Author: Diane Prost

Walkers enjoyed seeing the Nativity scene along the walk.

The Christmas decorations added beauty to the walk.

Walkers saw thus unique artwork on the building.

This unique snowman greeted walkers.

One of many views on the walk.

Walkers always enjoy walking through the tunnel.

The Nativity scene at the Grotto.

Walkers registering at the start table.

Walkers stamping their books at the finish table.

Another view of the Nativity scene at the Grotto.

 

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, Camel, Donkey & Pony Rides, Petting zoo (Camel rides $6), Carriage Rides ($65 for 6 people & $100 for 10 people), Kettle corn & refreshments for purchase. Life Size Nativity  Photo Area in Shrine Gift Shop.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Registration on sidewalk by Visitor’s Center Parking lot

 442 South De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, Illinois

 Start between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm; finish by 8:30 pm. 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.  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. Masks are always required for registration and inside buildings.

To watch video of last years’s walk click on the following link.

Walkers walking In Historic Columbia.

One of the historic buildings on the walk.

Columbia provides information on the historic buildings.

Walkers always find something new on the walks.

Registration 3:30-6:30 p.m.      Fee: $3

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Registration on sidewalk by Visitor’s Center Parking lot

 442 South De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, Illinois

* Walk through the “Way of Lights”.

* Enjoy walking among over two & half million miniature lights illuminating trees, figures, and displays that depict the true Christmas story.

* Masks are always required for registration and inside buildings.

* Please bring a flashlight for safety while walking the trail!

* Most unique walk experience of the year!

The Illinois Trekkers donated food to the House of Neighborly Service of Monroe County, Illinois. Toni Miller received the donate food from the Illinois Trekkers.

One of the many scarecrows walkers saw on the walk.

 

Walkers took advantage of the beautiful weather to walk outside at St. Clair Square Mall.

Our new walker & mascot, Ava.

Walker at registration table.

Robert (Bob) Buzolich, Mid-America  Regional Director, presenting Trudy Duffman, President of the Illinois Trekkers, with 40th Anniversary award.

40th Anniversary cookie that each walker received.

Dee Wojtysiak receiving Meritorious Award for 5 years of service from Robert (Bob) Buzolich, Mid-America  Regional Director.

The Illinois Trekkers will have a group walk of the Columbia YRE & Scarecrow Crawl. Here is a sampling of the scarecrows that walkers will enjoy on the walk. Registration is at 8:46 & walk at 9:00. Please bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the food pantry.

Parking is limited at the City Police Station start point. Walking Groups should park in the Masonic Lodge parking lot at corner of N. Main & E. Temple [please park in north lot].

In accordance to AVA guidelines you must wear a mask when registering & please maintain social distancing when walking.

Come help the Illinois Trekkers celebrate their 40th anniversary with a walk at Cahokia Mounds, a State Historic Site, National Historic Landmark and World Heritage Site-the largest prehistoric Indian site north of Mexico. Scholars, travelers & walkers from around the globe visit Cahokia Mounds and its world-class Interpretive Center to learn about this highly sophisticated civilization built in an urban complex. Walk where the Mississippian Indians first settled in AD 700. The mounds were built of earth transported in baskets on peoples’ backs to elevate ceremonial buildings and residences of the elite, and to provide burial sites and mark important settlement locations. The walk path passes Indian cultural areas and travels through several habitats on grass, concrete and gravel. Experience the “natural stair-stepper” by climbing 154 steps to the top of Monks Mound, the largest earthen mound in North America equivalent to a 10-story building.

TIMES:  Registration from 9:30am – 11:30am. Must finish no later than 2:30pm. Masks are always required for registration and inside the Interpretive Center. Club will have a limited number of masks for those who forget to bring one. The event will take place regardless of the weather.

REFRESHMENTS:  Water will be provided at the start/finish. The club will provide a catered box lunch complete with a decorated cookie. Contact Trudy Duffman at [email protected] or 618-670-6920 to RESERVE A LUNCH prior to 10/09/2020. Please bring your own folding chair to join in socially-distanced fellowship while enjoying the box lunch together.

TO  view brochure click here. 40th Anniversary Walk Cahokia Mounds[6173] (2)

Monks Mound