WEEKEND: Things to Do
<p class="p1">CAR SHOW
<p class="p1">The 16th annual Ellis Grove Car Show will take place Sunday, July 17, at Eggemeyer Plaza in Ellis Grove.
<p class="p1">Entry fee is $15, with a display fee of $15. Specialty awards include Best Interior, Best Paint and Graphics, Fireman's Choice, Banker's Choice, Club Participation, Mayor's Choice, Best in Show and more.
<p class="p1">The first 200 entries will receive dash plaques and a raffle will be available. Registration is from 9 a.m. to noon, with judging to begin at noon.
<p class="p1">Awards to be presented at 4 p.m. For more information, call John at 618-534-8838 or Mike at 618-615-2003.
<p class="p1">JEEP RALLY
<p class="p1">A new event at the Ellis Grove Car Show this year is a Jeep Rally.
<p class="p1">All jeeps registered before 1 p.m. will be entered into a drawing to win a Yeti Roadie 20 cooler. Participants are encouraged to ride where they like and check in at the Ellis Grove Firehouse to enter the drawing.
<p class="p1">The cooler drawing will take place before the 4 p.m. trophy presentations. For more information, call 618-859-FIRE (3473).
<p class="p1">MICHAEL'S BENEFIT
<p class="p1">A benefit fundraiser for Timothy J. "T.J." Michael will take place July 16 from noon to 1 a.m. at the Chester Moose Lodge.
<p class="p1">The event will feature a live DJ, 50/50 drawing, car wash from noon to 4 p.m., Bucket of Booze drawing, raffle drawing, silent auction, coolie cups and more.
<p class="p1">Money raised will go toward covering the cost of Michael's funeral, as well as a fund for his unborn daughter, due in August.
<p class="p1">For more information, contact Krysta Korando (573-768-6834) or Recena Boettcher (573-768-4117).
<p class="p1">NEW ATHENS HOMECOMING
<p class="p1">The New Athens Homecoming will take place Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16 with a parade, carnival rides and live music.
<p class="p1">The parade will take place on Saturday at 6 p.m., with rides on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
<p class="p1">Live music will be provided by Razed on Radio (Friday 6 p.m. to midnight) and Rat Rod Kings (Saturday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.). The queen coronation will take place Saturday at 10 p.m.