June 9, 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

Aden brings Easter joy to community

April 15, 2020

April 15, 2020

The Easter Bunny made sure children in St. Joseph had a happy holiday this past weekend. St. Joseph-Ogden Senior Lindsey...

Lighted parade to take place tonight

December 4, 2021

December 4, 2021

’Tis the season in St. Joseph. The St. Joseph Women’s Club is holding a lighted Christmas Parade tonight at 6...

Santa Claus is coming to town

November 9, 2021

November 9, 2021

Santa Claus will come to town on Dec. 11. The St Joseph-Stanton Fire Wife Tribe along with the help of...

Program to promote rail trail tourism

March 22, 2019

March 22, 2019

On March 29 St. Joseph will be visited by someone who lives and breathes tourism. Amy Camp, owner of Cycle...

Around Town April 15-20

April 14, 2019

April 14, 2019

APRIL 15Summer Camp Registration All Day Registration for summer camps at Homer Lake and Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves...

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...

Employees help co-worker during time of need

February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021

The staff at the St. Joseph Subway wanted to help April Patton. Manager Adam Porter said his co-worker said she...

Community comes together to ‘Back the Blackers’

March 26, 2022

March 26, 2022

John and Lori Blacker were a part of the St Joseph community for more than 20 years. Now the community...

Live at Ogden Village Board July 8

July 8, 2021

July 8, 2021

The Matanky Group is here saying they want to bring in a lot of business here to Ogden. He said...

The Importance of Sunscreen

July 8, 2021

July 8, 2021

By: Will Miller, PA-C, Christie Clinic Department of Dermatology Summer has come and everyone is out and enjoying the sun....

Bracelets honoring Booker bring attention to Scott’s Law

April 5, 2022

April 5, 2022

Vickie Reese is hoping a bracelet will help people remember to move over when they see flashing lights. Reese, the...

Chamber to sponsor Little Prince and Princess

June 2, 2021

June 2, 2021

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Little Prince and Princess contest in conjunction with the...

‘I always have a blast putting the show together’

April 2, 2022

April 2, 2022

Mallory Wagner’s favorite part of a drama production may shock people. It’s rehearsing. “It doesn’t matter what scene we’re doing...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

The Weekend Family Fun Guide is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events. May 18 1-4 p.m. Museum of the...

Fire Protection District welcomes public to their new home

November 16, 2019

November 16, 2019

Rusty Chism would have felt a sense of pride. At least that’s the hope of St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District...

Comments
Leave a Reply