Alton Main Street Newsletter August 2023
Director’s Note ~
Don’t miss the next installment of our What’s Up Downtown Information Exchange on Tues, August 29th from 5:30-7pm at Jacoby Arts Center – we have a stellar group of featured speakers lined up! The public is invited to learn the latest news about developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including business updates and details of upcoming events. Business owners and organization leaders are welcome to attend and share announcements.
We welcome more volunteers to get involved in the beautification of Downtown Alton; we are doubling our efforts to pull weeds and pick up litter through the fall! For a list of all upcoming times, dates & locations that we are getting a group together to pitch in, join the Alton Main Street—Gardening Group. It’s fun
and easy, and you are guaranteed to meet awesome people & make new friends!
~ Sara McGibany, Executive Director
This month we celebrate the triumphant return of Rock the Hops!
Rock the Hops is a celebration of music, art, and craft beer taking place across Downtown Alton on Sat, Aug 12th. This self-guided event across 5 venues, organized by husband & wife team Hope & Drew Mader, is back better than ever for the first time since the pandemic.
The event features 25 local bands and is designed to bring awareness to, and heighten engagement with, the burgeoning art and music community in our region, while also showcasing our area’s beverage and culinary scene. Only a handful of tickets remain, so act fast and make sure to get yours today at www.RockTheHopsAlton.com!
Don’t miss these two amazing concerts featuring hot STL bands at a great new venue!
We’re excited to host two summer concerts at the new Alton Godfrey Rotary Park, located across the street from Alton City Hall at 101 E. 3rd Street. Both concerts are free to attend and will be held from 7-9pm.
Aaron Kamm & the One Drops will perform on Fri, August 18th. Hailing from St. Louis, MO, AKOD merges flavors of Roots Reggae and Mississippi River Blues and infuses them with improv-laced jams, and soulful vocals. Get ready for a high-energy performance and unique sound. CLICK HERE to RSVP on Facebook!
The Funky Butt Brass Band concert that was rained out on 7/14 has been rescheduled for Fri, Oct 6th! The band was formed in 2008 by six talented musicians who respect and revere the New Orleans brass band tradition. The FBBB takes traditional New Orleans brass tunes and sprinkles in their own brand of special Saint Louis musical magic. At any given gig, you’ll also hear some Chicago blues, Memphis soul, Southern rock and St. Louis R&B. CLICK HERE to RSVP on Facebook!
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket to spread on the lawn or a chair to place on 3rd Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic during the event. Food & beverages will be available for purchase on-site, or concert-goers are encouraged to pick up a carry out meal from their favorite Downtown Alton dining establishment on their way to the concerts.
We thank presenting sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy, as well as the Alton Godfrey Rotary for creating this beautiful park. What an enduring way to celebrate your club’s 100th anniversary!
Check out the music that will fill the air at the Mississippi Earthtones Festival!
At the Mississippi Earthtones Festival on Sat, Sept 16th at Riverfront Amphitheater, Mattie Schell & Friends will perform Americana tunes, Loftys Comet will hit you with some great alternative indie jazz, and of course the Jake’s Leg Grateful Dead Tribute can’t be beat. Between each act will be a performance by 1-Man, 10-Piece Band Jason “Gordo” Gordon. New this year, join the Joia World Percussion Marching Band for two boisterous parades through the festival grounds – one during daylight hours and one after dark!
We frequently have live music at the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market!
8/5 – Casting Runes
8/19 – Chris Nathan
9/2 – Charlotte Lenore
10/7 – Lauren Waters
And we often have talented busking musicians such as Ken Christopher and Nancy Lippincott show up to play under the shade of the trees!
There are big changes happening on Williams Street – we welcome Coco + Oak to the district!
Coco + Oak is a new clothing boutique moving to downtown that will be taking over 219 Williams Street! But don’t worry, the Chicks will be moving right next door to a new location that’s perfect for their style and charm.
For 3 years the Coco + Oak online boutique has shipped all over the U.S., and now they will bring quality and affordability to the Riverbend area. Something for anyone can be found here: women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and accessories, including a custom hat bar that will allow patrons to create their perfect hat for any occasion. Owner Madeline Eades loves the historical charm our district offers, and invites you to her Ribbon Cutting on 9/1 and Grand Opening on 9/8
starting at 9am with lots of giveaways and surprises!
The 3 Charming Chicks are on the move!
3 Charming Chicks, the wildly popular monthly pop-up seasonal home décor store is moving one door down to 221 Williams St! This larger, freshly remodeled space with the domed roof at the corner of Wall St. is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Typically their doors are open during the 1st full weekend of every month, but due to the move their big grand reopening celebration and shopping event is scheduled for Fri, August 11th.
Upcoming activities at the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
8/5 – Live music from Casting Runes
8/12 – Celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week!
Check out some BIG Farm Equipment on-site with the Madison County Farm Bureau
8/19 – Live music from Chris Nathan
8/26 – Art demo: Painting & drawing with Linette Hernandez, Test your pitching speed with Bristowplex, plus a pop-up roller skating rink ($5 kids / $10 adults)
Funds are available to double the buying power of SNAP benefits
Thanks to a LinkUP Illinois grant from The Experimental Station, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients can double their buying power for fresh fruits and veggies.
Visit our info booth to swipe your SNAP card where you can have an unlimited amount matched!
Country Meadows Antiques
Country Meadows, located at 401 East Broadway is turning “37” years old in August! We’ve seen many businesses come and go, weathered many storms and some floods, and even reopened after a fire. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the many loyal customers that we have had the pleasure to serve over the years. We invite you to celebrate with us on Sat, Aug 26th from 11-4:30. Come in for refreshments, special sales and prizes. We have the best selection of antiques and collectibles waiting for you.
Audubon Center at Riverlands
Join us at the River Ark art installation to be inspired by your surroundings and create art with the whole family! On 8/9 enjoy Cyanotyping and use the power of the sun to dye botanical designs onto chemical paper. On 8/12, join River Ark artist Thomas Sleet to view the landscape through the eyes of a sculptor. Learn about his methods before trying your hand at creating your own unique natural sculpture! On 8/16 immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of nature. Create your own nature journal and follow along as Audubon staff leads you through creative prompts and exercises centered on your senses! All materials are provided and there is no charge to attend, but reservations are requested at: riverlands.audubon.org/events.
We will also offer Kayaking on Ellis Bay Aug 26th! At this beginner-friendly class, we will discuss water safety and review the basics to kayaking before a guided paddle. 13 years old and up, $25 fee.
That Good
There’s a new ice cream shop at 1300 Central Ave! That Good serves pre-packaged treats from the Ice Cream Factory based in Eldon, Missouri in great flavors such as Gooey Butter Cake & Blackberry Cobbler, hand-dipped ice cream in many flavors with an abundance of toppings and syrups to choose from, as well as shaved ice!
Open Fri 2-9pm, Sat 2-9pm, and Sun 3-8pm. They also run specials on Sundays; back by popular demand—this week’s special will be the Bubble Wrap waffle cone.
State Street Market of Alton
State Street Market is pleased to announce a brand new addition! Our Happy Hour just got happier with the addition of a food menu priced just for you. Happy Hour is from 3:30 – 6:00 Tues-Fri in the Copper Bar. Our craveable casual menu is available all the time while Chef PK’s fine dining dinner menu starts at 5:00 Tues-Sat. Brunch is available every Saturday from 10am – 1pm. We do encourage reservations for dinner and larger groups. We are so much more than the “markets” you’re used to.
AjStotlerPhotography
Looking to capture beautiful memories this fall? Look no further! From scenic Fall Family sessions amidst the vibrant foliage, to professional headshots guaranteed to make you stand out, and stunning High School Senior portraits that capture individuality and accomplishment – AjStotlerPhotography has you covered. With an artistic eye, we guarantee each session to be unique, personalized, and timeless. Book your session today and let us freeze your special moments in breathtaking photographs that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. AjStotlerPhotography – where memories become extraordinary art.
Senior Services Plus
SSP will host its 2nd annual Glow Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, August 11th at 2603 North Rodgers in Alton. Doors open at 6pm with bingo starting 7pm.
Prize donations are being accepted for glow bingo- donate a unique item from your business, gift card, etc. All donors will be recognized on social media to over 3,000 followers, in the newsletter to over 3,000 homes, and announced at the event. To donate call 618-465-3298 ext. 123.
For more info and to purchase tickets, please visit SeniorServicesPlus.org/glow-bingo