Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. End of Summer Foam Party When: Friday, July 25, 10am Where: Tri Township Public Library District,   209 S. Main St. Troy Get ready to suds it up at our Foam Gone Bananas foam party in the library's Green Space! We're turning up the fun with mountains of bubble foam. So, grab your swimsuits or clothes you don't mind getting a little wet in and come make foamy memories with us! More Info: Facebook VR Basics for Teen and Adults  When: Friday, July 25, 3pm  Where: Collinsville Memori…

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the world without leaving your neighborhood, now’s your chance. Right here in the Collinsville-Triad area, International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) is changing lives—both for international high school students and the local families who welcome them. As a nationally accredited nonprofit organization, ICES promotes global understanding and cultural exchange by connecting students from across the globe with American host families.  What Is ICES? Founded in 1991, International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) was created to promote cross-cultural awareness through youth exchange. The organization is recognized by the U.S. Department of State to manag…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. DIY Hat Burning When: Friday, July 18, 6pm Where: Marine Meadows, 580 S. Oregon St, Marine In this DIY event, you will be burning designs into the hat of your choice! We offer wide-brim fedoras, cowboy hats, and baseball hats. You can choose from over 150 stencils or draw free-hand! Once your design is burned in, you will make a custom hat band. Your ticket includes the hat, materials to make a hat band, and a $5 credit to Marine Meadows! More Info: Facebook  St. Jacob Homecoming …

When you think of fall in Collinsville, you might hear the roar of the crowd, spot pom-poms glittering under the sun, and feel the energy of a youth football game in full swing. For decades, the Collinsville Raiders Football and Cheer organization has been at the heart of it all — not just building athletes, but shaping confident young leaders who carry the spirit of community wherever they go. We had the joy of chatting with Eran Distler, the Raiders’ passionate Athletic Director, who shared what makes this long-standing nonprofit such a vibrant and vital part of Collinsville. A Legacy of Local Pride The Collinsville Raiders have deep roots, dating all the way back to the 1970’s. What began as a grassroots effor…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Free Kids Crafts Saturday When: Saturday, July 12, 10-12pm Where: Marine Meadows, 580 S. Oregon St, Marine Come out for a free kids craft and free popsicle! More Info: Facebook  Maryville Fire Dept. Homecoming When:  Friday- Saturday July 11-12,   Where:  Tri Township Park, 300 N Donk, Maryville Celebrate Maryville Homecoming with the following events: Friday July 11: Those Two @ 5pm-7pm Parade @ 7pm Blue Marlin Band @ 8pm-Midnight Saturday July 12…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Independence Day Celebration When: Friday, July 4, 5pm Where: Cornerstone Farms, 1729 State Route 4, Saint Jacob Everyone is invited to come as early as 5:00 and stay for fireworks after sunset. We'll provide hamburgers, hot dogs, water, and soft drinks but please feel free to bring a side or dessert. We encourage you to bring your own lawn chairs and adult beverages. This family friendly event is FREE and open to the community! Together we will enjoy yard games, cotton candy, snow cones, and fireworks…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Paint Like Bob Ross When: Saturday, June 28, 12:30pm Where: Quinton’s Crafthouse, 126 W. Main St, Collinsville If you have ever wanted to paint like Bob Ross. Now's your chance! Join "Let's Paint with Lonnie" for a 12 x 16 canvas adventure, where you'll master Bob Ross techniques under the expert guidance of Lonnie Smith, a Certified Bob Ross Instructor (CRI©). No need to be a pro—this class is perfect for everyone More Info: Facebook  Weekly Chess Meet When: Saturday, June 28…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. International Horseshoe Festival  When: Saturday, June 7 Where: West Main St Collinsville Come to Collinsville, Illinois to be a part of the fest devoted to all things horseradish celebrated the first weekend in June in Uptown Collinsville on Main Street. Where else can you learn how to prepare your own horseradish, join in any of the classic Horseradish Festival Contests, visit the Craft Village, or just sample the food and listen to the Live music. Admission, musical entertainment and park…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Meditation Meetings When: Saturday, May 31, 10-11am  Where: Collinsville Memorial Library, 408 W. Main St Collinsville “Smile, breathe, and go slowly.” The Collinsville Library is hosting Meditation Meetings with trained expert Patricia Brennan. Meditation will help you learn how to be in the present moment, focus your attention, and understand that true happiness comes from within. More Info: Facebook  Weekly Chess Meet When: Saturday, May 31, 3:30pm  Where: Collinsville…

Troy’s dog lovers, get ready—there’s a new spot in town designed just for your four-legged friends, and it’s the ultimate tail-wagging destination! Say hello to Canine Social of Troy, the much-anticipated dog boarding and daycare facility that’s now open. This isn't your average dog boarding—this is a luxury experience for your pups, and it's all thanks to local entrepreneur (and animal lover extraordinaire), Kate Redenius.  The Dream Behind an Upscale Doggie Day Care and Boarding Kate’s journey to launching Canine Social is a heartwarming story of passion and persistence. After spending 18 years in accounting, Kate found herself burnt out by the constant restructuring and unpredictability of th…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. City of Collinsville Memorial Day Fireworks Show When: Sunday, May 25, 4-10pm Where: Gateway Center, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville Join us for the City of Collinsville’s 6th Annual Firework Festival on Memorial Day weekend! This FREE event will include live music, craft vendors, food trucks, fun activities for the kids, and of course, FIREWORKS! More Info: Facebook Kitten Yoga at Seabright Yoga in Maryville When: Saturday, May 24, 10:30-12pm Where: Seabright Yoga,  2 Professional Park …

When you think of summer, chances are the bright colors and cool treats of snow cones come to mind. Let your first visit be to Tropical Sno Shaved Ice, located directly across the street from Collinsville High School. But behind the fluffy, flavor-packed shaved ice creation is an even sweeter story. Meet Beth Schwartz, the heart and soul of Tropical Sno Shaved Ice in Caseyville, and discover how her vibrant little stand has become a family-friendly hotspot and a hub of community joy. From Pandemic to Premium Shaved Ice in Caseyville: A Family-Powered Start Like many small businesses that emerged during the uncertain days of COVID-19, Tropical Sno began with a leap of faith and a desire to create something meaningful (and …

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Graduate Special at Tropical Sno in Caseyville When: Saturday, May 17, 11:30-1:30pm Where: Tropical Sno Caseyville, 2134 S Morrison Ave, Caseyville Half price snow cones for students with ID and flyer Cahokia Mounds Trail Ruck When: Saturday, May 17, 7:30-9am  Where: Monk Mounds Parking Lot  126 W. Main St. Collinsville Meet at Monks Mound Parking Lot, which is on the North side of Collinsville road (across the street from the visitors center). We will do 4+ miles of trails ar…

If you’re searching for an orthodontist who treats patients like family, look no further than Dr. Christine Brinley Orthodontics. This isn’t just a place to straighten teeth—it’s a space filled with laughter, legacy, and local heart. Whether you're from Collinsville, Maryville, Madison or St. Clair County, you’ll feel right at home the moment you walk in. Meet Collinsville’s Own: From Kahok Grad to Smile Expert Christine Brinley knew what she wanted to be long before most kids knew how to spell “orthodontist.” A proud graduate of Collinsville High School, she announced at just 12 years old that she was going to become an orthodontist—and she never looked back. After earning her dental degree and completin…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Bow Making Class When: Friday, May 9, 6-8pm  Where: Quintions Crafthouse  126 W. Main St. Collinsville Learn how to make beautiful bows just in time for your next celebration or decor project. More Info: Facebook  Willoughby Farm Boot Scootin’ Boogie When: Friday, May 9, 6-10pm Where: Willoughby Farms, 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville Barn dancing at Willoughby Farms More Info: Facebook Maryville Police Association Donut Dash 5k  When: Saturday, May 10, 8am W…

“You deserve to enjoy the trip you worked so hard for. Let me help you make it unforgettable.” — Kendra Williams When you meet Kendra Williams, owner of Sunset Escape Travel in Troy, you don’t just meet a travel agent—you meet a travel advocate. With warmth, wisdom, and a beverage bell (yes, really—ask her about it), Kendra has turned a love of travel and service into a thriving business built on heart, hustle, and community. Her standards are sky-high, and her commitment to service? Unmatched. This isn’t your average franchise story. This is a local woman rewriting the rules of what it means to be both a small business owner and a trusted guide in helping others explore the world. What started as a dr…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Village of St. Jacob- Village Wide Garage Sale When: Fri- Sun, May 1- May 3,   Where: The Village of St. Jacob Join us as the Village of St. Jacob hosts their three-day village-wide garage sale. Location- St. Jacob, IL More Info: Facebook DIY Door Mat When: Friday, May 2, 6-8pm  Where: Quintions Crafthouse  126 W. Main St. Collinsville Gather some friends for a fun and creative night out! Brighten up your entryway by crafting your very own Doormat. Select a design that ref…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Olive & Honey Pop- up! When: Saturday April 26, 9-12pm Where: 209  Meadow Drive Troy,   Olive and Honey Coffee Co. is popping up on April 26th from 9–12 PM, and you're invited to sip slow, stay awhile, and try something brand new...  We're introducing refreshers to the menu this week — fresh, fun, and totally delish! Think sparkling sips, bold flavors, and the same cozy, intentional vibes you love More Info: Facebook Page  Spring Fest at LBB When: Saturday, Ap…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt When: Saturday, April 19 11am-1pm  Where:  The Crossings Church Collinsville,  2002 Mall St Collinsville Attention parents: children 5th grade and under are invited to have a blast at the Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt hosted by The Crossings Church More Info: Facebook Page Metro East Pop Kids Consignment Sale When: Friday, April 18- Saturday April 19 Where: Gateway Convention Center,  1  Gateway Dr. Collinsville Kids grow fast.…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Frozen Jr the Musical When: Thursday- Saturday, April 10-12, 7pm and Sunday April 13, 2pm Where:  Collinsville High School, 2201 S. Morrison ave. Collinsville Come experience Frozen Jr presented by the CHS Drama Club! More Info: Facebook Page Create Your Own Pot Head When: Friday, April 11, 1-3pm  Where: Quintions Crafthouse  126 W. Main St. Collinsville Luna Rose is bringing planters to life! Enjoy the process of choosing eyebrows, eyes, lashes, lips, accessories and more…

Easter Egg Hunt at Woodland Park When: Saturday, April 12, 10am Where:  Woodland Park,  Collinsville This FREE family event is perfect for Collinsville and Metro East families! Enjoy 40,000 Easter eggs, inflatables, carnival games, prizes, and a delicious lunch. Register online now to secure your spot and skip the wait on event day! Just bring your confirmation code to the check-in tent, grab your meal tickets, and dive into the fun More Info: Facebook Page  Annual Easter Eggstravaganza  When: Saturday, April 12, 1pm Where: New Rivers Assembly of God, 2620 N. Center St. Maryville Free Egg Hunt for children 12 years old and younger. Inflatables, free food and face painting.  …

Lisa Hempton JGP Insurance Buying your first home is filled with excitement—but let’s be honest, it can also be a little overwhelming. That’s why Lisa Hempen of JGP Insurance Group has made it her mission to empower and educate first-time homebuyers so they can feel confident in protecting their investment. With a background in education and years of experience as a trusted local insurance agent, Lisa approaches insurance conversations like she would a classroom—making sure her clients not only get the coverage they need but understand why they need it. An Educator at Heart: Breaking Down Insurance for First-Time Homeowners Lisa knows that most first-time homebuyers are laser-focused on square footage, floor pla…