Alton Main Street Newsletter November 2022
Director’s Note ~
Join us on Wed, Nov 30th from 5:30-7pm at Jacoby Arts Center for our next installment of “What’s Up Downtown” and get the scoop straight from the movers and shakers! The public is invited to learn the latest news about developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including business updates, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events. Business owners are welcome to attend and share announcements.
This holiday season, it’s more important than ever to rally around the small businesses that make Alton thrive. Main Street America is a proud supporter of Small Business Saturday and we’re thrilled to have been selected by American Express to be a Neighborhood Champion organization. We will receive marketing materials for the Shop Small movement, as well as assistance with planning as we help support our small businesses for this occasion.
~ Sara McGibany, Executive Director
Community Tree Lighting
Alton’s Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Fri, Nov 18th! Santa arrives at Lincoln Douglas Square at 6pm; the free festivities including caroling, cookies and cocoa will continue until 6:45 when Mayor David Goins flips 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. Park downtown and enjoy free trolley rides between the corner of 3rd & Belle St. and L-D Square from 5:30-7:30.
Bring your camera to take photos with Santa & the other costumed holiday characters! Free horse and carriage rides will be offered at the corner of 3rd & Belle St. from 7-9pm. You can bring along non-perishable food items and gently used winter wear to help the less fortunate. The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club has invested in a brand new tree this year, with LED bulbs! Big thanks to the Rotarians for their continued commitment to enhancing our community’s holiday spirit.
Green Gift Bazaar on Small Business Saturday
The Green Gift Bazaar will be held on Sat, Nov 26th. This 20th Annual event will be held at two locations simultaneously. Stop by Post Commons and Jacoby Arts Center 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, including herbal products, jewelry, art, ornaments, houseplants, clothing, and so much more.
Holiday Light Exchange
During the Tree Lighting as well as the Green Gift Bazaar (Jacoby Arts Center location), our friends at the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program invite you to take advantage of a holiday light exchange, where you can bring a burned out string of holiday lights to be recycled and trade for a new LED string in warm white or multi-color. LED holiday lights can use up to 75% less energy and last longer!
First Fridays Late Night Art & Shopping Experiences
Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late night art & shopping experience which spans 19 locations across the Downtown district, providing an opportunity to check out new shops & galleries and visit familiar favorites! Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments and giveaways. Get your passport stamped at 10 locations and receive a $10 gift certificate.
On Fri, Nov 4th, start your evening by picking up your passport at Jacoby Arts Center which will guide your journey. Parking is available in the lot at Broadway & Ridge Street; a free shuttle will be provided from 5-9pm, running a continuous loop between all locations.
FIND “WHERE’S WADLOW” hidden at one of the following locations to win a $100 gift certificate!
1904 General Store, AP Cigar, By Design, A&A Boutique, Epicurean Fare, Alton Flea Market, Jacoby Arts Center, Alton Music Exchange, Refabuloused Relics, Party On Broadway, KBK STYLEZ, Rushmore, Picture This & More, Olive Oil Marketplace, Country Meadows I & II, Moon Drops + Wellness, Funky Planet Toys & Gifts, and Alton Stained Glass Works.
We welcome an awesome new attraction to the neighborhood!
Selfie City is a fun, vibrant photography museum where you can take selfies or have a friend take pictures of you! Whether you bring your whole crew or fly solo, they have a theme for everyone. Owner Lindsay Schmidt is a professional photographer with an eye for style, and she has designed lots of fun scenes to capture those Insta-worthy photos.
They offer a variety of props and backgrounds that will make your pictures pop on social media or wherever you choose to display them. Make memories with your kids or join your friends for a girls night out. No matter who you bring, visiting Selfie City is an experience you won’t forget and you will capture memories that will last a lifetime. Spend an hour at Selfie City and take unlimited photos with all props and backgrounds included for $15. They also have Polaroid cameras available for an additional charge. You can also rent Selfie City for your next party and have the entire space to yourself!
Located at 303 Ridge Street — HOURS: Fri & Sat 12-7, Sun 12-6, weekdays by appointment
More info at www.618SelfieCity.com or contact 618-433-1443 / [email protected]
Jacoby Arts Center
Will offer a Cooking with Herbs Workshop on Sun, Nov 6th! This is the first in a series of culinary and medicinal plant-driven workshops by Herbalist and Chef Rona Leah. Learn all about the healing and nourishing support of a few amazing fall and winter herbs. We will use them deliciously in an herb sauce and a cider. We will be working with Parsley, Cilantro, Sage, Rosemary, Star Anise, Cinnamon, Mint, Thyme and Stinging Nettle. Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure your spot in this limited seating class! For more info: www.jacobyartscenter.org or 618-462-5222
The Hayner Public Library District
and the Old Bakery Beer Company are excited to announce a new free bi-monthly Book Club at the Brewery called Taps and Tomes! It kicks off on Wed, Nov 16th at 7pm; join us for a drink and a discussion of a new book every other month. Our first selection will be Colson Whitehead’s bestseller The Nickel Boys, which chronicles the harrowing trials for children at a fictional juvenile reformatory in 1960s Tallahassee.
We also have a pair of events coming up in our performance room on the upper level at Alton Square Mall that are great ways to kick off your holiday season! On Tues, Nov 29th at 6:30pm, local vocalist Jared Hennings will perform a program of traditional and contemporary holiday music. A Holiday Celebration will be held on Sat, Dec 3rd at 10am. Come join us for a fun-filled day including Santa, refreshments, and a performance by OMG Josh. The fun begins at 10am with a program followed by cookies and a visit from Santa in the KidsSpace Multipurpose Room. Parents, don’t forget your cameras! To register, please call 618-433-2881.
Senior Services Plus
We are seeking volunteers for our Community Resource Program! Ideal candidates would be available for 5 hours per week to go out into the community to do small honey-do jobs such as installing light bulbs or helping with technology. Volunteers will also share information about the programs and services offered at Senior Services Plus, including transportation services, Meals on Wheels, home health care, wellness activities and much more. Training will be provided and you will make a big difference in the life of an area senior! If you are interested in learning more, please contact 618-465-3298 ext.138.
The Old Bakery Beer Company
Get your holiday shopping done with the Holiday Cheers Markets at OBBC! Every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve the brewery will host local artisans from 11:30am – 3:30pm. Each week will feature a unique selection of vendors with items ranging from pottery, books, jams, jewelry, and so much more! The Old Bakery Beer Co. will have seasonal food and drink specials and more available each week as well.
BASECAMP.alton
Has relocated to 215 Piasa Street! Their new larger space allows for an expanded product line, and Basecamp sources some of the most sought after sneakers in the industry at the most competitive price points. They have been gearing up for the winter, adding tech fleece in addition to sneakers, hats, jerseys and more. Find a perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list who is looking to add some drip to their wardrobe. instagram.com/basecamp.alton
Overnight Warming Centers Alton
Join the Overnight Warming Center Alton for our 2nd SLEEP OUT FUNDRAISER
Thurs, Nov 10th 6pm-6am at Lincoln-Douglas Square
Sleep Out is an experiential fundraising event where participants sign up to spend a night outside as a way to bring awareness to those experiencing homelessness in our community, as well as raise funds from their friends and family to benefit OWCA. Our goal for our guests at the Overnight Warming Center Alton is to get inside, get connected, and get well. Sign up as a participant or make a donation at: