February 13, 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

Area Memorial Day events

May 25, 2019

May 25, 2019

Sunday Penfield, Gifford area The Penfield/Gifford American Legion Post 1153 and Auxiliary Unit 1153 will host ceremonies at 12:30 p.m....

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...

Around town April 10-14

April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

APRIL 10Free Movie Matinee: Green BookHomer Library 1 p.m. In this Oscar Award winning movie, a working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes...

Local towns schedule egg hunts

April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

April 13 St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt The Chamber of Commerce stuffs 1500 eggs with candy, stickers,...

Weekend Family Fun Guide March 29-March 31

March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019

March 29Royal Community Garage Sale 5-8 p.m. Royal Community Building 103 Park St. Royal, IL 61871 Over 5,000 square feet...

‘As long as you put the effort into it, it can be achieved’

July 19, 2024

July 19, 2024

Logan Allen has loved Barry Manilow’s music his entire life. Allen’s mother was a huge Manilow fan. “When she had...

St. Joseph Chamber announces Little Prince candidates

July 27, 2024

July 27, 2024

Addison MonierSon of Tiffany Monierhttps://gofund.me/128cdc2b Conor SchottSon of Rachel and Jason Schotthttps://gofund.me/6c508ce0 Will PetersSon of Steve and Sarah Petershttps://gofund.me/712d223d Emmett...

Community Garage sale information page

September 9, 2019

September 9, 2019

The St. Joseph Community Fall Garage Sales will take place Sept. 12-14. Find listings here. And here starting Thursday. The...

‘I have absolutely loved portraying her’

April 3, 2022

April 3, 2022

Sophia McDade loves everything about the Addams Family production. The senior, who is acting in her second show with the...

Leemon to be honored Sunday

September 3, 2020

September 3, 2020

St. Joseph will honor one of its heroes on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. Sgt. Dustin Leemon of the United...

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...

April 14, 2019

April 14, 2019

2019 Town-Wide Garage Sales: Ashland  April 20 Moweaqua  April 25-27 Blue Mound  April 26-27 Mt. Zion  April 26-27 Sherman  April...

Winter storm closures

February 15, 2021

February 15, 2021

CLOSEDHomer Lake, Lake of the Woods, Middle Fork River, River Bend, and Sangamon River Forest Preserves, as well as remote...

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....

Weekend Family Fun Guide Feb. 15-17

February 15, 2019

February 15, 2019

Feb. 15. Do you wish it was warmer? There is a School’s Out Swim Day at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic...

Comments
Leave a Reply