January 20, 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

St. Joseph resident Lewis to star in ‘Frozen Jr.’

September 21, 2019

September 21, 2019

Hayden Lewis loves to act. The St. Joseph Middle School student is participating in the The Champaign Urbana Theatre Company...

Around town Jan. 28-Feb. 2

January 28, 2019

January 28, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com Jan. 28-31Used book saleSt. Joseph Township Library, 201 N...

Willowdale Winter Wonderland to open tonight

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

The Willowdale subdivision north of St. Joseph has created a winter wonderland. Resident Lacey Smith organized the multi-night event which...

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...

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...

Weekend family fun guide

March 22, 2019

March 22, 2019

March 22 Fire by Friction 2 to 4 p.m. Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve Before the convenience of matches...

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....

Planning underway for St. Joseph Festival

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

Carnival Arm BandsCarnival Arm Bands are for sale at Village Hall during business hours until August 7.The Arm Bands will...

Mayor to host Halloween Parade

October 28, 2020

October 28, 2020

Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges is looking forward to a happy Halloween. The mayor will hold her annual Halloween Parade on Saturday...

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...

‘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...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

June 24, 2019

June 24, 2019

Every week we select some events that would provide your family with some fun. This post is sponsored by Island...

Garage sale map

September 15, 2022

September 15, 2022

Around town for March 25-30

March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com March 25 Summer Camp Registration All Day Registration for...

Spring Community Garage Sale dates set

January 5, 2021

January 5, 2021

The Spring St. Joseph Community Garage Sales will be held April 8, 9 and 10th. Participants select their own times...

Comments
Leave a Reply