Hair of the Dog will have food trucks and entertainment before, during, and after the Centralia Halloween Parade:

6:00pm - 9:00pm FOOD TRUCKS

• C’s Sweets Specialty Cupcakes

• Big Daddy’s Floating Rib

• Old Thyme Funnel Cakes

9:00pm - 11:00pm LADY LUCK PERFORMING
(Five-piece rock / pop band that will get your feet moving!)

$10 parking - includes $5 bar cover charge

The 98th Centralia Halloween Parade & Fall Festival is Saturday, October 25th! Here's everything you need to know for the Downtown Fall Festival:

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

9:00am - 2:00pm | Little Obie – CN Train Rides
9:30am - 9:45am | Mummy Wrap Challenge –Central City (Champs) vs New Horizon School
10:00am - 2:00pm | Toddler & Regular Bounce Houses
10:00am - 2:00pm | Children Games
10:00am - 2:00pm | Finley’s Pony Rides $
10:00am - 2:00pm | Face Painting $
10:00am - 11:00am | Centralia Moose Lodge # 1219 Costume Contest at the Centralia Regional Library
11:00am - 12:00pm | Children’s Halloween Parade

LOCUST STREET ENTERTAINMENT

9:00am - 3:30pm | MC for the day – Rob Jackson
9:30am - 11:00am | LOCUST STREET ENTERTAINMENT

• Centralia High School Marching Showcase & Color Guard

• Diamond’s Dazzling Divas of So. Illinois

• Studio 50 Tumbling & Dance Center

11:30am – 1:00pm | LOCUST STREET ENTERTAINMENT

• Zumba with Busta Move Fitness

• Southern Illinois Elite Tumbling & Cheer

• Rock 101

1:00pm - 2:00pm | Best Dressed Pet Contest (sponsored by Buchheit)

GENERAL FAMILY ACTIVITIES

6:00am - 11:30am | Chili Cooking (starts at 6 am)
7:00am - 12:00pm | Pancake Breakfast at Masonic Lodge
8:00am start | 2nd Annual Bicycle Ride
12:00pm - 1:30pm | Centralia Fire & Police Department – Safety Fair
10:00am - 4:00pm | Centralia Historical Museum
9:00am - 12:00pm | Car Show
12:00pm - 1:30pm | CHILI PUBLIC TASTING while supplies lasts
9:00am - 3:00pm | Craft Fair at Recreation Complex
9:00am - 3:00pm | Downtown Flea Market
9:00am - 3:00pm | Various Vendors throughout the Fest

The 98th annual Centralia Halloween Parade starts at 7:00pm. The theme this year is "Frights, Lights, and Delights". Your 2025 Centralia Halloween Parade Grand Marshall is Chuck Melton!

PARADE LINEUP

1. Honor Guards- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2055
2. American Legion Post 446
3. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 176/ 3-A. Crippen Automotive for American Legion Post 446- Military Vehicles
4. Float-Disabled American Veterans Egyptian Gateway Chapter 76- "Honor our Wounded"
5. Float- Jim Beasley Veterans Tribute at Kaskaskia College
6. American Legion Post 446 Centralia Bicycle Riders
7. Centralia Elks Lodge 493 - "The American Flag"
8. Centralia Police Dept.
9. Wamac Police Dept.
10. Central City Police Dept.
11.Marion Co. Sheriff Dept.
12. Clinton Co. Sheriff Dept.
13.ESDA
14.Grand Marshall- Mr. Chuck Melton
15. Theme Winner- Miss Elizabeth Hanson, St. Mary School
16. City of Centralia Mayor and Council
17.Band-Centralia High School and Junior High School Combined Marching Band- "Funkytown"
18.City of Centralia Fire Dept.
19. Float- Centralia Firefighters Association Local 618- "Zombie Fire Crew"
20.Centralia Fire Protection Dist.
21.Patoka Fire Protection Dist.
22.Sandoval Fire Protection Dist.
23.Hoffman Fire Protection Dist.
24.Odin Fire Protection Dist.
25.Kell Fire Protection Dist.
26.Kinmundy-Alma Fire Protection Dist.
27.LifeStar Ambulance Service, Inc.
28.United Medical Response
29.Centralia Moose Lodge #1219- "74th Annual Kiddies Parade Winners"
30.Centralia Halloween Parade and Fall Festival Inc. Best Dressed Pet's Winners
31.Centralia High School 2025 May Fete Court
32.Centralia High School 2025 Homecoming Court
33.Centralia High School 2025 Prom Court
34.Marching-Centralia High School Cheerleaders
35.Centralia BPW Woman of the Year
36.Centralia BPW Boss of the Year
37.Centralia BPW Working Woman of the Year
38.Centralia BPW President-Patty Brough
39.Float-CN Railroad Lil Obie Train
40.City of Wamac Lil Toot Train
41.Float- ABATE of Illinois Freedom Riders- "Ice Cream, You Scream Haunted Carnival"
42.Float- W.G. Murray Parent's Association- "We Love Murray Center as our Home"
43. Float-AFSCME Local 401- "AFSCME Strong"
44.Band-Iuka Grade School Marching Pirates Band
45.2025 Marion Co. Fair Queen- Miss Ella Douglas
46.2025 Marion Co. Little Fair Queen- Miss Aurora Bierman
47.2025 Junior Miss Marion Co. Fair Queen- Miss Jane Taylor Rose
48.Float- Centralia Halloween Parade and Fall Festival Inc.- Major Sponsors: Castle Ridge/Gaetti Sport Complex, Centralia Foundation, City of Centralia, Hawkins Inc. Land of Lincoln Credit Union, SSM Health- St. Mary's Hospital, Sutherland- Garnier Funeral Home, Monken Dodge Chrysler Jeep Nissan, Monken Chevrolet Buick GMC. Sponsors- Centralia Township, City of Wamac, Midland States Bank, Heartland Title & Escrow-SIVIA Law, Central City/Centralia Lions Clubs 49. Band- Joseph Arthur Middle School- "The Spookiest Sweet Sound on the Street"
50.Float-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital- "The Light of Compassion, Turning Healthcare Frights into Heart-Filled Delights"
51.Gaetti Sports Academy
52.Float-Huff, Jacobs, Allgood & Lund Families- "Rockin Frights and Glaring Delights"
53.Centralia Halloween Parade and Fall Festival Inc. Car Show Winners
54. Float- Timmon's Family- "Carnival of Frights"
55.Centralia City Schools District 135- "Old McDonald had a Farm"
55-A. Marion Co. Democratic Central Committee
56.Band- Sandoval High School Marching Blackhawks Band
57.Sandoval High School 2025 Homecoming Court
58.Float- Sandoval FFA- "FFA with Frights and Lights"
59.Marching- Studio 50 Gym, Dance & Cheer Center
60.Altec Fenex- "Altec Fenex- Come join our Team"
61.Float- Sandoval Community Church- "Jesus is the Light of the World"
62.Golf Cart Goonies
63. Float- SSM Health at Home, Home Health & Hospice- "Taking the Scare out of Home Care"
64.Band- Mt. Vernon High School/Casey Middle School Combined Marching Band
65. Air Evac Lifeteam of Mt. Vernon
66.Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home- "Scooby Doo Crew"
67. Float-Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living \
68.Miss Clinton Co. 2025 Fair Queen- Miss Amanda Brink
69. Float-Sounds of Harmony Chorus- "Barbershop Style Singing"
70. Float-Calumet Street Christian Church- "Electric Scream Nineties Dream"
71.Float- 5th Southern District Masonic Lodge- "To be One-Ask One"
71-A. USOA Miss Southern Illinois- Miss Lillian Wright
72.Band-Salem Franklin Park Marching Bobcats
73.Marching-Trinity Lutheran Schools Defenders Cheerleaders
74.Schnucks Markets Inc. - "Schnucks Big Cart"
75.Marching- Royal Pink Dolls- "The Dancing Dead Circus"
76. Float-Timmons Fast Lane
77. Float-Davis Family- "Coco and Family"
78.Bradford National Bank
79.Marching- Malaysia's World
80.Johnston Family- "Elvis Sings Country Rock"
81.Float- Jolliff Family- "Trolls"
82.U.S. Bank
83.Kaskaskia College- "Spooky Lights"
84.Float- Momma Cora Candy Store- "Candy Store"
85. Float- Macz Funeral Homes- "Frights, Lights & Delights - Haunted Gingerbread House"
86. Central City Home Center
87.Float- Liberty Village of Centralia- "Spooky Disco"
88.GenFed Financial Credit Union
89.Float- Junction City Boo Bash- "Boo Bash Oct.31st❞
90.Maurices- "Trendy Fall Fits at Maurices"
91.Float- Fireside House of Centralia- "Monster Mash"
92.Blue Goose of Wamac
93.Float-Moore Than Behavior- "Frights, Lights & Delights from Fear to Advocacy, Towards Progress"
94.Agnes's Kitchen/Juicy Jays
94-A. Marion Co. Republican Central Committee
94-B. Miss Teen State 2025 Central States- Grace's Wish
95.Float- Farmers State Bank of Hoffman- "Don't be frightened, apply for your first Home Loan"
96.Float- Best Western Plus Centralia Hotel & Suites- "The Best Western Plus Cannibal Carnival"
97.Float-Modern Edge Construction & Remodel LLC
98. Float-Brookside Valley Homes- "The Ghost Hauler"
99. Float- Swan Inc.- "Monster Quack Band"
100.Float-Cushman Family- "Avatar"
101.Float-Alternative Learning Academy- "Showtime at the ALA"
102.Float-Walmart- "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
103. Float-T-Mobile- "I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for T-Mobile"
104.United Rentals

Horse Entries.

We hope to see everyone there! Don't forget to discover what shops and restaurants Centralia has to offer between the Fall Fest and Halloween Parade

Celebrate Halloween with Centralia Fire Protection District!

They are hosting a Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 24, from 5:30pm - 8:00pm at their station. Free hotdogs will also be available.

Sivia Law/Heartland Title & Escrow LLC will be offering a $50.00 gift card to the best Halloween Costume.

Photos may be submitted by tagging the Heartland TItle and Escrow or Sivia Law @sivialaw Facebook pages.

Winner will be selected on Monday, October 27.

Mark your calendars! The Downtown Trick or Treat will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 4pm-5pm. More details to will be added when they become available!

The Solution to Finding and Retaining Talent

Thursday, October 23, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

After your registration is approved, you'll receive an email confirmation that includes information on how to join the webinar.

REGISTRATION

Host

Glenn, Tracey L.

Agenda

In this webinar, attendees will meet employers and employer support organizations who are developing solutions for workforce integration including neurodivergent onboarding and re-entry programs for returning citizens to help companies manage their talent pipeline and increase productivity. Panelists will share how these programs have helped solve their overall workforce challenges and shape the culture of their team. This webinar is designed for CEOs, HR Professionals, Economic Development officials or anyone else needing strategies to find and retain a loyal workforce.
Panelists include:
Ben Schatzel – Founder, Stannum Core Solutions
Tom Welge – President, Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation
Courtney Geiger – Director, Career Services, The Workforce Connection
Anthony Miser - Business Engagement Manager/QIDP, Employment Services, Little Friends
Eric Withaar - Owner, Premium Custom Products

The greater Centralia community is invited to join us for a Community Engagement Lunch at the Lifelong Learning Center, Kaskaskia College Main Campus on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, at 12:00PM.

Please RSVP by Thursday, October 16, for accurate catering counts.

Lunch is $20 per person. Catered by Simplysoul with a menu featuring mostaccioli, chicken fettuccine, salad, bread, tea and lemonade.

ONLINE RSVP FORM: https://forms.gle/KfNYo7wWqc2reqUj9

Is there a woman in your community that truly makes a difference? Goes above and beyond? Or a boss that uplifts, teaches, and motivates?

Woman of the Year and Boss of the Year applications are now open! Nominations are due by 9/30/25: https://centraliabpw.org/woman-of-the-year-boss-of-the-year-applications/

Awards will be presented on Tuesday, October 21, at Heritage Woods in Centralia, doors open at 5:00pm, ceremony starts at 5:30pm.

Midland States Bank in Centralia is hosting a community-wide event for customers, neighbors and friends in celebration of Community Appreciation Day.

The event will be held from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Friday, Oct. 17 at the bank’s 200 S. Poplar St. location.

Those who attend will be able to enjoy food, fun, and local vendors throughout the day.

Vendors include Taco Jo’s Food Truck, which will be serving from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Centralia Fire Department, offering fire truck tours from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Marion County Animal Control, with adoptable pets on site; the Disabled American Veterans #76; along with other local organizations sharing about their services.

“This day is about celebrating our community,” said Jamie McGill, Banking Center Manager, in a release issued by Midland States Bank. “We’re grateful for the relationships that make Centralia such a bright and welcoming place to live and work.”

In addition to the festivities on the 17th, Midland States Bank is hosting a week-long giveaway leading up to the event. Details on how to participate are available at midlandsb.com/community-appreciation-day.

Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, and is the sole shareholder of Midland States Bank.

The Company provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services and business equipment financing, merchant credit card services, trust and investment management, insurance and financial planning services.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE IN-PERSON SEMINAR:
Starting Your Small Business in Illinois Live Seminar

Sarcoma Stomp is being held in honor of Bo Arvin.  The mission is to carry on the characteristics which made him loved by so many.  We intend to preserve his memory of kindness, loyalty, humor, respect, faith and courage by bringing awareness to pediatric cancer as well as the underfunded research for treatment and a cure. All of our fundraising efforts will benefit the Children's Cancer Therapy Developmental Institute (CCTDI) as well as funding scholarships at Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School.

The Centralia Community Concert and Jazz Bands are proud to present their Fall Concert, featuring both fine classical and popular big-band jazz selections. Admission is free!

Join us for a Free, Fun, Family Event at Fairview Park.
Free Cookout, Free Sand Volleyball, Pickle Ball, and Cornhole Tournaments.
Skate Board Demonstration by C-Town Skate Crew.
Ages: 6th Grade to 105 yrs of age.

Bring Your Team Spirit and Team Theme, we’ll be giving out awards!
Grab your Lawn Chairs and come on out to Fairview with us.

Centralia Art & Wine Festival 2025 will be held on October 4, 2025. This event is hosted by Centralia Sunshine Project and Centralia Cultural Society. Mark your calendars! More details to come!

The Centralia Choral Society performs your favorite Broadway songs while you enjoy a light brunch.

Tickets (including brunch)
$12 - Adults
$10 - Patrons
$ 7 - 12 and under