April 23, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Tree lighting, Grinch scavenger hunt to take place today

The hunt for the Grinch is on.


The Village of St. Joseph is hosting a scavenger hunt on Dec. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m.


Local businesses will host a baby Grinch stuffed animal. Participants take a photo of the Grinch and tag the photo on Instagram and Facebook with @villageofstjoseph and #grinchhunt and get a punch card stamped. Once they complete the hunt they will be entered to win two Grinch themed gift baskets.


Village of St. Joseph Administrative Assistant Ashley York spearheaded the project.


York said the idea was given to her by members of the St. Joseph Christmas Committee.

“I took their thoughts and ran with it,” she said. “I wanted this to be a free and fun event. I also wanted to make sure all our businesses were involved.”


Grinches are located at Caseys, Wagner Signs and Graphics, Monicals, Jack Flash, Dairy Queen, Wyldewood Cellars, St. Joseph IGA, The Ribcage, Subway, Geschenk, Chic N Threads and Home by K and Thompson Family Chiropractic.


York said the businesses were instantly on board.

“Let’s be honest – it’s good PR,” she said. “And that’s what I want for them. Not only is this something fun for the community and something to put a smile on someone’s face, but this is something to get people in our business’ doors.”


York said the village is trying to do several events each year to encourage people to visit the local businesses.

“I love working with our businesses and getting them involved,” York said. “Anything I can do, that has a cute idea attached – Count me in.”


The gift baskets include several Grinch themed prizes.


“We love Christmas around here, and shopping for it was so fun,” she said. “Picking out the items for the Grinch Hunt Winners put a smile on everyone’s face, I can tell you that. And the baskets just kept growing when the businesses donated to them. I hope we do this every year.”


In addition to the scavenger hunt, there will also be crafts, carolers and a visit from the Grinch starting at 4:30 in downtown St. Joseph near Loman Ray.


The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m in downtown St. Joseph.


“Having our second annual Christmas Tree lighting is a great way for our community to come together and spread some holiday cheer,” said Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges. ‘I’m hoping this event continues to grow and evolve into a Christmas tradition for those young and old to look forward to every year.”

Banner
Related Posts

Weekend Family Fun Guide

July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

This post is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events On Saturday, St. Joseph plays host to hundreds of runners...

Little Prince and Princess voting now open

August 3, 2021

August 3, 2021

Donation cups are available at Dairy Queen, IGA and Longview Bank. Voting is also taking place online. Little Prince Declain...

St. Joseph man peacefully protests against police brutality: ‘We need to listen’

June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

Jon Arteaga isn’t looking for any praise by protesting at the corner of Main Street and Route 150 in St....

Christie Clinic Shootout in St. Joseph still on, but SJO won’t play

January 11, 2020

January 11, 2020

The heavy rainfall that hit St. Joseph on Friday night and into Saturday morning, along with the potential for severe...

Deadline approaching for Pageant

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

The deadline to compete in the Champaign County Fair Queen and Little Miss Pageant is this week. The Champaign County...

It takes a Christmas village

December 10, 2024

December 10, 2024

Roberta Morris’ childhood dream was to be an architect. Instead, she worked as a pipe fitter at the Clinton Nuclear...

Harper brings Wednesday Addams to life

April 2, 2022

April 2, 2022

The characters in the Addams Family are well known. But that didn’t stop the actors at St. Joseph-Ogden from putting...

Mayor asks residents to decorate windows, sidewalks

March 30, 2020

March 30, 2020

The St. Joseph Record and Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges are asking village residents to decorate their front windows, driveways or sidewalks....

‘This role has been an amazing one to take on’

April 1, 2022

April 1, 2022

Wyatt Loghry has loved the Addams Family since he was little. And now, he is playing the patriarch, Gomez Addams....

Plotner scholarship event moved to Middle School

October 25, 2019

October 25, 2019

Forecasted rain may be changing the location but it won’t change the intent of the Haunted Halloween event on Saturday....

St. Joseph Chamber announces Little Princess Candidates

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

Chloe TeareDaughter of Lacey Tearehttps://gofund.me/33cb22e1 Annah FiedlerDaughter of Mallory and Darren Fiedler https://gofund.me/ee2f024e Keeley Mackenzie McGuireDaughter of Regan and Kyle...

Peters says goodbye to Public Works

April 12, 2026

April 12, 2026

Every morning before he officially clocked in to work, Mike Peters would drive through the streets of St. Joseph.  He...

Welcome home: Parade set to honor Randall

October 2, 2021

October 2, 2021

Lyndsey Leemon is proud of her brother. So proud in fact, she wants to honor him with a parade to...

2024 St. Joseph Community Garage Sale list

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

1.  202 S. Seventh.  8 – ? Thursday, 8 – 5 Friday, 8 – ? Saturday.  Men’s and ladies clothing....

Around Town March 12-15

March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com March 12 Summer Camp Registration All Day Registration for...

Comments
Leave a Reply