Alton Main Street Newsletter December 2024
Director’s Note ~
We are pleased to present the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, 11/22! The free festivities will take place from 6-7pm at Lincoln
Douglas Square and include photos with Santa, caroling, cookies and cocoa. At 6:45 Mayor David Goins will flip the lights on our beautiful tree, provided by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club. The Salvation Army will also be kicking off their “Tree of Lights” campaign. You can help the less fortunate by bringing along non-perishable food items to help build a Castle of Cans at the foot of the Lincoln & Douglas statues, which will be donated to the food pantry at the Salvation Army. Or, by bringing donations of bedding for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The organization builds and delivers beds for area children, and is in need of twin-sized comforters, standard size pillows, or twin bed in a bag sets.
~ Sara McGibany, Executive Director
The Green Gift Bazaar is November 30th!
The Green Gift Bazaar will be held on Sat, Nov 30th. This 22nd Annual event will be held at Post Commons and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; stop by from 10am-4pm to find 45 “green” vendors! We partner with the Sierra Club on this event, which features a variety of environmentally-friendly gift ideas. We will also be providing shoppers with sale info from downtown retailers and restaurants. Plan a day of shopping with your friends to celebrate “Small Business Saturday” and pick up unique, locally-made, eco-friendly gifts for everyone on your list. Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event!
The Last First Friday Late Night Art and Shopping Event
The final First Fridays Late Night Art and Shopping Experience of the year will be held on Dec 6th, spanning 15 shops & galleries across the Downtown district. Park at Broadway & Ridge and catch the free shuttle from 5:00-8:00pm. Have your passport stamped at 8+ locations for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to any participating business, and find Where’s Wadlow during the event to win a $100 gift certificate!
Click here to RSVP to our Facebook Event and get updates on specials at each participating location!
Jacoby Arts Center is BACK!
Uncle Jeff’s T-Shirts is Open for Business
Unleash Your Creativity at Uncle Jeff’s T-Shirts & Bar, the ultimate destination for creativity and fun, located at 305 E. Broadway inside the vibrant Party On Broadway event space in Mineral Springs Mall. At Uncle Jeff’s, we believe every individual has a unique creative spark just waiting to shine. Our bar isn’t a place to grab your favorite drink; it’s a lively hub where you can craft personalized t-shirts, mugs, hats, etc. and even revamp your own clothing! Choose from a plethora of supplies, including transfers, vinyl, stickers, and patches to bring your vision to life. Join us Thurs-Sat from 12-4pm for our exciting walk-in experiences, or if you prefer a more private setting we’re happy to accommodate reservations! Visit our Facebook page for special workshops designed to enhance your crafting skills and fuel your imagination. Whether you’re looking to create a unique gift or simply want to enjoy a fun outing with friends, Uncle Jeff’s T-Shirts & Bar is your go-to spot to let your creativity flow, roll up your sleeves, and craft something amazing! For inquiries or to book a DIY session, call 314-795- 9003. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks (including alcohol) to enjoy while you create! Come express yourself and leave not just with memories, but with a masterpiece of your own making!
The Old Bakery Beer Co Hosts Holiday Markets
The Old Bakery Beer Company is kicking off market season with their new Harvest Market on Sat, 11/23—shop for local goods for your Thanksgiving table. From produce and fish to fall decor and scents, Harvest Market will feature items that are perfect whether you’re hosting or want to pick up a locally made host gift! Weekly holiday markets will be held at the brewery every week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you’ll have plenty of options to support your local artists!
Riverbend Tech Center Has You Covered
Need technology assistance? We’ve got you covered! At the RiverBender Tech Center, we’re here to make technology work for YOU. Whether it’s a quick fix or in-depth, we’ve got solutions for your needs. We can help you in our storefront at 312 Belle St. Mon -Fri from 10am-6pm, or you can schedule a 1-on-1 appointment for personalized support, after-hours assistance, or convenient remote support. We’ll even come to you – offering house visits, pickup/ drop-off services, and even curbside assistance at your vehicle. What we can help with: phones, tablets, computers, printers, network and more. Stop by, call us, or book online at rbtechcenter.com! Your tech. Your way. When You Need It.
River Bend Yoga FREE Classes
Join us on Small Business Saturday, November 30th for FREE classes and fun! Starting at noon, there will be multi-level classes staggered throughout the afternoon: Beginner, Intermediate, Restorative, Gentle, Yin, Aerial, Vinyasa, Sculpt, PreNatal, and even a Kids’ Class. Reserve your spot on Punchpass and follow the Facebook Event. Little Haus of Auras will be on site for auras readings and insights. And discounts on all ZUM products and RBY apparel (the tie-dyes are amazing). *Regular morning classes will not be held on Small Business Saturday. Hope to see you at the studio. Namaste
Socks for Tots
Alderwoman Rosie Brown invites you to donate to the 10th Annual Socks For Tots drive! Brand new socks are appreciated, and donation boxes can be found at Alton City Hall, the YWCA of Alton, Hayner Library Downtown branch, The Renaissance X, Mac’s Time Out, Bluff City Grill, Fast Eddie’s Chicken, St. James Baptist Church, and Tabernacle Baptist Church throughout the months of November & December. For more information or to donate, please call Rosie at 618-580-2394.
Honeybee Vintage
Season’s Greetings, get your Christmas list ready! Visit us on First Friday, Dec 6th from 5-8pm…10% off storewide. Now through the holidays, $40 gift for you when you buy $100 total in gift certificates, any denomination. Send your list to hello@ honeybeevintagealton.com, and we will have them ready for pickup! Our Beetique has all the kids need to stay warm (and cute!) Christmas outfits, pajamas, coats, shoes, etc. Boutique brands at resale prices! Honeybee has 20 vendors offering oneof-a-kind finds, including vintage, antiques, upscale resale, and local art. As always, THANK YOU for shopping small and local. www.honeybeevintagealton.com
Strangelovely Has Expanded
Strangelovely has undergone an amazing expansion! The ground floor now features an array of refined and classic vintage furniture and home décor. A beautiful new staircase leads up to a treasure trove of retro fashion, featuring a wide assortment of clothing, shoes and accessories from across the decades. Owner Kim Tanner is a thoughtful curator who has created a shopping experience with such ambiance, check it out Thursday – Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 11-4 at 230 E. Broadway!
Alton Flea Market is Now Vintage Vibes
Vintage Vibes Flea Market is a new hot spot for thrifters located at 711 Belle Street—the former Alton Flea Market, under new ownership! This indoor flea market offers hundreds of new and gently used items at incredible prices. New items arrive daily, so stop by often! Affordable booth space is available, for info please contact vintagevibesfleamarket@gmail.com.
Argosy Casino Alton
Argosy Casino Alton will host a concert with Almost Famous in their new entertainment area on the 2nd Deck! Join them on Saturday, November 23rd from 7:30- 9:30pm for a massive medley of crowd pleasers and party rock hits. This event is free of charge and you can find the Facebook event page HERE!
Senior Services Plus
The holidays are here at SSP! Join us Friday, 12/6 for our very first Merry Mixer! This social event is aimed at adults 55+ and is $10 to participate. The fee includes coffee, pie and a variety of fun activities to enjoy with others. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Hungry for more? Come to SSP’s December Holiday Luncheon sponsored by Ameren Illinois. This free and open to the public luncheon takes place Friday, 12/13 from 11am-1pm in SSP’s School House Grill. No RSVP required.
Alton Little Theater
ALT presents “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” on December 13–22, marking Kevin D. Frakes’ final directorial production after 54 years with ALT. The production features 28 performers, including ALT favorites like Hal Morgan as Scrooge, Alex Trepka as Bob Cratchit, and Knox Schell as Tiny Tim. Ten newcomers join the cast, bringing fresh talent to this timeless story of holiday charity. With limited seats remaining, audiences are encouraged to secure tickets soon. Celebrate the season and bid farewell to Frakes while enjoying ALT’s festive atmosphere and this multigenerational classic. Tickets: $22 adults, $18 youth. Visit altonlittletheater.org or call 618-462-3205 today!
Local Business Owner Profile – Lillian Bates
If you have a piece of clothing that needs to be custom tailored so that it fits you perfectly, Lillian By Design is for you! Lillian Bates took her first sewing class in high school and then earned a degree in art and design from SIUE. She later continued to polish her tailoring skills at JCPenny and working for Henry Sands at his legendary Bartleff’s clothing store in Godfrey’s Monticello Plaza.
For the past 17 years she has been creating clothing at Lillian By Design, located in a beautiful space in the historic Mississippi Lime Building in downtown Alton. Recent clients include a woman who had Lillian recreate her wedding gown into a cocktail dress for her 25th wedding anniversary. Lillian has even tailor-fit not only men’s suit coats but jeans as well.
Abbie Brooks has been a working associate at Lillian By Design for 5 years and says that she treasurers the conversations with clients and the friendly atmosphere. Abbie first got to know Lillian when she took a sewing class there; classes are a large part of the business. There are after school classes for children once a week and adult classes in the evening for both sewing beginners and for those with experience who want to fine tune their technique.
Currently Lillian has been creating an original line of sleepwear that will be available for you to see in early to mid-December that she describes as beautiful, yet modest and comfortable. By Design will soon be hosting a Trunk Show where guests will be able to try on and feel the sumptuous sleepwear.
Lillian By Design is located at 136 Front Street in Alton and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am until 6pm and Saturday from 10am until 2pm. Find out more online at LillianByDesign.com or give her a call at (618) 433-1400.
Written by Steve Potter