In The End, We're All The Same, But We're All Very Different

Until yesterday, I had never seen a "little person" as a child. I had only seen mature adults with dwarfism. Even though there are about 200 distinct types of dwarfism, there is one type that is far more common than the others, where the body is almost full, normal size, but the limbs are affected.

Yesterday, while strolling through the Botanical Gardens, I saw one of the many classroom / school bus tours walking through the Gardens. This group of youngsters was about 8 - 10 yrs old. I had stepped off into the grass to let the group pass me before stepping back up on the sidewalk to continue on about my way, but one young man - the "little person" young man - was walking in the grass along beside his classroom. He was looking down at the ground instead of looking up, watching where he was walking.
Just when he was about to bump in into me, I stepped up on the sidewalk to let him pass me.


(I was wearing full "Michael" garb, as you see in my profile pics.)
When this lil man saw me, he scrunched up his nose at me.
I turned my head in his direction, and I returned the favor: I scrunched up my nose at him!

Then, he did it again. By this time, he had completely stopped walking, and he stopped, turned around and was facing me. He looked at me and he scrunched his nose up at me again (with disapproval at my look). I did the same thing once again to him.

Suddenly, I could see a light click on inside his head and a huge smile spread across his face! I returned in kind, smiling back at him. Even though his classroom was some distance ahead, he ran up to me and gave me a high-five and said, "Thank you, Sir!". I told him, "You're welcome, my good man!" Then, he turned and ran his as fast as his lil feet could carry him to catch up with his class. I failed to mention that his teacher was standing beside me the entire time. As he ran away from me, she whispered to me, "I think Randall learned something new today! He learned that he couldn't judge somebody that was different from him when he is different from everybody else, too!"

- Michael

"Old School Music"

My music never had a "school" - does yours?

Most of the singers and performers that I listen to have years of hard work and dedication behind them and you can hear the results in their work. You can hear a genuineness - the real sauce - in their performance and in their voice. There must first be a genuine before their is a counterfeit.

Bob Seger, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle and numerous other bands and individuals. These people are not "Who? Now! Next!" people that are those of today's music. They have staying power because they struggled for years to get to the top. They played in bars, casinos and other dives before making it big, and you can hear that life they lived in the rich sauce in their voices and in their performance. They weren't handed a ticket to the top. They worked hard for their position at the front of the pack, and that is the reason that they have the staying power that they do, and it is the reason that they are still there.


Go ahead and give the kids these days what they want, if you must. But don't ever forget the backbone - the richness and the royalty - of those that paved the way for the "Who? Now! Next" crowd of today. As I stated in the intro - My music doesn't have a "School" - does yours?

- Michael

Events and Venues for St. Louis 2015

This list by any standards is not a complete list of all the activities in the St. Louis area.  They are a list of activities that I / we attend.  You will find information for 30 - 40 activities listed here, with times, dates and other information for each venue.
I tried to get the website for each page to print in red so it would stand out, but many of them refused to turn red, and will appear only in a drab grey, so please be sure to look for those at the end of the description for each venue.

A couple events that we attend throughout the year have already passed.  I put them at the bottom of the list to start next year.  These are the events that I / we attend each year. Yep.  I go to each and every one of them.  99% of them are free.  Out of the 10 art shows, one charges $10 admission, another charges $7 and another charges $5 - the rest of the art shows are free.  There is also a small admission charge to the Blues Fest. All the other events are free admission.  Of course, if you want to purchase items such as art work, craft items, food, etc, you should bring along the appropriate cash credit / debit cards, etc

The Strange Folk Festival

...FREE!!!

September 26th (Saturday 10am-8pm)
September 27th (Sunday 10am-5pm)

200 individual, private arts and craft makers are taking over Union Station Mall in St. Louis, MO. They will work together to merchandise in shops (presented as hashtags) in nearly every empty retail space on the 1st and 2nd floors with local restaurants and more outside while local indie bands play from the 3rd floor above. I like to buy hand spun yarns, trinkets to go with my Steampunk look and so much more from this festival.


Whenever any event is close to a Metrolink depot, we park at a depot that is closest to our home and take the train to that depot We park at the Belleville (IL) Metrolink Station and take the Metro down to the Union Station's own metro depot, just a few steps from all the Strange Folk (I normal, talented folk, really!) Festival

http://www.strangefolkfestival.com/

Shaw Art Fair




 Saturday, October 3rd - 4th from 9am to 5pm
 (Right across the street from the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and held at the same time as huge and very popular the Best of Missouri Show and sale at the Gardens)
http://shawstlouis.org/attractions-amenities/historic-shaw-art-fair/

The Best of Missouri at The Botanical Gardens


 Saturday, October 3rd - 4th from 9am to 5pm
 (Held right across the street at the same time as the Historic Shaw Art Fair. I've bought art and jewelry from this show.)
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/signature-events/best-of-missouri-market.aspx

Maeystown, Illinois Oktober Fest

This is the second large event held in Maeystown, IL, but there are several more festivals and activities held in this small German town throughout the year.

I enjoy the Oktoberfest the most.  LOTS of vendors selling anything and everything you can imagine, from antiques to soaps....food items...hand made musical instruments, handmade jewelry,  and flea market-type finds.
This are of the market runs along the stream (and through some people's back yards!) that goes through the small town.
The "food court" is the entire length of the Main street.
"Featuring antiques, arts, crafts and food from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM"
Artisans... Crafters... Dealers
Rug weaving, felting, photography, Blacksmithing, woodworking and a county story

http://www.maeystown.com/events/

Edwardsville Art Fair


Oct 16 - 18, 2015

(I will post more info as the event approaches.)
Edwardsville Art Fair is a juried fine art show located at City Park in beautiful downtown Edwardsville, Illinois (unless the weather is bad – then the location will be enclosed – the Edwardsville High School gymnasiums).
http://americanartsstl.org/schedule/edwardsville-art-fair/

Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival


October 24th & 25th 10am until 5pm
Where: The entire town of Kimmswick, MO

The entire city of Kimmswick is packed with vendors selling everything from food items to cell phone covers to anything and everything that you can legally sell to the American  public!
Annually, it draws an estimated 100,000 visitors.
The festival starts at 10am daily (however, people start arriving as early as 8am as the vendors are starting to set-up their booths.) and runs until 5pm. The town will be closed to vehicle traffic during these hours. Visitors may park at the Windsor School, located on Highway 61/67, and catch a bus into town. The buses will run throughout the day shuttling visitors to-and-from the parking area at Windsor School. Parking will also be available off of Highway K and is just a short walking distance into town. There will be no shuttles running on this route. The least crowded time during the festival is Sunday mornings.

The Kimmswick Historical Society will again be making and selling their famous Apple Butter at the Apple Butter Pavilion on Market Street.

100's of vendor booths will fill the city park and line the streets of Kimmswick selling a variety of crafts and food items. Live entertainment will also be provided by the city of Kimmswick and the Kimmswick Merchants.

The Apple Butter Festival is the largest event in Jefferson County drawing close to 100,000 visitors during the 2 day event. Be sure to come early and wear comfortable walking shoes. For more information contact the Kimmswick Visitor Center at 636-464-6464.

We Hope To See You There!
http://www.visitkimmswick.com/apple_butter_festival/

The 10th Annual Loop Ice Carnival



Held in January in the Delmar Loop district - exact dates and times will be updated as the event approaches.

This page is for 2015's page, but it'll give you a general idea of the venue and what it's about.  Shopping and eating along the Delmar Loop, looking at the fantastically detailed ice sculptures, etc.

http://visittheloop.com/icecarnival/


St. Louis Pet Parade


This is info for 2015, but the webpage will remain the same for 2016
Sun, Jan 31, 2016
This page will be populated with information as the date approaches:
http://www.mardigrasinc.com/events/

St. Louis Grand Mardi Gras Parade


Arguably the biggest street party in St. Louis and the 3rd largest Mardi Gras celebration in the world. This is just one corner...of one block.... of the entire Historic Soulard District.
Sat, Feb 6, 2016 11:00 AM
http://www.mardigrasinc.com/events/

St. Louis Home and Garden Show

(It's HUGE! This is just one small section of this 400+_vendor show and sale))
It's in late Feb or early March - I'll post exact information closer to the date.
https://www.stlhomeshow.com/homegarden/homepage.aspx
Green With Indy Craft Show


Just one day - March 14, 2015 10 AM - 5 PM
This craft event is much more than Popsicle jewelery boxes.
There are some affordable pieces at this fair as well as some high end, fine pieces.
(Complete with a couple food trucks!)
http://www.greenwithindiecraftshow.com/
St. Louis' (first of two) St. Patrick's Day parades


46th Annual Parade
The St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place on March 14, 2015. It is one of the top parades in the country, and the largest and most attended event in downtown St. Louis.
http://www.irishparade.org/

St. Louis' (second of two) St. Patrick's Day Parade


(It's not all about the parade, it's all about the street party that follows!)
In 2015, the parade is on Tuesday, March 17, at 12:30 p.m.
On and around Tamm Ave. - right across Highway 40 from the St. Louis Zoo.

http://stlouis.about.com/od/topattractions/a/Dogtown_Parade.htm

BIRD SHOW and SALE - Collinsville, IL


March 21st, 2015 -
Collinsville, IL -(Southern IL Bird Fairs)
VFW Post #5691
1234 Vandalia Street
Collinsville, IL
Hours: 9 to 4, Adult Admission: $4

You can come to just browse and look, or you can come to buy!
Every pet bird imaginable, from small finches, including the beautiful Gouldian Finch...to Macaws, Cockatoos, lovebirds,  several varieties of parrotlets, ,parakeets and, yes, dozens of baby African Grey parrots that were lovingly human raised.

Also sold a this show are toys for birds of all sizes (and some MAGNIFICENT and affordable cages!) many different food types, and anything and everything imaginable that has to do with a pet (or wild) bird
There is a spring and a fall show.

Birds at this show range from he most common to the most rare.
STLTODAY'S article:

http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/illinois/life/southern-illinois-bird-fair-to-be-held-in-collinsville/article_d6d0430b-0749-5142-90d8-64e342c54a28.html
A mile or less from our home and over 300 garage sale vendors in one place - Held in the parking lot at the Fairmont Race Track parking lot
Early Bird Admission is $10 and that is for all you bargain hunters who want an hour lead time to get at all the good stuff! Admission is $5 per person from 8a until things start winding down in the afternoon. Children 12 and under are FREE. If you don’t want to go in as an early bird you can be one of the first in line for regular admission.

Unless it is raining like Hell, he Early Bird Special is well worth the expense.  I always pay the early bird fee for this event and for the Gypsy Caravan on Memorial Day.

http://www.wil92.com/worlds-largest-garage-sale-spring-2015/frequently-asked-questions/

Art Fair at Queeny Park - Spring Show


Friday, April 10 - Sun April 12, 2015
Every type of fine art imaginable, from sculpture, to fiber arts, painting, wood and metal work, pottery, etc.
http://www.artfairatqueenypark.com/


American Indian (Mounds) Market Days - Cahokia

(even though these mounds are called "Cahokia" mounds, they are located in Collinsville, IL, not Cahokia, IL)
April 17 - 19, 2015
American Indians selling everything from artwork to WONDERFUL wearable and beautiful jewelry.
Some of the prices of the art are affordable - some are not so cheap - all are beautiful and worth the $$.  Admission is free.
You can also learn end explore the mysterious and HUGE Indian Mounds in this area (Several stories tall - and about 2 miles or less from our home.)
http://cahokiamounds.org/news-events/events/?month=04&year=2015

St. Louis Earth Day Festival


Since the inception of this event (and most events in this blog), I haven't missed a St. Louis Earth Day Festival.

Two stages with bands playing throughout the day...a large food court. Dozens of vendors, pedaling everything from food products to wool, art, jewelry, clothing, solar products, home and housing goods - anything and everything having to do with maintaining a good atmosphere for you and your children / grandchildren.

Join in this community tradition to learn about sustainable products and services offered by local businesses and organizations, meet area non-profits that share Earth Day values, catch local musical acts and performance art, participate in a number of hands-on educational activities, and enjoy diverse cuisine featuring local, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options. This year’s event will include special features, like yoga classes all day for both adults and children, a rock climbing wall, and a Metro Bus mural painting. The theme of the festival is a message of inclusion “Earth Day Every Day…for Everyone!” Event entry is free; the Earth Day Festival is a welcoming place where all are invited for celebration and learning.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
10 am – 6 pm
Muny Grounds, Forest Park
Free & open to the public | Family & dog friendly | Rain or shine!

http://www.stlouisearthday.org/events/festival/

Cinco De Mayo St. Louis on Cherokee St.
THIS STREET PARTY IS HUGE!
Saturday, May 2, 2015
11 AM - 9:00 PM

This Cinco de Mayo festival will feature a wide variety of live entertainment on three stages.

Shop the street vendors or the existing vendors in the Hispanic area.
Food, drink and merchandise vendors will be available.  Margaritas will be flowing!

The Cinco de Mayo celebration will also features a wide variety of of creatives offering handmade wares from St. Louis & beyond. The event also includes Lucha Libre Wrestling, a mechanical bull, and children's activities.

http://www.cincodemayostl.com/

Maeystown, IL Fruehlingsfest / Springfest

Held the first Sunday in May each year (May 3, 2015), this fair features antiques from some of the finest dealers in the Midwest. In addition, local nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials and herbs.(Both the Spring and the Fall event at Maeystown are HUGE, with ample food and merchandise vendors)
http://www.maeystown.com/events/

Laumeir Art Fair


  May 8 - 10, 2015
Another one of my favorite art shows, located in Laumeir Sculpture Park, usually on Mother's Day weekend.  This art show is one of two (out of 10!) that we go to that charges admission.  $10 at the entrance, but it's well worth the price of admission.
Wine, food and great art.
http://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/programs_events/art_fair

Belleville Art Fair / Art on the Square

May 15 - 17, 2015
HOURS:
Friday 5 - 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 11a.m. - 5 p.m.
Every type of fine art...painting, prints, sculpture, metal and wood working, blown glass and much more.
  http://www.artonthesquare.com/

Greek Festival - St. Louis County


Accompanied by genuine Greek bands and served by Greek parishioners of the Greek Orthodox church, really, it's ALL ABOUT the delicious Greek food! 
  Memorial Day Weekend
  May 22 - 25, 1015
http://stlouisgreekfest.com/

24th Annual St. Louis African Arts Festival

This African Arts Festival includes an African marketplace, African arts and crafts, health village, safari teen village, jewelry, clothing, oils, African films, authentic foods, children’s activities, cultural demonstrations and more.

The food is good.  The Bazaar offers everything from fragrance to beautiful clothing and jewelry to African Black soap - which is the best body soap you can buy anywhere to great entertainment.  Admission is always free.

Saturday, May 23: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m
Sunday. May 24:   11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25  10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

http://stlafricanartsfest.com/
Gypsy Caravan



Really - there are no Gypsies at this event. This is a flea market shopper’s paradise, on May 25, will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine and located at The Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway in St. Charles, Missouri.

GET THERE FRICKEN ***EARLY*** ! ! !
You can get the top early bird tickets at a reduced rate at Dierbergs grocery stores for $27.50 (down from $30 a piece), and,  unless it is raining like Hell, the Early Bird Special is well worth the expense.
I have seen people wait over 3 hours to get into this event, and I have never waited more than 5 minutes!

The Peek and Purchase event will be Sunday, May 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with an admission of $30, giving shoppers the very first chance to shop at vendor booths on Sunday and also includes early admission beginning at 7am on Monday.

Regular admission for Monday from 9am to 5pm. is $10. Early Bird admission for Monday from 7am to 9am will be $20.

To attend BOTH the Peek and Purchase as well as Monday’s event you may purchase discounted admission wristbands at your local Dierbergs Markets for $27.50. Additional discounted wrist bands are also available: Early Bird $17.50 wristband; General Admission $8.50 wristband. The wristband sales also get special, express entry at all gates. Children under the age of 13 are free.

Other info:
1) It has nothing to do with Gypsies.
2) It is the largest flea market of it's kind in the state of Missouri with 400 - 500 vendors, selling everything from food items, clothing, collectibles, yard ornaments, antiques, and anything and everything in between.
3) Bring a 'granny grocery cart', a little red wagon, etc, to haul your purchases
http://www.stlsymphony.org/gypsycaravan

St. Louis Renaissance Faire


Located in Wentzville, MO.
Open weekends only, May 16 - June 14 and on Memorial Day, May 25
Rain or Shine
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.... this has been there has been a vendor at this event that has sold a selection of "Headn' Home Hats" - the brand that I have bought and that I wear.
This is one of two venues (the other is the Festival of the Little Hills, held in August, with the vendor from the small company that makes these fine hats)

http://www.stlrenfest.com/

Air and Art - Webster Groves



Friday, June 5, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 6, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, June 7, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Air & Art is set on the oak-shaded grounds of Webster University/Eden Theological Seminary in the heart of historic Webster Groves, Missouri (63119), just 10 minutes west of downtown St. Louis. This is one of the many outdoor art fairs that we attend. I always have a good time, and I am inspired by the finely detailed art that these craftsman produce.
Follow this link, but I'm sure a more appropriate page will be published as the event approaches:
http://www.webster-arts.org/

ST. LOUIS PAGAN PICNIC



Saturday. June 6, 2015
Sunday, June 7, 2015
(Really - it's not a picnic, but it's more of a vendor's fair, and witches won't run out from behind trees to grab you!  I've bought several nice finds at this event over the years that we've attended.)
This year's theme is "Paths United"
Saturday's events are from 10:00 - 7:00
Sunday's events are from 10:00 - 5:00

https://www.facebook.com/events/1427295590899820/
St. Louis Gay Pride



June 27 - 28, 2015
Will most likely be held at Soldier's Memorial, downtown St. Louis.
This is a huge event, with a two hour parade, a main stage, vendors, and LOTS of good lookin' people!  :D
http://pridestl.org/

Festival of the Little Hills -
"Fete des Petites Cotes"

Located in St. Charles' historic district, you can shop the hundreds of vendors that come to the festival and visit the many shops in the historic district.This is the venue where I buy my Headn' Home Hats

http://www.headnhome.com/
August 21 through August 23, 2015
Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
http://www.festivalofthelittlehills.com/

THE MIDWEST SALUTE TO THE ARTS
 (ART SHOW / FAIR)Friday - 6:00pm-10:00pmSaturday - 10:00am-8:00pmSunday - 11:00am-5:00pm

(This is not metal - This guy's work is all ceramic that is made to look like metal machinery and parts.

This is the first outdoor art show of the fall season that we attend.
There ain't no "Ducky-Goosey" arts and crafts at these shows. These artists do are that is so awe inspiring - the it is often to to the point of tears.

In my opinion, Friday evenings are the beat times to go. It is a "Schmoozing" time.  The are absolutely glows under the lights in the booth.  A glass of wine.  A tasty snack from one of the vendors.  Some music from one of the band...and fine art.  That's my idea of a great, relaxing evening!

http://midwestsalute.com/


THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF NATIONS

Saturday, August 29, 10am - 7pm
Sunday, August 30, 10am - 6pm

Join us in Tower Grove Park for the region’s premier multicultural celebration, featuring over 40 ethnic food booths, non-stop dance and music, arts and crafts, and an international bazaar with unique gifts from around the world. The 40 ethnic food booths represent 40 different countries, including Native American food, and the shopping bazaar is huge!

Admission is Free!

Tower Grove Park is located near Grand and Arsenal on the City’s South Side, only steps away from St. Louis' famed International District! A shuttle service will provide complimentary rides on designated routes during operating hours

Parking is available in the park and at lots and streets in surrounding neighborhoods.
Japanese Festival - Missouri Gardens

   Labor Day Weekend
(Sept 5, 6 & 7, 2015)
   This is a huge event with performances Sumo wrestling demonstrations, Raku pottery demos, "The Candy Man" shows, the Dragon Parade, and much more,  There are many vendors at this annual event. You can buy everything from a bonsai and bonsai accessories to your own kimono, Japanese candies and other foods, etc.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/

The Big Muddy Blues Festival



A Hammond B 3 organ and a concert Grand piano back to back. It's gonna be a good night!
If my memory is running on all cylinders, I think this is Dr. John on stage.

(More info as the event approaches)
All day music with big name acts each evening.
Labor Day Weekend!
http://bigmuddybluesfestival.com/


Greek Festival - St. Louis City



Accompanied by genuine Greek bands and served by Greek parishioners of the Greek Orthodox church, really, it's ALL ABOUT the delicious Greek food! 
  Labor Day Weekend
(Sept. 5, 6 & 7)
  There is a vendor's market, but both Greek festivals are all about the FOOD!
We're foodies. We don't miss this event!
http://stlouisgreekfest.com/

BIG RIVER STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL


Join us as we celebrate the history of Hannibal, Missouri in true Steampunk Style!

Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Hannibal's magnificent contributions to the Industrial Revolution brought unbridled wealth and prosperity to the small river town, making Hannibal the epitome of The Gilded Age -- a term coined by none other than Hannibal's own Mark Twain.

The Big River Steampunk Festival features events, contests and performances that take place throughout historic downtown Hannibal. You'll immerse yourself in the Victorian era as you stroll along historic Main Street, explore our five nationally-recognized historic districts (Mark Twain's boyhood home is a certified National Landmark), and marvel at the architecture of the magnificent Victorian mansions along Millionaires' Row.

We hope you'll join us along the western shore of the mighty Mississippi River and step back in time at the Big River Steampunk Festival!

http://www.bigriversteampunkfestival.com/

For much more info:
http://www.festivalofnationsstl.org/

Shalafly Bottleworks Art Outside



Every imaginable type of artwork to view and offered for sale - prints, painting, photography, blown glass, pottery, woodworking and metal fabrication - and much more.
Sept 11th - 5PM - 10 PM
Sept 12th - 10 AM - 10 PM
Sept 13th - Noon - 4:00 PM

Schlafly Bottleworks
7260 Southwest Ave. (at Manchester) Maplewood, MO 
http://schlafly.com/events/calendar/2015/09/11/art-outside/




The St Louis Art Fair - Clayton


I LOVE FRIDAY NIGHTS AT THIS ART FAIR!
Often voted #1 or #2 art shoe in the country, my favorite time to go to this show is on Friday night, although it runs from Fri. evening to Sun. afternoon.
Sept 11 - 13, 2015
Sept 11 is an evening event, starting at 5:00 PM.  I enjoy going to an evening outdoor art fair as much or more than I do going to a daytime show because the colors in the art seems to "pop" under the lighting in the booths.
http://www.culturalfestivals.com/


St. Charles Mosaics Art Show / Sale



Sept 18:  Friday 4 - 9 PM
Sept 19:  Saturday 11 AM  -  9 PM
Sept 20:  Sunday 11 AM  -  5 PM

A great outdoor art show in early fall when the temps aren't too hot - not too cool - just right!
Great fine and creative art from wonderful and talented artists.  You won't find any "ducky - goosey" crap in this show.
(IF you want that stuff, you'll have to stop by in the shops on the same street! he he)
This event is held in the Historic St. Charles district.  Shop while you're there!
http://www.historicstcharles.com/includes/events/MOSAICS-Missouri-Festival-for-the-Arts/693/


The Great Forest Park Hot Air Balloon Race



(This is the night before the actual race. Every balloon you see here is 6 stories tall and every tiny dot you see is a human being! The only exception  is the Energizer Bunny.  He is the largest Hot Air Balloon in the world.  His ear is the same size as an average hot air balloon.)

Dates:
Sept 18 - the Balloon Glow
Sept 19 - from Noon till 5:00 PM (with the Balloons lifting off about 4:30 pm)
A word to the wise: PARK YOUR CAR OUT OF THE PARK AND WALK IN!

http://greatforestparkballoonrace.com/

The Taste of St. Louis

SEPTEMBER 18 - 20, 2015

With live music and DOZENS of food vendors, it is difficult to narrow your choices down to just a few few items.  By one - or buy several items from various vendors.  I haven't missed this event sine it's inception. It's a long story, but it's held in the Chesterfield Amphitheater.
http://www.tastestl.com/



Italian Fest
The Main Street Event
Collinsville, IL - just 8 minutes from the Gateway Arch

Sat, Sept. 18
Sun, Sept 19 

Since 1983, Collinsville IL has been celebrating the Italian culture and heritage that our city was built on. The Fest is a family friendly event and there really is something for everyone. We hope to see you at the Fest!

This festival has literall exploded over the last couple years.  There are sound stages, great food and much more.

http://www.italianfest.net/


If you have any questions - go ask somebody else - I've given you enough damned information, already!  :D
- Michael