January 7, 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

Wagners celebrate 15 years and community support

September 29, 2022

September 29, 2022

In October 2007, Jim and Jen Wagner decided to take a leap of faith. They opened their own business Wagner...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019

Every weekend we pick at least three events that we think are can’t miss for families in this area. This...

St. Joseph Fall 2023 Garage Sale Lists

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

1. 2248 Churchill Saturday September 30th  7am to 3pm  2.  102 N 7th Street 3 family garage sale. 3. 1705...

Birthday parade to celebrate Voges

April 28, 2020

April 28, 2020

St. Joseph resident Bruce Voges has seen a lot in his life. And Tuesday will be another first. To celebrate...

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...

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...

Around Town March 4-8

March 4, 2019

March 4, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com March 4 Story Time for Children 6:30 p.m. St...

Pageant currently accepting applications

March 31, 2021

March 31, 2021

The Champaign County Fair Queen Pageant is now accepting applications.  The pageant will be held July 18 at 2 p.m....

Around Town: Feb. 18-23

February 18, 2019

February 18, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com Feb. 18 Story Time for Children 6:30 p.m. St...

Around Town April 30-May 4

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

April 30-May 23 Spring Used Book Sale St Joseph Township Library, 201 N 3rd St, St Joseph, IL 61873 The...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

July 12, 2019

July 12, 2019

Head over to the Vermilion Regional Airport tomorrow to see hundreds of hot air balloons and fun family activities at...

SJO to host event for seniors

April 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

The administration at St. Joseph-Ogden High School wants to give their seniors some sense of normalcy.   “The decision to have...

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...

St. Joe Auto giving back to community in multiple ways amid pandemic

April 17, 2020

April 17, 2020

Casey and Matt Phillips wanted to do something to brighten the St. Joseph community. So the husband and wife that...

St. Joseph Village Christmas Lights Guide

December 5, 2022

December 5, 2022

13.2000 E grand ave 17.403 E.Evergreen Dr. 19. 502 Sherwood Dr. For more holiday fun starting Dec. 10 visit the...

Comments
Leave a Reply