Illinois Trekkers

 

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.