Annual Twin City Days festival offers a variety of fun events for all ages

If you have lived in Crystal City, Festus or the surrounding area for even a few years, you know about Twin City Days.

It’s that simple, Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Zebrowski and Director Denise Kist said of the Sept. 10-12 festival.

“This is one of the things we have actually been saying to many people,” Zebrowski said. “This has been around for 31 years now, and we think it’s a huge tradition here in our cities.

“Because I went when I was young, and I brought my children when they were young, and now I’ve brought my grandchildren. I think that’s the way it is for so many people here, especially those of us who have lived here for a very long time.”

She said people target the dates of Twin City Days.

“It’s something they keep on their calendar,” she said. “It’s something they say, ‘Oh, it’s Twin City Days again! You know, we’ve got to go. We’ve got to mark our calendars.’ And even if you’re not going for a specific thing like the (car show) or the crafts or something, for a lot of them it’s just a social thing. They get out. They get to see all their friends and people they haven’t seen in a long time.

“And it gets people down to our area either from other areas or, if they’re local and maybe work in St. Louis and hardly ever get down there. So, it’s a real traditional thing around here.”

Zebrowski and Kist talked about the ways people attend the festival.

“That’s hard to say because I can only base it on what I do and what my family does,” Zebrowski said. “I know we jump all over. I’ve got to hit the craft fair. Then I go over to the park to see the kids play. I pick up the program and see all the things I want to hit.”

Kist added, “I think the same thing. I think it depends on what season you’re in in your life. If you have grand kiddos and young kids, you are going to want to go over to Crystal City Park because there are so many activities for them, as well as the (First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City) always has inflatables. Then, in the evenings, it’s so much fun to go out and listen to the music. We’ve got great bands this year, as we always do. We’re excited about that.”

Who a fairgoer attends the festivities with also affects what features they visit, Kist said.

“It’s a tough question – you know, who are you spending the weekend with?” she said. “Are you going out with a girlfriend? OK, we’ll go to the Main Street market and shop, and have some lunch. There’s so many good places that have opened up (in the downtown area) that it’s great to bring people there so they see our shops. We always make sure our retailers know there’s a spot available for them if they want outside their doors so they can show their wares, as well. We’re excited to showcase them, too.”

This year, Twin City Days offers people even more activities to consider.

“We have nine new ones, “ Zebrowski said. “I was talking to somebody about this, and this is the biggest (Twin City Days) we’ve ever had. We’ve got over 50 events this year. Last year, we had some new events and that was over 40. So, that may have been the record at that time.

“We’re having a LEGO build a person event. That’s kind of fun and different. Adults and kids will be able to come in, and they can build a person that looks like them. And, the adult Big Wheel tricycle races, that’s going to be unique and new. And that’s going to be the Mayors’ Challenge this year.”

Tons of people attend Twin City Days, but its scope makes it difficult to track all who visit at least one of the activities, Zebrowski said.

“We get thousands and thousands and thousands because it’s spread out all over,” she said. “It’s in our parks. It’s on Festus Main Street. It’s on Crystal City Bailey Road. It’s hard to even guess the attendance. But the activities are always all full, almost every event, even all the way down to the Conservation Club in the R-7 area because of the fishing tournament.”

The women said some of the festival features obviously are crowd favorites, such as the Main Street Market of arts and crafts and food booths.

“(The Main Street Market) on Main Street and the car show on Bailey Road – they’re just jam-packed, full of people,” Zebrowski said. “But it’s also kind of like that out at (Larry G. Crites Memorial Park) where it’s more spread out.”

Kist said, “I agree, there’s a lot here on Main Street-Bailey Road. And the Festus Library holds a book sale. We’re also having the model train display there. We’re really excited about the train. We are very excited to have them. We’ll have adult tricycle races. (Downtown) populates a lot of people.”

Zebrowski said the Main Street Market will have dozens of booths, offering a wide variety of items for sale.

“We have over 110 vendors,” she said. “We’re sold out every year. That’s all we can fit there. I wish we could fit more.”

Zebrowski praised those who have made Twin City Days what it is, those who help run it and those who contribute to it.

“I would like to thank all those people,” she said. “This has been, like we said, 31 years of the Twin City Days Committee, before us, putting this together and running it and building it to be the event it is now.

“And we get lots of volunteers every year to make it possible. And the sponsors. If it weren’t for them, we couldn’t do all these free things for everybody because the majority of things are free, like the concerts. So, if we didn’t have all those wonderful businesses and sponsors, we’d never be able to do that.”

For more information, go to the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce website at twincitychamber.com or the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce page on Facebook.

Visit the chamber's Twin City Days webpage to see the full calendar of events.

Twin City Days offers nine new events to go with old favorites

Regulars of Twin City Days can experience several new events and attractions this year. With a wide variety of events for different age groups, there is a little bit of fun for everyone.

Thursday, Sept. 10

■ Sponsored by the YMCA, a chair yoga event has been added to this year’s list of attractions and will be held at the ballpark pavilion at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Hwy. A, in Festus. The free event starts at 9:30 and will last 20 minutes. No registration is needed, and chairs will be provided.

Shelley Otec, the health and wellness director at the Jefferson County YMCA, said the event is perfect for yoga beginners and will have a fun and easy-going atmosphere.

“The chair yoga is beneficial because you can get deeper into a pose without worrying about falling,” Otec said. “The chair makes people feel more supported while still stretching and doing some basic yoga poses.”

Following the yoga, senior citizens can take part in the Seniors in the Park event, organized by First State Community Bank. The 10 a.m. event will feature bingo, a hot dog lunch and live music from JB Louis and the Legends Band.

Friday, Sept. 11

■ Join Autumn Ridge Residences, 300 Autumn Ridge Drive, in Herculaneum for a Senior Cornhole Tournament, which will begin at 11 a.m. After the tournament, musician Lauren Ash will perform from noon to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged; admission is free. To sign up, call Marie at 636-489-4597.

■ An outdoor Zumba Glow in the Dark workout, which will be hosted by the Jefferson County YMCA, will end the night. The class is from 8-9 p.m. and will be held at Crystal City Park, 1511 Park Drive. All fitness levels are welcome. Bring your own water. For more information, email shelley.otec@gwrymca.org.

Saturday, Sept. 12

■ Featured this year are barbershop singers, who will stroll along both Main Street and Bailey Road from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. 

■ The whole family is invited to a free event, which will feature an inflatable bounce house, obstacle course and games. This event, which will be hosted by Pit Stop Party Rentals, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Crystal City Park, 1511 Park Drive. For information, call Cindy Inman at 636-465-5771. 

■ Experience childhood nostalgia with a visit to the new model train display. Those of all ages are encouraged to visit the exhibit hosted by the Jefferson County and Southern Model Railroad Club.

“The display features approximately 16 feet of animation, including clucking chickens, a flowing water fountain and workers moving with picks and shovels on the rail track,” said Bob Miller, a 41-year member of the club.

The display will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Four O Six venue, 406 Main St., in Festus. An entry fee of $1 for ages 13 and older will be donated to BackStoppers. Kids 12 and under can enter for free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call Miller at 314-677-0003.  

■ The Rotary Club of Festus-Crystal City will hold Adult Big Wheel Tricycle Races from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Festus Public Library parking lot, 400 W. Main St. Participants will be given a choice of contests and competition activities; equipment will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to winners. For more information, call Bill Seek at 314-808-8390.

■ From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free dance lessons will be offered at Tanglefoot Dance Hall, 201 Main St. in Festus.

The lessons will begin at 1 p.m. No cover charge will be assessed, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Owner Tom Vogel said the class is perfect for beginners.

“The lessons are designed for all ages and for those who have never line danced before. Professional instructors will lead the class by breaking down easy steps,” he said.

For more information, visit tanglefootdancehall.com or email admin@tanglefootdancehall.com.

■ A LEGO Build-a-Person event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Compass Health Network–Truman Event Center, 1275 N. Truman Blvd. in Festus. Participants can create a LEGO person, and enjoy complimentary cold water and snacks.

Food will be dished out at Twin City Days

Those planning on attending Twin City Days should come hungry.

From free community meals for the whole family to food competitions for those with a hearty appetite to insightful tasting events, the three-day festival will leave attendees with full stomachs and fun experiences.

Thursday, Sept. 10

■ Starting strong, Twin City Days will open with a free community breakfast at 8 a.m. at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Hwy. A, Festus, at the Ballpark Pavilion. The breakfast will be provided by area establishments, including McDonald’s, Richard’s Produce and Walmart.

“The community breakfast is a longstanding tradition and is the perfect way to kick off the Twin City Days events,” said Mary Zebrowski, executive director of the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce. “There will be a variety of food for people, like doughnuts, fresh fruit, breakfast sandwiches and drinks.”

Chamber director Denise Kist said the breakfast is well attended and gives people the chance to socialize with other community members.

“It is a nice family-oriented event. Twin City Days is a great way to celebrate our towns and get people together,” Kist said.

After breakfast, residents can stay for the Adult Big Wheel Tricycle Obstacle Course Race between Crystal City and Festus city officials. For information, email director@twincitychamber.com or call 636.-931-7697.  

■ MRV Banks will host the Twin City Days Tailgate Kickoff Party with food, giveaways and games from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MRV Bank, 1319 Truman Blvd. in Festus. For more information and to RSVP, call 636-638-2421.  

Friday, Sept. 11

■ Those ages 21 and over can experience a wine and bourbon tasting event presented by Southern Glazer’s. Hosted by Petit Paree, the event will take place at 228 E. Main St. in Festus. Seating is scheduled for 6 p.m. and is limited to 30 guests. The cost is $35 per person, and reservations are required. Call Leigh Tetrault for reservations at 636-937-8400.

Saturday, Sept. 12

■ The day will start with a free pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus. The menu will feature pancakes, sausage and beverages. Offerings will be accepted. For more information, email welcome@festusumc.org or call 636-937-6205. 

■ Food vendors will assemble and offer an array of food for the Main Street Market Food Court, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Adams and North Second streets.

■ Residents can sample a variety of tequilas while enjoying food pairings at the guided Tequila Tasting Experience hosted by La Pachanga, 1185 S. Scenic Drive, in Herculaneum. The experience begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and are limited. Reservations are required; call the restaurant at 636-475-4888.

■ The Toasted Ravioli Eating Contest is back. Presented by and located at The Pasta House Co., 1606 Galemore St., in Festus, the 11th annual event will begin at 4 p.m. Buddy Fresta, who co-owns The Pasta House Co. in Festus with Don Bolinger, said this one-of-a-kind event keeps people returning year after year.

“This event has been a staple in the community. People love toasted ravioli, and participants always have so much fun,” Fresta said. “The contest is how many (toasted raviolis) the person can eat in five minutes; they start with two dozen raviolis. If you finish those before time runs out, we add more,” he added.

Certificates to The Pasta House Co. and trophies will be awarded for placing, and the winner gets a trophy and a picture on the Wall of Fame until next year. Must be 18 or older to enter; there is no sign-up fee, and all contestants receive a free T-shirt. To pre-register, call 636-725-0300.

■ Food Trucks in the Park will take place at 6 p.m. at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Hwy. A, in Festus, offering a wide range of trucks and a beer booth (cash only). For more information, email director@twincitychamber.com or call 636.931.7697. 

■ Residents can cool off with free ice cream at Crystal City Park, 1511 Park Drive, located near the gazebo, while supplies last.

Nearly a dozen events planned for kids at Twin City Days

Kids and families have plenty of events to choose from at this year’s Twin City Days, including free bowling, Hot Wheels races and a scavenger hunt.

Friday, Sept. 11

■ Free Family Bowling will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Quonset Lanes, 2004 N. Truman Blvd. in Crystal City. Sponsored by Twin City Area Junior Optimist Club with Quonset Lanes, the event is open to all ages. One free game and shoe rental per person will be provided as well as a $5 voucher for food and drinks given to the first 100 kids at the event. No registration is required. For more information, call Debbie at 314-471-7213 or email debbie268244@gmail.com.

■ Organized by the Crystal City Park board, a family movie night showing of "Super Mario Galaxy" is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at the Crystal City Park ballfield, which is located on 14th Street in Crystal City. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to the event. Those aged 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Some drinks will be offered at the event. Attendees must use Park Drive by the Summit to enter the event; Park Drive will be closed to traffic at Lake Drive. For more information, call 636-208-3763 or email p.meese@crystalcitymo.gov.

Saturday, Sept. 12

■ Festus and Crystal City Police Departments are teaming up to provide children’s ID kits for families. A tent will be set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Main and South Adams streets in Festus. The kits will have information for parents to fill out for precautionary measures if their child were ever to go missing.

■ The festival’s annual Hot Wheels Races will be held at Twin City Toyota, 301 Autumn Ridge Drive in Herculaneum. This event, which is a partnership with the St. Louis Hot Wheels Association, will offer children the opportunity to race, purchase Hot Wheels cars and eat a free lunch.

Shelley Sharp, event co-coordinator at Twin City Toyota, said this event usually has a large turnout.

“Hot Wheels have been around for generations, so I mean everybody loves a Hot Wheels race,” she said.

The Hot Wheels Association will provide the track and will also have cars that a racer can purchase if he or she does not have one.

“They have all price ranges,” Sharp said. “They have a basket full of opened Hot Wheels that are very inexpensive, all the way up to very collectible ones.”

The Lions Club of De Soto will make a free lunch of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

The entry fee for the race is one canned-food item for the Ozark Food Pantry. There is a limit of two Hot Wheel Cars per entry. Ages 3-7 register at 10:30 a.m. with races beginning at 11 a.m. and ages 8-15 register at 11:30 a.m. with races beginning at noon.

For more information, call Sharp at 636-931-0555 or email shelley@twincitytoyota.com.

■ The Festus/Crystal City Kiwanis Club will hold kids’ games and a money pit from 9-11 a.m. near the sand volleyball courts at Crystal City Park, which is located on 14th Street in Crystal City. Various kids’ games will be offered, and the money pit will return to close out the event. For more information, call Ryan at 573-576-1843 or email ryan.vangilder@ofsl.bank.

■ Riverbend Bookstore will hold a scavenger hunt with riddles from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 521 N. Truman Blvd. in Crystal City. Participants can collect tokens in the hunt to win the grand prize. All ages are welcome to participate. For more information, call 636-543-3035 or email info@riverbendbookstore.com.

■ The annual fishing event will be from 8-11 a.m. at the Festus/Crystal City Conservation Club, 2567 Hwy. 61 in Festus. The event, which is for those 16 and younger, is free. But pre-registration is required. For more information, call or text 636-232-1116 or email fccconservationclub@gmail.com.

■ Free family fun will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Festus/Crystal City, 107 N. Truman Blvd. in Crystal City. The event will feature a bounce house, slide, snacks and drinks. A diaper changing and nursing station will be available. Kids must be accompanied by adults at the event. For more information, call Greg at 636-208-7855 or email grsull3669@gmail.com.

■ Hosted by the Crystal City Park Board, attendees can have their face painted starting at 10 a.m. at gazebo No. 2 at Crystal City Park, which is located 14th Street in Crystal City. For more information, call Pam at 636-208-3763 or email p.meese@crystalcitymo.gov.

■ Hosted by Pony Bird Inc. and returning to Twin City Days this year will be the baby crawling and diaper decorating contests. The events will be located near the pool at Crystal City Park, which is located on 14th Street in Crystal City.

Nicole Kyle, Pony Bird family support/respite services program manager, coordinates the two events for Twin City Days.

“Our old executive director had worked very closely with the Chamber of Commerce, and they had brought the idea of Pony Bird participating, and that’s what she came up with, and I took it over about 10 years ago.”

The baby crawling contest will take place at 10 a.m.; it is for babies who are crawling, not walking. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive prizes. Participation prizes will be given as well. This event is free; no pre-registration is required.

Last year was the first time the diaper decorating contest was held.

Kyle said this event was created to involve more families who have younger children.

“We kind of saw a lull in participants for the baby crawl because it’s a very niche group of kiddos that can participate,” she said. “Twin City Days has a lot of stuff for kids that are 5 and older, so we tried to keep it with the younger population, and it just gives those babies a chance to be active and involved.”

The diaper decorating contest will be held at 11 a.m. Caregivers of the babies will decorate a diaper to then be judged. Prizes will be awarded based upon creativity.

For more information, email nicole@ponybird.org.

Plenty of live music featured for Twin City Days

Twin City Days organizers are turning up the volume and the variety with this year’s Blues on the Brick concert and the Concert in the Park.

Friday, Sept. 11

■ The Blues on the Brick concert will take place from 6-11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, on Mississippi Avenue in Crystal City. The event will have beverage and food trucks on hand on the cobblestone streets. Opening the night at 7 p.m. will be The Blue Sparks, a band playing genres such as hillbilly bop, electric blues and rock ’n’ roll.

At 9 p.m., 2022 Blues Music Award nominee Jeremiah Johnson will perform. Johnson is a St. Louis native who has been featured in the Billboard Blues charts several times. His music features a blend of blues and country.

In between the music acts, a 10- to 15-minute drone show will take place. Crystal City administrator Jason Eisenbeis said the show will be a tribute to America.

“We are having a tribute to America’s 250th birthday, and with it being 9/11, it’ll be a tribute,” he said.

The drone show will be put on by SkyGlow Drone Productions.

The event is catered to those 21 and older. No coolers or outside beverages are allowed.

“We just want everybody to come out and enjoy the evening,” Eisenbeis said. “Hopefully we have fantastic weather because we’ve got a fantastic night of entertainment planned.”

For more information, call 636-937-4614 or visit the city of Crystal City Facebook page.

Saturday, Sept.12

■ New this year, barbershop singers will stroll from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. along both Festus Main Street and Bailey Road events.

Mary Zebrowski, Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the chorus will perform during the events.

“They’re just going to kind of perform along the way and keep us all happy,” she said. “It’s actually new to us, so we’re really excited about (it).”

The chorus will consist of four to five members and will switch off throughout the day.

Zebrowski said the group came to the chamber for the opportunity to participate in Twin City Days and spread the word of what they do. Along with performing, the group will have a booth set up near Sacred Heart Catholic Church for anyone who would like to know more about the group.

■ Closing out Twin City Days will be the Concert in the Park, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Old Hwy. A in Festus.

St. Louis band Bad Habit STL will perform from 7-10 p.m. on the stage at the park. The band will play a multi-artist tribute featuring various pop artists such as Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears and more.

Zebrowski said the band was suggested by this year’s Twin City Days committee chairperson.

“I do think part of it was just because he said they seem like they feel real well rounded to where a lot of people will like something,” she said. “They do Michael Jackson, Katy Perry and Bruno Mars. So somewhere in there, you’re going to find something you like.”

Food trucks will be on hand during the event. No coolers or outside beverages are allowed.

For more information, call 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

Tournaments, contests to challenge Twin City Days crowds

Show off your competitive side at this year’s Twin City Days.

A variety of competitions, including pickleball, golf, and washer and cornhole tournaments, will be held around the area for all ages.

Other non-traditional competitions will include a grip strength challenge, a Big Wheel tricycle race and a sidewalk drawing contest.

Friday, Sept. 11

■ The annual Twin City Days pickleball tournament will take place Friday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 13, at Jokerst Memorial Park, 525 S. Mill St. in Festus. Sponsored by Midwest Regional Bank, the tournament typically sees competitive players travel to compete; however, local players are encouraged to participate. The community may come to observe the matches as well and are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Those interested in participating in the tournament can register at pickleballtournaments.com, email registration@pickleballamigos.com, or call/text 314-541-4152.

■ The Tonda Breeze Twin City Days Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, Sept. 11, at Crystal Highlands Golf Course, 3030 Hwy. 61 in Festus. Organized by the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce, the tournament registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will have a shotgun start time of 9 a.m. For each four-person scramble, this will include a golf cart, coffee, doughnuts and juice for breakfast, and boxed lunches and beverages will be provided. For more information, call the chamber office at 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

■ New to Twin City Days is the senior cornhole tournament, which will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, at Autumn Ridge Residences, 300 Autumn Ridge Drive in Herculaneum.

This tournament is being held in partnership with Cornhole Central STL in Pevely. Participants will sign up individually and then will be assigned teams for the competition. Marie Stelling, community relations director, said this idea came from originally wanting to hold a senior olympics.

“We originally wanted to do a senior Olympics. But to be honest, Twin City Days is right in our car show season, so we have a big car show in October, and it just felt too overwhelming,” she said. “We play cornhole here with our residents, and they really enjoy it. So that’s really kind of how we get the idea; (it) was something kind of fun and easy that our residents enjoy.”

Stelling said Autumn Ridge would want to hold a senior olympics with multiple events and competitions in the future.

The cornhole tournament will also feature live music from Lauren Ash.

Participating in the tournament is free; pre-registration is encouraged. You may call Stelling at 636-489-4597 to register.

Saturday, Sept.12

■ A 5K run or walk for adults and children will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Crystal City Park, which is located on 14th Street in Crystal City. Participants will compete in the appropriate-age groups. There is a $25 registration fee. For more information, email shelley.otec@gwrymca.org or call 636.931.9622.

■ Athletico Physical Therapy will hold a grip strength challenge from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at its building, 1300 Veterans Blvd., Festus. Participants can test their grip strength using a dynamometer. There will be various prizes based on age groups and genders. For more information, call 636-931-2100 or email festus@athletico.com.

■ The Rotary Club of Festus-Crystal City will host an adult Big Wheel race. The event, which is new to Twin City Days, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Festus Public Library parking lot.

Bill Seek, Festus-Crystal City Rotary Club president, said the idea came about when he was attending a Rotary indoctrination program. At the program they talked about different ways a club could involve the community and raise money. During the event, someone was there showcasing some adult Big Wheels, a tricycle made from hard plastic.

“The thing that’s fun about these is the big wheels that you knew growing up, when you’d pedal it, it would you know go forward, and when you stop pedaling, the pedals will still go round and round,” Seek said. “These are more like a bicycle, so if you pedal, they go forward, but then they coast.”

He said these eight Big Wheels are being loaned to the Rotary Club for the races.

“We actually have looked at possibly, if this event goes over well, the club may just buy their own and have it as an ongoing event,” Seek said.

Though the event calls for adults, children are also welcome to participate.

“We call it the adult Big Wheel race, but of course, kids can do it, too,” Seek said. “But big people (could not) get on little people Big Wheels.”

The competition will include prizes for winners based upon the type of entry chosen.

For more information, call Seek at 314-808-8390.

■ A washer and cornhole tournament will occur at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the first pavilion past the bridge at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Old Hwy. A in Festus. Registration, which begins at 8 a.m., costs $50 for washer teams or cornhole teams. If participants want to play in both tournaments, registration costs $80 per team. The event is organized by the Andrew Habsieger Scholarship Foundation. For more information, call John Crites at 314-221-0082 or email jcrites@windsorc1.com.

■ A sidewalk chalk drawing contest will take place at 9:15 a.m. with judging starting at 10:30 a.m. at Pavilion 1 in Crystal City Municipal Park, 1400 Dick Cook Drive. Participants may register under the groups of ages 5 years and younger, 6-11 years old, 12-18 years old, 19 years old and older, and family categories. Prizes will be handed out at 11 a.m. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.; chalk will be provided. For more information, call 636-208-3763 or email p.meese@crystalcitymo.gov.

■ Three-on-three basketball will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the new Darrell “Hickey” White Park, which is located at 237 County Road in Crystal City. Sponsored by 34 Hoops Basketball Academy, the event will be a youth and adult tournament. For more information, email Thirty4academy@outlook.com.

■ A toasted ravioli-eating contest will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Pasta House Co., 1606 Galemore St. in Festus. The 11th annual contest will feature prizes and trophies awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners.

The first-place winner will receive a champion trophy, and a picture will go on the Wall of Fame until next year. The contest is for those 18 and older. There are no registration fees, and all contestants will receive a free T-shirt. The event will also have a happy hour, music and giveaways. To pre-register, call 636-725-0300.