Illinois Trekkers

Due to the weather & icy conditions the walk for January 31, 2023 is cancelled. The walk is rescheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

5K walkers stopped for a picture with the unique totem pole.

Walkers enjoyed walking & seeing the lights.

Walkers stopped at Santa’s House, but Santa was out.

Walkers viewed the many gingerbread houses & couldn’t believe the detail in this winner.

Walkers enjoyed the dinner after the walk.

Walkers enjoyed food & fellowship.

More walkers at the dinner.

Thank you for taking over for your sick wife & making the evening a success.

On December 17, 2022 at 11:00 am, Wreaths Across America will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.

The Illinois Trekkers invite you to join them on a 5k/10k group walk. Registration 9:45 AM at the Walgreens Pharmacy bon Telegraph Road in Lemay, Missouri. Walkers will drive to trail head to start walking at 10:00 AM.  Walkers will walk to the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery & help Place wreaths as part of Wreath Across America to honor American veterans.

Walkers enjoyed going into houses this year.

Walkers took a secret passage.

Walkers were given cookies & treats as they took in the beauty of the homes.

Streets were blocked so walkers could walk the brick streets.

It was a beautiful evening for walkers to enjoy the Liminary walk & houses.

Walkers stop so walkers could stay together.

Walkers couldn’t believe the creativity of the gingerbread creations.

The Illinois Trekkers invite you to join them on a group walk. Walk in downtown Belleville and enjoy the neighborhoods on Abend and Garfield as the homeowners line the streets with luminaries. Some of the beautiful historic homes will be open for tours. Dress warm, bring a flashlight and enjoy the beauty.  Registration at 4:45 at the Belleville City Parking Lot is across the street from Papa Vito’s at 318 East Washington Street. Walk starts at 5:00 pm.

Walkers getting ready to step off on the Christmas walk in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Walkers enjoyed good food & good friends.

It was good to see walking friends that we hadn’t seen in a while including a charter member of the Illinois Trekkers.

Everyone enjoyed the Christmas party.

The Illinois Trekkers will host a special holiday group walk on Saturday, December 3. Registration will begin at 10:15 am at Schnuck’s, 907 E. Hwy 50 in O’Fallon, IL. The normal $3 fee applies to walkers or a YRE coupon. Group step off will be at 10:30 am. At the conclusion of the 5k walk, we will gather at Syberg’s, 1310 Central Park Dr, O’Fallon, IL for our Christmas lunch and party beginning at 12:00 noon.

No pre-payment is required for this event. Attendees will select their own meals directly from the menu and be responsible for paying their own bill.

After our meal, we will have a short program and end the party with a Christmas game.  No gift exchange.

It would be helpful to know how many people will be attending the walk and/or lunch.  Please send a text or email that you will be attending.  If you are not planning to walk but would like to join the holiday fun, please send an email to Nikki Wilcoxen at [email protected] or text me at 618-973-3825 that you would like to join the group for lunch.

Walkers always find something new on their walks.

WELCOME TO THE ANNUAL “WAY OF LIGHTS” WALK:

Experience the tradition – bring your family and friends on this most unique volksmarch in the metro-east Illinois area as you walk among over two and a half million miniature lights illuminating trees, figures, and displays that depict the true Christmas story. The Shrine campus will have all their activities available to walkers. Activities include the Christmas Tree & wreath Display, Lego Brick Display, Camel, Donkey & Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Camel rides ($6), Carriage Rides ($65 for 6 people & $100 for 10 people), Kettle corn & refreshments for purchase.

LOCATION:  National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Visitor Center, 442 South De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, Illinois 62223-1095.

START/FINISH:  Start between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm; finish by 8:30 pm.  Walk at your own pace and pleasure.  Please bring a flashlight for safety reasons! Event will take place regardless of weather.  Dress appropriate for late fall walking. Restrooms are available at the start point and on the trail. The fee is $3 for all walkers and is open to everyone — all ages are welcome. An adult must accompany children under the age of 12.  There is no pre-registration for this event and no refunds.  Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and it is your responsibility to clean up after your pet(s).  Only service animals allowed in buildings.  Way-of-Lights-Walk-Brochure-2022

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

  Diane Prost 256 527-3377 [email protected]