I hope you enjoy this random photo dump representing a little slice of 2025 in Southern Illinois. May you have a wonderful and blessed New Year.
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Random Photo Dump: A Slice of 2025
Category: Uncategorized
It’s Christmastime 2025!
There are plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit in Southern Illinois. As noted on the page by this same title, it is not a complete list. However, this Year’s page has been started….
You will see some of the categories listing “TBD,” but hopefully not for long. Please feel free to send me Christmas events from I-70 to the Southern state line either by commenting on Facebook, Messenger, or asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com Updates are happening as I get the information and my neuropathy cooperates…
(The bright pink Christmas truck image is available as a digital download for purchase on my Ko-fi site.)
Click on the truck image below to go to the Page of Christmas events:
It’s Christmastime 2025!
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Patoka Native Rebels
Hopefully, you’ve heard Drew Baldridge’s recent release, “Rebel,” by now. (If not, check it out…)
Although Drew’s expanding family now resides in Nashville, TN, he was born and raised in Patoka, Il. Recently, Drew and Katie Baldridge announced that their son Lyric will soon be a big brother.
Drew will be performing “Joy to Your World” with Mickey Guyton from the upcoming Hallmark Movie “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27. He makes a cameo appearance in the Countdown to Christmas 2025 movie that debuts Saturday, November 29, on the Hallmark Channel at 7:00 p.m. CST.
During the past several weeks, Drew opened for Jelly Roll on his tour in Australia and New Zealand. This was not his first collaboration with Jelly Roll. Have you heard “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll? Drew’s record label, Lyric Ridge, was responsible for getting the song onto Country radio.
Drew actually started his label after Covid hit and his former record label closed. That’s how he was able to release “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.” The result? It made history by becoming the first independently released single to hit number one on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart. He now uses his label to work with other musicians. In fact, Drew has posted on his social media that he wants independent artists to reach out to him to see if his label would be a good fit.
As for rebelling, the lyrics to “Rebel” are pretty clear. He sings, “…I’m gonna stand my ground ain’t gonna back down and change the things I was raised on…” An example of this is his recent #rebelofkindness social media post encouraging other independent thinkers to keep doing the right thing. He rebels against glorifying negative things by keeping his faith in Jesus and staying true to his Marion county roots. As his song says, “…if the whole wide world wants to dance with the devil, I guess you could call me a rebel.”
A special thank you goes to Sharon Sullens for allowing me to use her photos of Drew Baldridge at the Grand Ole Opry.
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A Few Labor Day Weekend Events
There is a lot happening south of I-70 this Labor Day Weekend. Friday night lights and high school football action kicked off across the region. Special festivals, events, and farmer’s markets are scheduled this weekend. The DuQuoin State Fair wraps up on Labor Day as people across the nation debate whether or not they can wear white again until Memorial Day…
Below is just a fraction of the weekend info shared on the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook Page. Check it out for even more events, food, sports, and more. Enjoy your weekend, and be safe!
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Welcome, Spring!
I don’t know about y’all, but I’m glad it’s Spring. Sparkly, fresh snow is wonderful for Christmas. After Christmas-not so much. Glistening ice on trees is beautiful, but walking and driving on ice are not my idea of a good time.
There are many events this Spring throughout Southern Illinois. While the last winter market of the season in Carbondale is March 29, many farmer’s markets in our region will soon be resuming. Although it seems late this year, Easter will be here on April 20.
I am listing some of the local markets and events below and update the “Spring and Summer 2025 Events” Page as I’m able to make the additions. More local events and items are shared on the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook Page. (Please realize that it would be impossible to know every event from I-70 to the Southern state line….)
Link to Spring and Summer 2025 Events:
Spring and Summer 2025 Events
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
*indicates that A Slice of Southern Illinois is an event participant
Additional local events are shared on the A Slice of Southern Facebook page. A list of annual events is posted at wwwwww.asliceofsouthernillinois.com
*March 29 last Food Works Winter Farmer’s Market of the season at University Mall in Carbondale from 9:00 am to noon
March 29 opening day of The Farmer’s Market of Carbondale from 8:00 am to noon
April 5 Marion Farmer’s Market opening Day
*April 11 & 12 Craft & Vendor Fair at Anne West Lindsey District Library in Carterville: Friday 10 am – 3:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
April 12 Market Days in Mt. Vernon opening day
April 20 EASTER
April 27 The Sunday Farmer’s Market in Cambria opening, 1-4pm
May 11 MOTHER’S DAY
May 17 tentative opening day of Centralia Farmers Market
May 24 Murphysboro Farmers Market opening day
May 26 MEMORIAL DAY
May 30 Carlyle Farmers Market opening day
June 15 FATHER’S DAY
June 19 JUNETEENTH
July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY
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New Location for 2025/2026 Winter Farmer’s Market
Do you remember when the winter Farmer’s market in Carbondale was at the high school? I have good news from Food Works Winter Farmer’s Market Manager Ellen Esling. The next winter market will be held in Carbondale Community High School’s cafeteria.
Im inserting a link to a throwback video when the market was in an entrance hallway at the school.
Don’t forget to visit the last Food Works Winter Farmer’s Market of this season on Saturday, April 29, inside the movie theater wing of University Mall of Carbondale. Market hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon. I hope you enjoy the photo sampling of this market season. I have enjoyed being part of it!
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Fall Events in Southern Illinois 2024
Note: There may be additions amd updates to this post throughout the season.
If you follow the A Slice of Southern Illinois page on Facebook, you’ve probably noticed the hashtag #FallinSouthernIllinois on some posts. This is to hopefully make it easier to locate posts about events in our region.
The unofficial beginning of fall in Southern illinois is signified by the last day of the DuQuoin State Fair and multiple Labor Day parades.
It might not be sweater weather just yet, but the rustle of colorful leaves paired with football games and marching band shows is just around the corner.
The first weekend in September welcomes back regional favorites such as the Carterville Lions Club Fair and the Marion County Antique Power Days in Salem. Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair on the grounds of Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon draws many talented artisans and visitors.
Popular autumn activities are visiting mum and sunflower fields, picking apples, and visiting farmer’s markets. Among the tastes that represent the season, like apple cider and pumpkin spice just about anything, are drinks and dishes featuring local products. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes entertain people of all ages.
Fall in Southern Illinois is a wonderful time to venture out with those you love and make some memories. Enjoy!
LINKS
14th Annual Big Muddy Monster Brew Fest at Murphysboro https://facebook.com/events/s/14th-annual-big-muddy-monster-/1149067939696274/
Antique Power Days at Salem https://www.facebook.com/share/p/AhqSgGpZE72jVtBx/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Bandy’s Pumpkin Patch at Johnston City https://bandyspumpkinpatch.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0JedJOOvEdBbs9WFBH98v3DvNAZkJb_qYAz_Goxt3C7qxtr6HUn-0_5YQ_aem_NupR9eDBTnffoGH-rZMS6A
BIG Baldridge & Bonfire 2024 at Patoka https://facebook.com/events/s/big-baldridge-bonfire-2024-pat/316101388112242/
Big Muddy Farmer’s Market at Murphysboro https://www.facebook.com/share/pds2UUZoPfjQVURi/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Carbondale Off the Rails 9/7/24 https://facebook.com/events/s/carbondale-off-the-rails-conce/3794764354102859/
Carterville Lions Club Fair https://www.facebook.com/LionsClubFairPageant?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair at Mt. Vernon https://facebook.com/events/s/cedarhurst-art-craft-fair/3911763782429925/
Chalk It Up to Art in O’Fallon https://facebook.com/events/s/4th-annual-chalk-it-up-to-art-/1513410899379304/
Eckert’s Country Store & Farms at Belleville https://www.facebook.com/share/Zu94eSRuRR4x7Fzr/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Effingham Farmer’s Market https://www.facebook.com/effinghamfarmersmarket?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Eleven Years of Good Times: Anniversary Block Party with Diamond Dog at Murphysboro https://facebook.com/events/s/eleven-years-of-good-times-ann/1444928426224384/
Elverado Farmer’s Market, LLC https://www.facebook.com/ElveradoFarmersMarket?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Fairfield’s Annual Fall Fun Fest https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063501134509&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Fall Begins at Pierce Farms! https://www.facebook.com/share/mu2XZBfMtmzBeerH/?mibextid=9VsGKo
Fall Colors at the Cross at Bald Knob Cross, AltoPass https://facebook.com/events/s/fall-colors-at-the-cross/925121726089576/
Fall Farm Events at SIU Center for Sustainable Farming at Carbondale https://www.facebook.com/share/p/cYtGYJ1pMujphFw1/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Fall Fest Block Party in Anna https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yzypUjuqPVdVDuwt/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Family Fun Day for Herrin House of Hope https://facebook.com/events/s/13th-annual-family-fun-day-fun/8018569988262675/
Golconda Shrimp Festival https://facebook.com/events/s/golconda-shrimp-festival-sept-/1154245849152803/
Golconda’s 52nd Annual Fall Festival https://facebook.com/events/s/golcondas-52nd-annual-fall-fes/3380207708947916/
Haunted Trails & Cabins at Kinmundy Log Cabin Village https://www.facebook.com/share/fHPBuyTAcHNE34eZ/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Kinmundy Log Cabin Village’s Annual Fall Festival https://www.facebook.com/share/fHPBuyTAcHNE34eZ/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Marion Farmer’s Market https://www.facebook.com/share/TRZH1x8vjuyBqa19/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Murphysboro Apple Festival https://murphysboroapplefestival.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR36-EcfiErg877ogSDokBKmIpXc4xPGEwXtougbgOT53DmVkDTq8WL7TLs_aem_34E8H4qgJC7Vy9GQtGOjeg
Music and Motion at Saluki Stadium https://music.siu.edu/festivals/music-motion.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawFG9O9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYSDOtzJaadIOGASKx7qpzly0P0vlYGg3_PH5R-LZvuBNvedCiFnivteLQ_aem_BwbxXkuxr2YpgfQ5KDm5gQ
New Baden Farmer’s Market https://www.facebook.com/newbadenfarmersmarket?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Pierce Farm https://www.facebook.com/piercefarmbandyville?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Rendleman Orchards https://rendlemanorchards.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR37tDN00S6wbpqPKmmtJTFzMP_hwnx-rlf8sJ8ohspNGAxvMnSHBpmOgKI_aem_GuwTkmd_bXtTGKNDOMU7XA
Salem AppleFest https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555405224470&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Saluki Football 9/12/24 https://www.facebook.com/share/g1iLFbJqvmJJMkTT/?mibextid=9VsGKo
Super City Brew Fest at Metropolis https://www.facebook.com/supercitybrewfest?mibextid=ZbWKwL
SIU School of Music-September https://www.facebook.com/share/p/5z7J1LHQfchNgixt/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Swansea Farmers Market https://www.facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Sweet Southern Market at Johnston City https://facebook.com/events/s/sweet-southern-market/771173318506819/
The Farmer’s Market of Carbondale https://www.facebook.com/farmersmarketcarbondale?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station https://www.facebook.com/vinestreetmarketofallon?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Wayne City Bean Days https://www.facebook.com/share/p/8A2FGNnu5gtAq6yB/?mibextid=xfxF2i
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See Y’all at the Big Muddy Farmer’s Market This Weekend
https://www.facebook.com/share/xmejHRCFCLVWmQSP/?mibextid=xfxF2i
Sunday, 8/25/24
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Wright Building Center
208 S. Williams St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
