FOOD & DRINK

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The 32cd annual lights fantastic parade will be held in downtown Carbondale on Saturday. December 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The parade begins on South Illinois Avenue at Mill Street and travels north on Illinois Avenue around the Town Square on Jackson and Washington Streets.

Discover the latest updates from Carbondale, including a new sign for the "Big Chill," a former Dairy Queen that's been serving the community for over six decades. Plus, get the latest on a shooting in Paduka, a fatal crash in Franklin County, and more.

In this article, we're exploring four delightful cafes in Carbondale. Have you had the chance to visit any of these yet? We'd love to hear your experiences, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!

The Carbondale Community Farmers Market announces the indoor Winter Market which opens for the season this Saturday, Dec 2nd. The market is just inside the theater entrance at University Mall from 10am to 1pm each Saturday. Attendees can shop the producer-only market which includes fresh food, crafts, jewelry, body products, baked goods and more. Other features this winter include live music, live cooking demos and the return of the Kids Club Program. SNAP customers are also welcome. You can learn more at www.carbondalemarket.com.

Have you been contemplating pet adoption, or simply love perusing adorable pets? A myriad of delightful pets are available for adoption at various animal shelters in the vicinity of marion..

The 45th annual SIU Carbondale Holiday Craft Sale is happening now at the first floor Art Gallery of the Student Center.

This article is set to explore four traditional American dishes that are a must-try in Benton. Have you had the opportunity to taste any of these yet? If yes, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

In this article, we will be exploring three exquisite bakeries located in Carbondale. Have you had the pleasure of sampling their offerings yet? If you have, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

The Southern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance is holding its final production of the semester: Alice Childress’ “Wedding Band: A Love-Hate Story in Black and White.”. The two-act play, which explores themes such as racism, loneliness, social injustice and community, was written in 1962 and first...

Get ready for the annual 'Lights Fantastic Parade' in Carbondale this weekend! Enjoy the holiday festivities with floats, dancers, musicians, and Santa Claus himself. The event is free, just remember to bundle up for the chilly weather.

Discover how the Rainbow Café in Carbondale is stepping up to support students of all grades. Starting Wednesday, this local nonprofit will offer free tutoring services, including access to a computer lab. Tune in to learn more about this educational initiative.

JOHNSON COUNTY — One lucky customer of a southern Illinois gas station is holding a winning lotto ticket worth $325,000. According to the Illinois Lottery, a jackpot-winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket was sold over the weekend at H&H Fuel, 220 S. Broadway St. in Goreville, a village just 25 miles southeast of Carbondale.

Winifred Haun is a renowned choreographer, dancer, instructor and artistic director. But before she was an award-winning artist, she was a Saluki. “I have been interested in making dances since I was about six…I’ve literally been doing it from the beginning,” Haun said. “…And a typical path for a dancer is like, you’re a dancer, and you want to get a job in a company, and you work for that company…My path to doing that, it kind of mostly started here at SIU.”

The Big Picture: Dr. Shelandra Bell, Family Medicine. says, "Stronger thighs mean stronger knees!" Doctor's Expert Insights About Knee Health in Illinois. Know this: "This research continues to build on the idea that you can take preventative steps to improve your health outcomes! Boosting your strength in your thighs has been shown to be an effective way to delay the need for knee replacement! The quadriceps, the thigh's powerhouse, play a key role in mobility and movement. If you are able to do so, engaging in exercises like squats and lunges can build stronger thigh muscles. This simple, proactive approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of knee surgery, benefiting anyone, especially those at risk for osteoarthritis. Another benefit of stronger thighs? You reduce your fall risk!" Dr. Adriana Davis, Family Medicine.

Turtles are a fan-favorite attraction at SIU and can be spotted all over Campus Lake, swimming and basking in the sun. However, with the regular presence of people along the bank, these turtles are most commonly found on logs in the center of the lake, often lacking the necessary space needed.

Nestled in Southern Illinois, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a beacon for oenophiles, and Carterville sits at its heart. This scenic trail boasts 11 distinctive wineries, each offering a taste of the region's viticultural diversity. As a hub for wine enthusiasts, Carterville's strategic position near the wine trail has spurred economic growth and transformed it into a cultural and touristic hotspot. The area's blend of local charm and wine culture invites visitors to explore and indulge in the authentic flavors of Illinois wine country.

The Holiday Craft Sale at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is just the place to find perfect gifts or treats for yourself this yuletide season. The 45th annual craft sale is happening Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 at the Student Center. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2. It takes place in the Art Gallery on the first floor.

The Very Merry Marion Holiday Parade is tomorrow, Sunday November 26th at 5:30p.m. The parade starts at Marion Junior High School located at 1609 W. Main Street and ends at Washington School located at 420 E. Main Street. Food vendors will be located along the parade route and Circus Kaput...

Now through the Holiday season you can visit the Artspace Winter Market in Carbondale. This pop-up gift shop includes select artist, holiday gifts, home decor, kitchen goods jewelry, stationery, accessories, kids' toys, books, and more. One wing of the building will open for the Winter Market while construction continues for...

• Budweiser Clydesdales are on display in southern Illinois this weekend. • The horses and their Dalmation companions arrived in Marion on Tuesday. • They are housed inside the Pavilion Events Center.