A Slice of Southern Illinois
HerrinFesta Italiana has been a Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Southern Illinois since it started 1991. The event celebrates Herrin's Italian heritage. Festa, an alias of the festival, became one of millions of events cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Southern Illinois' festival that signals the unofficial beginning of summer has finally returned … Continue reading It’s Back…the 30th Annual HerrinFesta Italiana Returns
Since approximatelty 2017, #ServeSoILL has been an annually anticipated event by Cornerstone Church of Southern Illinois. The church's Western Kentucky campus has now joined the fun. Of course 2020 was the exception due to COVID-19 precautions, but #ServeSoILL 2021 returned strong. Hundreds of volunteers worked at sites throughout Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky on May … Continue reading A Tradition of Serving Continues
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 … Continue reading CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, SIGHTS, & SOUNDS
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 … Continue reading Fourth of July Celebrations in Southern Illinois
. 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. ) … Continue reading Flooding, Concerts, and Costa Rican Coffee?
HerrinFesta Italiana is a Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Herrin, Illinois. We only made it to the end of the parade this year, but these are a few of the things we saw. Enjoy!
Note: This post was updated with information received from our Consulting Historian, Carl Sullens, on 5/26/21 regarding the origin of Memorial Day. Additionally, corrections have been made regarding the date which HerrinFesta Italiana began. Info on celebrations in 2021 was added. Southern Illinoisans have a rich history of family-based Memorial Day Traditions. Swimming pools open, … Continue reading Memorial Day Traditions in Southern Illinois
