Best bet: Monsters of Destruction

Trail of Tears Lodge and Resort in Jonesboro, Ill., is normally a peaceful place to eat, explore or stay the night. Not this weekend. The lodge will host Monsters of Destruction today and Saturday, bringing roaring action to the country about 30 minutes from Cape Girardeau. Gates open at 5 p.m., a pit party starts at 5:30 and the races start at 7 p.m. both days. Tickets are $15. Children 4 and younger enter free. Trail of Tears is at 1575 Fair City Road in Jonesboro. For more information, call 618-833-8697.

-- From staff reports