Alton Main Street Newsletter October 2024
Director’s Note ~
Coco + Oak is moving from William St. to 110 W. 3rd St., and welcomes you to their Grand Reopening on Fri, Oct 4th from 9am-9pm! They offer high quality, trendy fashions at affordable prices, and you are going to love their refreshed brand of clothing, jewelry & home décor.
We send a fond farewell to Amanda Diveley and her team at Merle Norman who are moving out of 110 W. 3rd after being in operation in Alton for nearly 70 years. Amanda will now be offering esthetic services and Lauren & Mariah will be continuing their massage therapy services at their new location called The Heights at 961 East Airline Dr. in East Alton. Visit www.heightspa.com to book online!
~ Sara McGibany, Executive Director
A ton of Fall fun awaits you at the Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off!
Join in the Fall fun at the Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off, to be held on Sunday, October 27th from Noon until 3:00. This year’s event will be held in the warehouse and on the patio at The Renaissance X, located at 401 Piasa Street. Local chefs, both amateur and professional, will match their favorite recipe with others in similar categories. Judges will award $100 prizes to winners in 4 categories: Individual, Organization, Business and Restaurant, as well as for the best decorated booth. The team voted as “People’s Choice” will receive the coveted silver ladle and bragging rights.
Enjoy live music from Number 4 Combo! Tickets will be available at the door, $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Funds raised will support our ongoing efforts to improve and promote Downtown Alton. Register your chili cook-off team here or RSVP to attend on Facebook here!
A Late Night Art and Shopping Experience Awaits at First Fridays!
Alton Main Street is proud to present First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans many locations across the Downtown district. This event will be held on the First Friday of every month in Oct, Nov & Dec, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites! Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments and giveaways.
Everyone who has their passport stamped at 8 locations will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to any participating business, and the first shopper to find our “Where’s Wadlow” statue inside one of the shops will also win a $100 gift certificate! A free shuttle will be provided from 5- 8pm, running a continuous loop between all locations. Pick up your passport at any participating business to guide your journey. Find the list of shops at DowntownAlton.com/Events!
Dawgs 4 Paws Event Raises Awareness
Get ready for Dawgs 4 Paws on Sun, 10/6 from 2-4pm at The Episcopal Parish of Alton! This event is to help raise awareness for their pet food pantry, held on the first Sunday of each month. The event hopes to raise the much needed funds to continue this wonderful ministry—come out and enjoy hot dogs, live music by Gigi Darr, a silent auction, and bring your pet for a blessing! You can click here to check out their Facebook event.
“Block Party for Good!” hosted by Food Is Love
Food Is Love invites you to its “Block Party for Good!” on Thursday, October 3rd from 2-3:30. Head to the Alton Amphitheater for free groceries, free hot food truck items, and free health checkups with OSF’s Health and Wellness Mobile, all available on a first-come, first-served basis.
October at the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Stock up on produce & canned goods and pick up your Halloween pumpkin
at the remaining weeks of the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Every Saturday from 8am-Noon through October 19th!
10/5—Canine Carnival
10/12 – Community Yard Sale
10/19 – Goat Yoga from 10-11
The goats will be on-site for the duration of the market for everyone to visit with,
but tickets are required for the 60-minute yoga class, so get yours before they sell out!
CLICK HERE to reserve your spot
Holiday Fears at OBBC
Join The Old Bakery Beer Company on Oct 5th from 11:30-3:30 for this annual event that embraces all things spooky! Shop from 18 local vendors offering a wide range of products, from fall-themed sweets to Halloween decor. Have your tarot cards read, and check out some exclusive new OBB merch. Do it all while sipping on a glass of Spooky Scary – OBB’s oak-aged imperial stout with peanut butter and chocolate! Or indulge in a flight of beer expertly paired with our favorite Halloween candies. See you there, if you dare!
Make sure you don’t forget by clicking “Going” on their FB Event right here.
23rd Annual Vintage Voices Walking Tours
Now in its 23rd year, Vintage Voices will continue its tradition of guided walking tours in the Alton Cemetery on the first two weekends in October. Join them on Oct. 5, 6, 12, and 13, from noon until 2:30 p.m. Tours leave from the main gate of the cemetery (Vine & 5th Streets) every 15-20 minutes. A non-walking tour will be held at St. Mary’s Middle School, 1015 Milton Rd., on Sun, Oct 6 at 5pm.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for ages 6-18. Tickets can be purchased online at vintagevoices.eventbrite.com, at Picture This and More at 17 E. Broadway, or at the main gate of the Alton Cemetery at least 30 minutes before the tours begin.
Historic Building Tour with Alton Area Landmarks Association
On Sat, October 12th from noon to 3pm., Alton Area Landmarks Association invites you to its 52nd Annual free historic building walking tour. Stroll East Broadway from Market Street to Ridge Street to appreciate the architecture and history of buildings built as early as the 1830s. This area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. Architectural styles include Italianate, Victorian, Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, Craftsman and MidCentury Modern designs.
Many restaurants and shops will be open and ready to serve, and the tour will happen rain or shine. Free admission, pick up your program at 435 E. Broadway. For more info, contact Terry Sharp at 618-463-5761 or altonlandmarks@gmail.com
Starve a Vampire at SSP Blood Drive
Join SSP in fundraising for United Way with a 50/50 Raffle during the month of October. The winner receives 50% of the total ticket sales, the other 50% will benefit United Way. (18 or older). Tickets can be purchased at seniorservicesplus.org or at the front desk at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave.
Starve a vampire this Halloween and donate blood! SSP is hosting a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross Mon, Oct 21st from 10am-3pm. Schedule your appointment at redcrossblood.org and enter SSP. Walk-ins welcome!
Relax with Clarity Massage
Relax and heal at Clarity Massage Therapy, located at 200 W 3rd Street, Suite 412, Alton, Illinois. Clara Vaughn, LMT offers customized massage services, including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal and postpartum massage, designed to ease stress and tension. Experience professional massage therapy in a peaceful setting.
Click here to schedule your appointment today for a personalized relaxation session.
Mobile Ordering at Germania Brew Haus
Experience the convenience of our mobile ordering app, designed to make your coffee run swift and simple. With just a few taps, select from our artisanal menu, customize your drink, and pay ahead. Your freshly prepared beverage awaits on our to-go shelf, ready for you to grab and go. It’s coffee crafted to your taste, with no wait. Perfect for those busy mornings or quick afternoon pick-me-ups. Download the app now on the Apple Store or Google Play and step into the future of effortless ordering.
Pumpkins and More at Honeybee Vintage
Fall is in full swing! Buy your farm-fresh pumpkins, shop the Beetique for kids outfits, and pick up your seasonal décor and gourmet items. We’re ready to help with your holiday shopping list, with a *sweet* bonus! Beginning 10/1, for every $100 total in gift certificates you buy, you will receive a “Honeybee Bonus Bag” containing over $40 in merchandise & shop coupons! Only 50 bags available, so make your list early. Gift wrap available! Buy in-store or at honeybeevintagealton.com. Mon-Sat 9-5 and Sun 12-5.
Marketing Support from Bridged, LLC
Marketing, Graphic Design, & Proposal Support! In today’s business world, it’s important to let people know about your company and convince them to choose you. That’s where marketing comes in— spreading the word about your organization through your unique branding and messaging. And when you want to get new projects or jobs, proposal services can help you cultivate responses to explain why your business is the best choice. The Bridged Team is here to make sure your company has the marketing and proposal tools it needs so that you can get more customers and grow your success.
www.bridgedllc.com/ Hello@BridgedLLC.com / 314-884-0033
New Location for The Healing Haus
Introducing a new space for holistic wellness! The Healing Haus brings founder Latavia Jo’s dream to life by incorporating all holistic healing modalities under one roof, making it a haven for those seeking mind, body, and soul rejuvenation. Offering a range of services: private yoga sessions, meditations, reiki, sound baths, holistic coaching, workshops and much more.
Join us for a Full Moon Sound Bath, on Friday, October 18th, from 6:30- 7:30pm at River Bend Yoga! To stay updated on future events, be sure to follow The Healing Haus on social media or contact lataviajo.harley@gmail.com
34th season of Alton Odyssey Tours
‘Tis the season for some spooky fun in one of the most haunted small towns in America! Alton Odyssey Tours kicks off its 34th season of haunted tours on Friday, October 4th with the 8th annual Haunted Craft Beer Walk. The tour includes five stops at haunted locations paired with a five-ounce serving of an Old Bakery Beer. The season’s first Haunted Trolley Tour will take place on Saturday, October 5th. The tour is a three-hour jaunt of some of Alton’s most haunted locations including the Milton Schoolhouse and McPike Mansion. Behind the Bricks walking tour also takes place on October 5th and includes a ghost hunt at a new haunted site. For more information visit AltonOdysseyTours.com.
Trunk or Treat with Alton Apartments For You
Join Alton Apartments For You for some Trunk or Treat fun! They will be handing out food, drinks, and candy while supplies last. You also get to vote on your favorite decorated trunk or table! Thursday, October 17th from 5:30pm-7:30pm at 112 Manor Ct. in Alton — For details: 618-465-8708
The Rocky Horror Show at Alton Little Theater
ALT is producing “The Rocky Horror Show” for the first time ever this Halloween Season! The stage version features all your favorite characters and songs from the movie, including ” Time Warp” and ” Science Fiction”. Performances will be held Oct 25th, 26th, 27th, Nov 1st and 2nd at 7:30pm; October 31st at Midnight (11:59), and Sunday, Nov 3rd at 2pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at altonlittletheater.org, by calling the Box Office at 628-462-3205 or by visiting the Theater office Mon & Fri from 11am – 1pm or Wed from 3:30 – 5:30. Tickets are $25 and prop bags will be available to purchase for an additional $5
Local Business Owner Profile – Denny Scarborough
In early September, Tinner’s Anvil moved from its Langdon Street location around the corner to the 500 block of Broadway in Alton. It now shares the block with The Conservatory, Alton Music Exchange, and Grand Piasa Body Art. Denny Scarborough spent the last five years working to rehab the historic building which originally housed a blacksmith shop and a hardware store. The multi-room interior now has beautifully restored wood floors, original brick walls, and 14’ ceilings.
At Tinner’s Anvil, you’ll find a wide variety of what Denny describes as country and hand-made furniture as well as all kinds of decorative accessories. All the treasures are collected by Denny from auctions, flea markets, and estate sales both local and out of state.
His interest in this type of business goes back to his “early years”. While serving in the Navy in the early 1970’s, a friend asked him to accompany him to an auction. It was his first and he was hooked. His passion is finding unusual items that he envisions someone else would love in their home.
He’s also excited about the possibilities of the Alton Broadway corridor and wants to see it fulfill its potential. Denny says most of his customers come from across Madison County, but he’d like more people from the St.Louis metro area to explore Alton and its unique businesses.
Denny says he really enjoys talking to people and helping them find what they’re looking for and he’s glad to refer them to another Alton business that might have what they want if his store doesn’t.
Down the road he plans to add a woodworking shop where he can make repairs and work on custom-made furniture. Tinner’s Anvil is located at 550 Broadway and is open on Friday and Saturdays from 10am till 4pm and Sundays from noon to 4pm. Drop in and see Denny. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find.
~ Written by Steve Potter