UNION COUNTY COLORFEST IS THIS WEEKEND

JONESBORO, Ill. -- A hootenanny musical jamboree, bicycle tour, historical home tours, Pumpkin Town USA and much more is scheduled this weekend during the annual Union County Colorfest today and Sunday.

Historic home tours are located in five Union County communities -- Jonesboro, Anna, Cobden, Alto Pass and Lick Creek. Information on the tours is available by calling (618) 833-6694.

Bluegrass and gospel music, comedy and clowns will highlight the 7 p.m. hootenanny to be held today at Anna-Jonesboro High School Auditorium. A Minnie Pearl look-alike contest is planned.

An Elvis look-alike contest will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Jonesboro.

Pumpkin Town USA will take place at Choate Mental Health Center today and Sunday. The center's staff and residents build pumpkin displays, using pumpkins and bales of hay.

Pumpkins are painted and carved to resemble faces, animals and other characters portrayed in each scene. This year's theme is "Great Moments in American History.

A variety of events are scheduled throughout Union County.

Flea markets, quilt shows, live music and other events will be open each day.

Complete schedules of events will be available at all communities in the county.

The Colorfest bicycle tour will start 9 a.m. today at 100 S. Main in Anna and will feature a weekend of bicycle touring throughout the county, with options of one or two-day tours from 10 to 40 miles.

Food highlights include a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Anna; barbecue and fish dinners in downtown Alto Pass Saturday; Octoberfest food at St. Joseph's in Cobden both days; a Cajun crawfish boil at the general store in Lick Creek both days; chili supper at Dongola Saturday and food booths at Dongola.