Black Woodstock Festival celebrates East St. Louis culture
EAST ST. LOUIS — Scores of Black-owned vendors, fireworks, live music, family-friendly activities and more will be at the 6th annual Black Woodstock Festival Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. This year’s theme is “Reimagining the Gateway Arch,” which is a call to “celebrate the culture and reimagine the possibilities for East St. Louis,” festival organizers say. Bring lawn chairs to enjoy the fireworks show; area shops will close at 7 p.m. but the festivities will continue. The Black Woodstock Festival was started in April 2021 to celebrate Black-owned businesses in East St. Louis (Belleville News-Democrat). Join the festival at S. River Park Drive.
Wizard of Oz theater camp for kids starts Monday
MARION — Kids will gain experience in singing, dancing, and practicing theatre auditions at the Oz Themed Summer Camp Monday through July 10. Provided by Artstarts Company, the camp provides kids and teens ages 6 to 18 with all kinds of activities inspired by characters from “The Wizard of Oz” and ArtStarts’ upcoming production of the classic. Camp attendees will also have a chance to showcase their new skills with a performance July 10. Youngsters of all theater experience levels are welcome, and the camp is age-divided: kids in grades 1 through 5 gather from 9 a.m. to noon, and those in grades 6 through 12 meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Registration is$150 per child;. get tickets here. The summer camp is at Artstarts Company, 104 S. Van Buren St.
America's first official Black town restored to Route 66
BROOKLYN — America’s first majority-Black incorporated town was finally honored for its place along Route 66 in June, after more than a century left off Route 66 maps (KSDK). The dedication of the town’s Route 66 marker was held at Quinn Chapel, the oldest Black church in the Midwest. Brooklyn was founded in 1829 by former slave Priscilla Baltimore, according to oral history, and incorporated in 1873. It was left off Route 66 maps after the highway’s founding in 1926. Town leadership has fought for Route 66 recognition for years, Mayor Trenton Atkins told KSDK. The town of about 650 residents is also planning several projects to celebrate its Route 66 connection including a new community center, skating rink, and restoration of historic sites such as Quinn Chapel.
