The 13th Annual Christopher Homecoming looks to be anything but unlucky for the folks around the larger Christopher community. A hard-working group of volunteers, beginning with the Christopher Homecoming committee, has a full four days of food, fun, entertainment, and games planned that has, virtually, something for everyone – young or older.
On Thursday, the events kick off with the annual Boy Scout Flag Retirement ceremony from local Troop #156. Christopher Mayor Gary Bartolotti will then open the homecoming with his welcome address, followed by the Variety Show featuring all kinds of local talent. A karaoke contest will end the Thursday Main Stage activities.
Thursday also starts the event-long serving of the famous fish sandwiches from the pavilion across from the Main Stage, as well as a variety of great food offerings from several other groups. This means that lunch and supper are completely covered for the duration.
Four days of friendly competitive events at the homecoming start Thursday. The ladies Bocce Ball Tournament begins at 5 p.m. and the competition is fierce but friendly.
Thursday also kicks off a great attraction for kids from Inflatable Fun of Herrin with a variety of inflatables for free as well as video games. Kids can bounce and play to their heart’s content. It should make for a great bed time. The play area will open at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and will run from noon until dark on Saturday.
Friday evening features Don Faulkner on the Main Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and listen to one of the best voices in southern Illinois entertain with a variety of songs. Friday also features the Del Rio Trio in the Beer Garden just west of the pavilion, starting at 8 p.m. as well as the start of the open Bocce Ball Championship.
Saturday is a big day at the Christopher Homecoming. It starts with the annual Lion’s Club breakfast at the Civic Center from 7 a.m. until 10:30. The annual 5K Run-Walk event kicks off at 8 a.m. with registration at 7.
The annual Christopher Homecoming Car Show starts with registration from 10 a.m. until noon with judging beginning at 1 p.m. The site is the huge Rea Clinic parking lot across Route 14 from the park which provides a great venue for car enthusiasts, including a covered area for awards presentation.
The Beer Garden opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the great duo, Rog and Bob performing from 10 until 1 p.m. They will be followed by Matt Basler from 1 p.m. until 4 and Shaky Jake goes on stage from 8 p.m. until 11.
Saturday also features a great opportunity for CHS alumni and friends to gather at the Civic Center downtown at 1 p.m. This is the annual All-Class Reunion, which has long been a gathering that brings folks into town from all over. It’s lasts until 4 p.m. and offers a fantastic array of snacks as well as a chance to experience the true meaning of “Homecoming.”
On the Main Stage, the Southern Illinois Concert Band will perform from 6 p.m. until 8. This is a group of area musicians, young and older, who play for the love of music and, of course, do a fantastic job. Folks won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear this talented group in a great outdoor setting.
Sunday’s events at Christopher include the washer tournament beginning at 1 p.m. This event has grown in popularity since many individuals feel they are pretty good washer players and are out to prove it. The super-talented Dave Clark will entertain in the Beer Garden from 1 p.m. until 4. One outstanding event, Cow Patty Bingo, starts at 3 p.m. in the Beer Garden. Organizers feel it brings a sense of class to the Homecoming and gives folks a chance to compete against a bovine representative.
The Christopher Homecoming Committee is proud of the line-up of fun, food, and activities that make up the homecoming and urge everyone to come out and have a great time. Check cityofchristopher.org for more information.
