The 618 Now

In this episode, we talk about two markers of business growth within the community, licenses and building permits issued. We also share information about the upcoming Metro East Start Up Challenge where businesses can compete for up to $28,000 in cash and prizes. There's a Kick-Off event happening June 27th from 12-1pm at OFallon City Hall. Applications open June 15th.  On the calendar: Sat, May 31 8am-noon Vine Street Market at OFallon Station Thurs June 5th 5-9pm District Nights in the Downtown District Friday, June 13th 5-9pm Community Park Grand Opening  OFallon Parks and Rec Calendar is new and easier to use! Lots happening this summer!

In this episode, we share about OFallon-Shiloh EMS and their critical role within our community. You won't believe how many calls for service they respond to in a year! Their upcoming Open House is May 22 from 5-9pm.

One hundred years ago, a local newspaper owner invited a group of residents to get together and dedicate themselves to helping others in the community. That single act of service has impacted OFallon in unimaginable ways over the last century. Join us as we honor OFallon Rotary's 100th anniversary to "service above self."  On the calendar: Sat, May 17th @ 5:30pm Rotary Club of OFallon's 100th Anniversary Celebration Tues, May 20th 5-7pm Chamber's Salute to Business Awards  

In this week's episode, we talk about cool things happening at the high school thanks to the OTHS Endowment Fund. They support educators and students in creative ways... enhancing the classroom experience. Their once-a-year golf fundraiser is coming up on Friday, May 2nd.  On the calendar:  April 24-April 28 Library's annual book sale during library hours Friday, May 2nd 5pm OTHS Endowment Fund Golf Tournament  Sat, May 3rd 9am-noon Scrap Metal and Electronic Recycling Drive at Carriel Junior High (Seven Hills Rd) May 8th Hot Rods for Hope Car Glow   

In this episode, we talk about Learn Local, a new program offered by the Chamber which teaches people about all the things that build and contribute to our community. If your business depends on being a resource for others, consider applying to Learn Local. Also, shoutout to the O'Fallon Woman's Club who raised $15,000 during their recent Empty Bowl Lunch! We also celebrated Thrivent Financial who donated $4,000 to the OFallon Food Pantry right after the 3/14 storm to help neighbors who lost their refrigerated food due to power outages during the tornado event. On the calendar: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: April 4-6 HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION by Anais Mitchell is being performed at OTHS. Break a leg! Thurs, April 10 @ 6pm Pub Table Historian @ Gears inside The Bike Surgeon Sat April 12: 9am-noon Vine Street Market Sat April 12: 9am-noon Electronics and Recycling Drive. Sat April 12: 10am-2pm Spring Artisan Festival at Restoration Ranch Wed, April 16 @ noon: deadline to order catered Easter meals from The Regency Head's up: May 8th 7-10pm Hotrods for Hope sponsored by Newbold Toyota in the Downtown District - register your car! 

In today's episode, Jonathan joins Jessica to talk about how the enhancements to the community park are wrapping up and should be available for public use this summer! That also lead us to interviewing E'Miyah and Jalan, two incredibly talented student musicians who are performing in the upcoming production of HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION (by Anais Mitchell). Performances are April 4-6; tickets can be purchased here.

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – Village of Shiloh Trustee As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Russell McCullough, Candidate for Village of Shiloh Trustee Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – Village of Shiloh Mayor As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Bob Weilmuenster, Candidate for Village of Shiloh Mayor Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – Village of Shiloh Trustee As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Jason Holzum, Candidate for Village of Shiloh Trustee Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – Village of Shiloh Trustee As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Matthew Wilke, Candidate for Village of Shiloh Trustee Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – Village of Shiloh Mayor As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Julia Warchol-Black, Candidate for Village of Shiloh Mayor Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon City Council Ward 3 As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Vern Malare, Candidate for O'Fallon City Council Ward 3 Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon City Council Ward 3 As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Roy Carney, Candidate for O'Fallon City Council Ward 3 Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon City Treasurer  As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Dave Hursey, Candidate for O'Fallon City Treasurer  Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon City Treasurer  As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Ron Zelms, Candidate for O'Fallon City Treasurer  Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums  

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon City Clerk As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Caroline Malare, Candidate for O'Fallon City Clerk Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon City Clerk As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Jerry Mouser, Candidate for O'Fallon City Clerk Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Emily Sackett, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Adam Weber, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Scott Underwood, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Darrick Maupins, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Ankur Patel, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Mary Lynam-Miller, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Jasen Foster, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from David Cobb, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

618Now Podcast: Candidate Forum – O'Fallon District 90 School Board As part of our commitment to keeping O'Fallon-Shiloh informed, The 618Now Podcast is hosting a Candidate Forum featuring those running for contested elected positions. This special episode provides voters with a closer look at each candidate's qualifications, priorities, and vision for the role.  Listen now to hear from Laura Van Hook, Candidate for O'Fallon District 90 School Board Learn More at ofallonchamber.com/618nowforums

In this episode, we cover how property taxes are calculated and why property owners are receiving postcards in the mail this week. On the calendar: Monday, March 10th Candidate Forum podcasts are released Thurs, March 13 @ 6pm @ The Hett  our local National Civics Bee Thurs, March 13 11:30am Restaurant Roulette Sat, March 15th 9am-noon Vine Street Micro Market @ OFallon Station Sun, March 16 1-5pm St Patrick's Day Grub Crawl  Sat, April 5th VFW's 0.1k race in the Downtown District Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.  

In this episode, we dive into the upcoming Candidate Forums, now hosted on the 618Now Podcast for the first time! Get ready to hear directly from the candidates shaping the future of O'Fallon and Shiloh! On the calendar: Wednesday, March 5th: O'Fallon Woman's Club Empty Bowl Luncheon. Purchase your tickets here.

In this episode, we talk about several groups that are firing on all cylinders and doing surprisingly good things in our community!  On the calendar: Fri/Sat Feb 7 & 8th Bank of OFallon Shootout. Purchase tickets here. Sat, March 1 Vine Street Micro Markets begin! March 29 @ 5pm OFallon Neighbors Pickleball Classic  

In this episode, we discuss resources for people who are prioritizing their mental and physical health. Specifically, we share about Counselor's Associates Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who are helping see patients sooner than waiting to see a psychiatrist. They treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and mood disorders. We also revisit PremiereU and their hormone optimization and medical weight loss programs.  On the calendar: Tues, Jan 28th 5-6:30pm Business After Hours powered by Lebanon Electric, hosted at The Hut Thurs, Jan 30th 8-9am Coffee Connect  Thurs, Jan 30th 3*5pm @ Katy Cavins Parks & Rec Seasonal Job Fair Sat, Feb 1st 11am-6pm Polar Pub Crawl in support of Special Olympics  Friday Feb 7, Sat Feb 8th Bank of OFallon Shoot Out  Fri, Feb 7 6:30-9 Sweetheart's Dance @ Regency Wed, March 5th 11am-1pm OFallon Woman's Club Empty Bowl Luncheon Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In today's episode, we talk about the millions of dollars in grant funding the city has received to help provide services for residents. It's money that helps improve traffic flow, infrastructure and recreational opportunities. You can review the grant funding when the city's Finance and Administration committee meeting packets are published (usually once a month). On the calendar:  Jan 14 11am-1pm Sunshine Squad Widow/Life Partner loss group @ Wolfersberger Funeral Home Friday, Jan 25th 11am-4pm Taste of the District  Jan 30th - April AARP Tax assistance (free) through the OFallon Public Library Sat, Feb 1st 11am Polar Pub Crawl Sat, Feb 8th 7am Township Rummage Sale  

Happy New Year! We're off this week for the holiday (in what is technically our 200th episode) but stay tuned for new episodes in 2025! 

If you have some downtime over the next week with the holidays, check out the playlist of the most popular episodes from 2024 we compiled.   After recording this episode, our episode entitled The $1 million weekend in OFallon became our most popular episode EVER (in just 10 days!).  Here are the other top 5 episodes of 2024: Economic Update from June (including real estate and housing data) (10:16 mins) Let's Lead the Rich Bickel Way (11:00 mins) Secure the Barricade! (22 mins) Was the City built during a card game? (11:22 mins) But where will residents live? (10:31 mins)   Great episodes that you may have missed: You can't build that here! (15:19 mins) Part 2: You can't build that here! (12:52 mins)

In this week's episode, we share how residents, small business owners and developers have invested more than $99 million new dollars into OFallon thru Nov 2024. After we recorded the episode, new data was released indicating that the new value is $99million, a $25million increase over what we reported in the episode!! This is the value of approved building permits so far and is 34% higher than the same timeframe last year. There are big projects and small, and each make a difference in our community. You can track new developments using this interactive map.  On the calendar: Friday, Dec 13th 7pm US Air Force's Band of Mid-America holiday concert @ The Hett on McKendree University. Free tickets can be found here.  Sat, Dec 14 @ 1pm and 7pm US Air Force's Band of Mid-America holiday concert Dec 14 @ 9am Breakfast with Santa in Shiloh  Dec 14 4-8pm Home for the Holidays Winter Market in the downtown district Fri, Dec 20th @ noon deadline to order a catered holiday meal from The Regency Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In this week's episode, we talk about the tremendous economic impact of the 2024 season at the Family Sports Park, including the likely record-breaking weekend in June. We also talk about where the tax revenue generated from visitors goes.  On the calendar,  Friday, Dec 6 - Sunday Dec 8th OTHS Madrigal dinner. Buy tickets here. Sat, Dec 7th 8am OPD's Breakfast with Santa at Carriel Junior High  Sat, Dec 14 9am-noon Shiloh's Breakfast with Santa Sat, Dec 14 4-8pm Home for the Holidays Winter Market @ OFallon Station Sat, Dec 20th @ noon deadline to order your catered holiday meal from the Regency Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

We're taking this week off- hoping everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving in whatever way they celebrated. Don't forget the lighted Holiday parade is Sat, 11/30 @ 6pm in Downtown OFallon! 

There are SO MANY FUN things happening!! In this episode, we highlight events happening in OFallon and Shiloh this holiday season! Sat, 11/23 9am-noon Thanksgiving Market @ OFallon Station Sat, 11/23 Scouting for Food collection day Sat, 11/30 Small Business Saturday! Sat, 11/30 @ 6pm Lighted Holiday Parade Friday- Sunday Dec 6-8th OTHS Madrigal Dinner  Sat, 12/14 4-8pm Home for the Holidays Winter Market @ OFallon Station  Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.  

In this episode, we talk about O'Fallon Neighbors.... a new, hyper-local nonprofit started by resident and entrepreneur, Mike Clark. With the goal of providing personalized financial help to someone going through extraordinary circumstances, O'Fallon Neighbors has already significantly impacted their first Neighbor, O'Fallon resident, Emily George.  You can support OFallon Neighbors in several ways.  On the calendar: Friday, 11/15 @ 9pm Howl at the Moon 5k Sat, 11/16 12-4pm Kloss Furniture's Cops'n'Kids fundraiser  Sun, 11/17 Studio Strong's 3 mile hike - learn more about the hiking program here. Register for the 11/17 hike here.  Sat, 11/23 9am-noon Thanksgiving market @ OFallon Station Monday, 11/25 @ noon- deadline to order your catered Thanksgiving meal from The Regency Friday - Sunday, Dec 6-8th OTHS Madrigal Dinner Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In this episode we talk about some St. Louis area Chambers of Commerce who are closing their doors permanently - and how and why our Chamber is thriving. Our impact goes beyond hosting networking events- we have a great relationship with Scott AFB and work hard to help our service members whether they're moving to our area or transitioning into the civilian work force. On the calendar: Friday- Sunday Nov 8-10th the OTHS fall theater production of Clue On Stage Monday, Nov 11th @ 11am Veterans' Day ceremony @ First Baptist Church Monday, Nov 11th @ 2pm Veterans' Day parade  Friday, Nov 15th @ 9pm Howl at the Moon 5k at Family Sports Park Sat, Nov 16th 12-4pm Kloss Furniture Cops'n'kids Sunday, Nov 17th Studio Strong's Hiking program kicks off with their first hike Sat, Nov 23rd Scouting for Food donation day Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In today's episode, we talk about the current Lead In class! We recently graduated 22 young leaders after they spent the last 9 months learning about all of the things that build our community! They understand our potential and challenges and they're ready to serve! They're such a fantastic group! Applications for the class of 2025 are open and being accepted!  On the calendar: Sat, Nov 2-3 OTHS Band Boosters Craft Fair Sat 9-5, Sunday 10-4 Thurs, Nov 7-Sunday Nov 10th OTHS Fall Theatre production of Clue On Stage. Purchase tickets here. Monday, Nov 11th Veterans' Day Ceremony 11am First Baptist Church Monday, Nov 11th @ 2pm Veterans Day Parade Friday, Nov 15th @ 9pm Howl at the Moon 5k Sat, Nov 23 @ 9am Thanksgiving Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Monday, Nov 25th deadline to order your catered Thanksgiving Meal from The Regency Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In this week's episode, we talk about the Annual Thanksgiving Community Meal offered, free of charge, for anyone who needs or wants a homecooked meal on Thanksgiving day. Over 400 people usually attend!  You can volunteer to help or donate to provide supplies. To go orders are available too! On the calendar: Sat, Oct 26th 12-3pm Rotary's Annual Children's Halloween Parade and trick-or-treating in the Downtown District Sat, Oct 26th 1:30-3:30pm Revela's Drive-thru Candy Grab Sat, Oct 26th 1-4pm Serra Honda's Truck or Treat Thurs, Nov 7 11am-1pm Chamber's Meet the Municipalities Annual Lunch Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In this episode we talk about the CEO program that is coming to OTHS in the fall of 2025. Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities is a unique program that aims at keeping young talent in our community.  On the calendar:  Sat, Oct 19th 8am-noon FINAL Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Pumpking decorating contest! Sat, Oct 19 9am-3pm Shiloh Treasures in the Park craft fair  Sat, Oct 19 1-4pm Revela's Fall Festival Sat, Oct 19th 4-8pm Parks and Rec's Fall Festival at Rock Springs Rotary Park Nov 13-23 Karla Smith's Wonderland of Lights pop up parties at August the Mansion Sat, Nov 1st St. Elisabeth's Gala Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In this week's episode, we talk about a few things that we WISH existed within our communities.  Promised links: District 90's calendar On the calendar:  Friday, Oct 11 6-8pm YMCA's Fall Festival & Trunk or Treating  Friday, Oct 11 5pm Family Movie Night in the Park featuring Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Sat, Oct 12 8am-noon Vine Street Market at O'Fallon Station- It's also Military and first responders appreciation day at the Market. Sat, Oct 12 7am-noon OFallon Township Rummage Sale Sat, Oct 12 8:30-11:30am 1st Street Lounge's Breakfast Burrito Saturday honoring and benefiting the family of Dr. Jeff Shafer. Sat, Oct 12 10am Battle of the Badges flag football game between O'Fallon Police Dept and Fairview Heights Police Dept  Wed, Oct 16th 5:45pm OTHS Homecoming Parade, kicks off from the Smiley Campus Friday, Oct 18th 5:15pm Family Fishing Derby @ Family Sports Park South Pond Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.  

In this episode we talk about how artificial intelligence is helping fire service and communities, including OFallon/Shiloh. With Fire Prevention week coming up, we take a look at how local departments are funded and staffed. Shout out to our OFallon Fire and Rescue!! On the calendar: Sat, Oct 5 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, Oct 5th 8am Honor Run  Sat, Oct 5th 9am-noon Scrap Metal and Electronics Recycling Event @ Carriel Junior High Sat, Oct 5th 12-7pm June's Breakfast + Patio's Fall Fest  Sun, Oct 6th 2pm Supporting Youth in a Funeral Home setting Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of healthcare in our communities and share how Nurse Practitioner, Jordan Kimler of PremiereU, is making a big difference in her patients' lives. On the calendar,  Fri, Sept 27 4-8pm Tip-A-Cop at Texas Roadhouse Sat, Sept 28 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, Sept 28 Oktoberfest hosted by St Clare Parrish Sat, Oct 5 8am Honor Run at the Veterans Monument Sat, Oct 5 9am-noon Scrap metal and Electronics Recycling event @ Carriel Junior High Sat, Oct 5 12-7pm June's Breakfast + Patio Fall Festival Sat, Oct 5 5-9pm Witches and Wizards festival in the Downtown District  

In this episode, we talk about the impending dock workers' strike on the East Coast and how much that could affect local businesses as they gear up for the holiday season. It could have quite the impact.  On the calendar: Sat, Sept 21 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, Sept 21 Chalk It Up to Art 8am-noon Art Gecko Tues, Sept 24 6-8pm Nite to Unite at Hesse Park sponsored by The OFallon Police Department  Sat, Sept 28th 4-10pm St Clare's Oktoberfest, 5K registration Sat, Oct 5th 8am Honor Run in memory of Lt John Wilt

In today's episode, we spin The 618 Now gameboard wheel and discuss where you can host your company holiday party, a local company that helps seniors relocate, and the new interactive map of the enhancements happening at the Community Park! Some other resources include the Chamber's Restaurant Guide as well as the Chamber's meeting spaces and events guide.  Thank you to this week's podcast partner, Vine Street Market at OFallon Station! On the calendar:  Friday, 9/13 @ dusk Parks & Rec Family Movie night in the park featuring Wonka in the community park Friday 9/13 4-6pm, Sat/Sunday 10-6pm @ Schnuck's OFallon Police are selling Torch Run merchandise in support of Special Olympics Sat, 9/14 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat 9/14 Baconfest 10-5pm in the Downtown District  Sat 9/14 4-7pm June's Beer Fest Sat 9/14 Spike Out Suicide Glow in the dark volleyball tournament @ The Hut Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

On today's episode, we share upcoming community events, including fangirling over OTHS Marching Panthers' field show debut during the Metro East Marching Classic on Sat. We also cover: Shiloh's Annual Picnic including fireworks tonight (9/6 @ 9pm) Sat, 9/7 11-2pm June's Live music brunch  Sat, 9/7 10-12 Touch-A-Truck at Carriel Junior High Friday, 9/13 O'Fallon Police Dept's Torch Run Merchandise Sale at Schnuck's 4-8pm  Sat, 9/14 & Sun 9/15 O'Fallon Police Dept's Torch Run Merchandise Sale at Schnuck's 10-6pm  Thanks for our podcast partner, Serra Honda!  On the calendar: Sat 9/7 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Thurs Sept 12 7-9pm Auffenberg's Summer Concert Series featuring Ethan Carl Sat 9/21 8am-11am Art Gecko's Chalk it up to Art event   

In this episode, we talk about two projects happening locally that have significant potential to bring a lot of new residents into our communities: the Air Task Force and the St. Clair Boeing drone manufacturing facility.  Thanks to our podcast partner, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station! On the calendar: Sat, Aug 31 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Friday, Sept 6 & Sat Sept 7th Shiloh's annual Homecoming picnic Sat, Sept 7 11am-2pm June's Live Music brunch  Sat, Sept 7 10am-noon Touch-a-Truck @ Carriel Junior High (Seven Hills Rd) Sat, Sept 21 8am-noon Art Gecko's annual Chalk It Up to Art event Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

We have a quick episode for listeners this week; it's focused mostly on the calendar.  Friday, Aug 23 and Sat Aug 24 is CityFest at the Family Sports Park Sat, Aug 24 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Wed, Thurs Friday and Sat live music at The Upright Pub & Music Parlor Hometown Heroes banner project is accepting applications for 2025.    Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.  

[Part 2] In this episode, we walk listeners through the process of how businesses, developments and projects come to be in the city. You can find Part 1 here.   Also, local elections are coming up, but the process starts Aug 20th. Here's the Candidates' Guide to the 2025 Municipal Elections.   Thanks to this week's podcast partner, Serra Honda's Complimentary Valet Service!   On the calendar:  Sat, Aug 17th 8am-noon Vine Street Market at OFallon Station Sat, Aug 17 8am-2pm OTHS Band Boosters' Yard Sale @ 600 S Smiley Mon Aug 19 4-8pm Tip-A-Cop at Texas Roadhouse in support of Special Olympics  Fri & Sat Aug 23 & 24 CityFest in the Family Sports Park Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.