‘WHAT’S HAPPENING’ THIS WEEKEND

Olney VFW Queen of Hearts Drawing
The Olney VFW will hold its next Queen of Hearts drawing this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM. The jackpot is currently $9,186 if the winner is present. The drawing will be live-streamed on the VFW Post Facebook page. Tickets are available for purchase right up until the drawing at 4:00 PM, with VFW Post doors opening at 1:00 PM.

St. Joseph Church Sesquicentennial in Island Grove
St. Joseph Church in Island Grove is celebrating its 150th anniversary this weekend with a series of events. The celebration starts tonight at 6:00 PM with the opening of the 1999 time capsule. Enjoy pork burgers, other food, ice cream, a beer stand, live music, and an antique tractor show from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
Saturday’s schedule includes:

  • Quilt display from 1:00 to 5:00 PM
  • Pork burgers and more from 1:00 to 7:00 PM
  • Antique tractor show from 1:00 PM to dusk
  • Cornhole tournament from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
  • Pedal tractor pull at 3:00 PM
  • Bingo from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
  • Beard & costume contest at 5:00 PM
  • Commode race at 7:00 PM
  • Beer stand and live music from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM The festivities wrap up with a Parish Mass at 10:00 AM on Sunday and the burial of a new time capsule at 11:00 AM. All are invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the celebration.

2024 White Squirrel Bluegrass Festival
The White Squirrel Bluegrass Festival takes place tomorrow at the Band Shell in Olney City Park. Gates open at 10:00 AM, and the music starts at 11:00 AM with Jess & The Hired Hands. Performances continue throughout the day with Backwoods Bluegrass, the Dennis Stroughmatt Cajun Band, The Ashes, The Aaron Thomas Band, Morehead State University Traditional Music Students, The McLain Family Band, and Gary Brewer & the Kentucky Ramblers. Tickets are $20 per person at the gate or $15 in advance at the Olney Chamber of Commerce Office. Admission is free for children 12 and under.

Fundraiser for Kellie Bettis at Olney VFW
A fundraiser for Kellie Bettis, who is in need of medical expenses assistance, will be held tomorrow at the Olney VFW. The event features a Jeep/Car/Truck/Bike Ride with registration at 9:00 AM and the ride starting at 11:00 AM. The day continues with Wes Hagan performing at 4:00 PM, a pork loin dinner at 5:00 PM, an auction, and additional music. A Booze Wagon Raffle drawing will also take place with tickets on sale at the VFW throughout the week.

Frontier Days in Geff
Geff Village Park will host Frontier Days tomorrow, with activities beginning early and continuing throughout the day. Scheduled events include:

  • Craft vendors
  • Car & Truck Show registration at 8:30 AM
  • Frog races at 9:00 AM
  • Turtle races and quilt show at 9:30 AM
  • Diaper derby at 10:00 AM
  • Sack races at 11:00 AM
  • Music by Connor Atteberry from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Car/Truck Show awards at 1:00 PM
  • Parade at 2:00 PM
  • Basketball shooting contest at 3:00 PM
  • Pedal tractor pull at 4:00 PM
  • 50/50 drawing at 5:00 PM
  • Little Miss Frontier Days Pageant at 6:00 PM Food, including sandwiches, desserts, and drinks, will be available at the Ruritan Building throughout the day. Proceeds will support community projects in Geff.

Clay City/Sailor Springs American Legion Breakfast
The Clay City/Sailor Springs American Legion Post 230 will host its monthly breakfast on Saturday morning from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast including biscuits, gravy, sausage, pancakes, and drinks for a donation at the door. The breakfast will be held just off the Clay City/Dieterich Blacktop in Sailor Springs.

Newton Queen of Hearts Drawing
The American Legion Post 20 in Newton will have its Queen of Hearts drawing this Friday night at 6:30 PM. The jackpot stands at $15,485. The menu includes a choice of pork cutlet & mushroom gravy sandwich or breaded shrimp, each with two sides, priced at $12 per person. Serving starts at 5:00 PM. Dine in or carry out at 108 East Jourdan Street, Newton (618-783-2622).

McLeansboro Fall Festival
The McLeansboro Fall Festival continues this evening and tomorrow in Hamilton County with carnival rides, concessions, and a cultural arts show. Tonight’s free concert features John Berry and the Girls Next Door at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, enjoy a performance by Sammy Kershaw with Twisted Road at 7:00 PM.

Richland County Farmer’s Market
The Richland County Farmer’s Market is open today from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM under the pole barns in Olney City Park. Browse a variety of farm-fresh produce and more.