Tag: DuQuoin

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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.

Music & Motion at Saluki Stadium

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/

Flamm Orchards https://flammorchards.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2uqqzSnQYVGOWkIWrLAArZGRoyRdQB1dw0f6HCCdkQYB7hsQ4P088H410_aem_ErE2JIgINxR3bzUYr-GNDw

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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Christmas Lights, Cameras, Action!

We may not have those perfectly timed, big fluffy snowflakes falling on cue, but that’s OK. There are still plenty of Christmas movie-worthy adventures right here in Little Egypt. You don’t have to grab a flight to one of those places that never seem to be on actual maps to experience the wonder of the season.

Include your family and friends to create memories to be cherished for years to come. Snap photos to share with future generations. Throw in some of the obligatory Christmas movie elements like decorating cookies, Christmas pageants, caroling, and shopping for or making special gifts for loved ones. Hopefully, you can avoid the conflict or classic misunderstanding that is in pretty much any movie. (DISCLAIMER: If it’s a full blown rom com you want, that’s between you and God…)

You can build an evening, Day trip, or an even longer stay. Check the pages for links to some of the unique, locally-owned lodging, food, shopping, and more for a DIY Christmas movie-worthy experience.

From tree lighting ceremonies and sparkling light displays to small town festivals and ice skating, you can find it downstate. There are many beautiful and meaningful ways to celebrate the birth of Christ. Although some events took place before it was even time to start opening your Advent calendar’s little drawers, many are still to come. While keeping your Christmas traditions, you might just discover some new ones. May you, your family, and friends be richly blessed during this wonderful season.

Please check the links to many Christmas festivities from I-70 (including Effingham) to the southern state line via the Christmas in Southern Illinois page. It is a continual work in progress… Before heading out, you may wish to check the provided link for each for specific info or changes.

Christmas in Southern Illinois 2022 https://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/christmas-in-southern-illinois-2022/

Lodging

Food Truck & Street Cart Links

Local Shops

Tastes of Southern Illinois

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Farmer’s Market Finds

As you’ve likely heard before, farmer’s markets are a great local shopping adventure. Some are practically one stop for your grocery needs. Even in winter months, the Carbobdale area is blessed to have a couple of farmer’s market options. The Community Farmer’s Market is open December through March from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the movie theater wing of the University Mall at Carbobdale. L.E.A.F. Food Hub is an online farmer’s market with pick up locations in Carbondale, DuQuoin, Carterville, Marion, Herrin, Cobden, and Tunnel Hill. Some home delivery is available.

Macarons

Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market

Herbal Teas by Mustard Seed Sowers. My favorite is the Holy Basil. Licorice Mint is also good. My daughter loves the Chocolate Mint.

Honey & Shrooms has local honey and beeswax.

Glacier’s End has many wonderful shrubs and products like hickory and elderberry syrups. The Mexican Mocha Hot Sauce is wonderful. Cordials such as their Honeysuckle are great additions to drinks.

Honeysuckle Cordial complements the flavors in a homemade sparkling raspberry spritzer.
A large variety of bison products are available.

If you have SNAP/Link, it can be used to double your buying power on eligible food products at the Farmer’s Market

If you have stayed away from Farmer’s Markets because you are concerned about prices, I can tell you that there are various price points. Some gourmet local items may run a bit more than you would spend but can be used sparingly to add flare to your dishes. Many things really don’t seem any higher than national chain store prices. For example, I actually paid less for cube steak at the Farmer’s Market than I would have paid at the larger chain store. Actually, there was a better variety of meat available at the farmers market than at the chain store . Please keep in mind that if you can’t find something on bare shelves at a larger store, you might find an even better local product through one of the local markets or stores.

Flyway Family Farms has a great variety of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane. They also have seasonings and Mushroom Jerky.

Warm potato and green bean salad made with a vinaigrette containing Glacier’s End’s Apple Butter Ginger Shrub. The Shrub helped to add a bit of acidity to the vinaigrette while echoing the freshly grated ginger root.

Gallo Pinto (Costa Rica’s national breakfast dish) made with brown rice by Cahokia Rice. They also have white rice. Both are available through L.E.A.F. Food Hub.

Baked Vegetable “Stir Fry” with shiitaki mushrooms from Flyway Family Farms.

Marinated shiitaki mushrooms (Flyway Family Farm) and chicken kabobs on Rosemary BBQ Skewers from Flora Bay Farm

Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market

L.E.A.F. Food Hub goodies delivered to our home.

A

Watermelon radish from River to River Farm and Basil Microgreens from Autumn Ridge Farm kick this salsa garnish up a bit. Both were ordered through L.E.A.F. Food Hub.

Big Muddy Hogs in Hurst also carries many local items, such as bread from Baked on Division and Steam Shovel Coffee. They are located at 300 Adams Street. Many of the local farms and vendors give product updates and advise where you may find their products on Facebook and Instagram.

Links:

Big Muddy Hogs https://www.facebook.com/BigMuddyHogs/

Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market https://www.facebook.com/communityfarmersmarket/ http://www.carbondalemarket.com/

L.E.A.F. Food Hub https://www.facebook.com/LEAFFoodHub/ https://www.leaffoodhub.com/

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, SIGHTS, & SOUNDS

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some of our beloved Christmas traditions to be postponed until next year, others will continue, go virtual, or have been modified. Fortunately, it is possible to see many Christmas lights throughout Southern Illinois from the safety and comfort of our own cars. Other events have been social distanced.

Route 13/West Maine Street, Carbondale, 2020

Carbondale’s annual Lights Fantastic Parade (I won’t say what year it started, but I did string battery operated lights onto my flag pole and freeze through the parade route with the Marching Salukis that year. People have fortunately found the secret to constructing floats that don’t catch fire as they go down the street now…) will be a drive by event this weekend.

Normally, there are many live Nativity Scenes. I guess the angel is normally socially distanced, and the Wiseman technically are distanced from the birth by a few years, but COVID-19 has also affected these events. So far, I have seen one scheduled for Carrier Mills.

Stores continue to be at reduced capacity as we have been on Tier Three of the COVID-19 mitigation, but some are able to modify and continue their Christmas Open Houses and sales.  If you are near Salem, you may wish to follow the links below (or from the app or Events page) to see the happenings this evening at both Country Creek Treasures and The Rusty Nail. It is very important that we continue supporting our local shops, restaurants, lodging, and other small businesses when we have opportunity to do so. In the long run, supporting them supports our communities as a whole. 

If you head to Salem this evening, you could also see the Lewis Family Light Display and possibly make the half hour drive on to Centralia’s Foundation Park to see Fantasy of Lights 2020. Have yourself a merry little family Christmas adventure or one of those Hallmark Movie script- worthy dates.

Division Street, Downtown Carterville, 2015

A mix of family, community,, and municipal displays light up this December Southern Illinois sky this year. We will add them to the list at the top of the Events section in the app and website as we become aware of them. You may want to pack up your hot cocoa for the road, grab a comfy car blanket, and set out to see some lights. Our recommendation is to see what is also close to your destination, such as lights or events in neighboring towns, places to get food, local shops, or possibly experience a stay in one of the cozy cabins or inns at Christmastime. Many are listed in the Lodging section of the app and this website.

Candy Cane Lane, West Frankfort, within past decade…

Some events this year may have food or beverage trucks on site. Spread S’more Love will be on site some at the Reis Christmas light display in Herrin. We will try to share info on the Facebook page and update the ASOSI app and the Events section of this website as we hear of more opportunities to taste a bit of Southern Illinois.

This pandemic has been a mean one, but it cannot stop Christmas, and it cannot stop Southern Illinois from celebrating the birth of Jesus–safely, of course!

Please see currently listed Christmas and seasonal events from the app/website below. We recommend checking back regularly for additions or updates as well as checking links before making a special trip to see something for any admission fees or last minute changes.

ALTON

Christmas Wonderland https://www.riversandroutes.com/listing/christmas-wonderland/5845/

https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasWonderlandAlton/

BELLEVILLE

The Way of Lights at The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows https://www.facebook.com/323693377655128/posts/3792037167487381/

BENTON

12/19/20 3rd Annual Spirit of Christmas Light Parade https://fb.me/e/1ISyDYV2I

CARBONDALE

12/5/20-12/6/20 Lights Fantastic Float Display https://www.facebook.com/763733763750003/posts/3294996293957058/

CARLYLE

11/27/20-1/10/21 Carlyle City Park Drive-Through Christmas Light Show https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2789433601295460&id=1548256528746513

CARRIER MILLS

12/19/20 Living Hope Church presents a Drive Thru Nativity https://fb.me/e/1NZS99aQV

CENTRALIA

Fantasy of Lights 2020 at Centralia Foundation Park https://fb.me/e/1lO728cXn

11/28/20 Holi-YAY Festival of Lights- Centralia IL Downtown District https://fb.me/e/1YUELREcE

COLLINSVILLE

Woodcock Family Light Display https://www.christmaslightfinder.com/displays/display-details/?id=2656

Woodford Way Wonderland https://www.facebook.com/WWWHolidayLights/

COULTERVILLE

Coulterville Holiday Light Display https://www.facebook.com/Coulterville-Holiday-Light-Display-184976148000/

DUQUOIN

11/28/20-12/30/20 DuQuoin Holiday Lights Fair https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3493683257367848&id=163396890396518

EFFINGHAM

Wonderland in Lights 2020 https://fb.me/e/CPx99gAD

FAIRFIELD

Huber Family Light Display https://www.facebook.com/Huber-Family-Christmas-Light-Display-107116551220134/

Phelps Family Christmas Display https://www.facebook.com/phelpsfamilychristmasdisplay/

Timbercreek Drive –off Route 148/Park Avenue

HERRIN

Reis Lane https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10223808728023209&id=1144860062

JOHNSTON CITY

Coulson’s Fantasy of Lights https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10218701530511583&id=1298474960

Southern Illinois Christmas Santa and Anya Claus House https://www.facebook.com/groups/263268040373679/?ref=share

14806 Christmas Tree Road, Johnston City

MARION

Cherry Valley 7066 Cherry Valley

Yost Family Lights https://www.facebook.com/yostfamilylights/

11/27/20 Farm Fresh Christmas Trees Opening Day Black Friday at The Patch https://fb.me/e/AJ5dEcg3

12/5/20 Frosty the Snowman and Home Alone at Oasis Drive-In Theater, fundraiser to benefit Marion Unit 2 Foundation, $30 per vehicle https://fb.me/e/3ELz5GiLG

MARYVILLE

Christmas on the Compound https://www.facebook.com/Christmas-on-the-Compound-101753961312442/

Barbarotto Lane

MT. VERNON

Christmas in the Park at Veteran’s Memorial Park https://facebook.com/events/385127925734572/?ti=as

MURPHYSBORO

12/5/20 Murphysboro Hometown Christmas 4th Annual VIRTUAL Tree Lighting Ceremony https://fb.me/e/3YJxzWmsK

12/5/20 Drive In Movie-The Polar Express https://fb.me/e/YAWZMxPk

OLNEY

11/27/20-12/30/20 Olney Christmas Light Display at Olney City Park https://www.facebook.com/1514176182157098/posts/2777584685816235/

SALEM

11/28/20-1/3/21 Lewis Family Christmas Display https://fb.me/e/1JRLC6ife

12/4/20 The Perfect Man (snowman) Sale at The Rusty Nail https://www.facebook.com/209071005779777/posts/3776583969028445/

12/4/20 Twilight Christmas at Country Creek Treasures https://fb.me/e/y9oi4OZa

TROY

Troy ToyLand Christmas Display https://fb.me/e/CPx99gAD

VIENNA

Elliotts Christmas 2020 https://www.christmaslightfinder.com/displays/display-details/?id=3706

WEST FRANKFORT

11/28/20-1/1/21 Candy Cane Lane https://fb.me/e/7Fx2qufEI

12/17/20 Santa’s Virtual Storyline LIVE https://fb.me/e/1qxNp0MEthttps://www.facebook.com/ChristmasTownWestFrankfort/

12/19/20 Drive-In Movie Night-Christmas Classics https://fb.me/e/38uWHfHyE

Although it would be impossible to list everything happening south of I-70, an effort is made to try to list some highlights. If you have an event or know of one to submit, please email it to: asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com

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Fourth of July Celebrations in Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is home to many Fourth of July celebrations. This year, some start as early as June 28, and others are not until July 7. Hopefully, there is an event that fits everyone’s schedule.

This is by no means a list of all fireworks and celebrations in Southern Illinois, but there are links to some listed below in alphabetical order. Don’t forget that you can also use the ASOSI app (free for download in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store) to find locally-owned restaurants, things to see, and more listed by town.

Alton’s Fireworks Spectacular

7/3/18 https://m.riverbender.com/articles/details.cfm?id=29284

Anna Fourth of July Fireworks

7/4/18 https://m.facebook.com/AnnaFireRescue/photos/rpp.129931467063069/1962201633836034/?type=3&theater

Carbondale Fireworks Display

7/4/18 http://www.carbondalechamber.com/events/details/carbondale-fireworks-display-11266

Carlyle Lake’s Fireworks Spectacular

6/30/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/402437606891296/?ti=as

Carterville Independence Day Fireworks

7/4/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/748820481908623/?ti=as

Cobden, Reds, Whites & Brews at StarView Vineyards

6/30/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/174951883216665/?ti=as

DuQuoin Fireworks Display

7/3/18 http://www.duquointourism.org/index.php?mact=CGCalendar,cntnt01,default,0&cntnt01event_id=60&cntnt01display=event&cntnt01returnid=38

Farina 4th of July

7/4/18 https://www.facebook.com/farina4thofjuly/

Golconda 4th of July Festival and Fireworks

7/6/18 http://www.mainstreetgolconda.org/events/867/

Goreville Freedom Fest 2018

7/4/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/257693818066987/?ti=as

Grand Tower Fireworks & More

6/30/18 https://m.facebook.com/119685634710279/photos/pcb.2062347187110771/2062347043777452/?type=3&theater

Herrin Park July 4th with Cat Daddy O Live, Special Night Swim, and Fireworks

7/4/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/2008279442722723/?ti=as

Johnston City Fireworks Spectacular

6/28/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/2084007911610976/?ti=as

Metropolis 2018 Hometown Celebration

7/7/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/194975364558523/?ti=as

Mt. Carmel’s Fantastic 4th Celebration

6/30/18-7/6/18 https://www.facebook.com/MTCFantastic4th/

Rend Lake Fireworks

6/30/18 https://www.facebook.com/events/553779568300298/?ti=as

Salem Celebrating Independence Day

7/4/18 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157457794918154&id=183980713153

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Flooding, Concerts, and Costa Rican Coffee?

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All of the recent flooding has brought a couple of concerts to mind. The second time (out of five?) that I saw Bon Jovi was during The Great Flood of ’93.

They were playing at the Riverport Amphitheater (forgive me, but I’ve quit keeping track of the frequent name changes of that place. ) There was so much flooding in the southwest part of Illinois. For some reason, I thought the only way to get to St. Louis from Carbondale at that point in life was to head through Murphysboro and over to Route 3. One of the roads was closed due to flooding, and I was completely distraught. Seeing Bon Jovi was pretty much the one thing I had been looking forward to for several weeks.

So, the three of us, a girl from Costa Rica, a guy from Pakistan, and a somewhat directionally-challenged Southern Illinois girl, finally made our way via the interstate. The concert was of course, great. (How could Jon Bon Jovi not be great, right?) We made it home to Carbondale very early the next morning via Festus, Missouri. (I don’t know why we went through Festus –I was trying to sleep.)

Fast forward to sometime in the summer of 1998 when my cousins, my BFF, and I headed to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds to see Leann Rhines and Bryan White. Bryan put on a great show, but the storm had started moving in quickly. LeAnn had to postpone for safety reasons.

We made a mad dash for my cousin’s car in the pouring rain. As we struggled to see our way out of the congested fairgrounds parking lot in the downpour, we kept smelling coffee. That was odd considering that none of us had any, nor was there any stowed in the car. We finally figured out that the combination of summer heat and rain had actually started steaming my necklace of Costa Rican coffee beans from a recent trip… That was a first for me. Scented fashion accessories. Not at all age-inappropriate…

However, the evening’s adventure did not end in DuQuoin. We headed east then south down Route 148 and took some side roads in Herrin where we thought there might be better visibility without so many headlights glaring and that type of thing. Uh, bad choice. Apparently, Herrin had a flash flooding issue.

We seemed to be cruising down the street just fine, and then, suddenly, we were floating like a boat. Water started coming into the car by our feet. I remember calling a cellular rescue service that I’d apparently just thrown money at for several months because it was no help. The lady who answered kept putting me on hold. I remember saying “Ma’am, we can’t hold. We are in a car with water rising up to our knees…”

Fortunately, the other girls managed to get the window to where we could climb out of the car, still filling with water. It just happened that we were near a crisis shelter. The folks at the shelter were kind enough to let us get out of the storm and find a tow truck. Eventually, four very tired girls climbed into the tow truck with one poor tow truck driver to end the night. I had been to all those “dangerous” rock and concerts with no mishaps, but I went to one country music concert and nearly drowned. Nothing like this ever happened when I drove myself over to St. Louis to see Ozzy’ s “Retirement Sucks” concert…

Although we made it out of the flash flood ok, the car did not fare as well and was determined to be a total loss. When we went back to the area the next day, and the water had disappeared, we could see that it wasn’t even a very big dip in the road. At night, it wasn’t noticeable, and in a downpour, it became dangerous.

So, if you get nothing else out of my little trip down memory lane, please take flash flooding warnings seriously. What may not look like much water can total a car in a matter of minutes. Stay safe-and dry. Remember that actual coffee beans will steam if the conditions are right…