St. Clare Foundation Open House and Ribbon Cutting
The crisis in youth behavioral health across Southern Illinois demands a coordinated, systemic response. The St. Clare Foundation (SCF) is stepping forward as the Trusted Convener & Catalyst, and we invite you to an exclusive Open House to learn how our new grant cycle will fuel lasting change in our community.
We are actively uniting the region’s key leaders—healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations—to forge a cohesive, integrated system of care.
Join us at the St. Clare Foundation Open House to gain critical insights:
Meet The Catalyst: Be introduced to the St. Clare Foundation's vision—A community with no unmet health and social needs—and our role in enabling early identification, effective intervention, and seamless integration of youth behavioral health services.
Explore Grant Opportunities: Get a preliminary, in-depth look at our inaugural grant cycle, which formally opens on January 2, 2026. We will detail the purpose and focus of our three key investment tiers:
Anchor Grants - for foundational, scalable service models
Innovation Grants - for high-impact pilot programs
Mini-Grants - for immediate, essential resource needs
Event Details
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
4-5p CT
St. Clare Foundation | 420 N. Pleasant Ave. Suite B | Centralia, IL 62801
This is your opportunity to understand the criteria for our new funding, align your organization with our vision, and join the Convener’s Table.
We look forward to partnering with you to drive measurable, systemic transformation for the youth of Southern Illinois.
Sincerely,
Clare Kessler
Executive Director
Sentinel Christmas Coloring Contest
he Sentinel is excited to announce its first-ever Christmas Coloring Contest for children in grades K–8!
Included in today's edition of the Sentinel and the next five are two festive images that can be cut out from the physical paper or downloaded from our website at https://www.morningsentinel.com/morning-sentinel/ . Children may color the images and submit them to the Centralia office located at 232 East Broadway by Friday, December 12 at 4 p.m.
The contest is divided into two age groups:
Kindergarten through 4th grade: Christmas Stocking
5th through 8th grade: Festive Reindeer
On Saturday, December 13, five entries from each age group—selected by Sentinel staff—will be posted to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564898044733 for public voting. Voting will remain open until Monday, December 15 at 10 a.m. The winner, determined by the number of “likes,” will be contacted later that day to schedule a time to receive a festive prize and participate in a photo shoot for a front-page feature in the Tuesday, December 23 edition.
The Sentinel requests that the winner and their guardians be available for the photo shoot anytime between notification and the end of the day on Saturday, December 20. However, alternative arrangements can be made if needed.
Contestants may use crayons, markers, pastels, or any other two-dimensional medium, as long as the artwork still resembles the original image. To be considered for the contest, the contestant’s name, age, grade, and a guardian's reliable contact number must be provided with the image.
Submissions may be delivered by mail, email, Facebook message, or in person at the Centralia office. If submitting by mail, please consider postal delivery times to avoid missing the deadline.
For non-subscribers, physical newspapers can be purchased from Sentinel boxes or at our Centralia and Mt. Vernon offices.
Merry Christmas, and happy coloring!
Christmas in the Village of Sandoval - Vendor Market and More
Village of Sandoval - Christmas in the Village – Vendor Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in Sandoval, Illinois with a magical evening full of lights, laughter, and Christmas cheer!
Friday, December 12
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
General Martin Building, Library, Village Hall, & Fire Station – Sandoval, IL
What’s Happening:
Meet Santa and take photos!
Enjoy free hot chocolate & s’mores!
Shop local at our festive Vendor Market — perfect for holiday gifts!
Experience the Live Nativity that brings the spirit of Christmas to life!
Free Admission! Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit — let’s make Sandoval shine bright this Christmas season!
For more info or vendor registration, scan the QR code on the flyer or call (618) 322-8460.
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge!
Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Get tickets at
https://castleridge.com/.../holiday-escape-room-castle.../
The magic (and mayhem) of the holidays awaits… can you make it out in time?
Gather your crew and take on one of our thrilling Holiday Escape Rooms — the perfect festive challenge for friends, families, or coworkers ready to sleigh the season!
$25 per person | Up to 8 players per group
20 minutes to escape | Ages 8 & up
Time slots every 30 minutes — limited availability!
Friday, Dec. 12th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 13th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Don’t miss out — these spots vanish faster than Santa on Christmas Eve!
Make it a full night out!
Reserve your table at Stonewater at Castle Ridge for dinner before or after your escape. Celebrate your victory (or plot your revenge) over cocktails by the lake.
Experience the thrill. Feel the holiday rush. Escape before the clock strikes cheer!
Christmas at the Castle
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE
Saturday, December 13 | 10AM–4PM
Santa & Mrs. Claus visiting 11AM–3PM!
Get ready to shop, sip, and sparkle at one of the most magical days of the year!
Join us for the 5th Annual Christmas at The Castle— where twinkling lights, festive silver bells, and the spirit of the season fill every corner of the Castle.
Shop local from dozens of amazing vendors, grab your holiday favorites, and cross off your Christmas list in one merry day!
Don’t forget to bring the kiddos for photos and holiday cheer with Mr. & Mrs. Claus!
Come feel the magic, support local makers, and make this holiday season unforgettable!
Centralia Community Concert Band Performance
Centralia Community Concert & Jazz Bands present a performance of Christmas music arrangements in both symphonic and jazz styles. Everyone is welcome, and admission is FREE. Reception with light refreshments after concert.
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge!
Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Get tickets at
https://castleridge.com/.../holiday-escape-room-castle.../
The magic (and mayhem) of the holidays awaits… can you make it out in time?
Gather your crew and take on one of our thrilling Holiday Escape Rooms — the perfect festive challenge for friends, families, or coworkers ready to sleigh the season!
$25 per person | Up to 8 players per group
20 minutes to escape | Ages 8 & up
Time slots every 30 minutes — limited availability!
Friday, Dec. 12th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 13th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Don’t miss out — these spots vanish faster than Santa on Christmas Eve!
Make it a full night out!
Reserve your table at Stonewater at Castle Ridge for dinner before or after your escape. Celebrate your victory (or plot your revenge) over cocktails by the lake.
Experience the thrill. Feel the holiday rush. Escape before the clock strikes cheer!
Story Time & Book Signing with Local Author Chrystal Paige Brown & Harvey the Dog (& Santa!)
Join author Chrystal Paige Brown and Harvey the dog for a free family fun-filled event that’ll have a special appearance by Santa Claus!
Enjoy sing-alongs, arts and crafts, and listen to Chrystal read her brand-new book “Harvey’s Day”: Join Harvey as he goes to daycare for a fun-filled day! His day is full of tail wagging excitement. He learns to share with his puppy pals and makes the best of every playful moment.
The book is geared for ages 0-6, but everyone is welcome. “Harvey’s Day” and the previous book, “Harvey”, will be available for purchase, along with Harvey’s artwork. If you already own a copy of the book(s), feel free to bring it if you’d like it signed. You don’t want to miss out on this meet and greet opportunity. Chrystal and Harvey can’t wait to meet everyone!
Harvey books and merchandise will be available for purchase. Payment methods are cash, Zelle, PayPal, and Venmo.
-MEET THE AUTHOR–
Chrystal Paige Brown lives in Chicago, IL, with her bichpoo dog, Harvey—who is much more than just a pet; he’s family. Chrystal’s love for storytelling started early. From the age of eight, she was performing in theater, embracing the spotlight and developing a passion for the arts. She pursued her love for performance by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with an emphasis on theater performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).
After graduating, she moved to Chicago and began performing in musicals for children, bringing joy and creativity to young audiences. While her career took a turn into professional nannying, her love for storytelling never faded. Now, she’s an author by night, crafting heartwarming stories—especially those inspired by her adventures with Harvey.
In her free time, Chrystal enjoys playing the flute and piccolo, and most of all, spending quality time with Harvey, her loyal companion and the star of her books.
Check out their website at http://theharveyseries.com/
Very Merry Christmas Chamber Member Lunch at Jerry's Grill & Bar
Jerry’s Grill & Bar is the host of the Very Merry Christmas Lunch! This event is for Chamber Members on December 17, 2025, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
Fun and Prizes for the Most Festive attendees! Wear your ugly sweaters, light-up suits, elf hats, or themed outfits! We’ll play some games and give out some prizes.
Limited to 75 people. This event typically sells out.
$25 per person. RSVP Online.
Breakfast With Santa at Centralia Recreation Complex
The Centralia Recreation Complex is hosting a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 20th from 9–11 AM!
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, holiday cheer, and plenty of fun for the whole family,
Santa will be there to visit and interact with the kids, spreading Christmas joy and posing for photos!
Plus, we’ll have craft stations for coloring and making reindeer food to take home — perfect for Christmas Eve magic!
Breakfast: $5 per person
📍Centralia Recreation Complex. 115 E 2nd St, Centralia, IL
Let’s make this holiday season merry, bright, and full of memories!
Paint and Sip with Simply Soul
Simply Soul will be hosting a Paint and Sip from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at its newly opened location at 548 N. Poplar.
The gift shop will be open from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM for shopping opportunities.
Sippin' with Santa
‘Tis The Season For Cocktails With The Jolly Ol’ Man Himself!
Join Us Saturday, DECEMBER 20th as Santa & Mrs. Claus bring the Candy Canes & STONEWATER provides the Holiday Cocktails & Christmas Fare.
Sippin’ with Santa at The Castle!
December 20th from 6-9PM.
Reservations recommended, not required:
https://booking.toasttab.com/…/6fbcd876-462e…/findTime
Chamber Luncheon
The January Chamber luncheon will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
More details will be added when they are available.
Celebrate Progress - Chamber Annual Banquet
Celebrate our chamber members who inspire progress!
Centralia Chamber Annual Banquet
Thursday, February 5, 2026
$50 per person
$300 per Table of 6
$1,000 Event Sponsor - includes table and logo recognition
$2,000 VIP Sponsor - exclusive logo placement and VIP table service
5:30pm - Doors Open
6:00pm - Dinner and Cocktails
”A Taste of our Community” featuring Area Restaurants*
7:00pm - Awards and Presentations
8:00pm - Balloon Pop! Prize Giveaway
*PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Castle Ridge / Stonewater Restaurant
Centralia House
Crooked Creek Winery
C’s Sweets Speciality Cupcakes
From Agnes’ Kitchen
Jerry’s Grill & Bar
Kretzer’s Grill & Bar
Simply Soul
at Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center
27210 College Road, Centralia, IL
Chamber Monthly Luncheon
The March Chamber Luncheon will be on Wednesday, March 18 at 12:00pm.
Details are not yet available. Stay tuned!
Home & Community Expo
The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Home & Community Expo on March 28-29, 2026!
Location and times are still TBD. We will update as soon as possible!
Golf Plae Dae
Save the date for our longest-standing chamber event, Golf Plae Dae, on Friday May 1, 2026! Shotgun tee-off is at 11:00am.
More details to come soon!
Locust Street Historical Fair
Save the date for the annual Locust Street Historical Fair! This event takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. More details will be available closer to time.
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.
Friday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 3:00pm - 10:00pm.
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.
Saturday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 3:00pm - 10:00pm.
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.
Sunday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Sunday is Free Family Fun Day! Entry and parking are free. There are kids activities all day in the park.
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Holiday Concert at City Hope Church
Centralia Cultural Society and City Hope Church have teamed up to bring you their Holiday Concert again this year! This event is on December 7, 2025. The exact time and more details will be announced as it becomes available.
RENEE Live Christmas Concert at Castle Ridge
LIVE at Castle Ridge – Saturday, December 6th!
Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS
Concert date is Saturday December 6th, 2025 – Doors open at 6:00pm and show starts at 7:00pm
Don’t wait – this show will sell out fast!
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Concert Experience with RENEE — back by popular demand!
RENEE is back by popular demand after garnering much enthusiasm after their appearance as special guests for the Crowder concert earlier this Summer.
The Christian / Pop Sister Duo are National Recording Artists with Southern Illinois roots.
Featured on the Winter Jam Tour alongside Anne Wilson, We The Kingdom, and Jeremy Camp.
Seen on stages all across North America — and now bringing their sparkle, soul, and holiday spirit to Centralia, Illinois!
Riley & Rachael Renee light up every stage with their powerhouse harmonies, contagious energy, and heartfelt mission to lift up the name of Jesus.
****Limited accessible availability in each section. Accessible seating location subject to change.
****See other event details when purchasing tickets.
****Tickets purchases are final and are non-refundable.
Christmas Craft Fair at Crossroads Church
CROSSROADS CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
340 WALNUT HILL RD.
CENTRALIA IL.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6TH, 2025
10AM - 3PM
Stay warm as you stroll through our indoor craft fair! We will have 20 vendors with homemade & custom crafts.
VENDORS: Reach out to Garry Knott 918-0984
Downtown Gingerbread Pub Crawl
Grab your gingerbread men and women and join us after the Historic Downtown Centralia Christmas Stroll, as we turn up the spice for the Downtown Gingerbread Pub Crawl 2025!! Always a blast, and this year we're crawling to get that (ginger) BREAD!! More info to be posted here as it gets closer, but here are the gumdrops of info you need to tide you over:
Friday, December 5, 7:00pm - 11:00pm
✅ Dress in your ugly sweater, holiday themes, gingerbread costume, etc.
✅ Start/pick up your Crawl passport at 'Believe Pop-up Christmas Bar' at 107 N Oak.
✅ Turn in your passport at 'Believe Pop-up Christmas Bar' at the end to enter to win all the (ginger) bread (aka gifts/gift cards) for one lucky gingerbread person
✅ Other collaborating Gingerpubs to be confirmed shortly (6-7 total)
Centralia Estates Holiday Open House
Join us on December 5, 2025, from 4 PM – 6 PM for a warm and festive evening you won’t want to miss!
Come take a tour of Centralia Estates’ beautifully decorated apartments, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and enter for some fun giveaways!
If you’ve ever considered the senior community lifestyle, this is truly the perfect time to stop in, visit with our team, and see what makes Centralia Estates feel like home.
Historic Downtown Christmas Stroll
The Historic Downtown Christmas Stroll in Centralia, Illinois is on December 5, 2025. The stroll starts at 3:00pm and goes until 7:00pm.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Christmas Stroll, there's a hidden ornament in participating businesses in Downtown Centralia. Once the ornament is found, mark it off of your list and keep going! You can also stick around and shop at the stores and browse what Centralia has to offer.
Other activities will also be available, such as carriage rides. We will update more activities as they become available.
A list of participating business and a map is available at the chamber of commerce. This list and map can be picked up right before you start the stroll. Every business has the same ornament and it will be shown on the map.
At the end of time night when you have found all of the ornaments, turn them into dropbox locations in the downtown area to possibly win a prize.
We hope to see you there!
Christmas Market at RAIL Coffee Room
Downtown magic, unlocked.
RAIL Coffee Room’s Annual Christmas Markets lands Friday, Dec. 5 from 3:00 until 7:00 PM during the Downtown Christmas Stroll!
The event will include: Limited-run gifts, cozy sips, festive photo ops, all the holly-jolly feels.
Come early, shop hard, and support local - let’s light up Broadway together!
Lily Ann's Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Lily Ann’s Floral Design is opening in historic downtown Centralia on Friday, December 5! The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 10:00am sharp, but their grand opening will be all day long.
The Restore Network Area Launch Party
The Restore Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit that exists to change the culture of foster care by mobilizing God’s people to give these children the safety, trusting adults, and healing they deserve.
Join us for an evening of raising awareness and financial support as we officially launch The Restore Network in the Area!
Dinner is provided. Register yourself or a table:
https://secure.fundeasy.com/ministrysync/event/home.php?e=31162
Craft Supply Giveaway at Centralia Regional Library
Get ready for holiday gift making by filling a provided bag with yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, scrapbook paper, and more! This giveaway is in the 2nd floor Monken Activity Room (accessible by elevator).
Family Movie Night at City Hope Church
Movie night is back at City Hope and we are kicking things off with a Christmas favorite! Join us November 28 at 6:00pm as we watch Elf on the big screen!
Admission is donated only and concessions will be available to purchase, so bring your family, your friends, and your best Buddy the Elf energy. We cannot wait to spend the night laughing and hanging out as a church family!
Friendsgiving at The Boiler Room
Boiler Room - RAIL’s Hidden Speakeasy & Lounge will be having a Friendsgiving event on Wednesday, November 26!
Friendsgiving at Castle Ridge
Don’t miss the party of the season — THANKSGIVING EVE KARAOKE at Castle Ridge AKA FRIENDSGIVING!
Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 6–10 PM
Grab your crew, sip on cold drinks, dig into hot eats, and laugh ‘til it hurts.
This is THE night to kick off your holiday weekend — and there’s no better place than the Castle we built for unforgettable nights like this.
Come sing your heart out before the turkey hits the table — spots will fill fast!
NA Celebrate Recovery Thanksgiving Dinner
Event Name: Narcotics Anonymouse/Celebrate Recovery Thanksgiving Dinner
Start Date of Event: November 26, 2025
Start Time of Event: 6:00 PM
Description of Event: This year, we’re opening our doors and our hearts to our friends in Celebrate Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous, and their families.
It’s more than a meal—it’s a reminder that healing, hope, and second chances are worth celebrating.
Come as you are. Bring your family.
Let’s share stories, laughter, and a Thanksgiving table filled with grace, not judgment.
Because freedom is worth feasting over.
MUST RSVP 618-731-2509
Address / Location of Event: 851 E 2nd St, Centralia, Illinois 62801
Scouting for Food - Boy Scouts of America
November 15, 2025 – Bag Distribution Day
Bags should be distributed to residences only, no businesses.
November 22, 2025 – Food Collection Day
Food donations will be collected after 10:00am.
You can also donate to a local food pantry near you!
https://stlbsa.org/scouting-for-food/
https://stlbsa.org/find-your-district/black-gold-district/
The Black Gold District covers Clay, Fayette, Jefferson, Marion, Washington, Wayne, and part of Clinton counties in Illinois.
Pink Friday: The Holiday Kickoff You’ll Actually Enjoy
Pink Friday: The Holiday Kickoff You’ll Actually Enjoy.
Join us downtown for a shopping experience dedicated to supporting local and celebrating community!
Discover gifts that feel personal, clothes that spark confidence, and a boutique experience that reminds you why hometown shopping matters.
Exclusive deals
Complimentary treats
Gifts for everyone
Shop early. Shop happy. Shop local.
Pink Friday was started in 2020 as a push for local shopping, primarily boutiques, before shopping at big box stores during Black Friday.
Address / Location of Event: 317 E Broadway, Centralia, Illinois 62801, United States
Chamber Member Lunch at Intermountain Electronics (IE)
One of Centralia's fastest growing manufacturers, Intermountain Electronics (IE), is hosting the chamber member lunch on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, at 12:00PM.
WALKING TOURS AVAILABLE - please wear closed-toe shoes with rubber soles.
Please RSVP for accurate catering counts.
Lunch is $20 per person and includes 6' Subway sandwich, chips, cookie, and soft drink.
A reminder email with a link to pay by credit card will be sent the week-of the lunch.
Illinois Libraries Present Kenji Lopez-Alt: A Journey Through Food and Science
Join award-winning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. Register for free at https://bit.ly/KenjiLopez-Alt
Ribbon Cutting at Jack’s - Let’s Play
Join us in celebrating new chamber member, Jack’s - Let’s Play, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 14 at 11:00 am!
Help us welcome this new business to the Centralia Chamber of Commerce and to the local business community!
Starting Your Business Seminar + SBDC Office Hours at Centralia Chamber Conference Room
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE IN-PERSON SEMINAR:
Starting Your Small Business in Illinois Live Seminar
https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/40924