Winter Photos and Fun

If you've had a chance to experience winter in southern Illinois this year and have photos to show for it, you could win a prize. The Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau is running its AN EYE FOR ILLINOIS - WINTER PHOTO CONTEST. Here's the copy:

Winter in Illinois provides picturesque settings everywhere you look, Along the Mississippi or Ohio Rivers, in the Shawnee Forest or the Cache River Wetlands. Submit your favorite photos to the Illinois Winter Photo Contest for a chance to win a digital camera or Shell gift cards.

Enter your best photos by March 31st, 2008.
http://www.ibotimages.com/3-day/photoconteststart.aspx

Also coming up soon: Enjoy unique copper sculptures by Thomas Horn at Blue Sky Vineyard March 1st and 2nd. From 12-5pm you can meet the artist and enjoy refreshments, award-winning wine and unique southern Illinois art. Also, April 12 you can meet the BSV winemaker, improve your palate, vocabulary and overall wine knowlege at their second annual "Wine and Food 101" course.

CALL TO ARTISTS

There's a wine and art fair coming up in Carbondale, May 2, 2008, featuring regional artists and craftspeople, sponsored by Carbondale Mainstreet. Artists, click here for the entry form.

This Friday there is a fundraiser for Klassics for Kids. Here's the copy:

Please join us for a fun evening to support SIU's
Klassics for Kids and Child Development Laboratory
Silent Auction
Hors d’oeuvres and desserts
Variety of local wines (and beer)
Live music by The Swivel Rockers
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center
Friday, February 29, 2008
6:30-9:30pm
$17 per person by February 27
$20 per person after February 27
RSVP: Call 453-4221 for credit card reservations

Back 2 Basics Cabins is having a "Spring Break Escape" special in the month of March, here's the copy:

This spring break, get Back 2 Basics and save! This March, take the B2B Spring Break Escape and get 5% off the already discounted weekly rate for a stay at the secluded A-Frame Cabins nestled on 42 acres in the Shawnee National Forest. Revive your body and mind by taking time to enjoy the award-winning wine and food found along the Shawnee Wine Trail, and revive your soul by enjoying the pristine nature at the many state and national parks less than an hour away. With the panoramic views, fine wine selection, and unique attractions, you won't believe you're still in Illinois! If rest and relaxation is what you want, you will find it at Back 2 Basics this spring break. For more information about things to do, click here. To check availability and reserve now, click here. Redeemable on weekly stays during the month of March, to book you must be 23 or older with a valid credit card. Not combinable with any other offer.

OK I had to chuckle when I read this news article this morning. Anyone who comes to southern Illinois from outside will soon find that southern Illinoisians are a breed all their own. And I say that in a way that has both up and down sides, as your perspective may determine, but is definitely interesting and will keep you on your toes. Here is an article about a local guy who wants to people take a stand about the new smoking law. Which btw has been enacted but has no organization to enforce it. Pretty typical I guess. As far as I can tell everyone's following the rules, but maybe we'll see a mass rebellion, who knows.

OK I've got a couple things to post so no more waiting around. Cabin on the Hill is having a "open house/art exhibit" at their big cabin this weekend. Sunday, 11am-4pm. Food and wine will be available!

I got this through another grapevine, I don't know much about it but it's a friend so I'll post it. It's an art show hosted by a friend of mine, and also a seller on SIS. Cheers Ashla!