Spend Memorial Day in Murphysboro

MURPHYSBORO - With about a month left until Memorial Day weekend, it's time to start thinking about how you'll spend the holiday.

One option presented by the Friends of Murphysboro includes two days of wine, music, arts, crafts and baseball. The not-for-profit group will host the first Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Wine and Arts Festival at Riverside Park from noon to 6 p.m. on May 24 and 25.

Advance tickets for the event can be purchased at Old National Bank locations in Carbondale, Carterville, De Soto, Harrisburg, Marion, Mount Vernon, Murphysboro and Evansville, Ind. Pre-sold tickets cost $12 and include a souvenir wine glass, a $5 coupon for the wineries and access to all attractions.

Tickets at the gate will be $15 and include the same benefits. Those who will not be sampling wine can enter the event for $3.

All nine Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Association wineries, 17th Street Bar & Grill, Mase's Place and Sid's Corn Dogs will provide food and drinks for the event.

- Adam Testa

Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 24:

11 a.m. American Legion Memorial Day service at veterans' memorial

12 p.m. Etherton Switch at the band shell

3 p.m. Bourbon Knights at the band shell

Sunday, May 25:

12 p.m. Ivas John Band at the band shell

1 p.m. Murphysboro Clarkes vintage baseball double header against the St. Louis Perfectos at the ball diamond

3 p.m. The Ole Fishkins at the band shell

NOTE: Vintage baseball and Memorial Day service do not require paid admission to the wine festival.