Author: Diane Prost

Walkers stop at the confluence of the Mississippi River & the Missouri River. Walkers walked in honor of Fallen Veterans.

The Illinois Trekkers invite you to walk historic Marissa to help Marissa celebrate their Coal Festival and Illinois celebrate their bicentennial. Starting in the late 1800s and continuing to the present day, one of the largest local industries has been the mining of steam coal. Currently most of the coal mined here is burned to generate electricity. The Marissa Coal Festival is held each year on the second weekend of June. The activities begin Thursday evening & run through Saturday night with the crowning of the Festival queen. Saturday afternoon features a parade that begins at 4:00 pm. Walkers can start between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Walk at your own pace. Walkers must be finished by 3:00 pm. All walkers will have a chance to win an Illinois Bicentennial lapel pin.

Finally a beautiful spring morning for a walk.

Walkers enjoyed a stop at Bobby’s for a refreshing treat.

Walkers enjoyed a beautiful spring day with purple martins in the air and flowers in bloom.

Spring has finally arrived & walkers were ready to walk the Kickoff walk of the Columbia YRE.

One of the beautiful sights on the Columbia YRE.

Walkers had a beautiful spring evening to enjoy the O’Fallon-A Walk in the Parks.

The rain stopped so walkers could enjoy the Maryville walk. The walk was completed by eating at the Spring Garden.

Walkers found an unexpected site on the walk. Paula was watching as the walkers walked past and was content to just watch the walkers on the trail.