For more information, email parks@cityofedwardsville.com.
Christmas Workshop for Kids
Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gordon F. Moore Community Park, 4550 College Ave., Alton
$20
Drop off your kids aged 5-13 and have some shopping time of your own. Kids will enjoy holiday crafts, games, photo ops and food. Pre-registration is required by calling (618) 463-3580.
Trumpeter Swan Search Party
Saturday, 8-10 a.m.
Audubon Center, 301 Riverlands Way, W. Alton, Mo.
Free
Families are welcome to come to the Audubon Center to learn about and search the sanctuary for trumpeter swans. To register call (636) 899-0090.
Watch for Eagles at Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, 9-10 a.m.
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Brussels, Ill.
Free
Rangers will assist guests in finding eagle throughout the wildlife refuge. A personal vehicle will be needed. To register, call (618) 883-2524.
Meet the Author: Lou Baczewski
Saturday, 2 p.m.
Collinsville Memorial Library, 408 W. Main St.
Free
The author bicycled through Germany following the path taken by his grandfather’s armored division in WWII. His book is titled “Path of the Past.” For more information, call (618) 344-1112.
Jingle Bell Dog Walk
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Waterloo Feed and Pet Supply, 401 W. 3rd St., Waterloo
$20 each walker with one dog
The first 45 pre-registered walkers will receive a t-shirt. Costume contest for dogs and owners: Best Owner Dog Look-Alike, Best Jingle Bell Theme, Best Holiday Theme, and Most Unique Holiday Costume. For more information, call (618) 281-7144.
Santa’s Hut Open in O’Fallon
Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
Corner of First and Vine
Free photos with Santa
O’Fallon’s Christmas event is sponsored by Downtown O’Fallon, Inc. For more information, call (618) 624-4503.
Vandalia Statehouse Candlelight Open House
Saturday, 6-8 p.m.
Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site
Free
The Statehouse will be illuminated by more than 250 candles and trimmed with decorations appropriate to the 1840s, when a young Abraham Lincoln served there. The first 100 families will receive a free ornament. Refreshments served by the Friends of the Old State Capitol. For more information, call (217) 524-6045.
DEC. 10-11
Great Rivers Choral Society Presents Messiah
Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.
Evangelical United Church of Christ, 1212 W. Homer Adams Pkwy., Godfrey
Free
The Christmas portion of Handel’s oratorio will be performed with an orchestra and soloists. Other Christmas music will be presented as well. For more information, call (618) 401-1450.
DEC. 11
Celebrate Lewis & Clark’s Arrival
Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, 1 Lewis and Clark Trail, Hartford
Free; donations appreciated
The event will include members of the detachment portraying military life, re-enactors recreating the civilian populations and demonstrations. For more information, call (618) 251-5811.
DEC. 13
Moonlight Hike at The Nature Institute
Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.
2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey
Free
Walk the woodland trails through the Mississippi Sanctuary or Olin Nature Preserve illuminated only the light of the full moon. The trail terrain is light to moderate. For more information, call (618) 466-9930.
— Metro East News —