Len Adams, Vice President of the American Ghost Society (AGS), is also lead tour guide for Troy Taylor's Alton Hauntings Tours. Len is also the creator and only tour guide of the Haunted Lebanon Tours in Lebanon, Illinois. He has been actively investigating the paranormal for many years and currently handles the AGS investigations for most of downstate Illinois.

Adams has hosted ghost tours in Alton and Lebanon for several years, as well as haunted overnights in Southern Illinois and Missouri, and has appeared in a number of newspaper articles about ghosts and hauntings. In addition to participating in numerous radio and television broadcasts about the paranormal, Adams has been spotlighted in local news broadcasts and as a featured paranormal expert on several episodes of Cringe, produced by Troy Taylor. Adams has also served as a public speaker for private and public groups in St. Louis and surrounding areas. His third book on the paranormal should hit the shelves in early 2010.

Join the Stephenson Family and Edwardsville as it mourns one of its founding fathers. Experience the customs grieving families practiced and say goodbye to Colonel Benjamin Stephenson as he lies in state in the parlor of his home. Watch as lawyers begin cataloging the Stephensons' personal items for the probate records, and as Lucy prepares to auction off her belongings.

The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House is an important landmark that links the early history of Edwardsville to the earliest days of the Illinois Territory circa 1809 and the establishment of Edwardsville as the center of government and commerce. It is a connection between Territorial Governer Ninian Edwards, Colonel Benjamin Stephenson and the State of Illinois.

Built in 1820, this two-story Federal style brick home is an excellent example of architecture from this early period. Each of the four rooms has original millwork, and two of the original mantels designed in the Adams style remain. The home was built with native material by skilled local craftsmen. The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House is located at 409 South Buchanan in Edwardsville.

General Admission includes guided tours.

Food, fun attendance prizes, prizes for best illuminated bike decorations by age group. Registration is from 6-7:30pm at the Madison County Transit Park & Ride, 3717 S. St. 157 in Glen Carbon (next to Garden Kingdom). Judging starts 6:45pm.

There are three (3) rides to choose from:
5 Mile Night Crawler
12 Mile Night Challenge Ride
22 Mile Ride (ride the night challenge 2 times)

Bike trail will be illuminated by the Village of Glen Carbon and property owners on the trail.

Prizes awarded for:
Best Overall Decorations
Loudest Cheering Section
Brightest Lighting
Biggest Camp Site

Pre-registration:
$17.OO ADULTS
$12.00 KIDS UNDER 12

Register online at www.bikereg.com or print the registration form at www.glen-carbon.il.us.

All pre-registered riders receive a free '09 tee shirt. Early registration ends October 2. After October 2 or night of the ride, prices are as follows:
$20.00 ADULTS
$15.00 FOR KIDS UNDER 12.

Make all checks payable to Special Olympics of Illinois. Ride organized by the Glen Carbon Police Department. Contact Jamie Foster (618.288.2639 or 618.781.0482) or Peggy Richards (618.288.3637).

Help cheer on the Cougars to victory over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs! See the coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen at conclusion of the game at SIUE's Korte Stadium.

Experience the Land of Goshen Community Farmer's Market in downtown Edwardsville (near the Madison County Court House)! The market is your best source for locally grown, fresh, naturally ripened farm products. Enjoy tasty baked goods with locally grown ingredients along with plenty of wonderful art and gift ideas. Live entertainment and free demonstrations add to the festive atmosphere. The Goshen Market is a safe and wholesome environment for kids, so bring the family! Contact Sherry Chase at 618.887.9228 for more information.

Bobby will spin spine-tingling, family-friendly stories for the fall season. Using dynamic movement and vocal effects, Bobby brings his characters to life and inspires children and adults alike to see with their imaginations.

Bobby Norfolk has appeared in International Festivals, on television as the three-time Emmy winning host of Gator Tails, the Summer Olympics, the Smithsonian Institute, National Storytelling Festival, St. Louis Symphony, and many other venues. Bobby is also well known in schools where he inspires students of all ages as a role model and mentor. He has authored eight award- winning children's books and hosted the Emmy nominated series, Children's Theater at Bobby's House.

An internationally known story performer and teaching artist, this three-time Emmy Award winner and Parents' Choice honoree is one of the most popular and dynamic story-educators in America today!

Click here to visit Bobby's Web site.

The Junior Friends of the Glen Carbon Library will sell caramel apples for their fall fundraiser. FREE apple cider provided for all participants.

Bring the family out for a glimpse inside the life of a firefighter. Enjoy rides on the fire truck, games, prizes, educational activities, and snacks including hot dogs, brauts, and drinks. Don't miss the live fire demonstration at noon!

Glen Carbon Fire Station 2 is located at 430 Glen Carbon Road (near Dairy Queen).

The Heritage Museum at 124 School Street in Glen Carbon will be open for visitors.

Open house at the 1853 Yanda Log Cabin on Main Street in Old Town Glen Carbon with apple butter and apple cider demonstrations. Sponsored by Glen Carbon Historical & Museum Commission.

The G.L.E.N. Committee will sponsor a hayride beginning in the parking lot at the farm trail head across from Glen Carbon Village Hall. The hay wagon will take riders back to the Village Farm where they can participate in a variety of family-friendly activities. Proceeds from a "Win-A-Tree" raffle will go to the Glen-Ed Food Pantry. Kids will receive a treat and drinks will be provided.

Contact Wendi Maertz at 618.288.3566 for more information.

Sponsored by G.L.E.N. Committee. Brought to you by Maryland-Moats Insurance Agency, Inc.

The Children's Museum of Edwardsville will be open Friday & Saturday from 10am-4pm. Admission is $4 per person over age one. The Museum is located across from Market Basket, approximately three blocks south of City Park. The Children's Museum will also have face painting at City Park on Saturday.

Visit with us as we explore the macabre side of the Stephenson House history. Benjamin Stephenson died in this very house October 10, 1822. After he died, the whole house and family would have gone into mourning for him. For the entire month of October the Stephenson House will be mourning its first owner just as his family did almost two hundred years ago. Observe the customs practiced by Edwardsville’s founding families as they lay one of their own to rest. Learn how Lucy had to cope not only with her husband’s death, but also with the fact that everything she owned would be auctioned off to pay debts. Join us as we honor Col. Stephenson’s memory and remember the heartache and lifestyle changes his family suffered with his death.

The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House is an important landmark that links the early history of Edwardsville to the earliest days of the Illinois Territory circa 1809 and the establishment of Edwardsville as the center of government and commerce. It is a connection between Territorial Governer Ninian Edwards, Colonel Benjamin Stephenson and the State of Illinois.

Built in 1820, this two-story Federal style brick home is an excellent example of architecture from this early period. Each of the four rooms has original millwork, and two of the original mantels designed in the Adams style remain. The home was built with native material by skilled local craftsmen. The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House is located at 409 South Buchanan in Edwardsville.

General Admission includes guided tours.

Hudson Jewelers will have food ALL DAY Saturday. Stop by for your FREE family photo taken on location - visitors may request a digital file or printed version (mailed the following week).

Hudson Jewelers will offer special discounts on everything in the store, prizes, and a designer trunk show at their open house. A portion of all proceeds will benefit Allison's Friends of Hope & Anderson Hospital's Breast Diagnostic Center.

13 regional artists will exhibit a media ranging from painting to photography to sculpture - all available to view and purchase.

Admission is FREE and the exhibit is open to the public. For more informaiton, contact Linda Smith at 618.655.0337

Our own Apple store, The Tech Spot, along with other merchants, are hosting a party with an "Apple" theme. Festivities include family photo opportunities, food, prizes and entertainment.

Apple Pie Baking Contest (prize money awarded; judged by local chefs) sponsored by Faller Photography Group, Eberhart Sign & Lighting Co., Integrated Medical Group, The Tenderloin Room & The Tech Spot.
Click here for the Apple Pie Baking Contest rigistration form.

Italian Food sponsored by Lahr-Well Academy & Nonna's
Caramel Apple Treats by Lee's Services & Eckert's Country Farms
Live Music by Just Tim & Troy from 11am-1pm
Live Music by Judy Koen from 2-4pm
Balloon Artist from 2-4pm
Pumpkin Painting by Early Explorations
Big Screen Wii Tournament

The Tech Spot is located at 4280 South Highway 159 in Glen Carbon. Questions? Contact Danelle Brown of The Tech Spot at 618.288.7321

Exactime Watch & Clock will host a sidewalk sale, children's activities and refreshments. Festivities include face painting, apple prize pick, pumpkin ring toss and straw bale prize surprise.

Exactime Watch & Clock is located at 4225 South Highway 159 in Glen Carbon.

Brauts & Hot Dogs (Kiwanis)
DJ Music provided by E & T Entertainment
Pumpkin Sales
Kettle Corn
Apple Caramel Treats
Mum Sales (Edwardsville High School Band)
Balloon Artist
Bounce House
Nachos (Good Shepherd School)
Wine & Micro-Brew Beers in the Garden

Sponsored by the Merchants at Miner Square & Kiwanis.

Oversized and unique vehicles on display at Edwardsville City Park & Library, along with multiple food vendors, wine & beer, and lots of great live entertainment! There will be an inflatable for young children and interactive games for the older children including Dance, Dance Revolution, Snowboard Simulator, and Speed Zone Grand Prix. Face painting and crazy clowns sponsored by The Children's Museum and children's crafts sponsored by the YMCA.

11am-12pm: Local Talent on Stage
12-2pm: Edwardsville Municipal Band
2-4pm: Heartland Band
4-6:30pm: Mondin Band
6:30-9pm: Bob Kuban Brass

Food includes:
Hot & Cold Cider by Edwardsville Rotary
Italian Beef & Pulled Pork by Knights of Columbus
Water & Soda by Lincoln School Alumni
Brauts, Hot Dogs & Iced Tea by Eden UCC Church Men's Fellowship
Ribs, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Pork, & a Variety of Sides by Captain Hogs BBQ.

For more information contact the City of Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department at 618.692.7538. Sponsored by the City of Edwardsville.

The St. Louis Unions will take on the Murphysboro Clarkes in a 9-inning baseball game played by 1860 rules. This is a gentlemen's game, which means there is no yelling at the umpires, and players play in vintage baseball uniforms from the 1860 era with no gloves. Since baseball started as a strictly recreational sport, there are no modern twists to slow the game, and matches take less than 1.5 hours to play.

Historic information regarding changes in baseball will be available, as well as pictures of the Historic Leclaire Field. This is a great opportunity to bring the family out, enjoy a day of historically correct baseball, and learn about changes the all-American game has experienced throughout history. Stick around - after the game kids will have the opportunity to take a few swings at bat!

Admission is free, and concessions will be available during the event.

Jaycee Baseball Field is located at the Winston Brown Recreation Complex at 1325 Schiller Avenue in Edwardsville. For more information, call the City of Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department at 618.692.7538

Cruise begins at Lincoln Middle School and ends at Edwardsville City Park. For more information contact the City of Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department at 618.692.7538.

Watershed Nature Center invites you to explore nature - in the dark! Bring your flashlight and depart on a naturalist-led hike through the trails, or visit the Welcome Center to learn how worms work in the dark. Watershed volunteers will demonstrate vermicomposting bin construction in the Welcome Center - build your own to keep and take home for only for $15!

A capella group Chapter 6 and comedian Dan Cummins come together for a family-friendly show at SIUE's Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.

The auction will begin at 9am and will end when all items are auctioned, usually around 2pm.

The auction, now in its eighth year, has been a popular event in years past, with a top-selling item - a cherry wood book case - selling for $600. All items in this year's auction are donations. Some donations are at 100% profit for the Stephenson House, while others are 50/50, where the House and the donor split the profit. Proceeds for the House will go toward its continued restoration and educational programs.

Built in 1820, this two-story Federal style brick home is an excellent example of architecture from this early period. Each of the four rooms has original millwork, and two of the original mantels designed in the Adams style remain. The home was built with native material by skilled local craftsmen. The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House is located at 409 South Buchanan in Edwardsville.

House tours will not be available during this event, but the museum gift shop will be open. Free admission.

The Madison County Historical Society as party of the yearlong celebreation of Lincoln's 200th birthday is presenting a special program in which surveyor Jeff Pauk will demonstrate the use of a transit from the 1800s on the plaza at the Museum complex. The equipment will be similar to that used by Abraham Lincoln in his years at New Salem, IL when he was an assistant to the Sangamon County Surveyor.

Jeff is a serious collector of information about the early surveyors of Madison County and will present many historical facts about the area, especially around Edwardsville, where his research is concentrated. Madison County was official in 1812 and will celebrate its 200th birthday in two years.

Refreshments will be served and entertainment by the Goshen Strings from SIUE will make the afternoon feel like the time of Lincoln. Please join us for a look back at the beginning of Madison County and the State of Illinois. Call 656.7562 for more information. There is no charge for the program. In the instance of inclement weather, the presentation will take place inside.

The Madison County Historical Museum has exhibits featuring Lincoln's time in Madison County in the County Courthouse lobby, in the Administration Building lobby, as well as in the Madison County Historical Museum at 715 North Main Street in Edwardsville, which is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am-4pm and Sunday from 1-4pm. There is no charge to see exhibits.