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:
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.
Drew Baldridge and Mickey Guyton singing “Joy to Your World” at the Grand Ole Opry on October 15, 2025. Photo by Sharon Sullens
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.
Drew Baldridge performing at the Grand Ole Opry on October 15, 2025. Photo by Sharon Sullens
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.
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.
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 to Herrin.
The dragon rollercoaster has been a favorite of many children through the years…This was in 2009.
A carnival, food, and shopping opportunities make up the Midway. As indicated on the festival’s website, ride armbands are $25 per day unless purchased prior to midnight on May 26 for $20 each with a $2.99 service charge per order through https://www.herrinfesta.com/
Another family favorite: the carousel
Over the years, many local and famous acts have graced the HerrinFesta stage in the Piaza. Some of these include Survivor, Firehouse, 38 Special, Drew Baldridge, and Three Doors Down. 2015 became known as “The Year That Riding the Storm Out Was So Not An Option” due to a heavy downpour and lightning storm interrupting the REO Speedwagon concert. The 2018 line up included The Beach Boys, Slaughter, Queensryche, and Faith & Family Night at the Festa with Natalie Grant and Jordan Feliz.
38 Special in 2010
This year, with some COVID-19 restrictions still in place and the aftermath of over a year of sheltering in place and quarantining, no national bands have yet been announced. However, Festa goers will be treated to free local music in the Beverage Garden Tent beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday through Sunday night. Taylor Made will play on Friday evening. Saturday night features Most Wanted. Dave Clark will take the stage on Sunday night.
The Scrambler, 2009
Some of the special events that people look forward to each year include the parade, bocce ball, pasta eating contests, and the Road Races. The second annual Jeep Poker Run takes place on May 31. May 28 will be the HerrinFesta Italiana Golf Tournament. The pageants, baby contests, and a prayer breakfasts are other popular events. This year’s events so includes the Hartley Fine Art Exhibit at 100 South Park Avenue.
2013 Road Races
On May 27, Herrin Festa Italiana Goes to the Movies… An Italian film, Va’Sentiero (Follow the Trail) subtitled in English, will be shown at the Herrin City Library from 6-7pm. The film’s Director, Andrea Buonopane, granted permission for its public viewing.
Herrin Jr. High Dance Team preparing to step out into the parade line up in 2012.
The 2021 Talent Contest, hosted by Herrin Woman’s Club and Karen Sala, President, kicked off the week of HerrinFesta Italiana events. The winners were named as follows: James Windings, Herrin; Travis Westbrook, Carterville Karen Sala, director Brax Melvin, West Frankfort Rebekah Crouse, Herrin Tara Kay Tanner, Johnston City. Knox Robbins, Mulkeytown Kyler Followell, Benton
Unity Christian School waiting to begin the parade route in 2013.
This Year’s (and Last Year’s) HerrinFesta Parade Grand Marshalls are Tom DeChristina and Marilyn Matthews Ruppel. Both are known for their long-term involvement within the Herrin community and support if its people and events. The couple of 26 years will lead the Grand Festa Parade on Saturday, May 29, at 11 am.
Herrin Marching BandMark Kiesling, WSIL-TV, entertaining kiddos along the parade route in 2010.
HerrinFesta Lifetime Achievement 2020 – 2021 was awarded to Herrin native Richard “Itch” Jones. As a member of eight different sports Hall of Fames, he has recognized that his grade school through high school education provided him with a quality foundation. Mr. Jones is listed among the 20 winningest coaches in NCAA Baseball Division 1. He earned his master’s degree in physical education at SIU-Carbondale, where he played baseball and basketball, in 1965. Mr. Jones also played for the Baltimore Oreos minor-league system.
