Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri July 13 – July 26, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

Over the next two weeks, there’s recurring events like Market Off Main, Sunset on the Riverfront, and more, plus lots of free programs at area libraries, including an America 250 trivia night, craft events, plus a historical storytelling event about the Washingtons. There’s also a Christmas in July pop-up event in downtown Union, several fundraisers, an outdoor movie, Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy is rolling into the area for a whistle stop, and a whole lot more.

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Various dates and times
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen.
Find out more on Facebook.

Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available.
Get details on Facebook.

Multiple days
The USDA Summer Food Service is partnering with the Washington Public Library to help area families to provide food service beginning Monday, June 29 and continuing on every Mondays until public school starts. The food service includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch, with fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy. This service is for families with children ages 1-18. Pickup is at the Washington Public Library on Mondays between 4-6 p.m.
Get more info.

Multiple days
Scenic Regional Library and Foundations for Strengthening Families are partnering to help area families with summer food service beginning Monday, June 29 through Monday, August 17. The service will provide one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items for kids, available while supplies last. Food pickup will be in each library branch’s parking lot and pickup times and days vary by each branch.
Find pickup days and times.

Tuesday, July 14
The Washington Public Library has a monthly event called Crafting and Creativity that is free to attend and attendees will create a craft that they get to take home. This month’s craft is a gnome succulent planter. The event begins at 6 p.m.
Learn more.

Tuesday, July 14
Washington Historical Society is having its monthly Evening at the Museum event beginning at 7 p.m.
Get more info.

Tuesday, July 14
The St. Clair Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Meet the Washingtons event beginning at 7 p.m. The evening will feature interesting and unique storytelling of our nation’s First Family through this lively presentation.
Learn more.

Thursday, July 16
Head to the Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library for 250 Years of American Trivia beginning at 6 p.m. Attendees must register for the event on the library’s website.
Get more info and register.

Thursday, July 16
The Alley is partnering with Wanderlust Chocolate for a Pairing Party. Sample four varieties of Cognac, thoughtfully paired with handmade chocolates.
Registration required to attend.

Friday, June 17
The St. Clair Saddle Club continues its 5D Barrel Racing series beginning at 6 p.m.
Find out more.

Friday, June 17
Round Up Event Space in St. Clair is hosting a Tailgate Sale in the grassy lot next to the event space from 5-8 p.m. Shop from area vendors and try bites from food truck Hot Tamales Love at First Bite.
Get more details.

Saturday, July 18
Franklin County Jeeps is hosting a car show at Union High School to benefit the Gruen Family to help support them due to Dan Gruen’s accident that left him unable to work. Check out the entry fees for cars and other info.

Saturday, July 18
Downtown Union will be the site of a festive Christmas in July pop-up event filled with unique gifts, handmade goods, sweet treats, and plenty of holiday cheer. Whether you’re getting a head start on shopping or just love a good reason to celebrate, this is the perfect way to mix sunshine with a little sparkle. Grab your friends, wear your favorite festive gear, and come shop local!
Find out more.

Saturday, July 18
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. throughout the market season. Find fresh produce and local meat from Bardot Farms, along with a variety of items from local vendors including plants, artwork, homemade baked items, and more.
Get more info.

Saturday, July 18
Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch is hosting a Jurassic Paint Party from 1-3:30 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to paint a glowing wooden dinosaur under black lights all while watching the movie:Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Registration required to attend.

Sunday, July 19
Liberty Hall in Washington is hosting a showing of the beloved Broadway hit, “Love Letters.” This play is A. R. Gurney’s timeless story of connection, longing, and the letters that shape a lifetime. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a Roux 66 tasting of sweet and savory bites and wine, with the performance starting at the Cultural Center at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.
Get tickets.

Sunday, July 19
The Book Booth in Washington is hosting a Sewing 101 event from 2-4 p.m. Attendees will learn how to use a sewing machine and sew on a button and buttonhole. Cost is $40 to attend.
Register and learn more.

Sunday, July 19
To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, Silver Spoon Ice Cream in downtown Washington will have raffles and giveaways including free ice cream, swag, and more.
Get more info.

Advertisement – Thinking about adding on to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.

Monday, July 20
Union Pacific Railroad’s legendary Big Boy 4014 train is rolling into Pacific and is scheduled to make a whistle stop approximately between 11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Head to Pacific Station Plaza, where there will be celebrations and excitement planned from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find mini pancakes, snow cones, and other cold treats as well as information provided by area historical societies, along with a variety of family-friendly displays.
Learn more.

Wednesday, July 22
Franklin County Silent Book Club meets every month at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. The event is from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and attendees bring their own book selections and read silently for the first hour. The last 30 minutes of the event is dedicated to chatting with others in attendance, or for continued solo reading.
Get more info.

Thursday, July 23
The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch is having a Christmas in July craft at 6 p.m. Make a no sew quilted Christmas ornament.
Learn more.

Thursday, July 23
Sunset on the Riverfront is a monthly free event at the Washington Riverfront. The event is from 5-8 p.m. and will feature music by Sweet Rukus, food vendors Ramblin Rooster, Oxfest Music Charity Music Festival, and Boxcar Express Ice Cream, and children’s activities by The Monkey Bus.
Get more info.

Friday, July 24
Head to downtown Union for Market off Main from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature local vendors, plus food and drinks available for purchase, and live music.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 25
The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch is offering a STEAM Ahead Science program for kids on Saturday, July 25. Kiddos will be getting hands on with science involving themes of paleontology and microbiology! Attendees need to register for this program to reserve their spot.
Register and learn more.

Saturday, July 25
St. John and St. James Episcopal Church in Sullivan is hosting a free community movie night, with a showing of the family-friendly film “How to Train Your Dragon.” The event begins at 7 p.m. and will feature drinks, popcorn, hot dogs, chips, and dessert. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket to sit on and watch the movie.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 25
Head to the St. Clair Elks Lodge for the Charlie’s Angels Poker Run benefit. The poker run begins at 11 a.m.
Get more info.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Multiple dates from June – August
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having Camp Brookdale, a summer camp event for kids. This screen-free day camp event will give kids an outdoor, adventure themed experience all summer long.
Learn more.

Tuesday, July 14 – Saturday, July 18
The 79th Annual Crawford County Fair in Cuba will have live music, games, fair rides, food, a truck and tractor pull, and livestock exhibits.
Get the complete schedule of events.

Friday, July 17 & Saturday, July 18
Head to Hermann for Books & Booze: A Grownup Book Fair, which will be two days of the magic of the school book fair, with all the excitement, stacks of stories, local authors, and grown-up beverages.
Get more info.

Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19
The Gasconade County Threshers Association Steam Engine and Antique Tractor Show is happening at Rosebud Community Park. The weekend will feature antique tractors and steam engines, flea market, crafters and artisans, live music, draft horse and tractor pulls, plus tractor games and a parade. There will also be food available for purchase, plus a car show on Sunday.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 18
Marthasville is hosting a truck and tractor pull beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be food and drink available for purchase.
Get more info.

Saturday, July 18
RGM Farms in Bourbon is hosting a monthly event called Social Saturdays. Every month is a different themed event with entertainment, food, and most of all, community. This month’s theme is summer picnic and the fun begins at 3 p.m.
Get more details.

Saturday, July 18
Onondanga State Cave Park in Leasburg is continuing its stargazing series called Starry Sky Nights. Join astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot to view the cosmos with a high-powered telescope. These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Although a telescope will be provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own.
Find out more.

Monday, July 20
Enjoy free trolley rides for kids and families on the Hermann Trolley to commemorate the arrival of Union Pacific Railroad’s legendary Big Boy 4014 train making a whistle stop in Hermann.
Find more details.

Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26
Hermann’s Berries and BarbQ Wine Trail is a memorable summer weekend event that features a delicious curated menu of local berries, barbecue dishes, and wine. Tickets are limited and are $35 per person.
See the menu and purchase tickets.

Saturday, July 25
Country music star Neal McCoy will perform at Meramec Music Theater in Steelville at 2 p.m. Ticket prices vary.
Get more info.

Saturday, July 25
Head to Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James for the Art, Craft, Wine, and Cheese Fest from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Celebrate National Wine and Cheese day, while also discovering handmade crafts, original art, upcycled treasures, delicious treats, and of course, wine and cheese at the event.
Free entry, learn more.

Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!

Posted in News and Features

Life Coach Leah Harper Releases Memoir to Help Others Deal with Trauma and Begin Their Healing Journey

Posted on by Amanda

Leah Harper is an area faith-centered life coach who specializes in helping women find peace, purpose, and healing. As a certified life coach, she works with clients individually and in retreat-like settings to help them build confidence and emotional resilience, navigate life transitions, view self-care as a non-negotiable, and be free from burnout and overwhelm. 

“I’ve hosted a total of seven women’s retreats at Kraus Farms. I incorporate horses because it helps the women learn to slow down, and to spend time in nature with a larger animal that they have to learn to trust. It’s been a beautiful experience,” Leah says. 

She has also written a book called Through a Daughter’s Eyes, that is part memoir and part guided workbook that is designed to help women that are walking through life carrying invisible wounds while trying to hold everything together.  

Prior to her work as a life coach, Leah spent 10 years as a Child Life Specialist, helping children and families facing fear and uncertainty in hospital settings. In 2020, just days before the world shut down due to the global pandemic, Leah left her position at the hospital to be a stay-at-home mom. 

But not long after that transition, she began to feel the effects of not only the pandemic and helping her then five-year-old son with his virtual schooling, but also the overall demands of motherhood. Leah began slipping into a mother and wife that was tired, stressed, and snapping at the ones she loved. 

“I recognized that I needed to work on some inner stuff and acknowledge the internal little girl within me that I had ignored my entire life.”

Leah Harper in a green shirt and jeans
Leah Harper is a certified life coach and she has written a memoir called Through a Daughter’s Eyes. Photo via Leah Harper Coaching on Facebook.

She points to the pain that surfaced during that time as pivotal to her healing and her future. It’s what led her to work with a life coach, which she attributes to helping her learn emotional regulation and other coping skills, leading her deeper into her faith, and helping her take the next step in her career. 

“I’ve really been coaching people throughout my whole career, but I didn’t actually see it that way at the time. Working with my life coach was such a valuable experience that I knew that would become my next step in life,” Leah shares.

After working with her own life coach, Leah made the decision to pursue her formal training to become a life coach so she could help other women and has been a life coach for two years. She has certifications through the Take Action Coaching Academy and SSLS Mindset and Life Coaching. 

About the memoir

Around the same time she began working with her life coach, Leah began documenting some of her painful childhood memories on her phone and sharing vulnerable posts on social media. The responses she received from her social media posts made her realize how many women are dealing with their own trauma and don’t understand what they should do with it. 

Soon after, Leah decided in addition to her life coaching business she could help even more women if she compiled the videos she’d recorded of herself sharing parts of her story into a book. Through a chance meeting at a women’s networking group, Leah found Little Black Book Publishing and the publishing company helped her share her story with the world.

Through a Daughter’s Eyes is a memoir that follows Leah from early childhood through her late thirties as she reckons with the lifelong impact of her father’s addiction, abandonment, and eventual imprisonment for murder. Leah shares moments from her life with honesty and vulnerability and does so in a way that will resonate with women who have experienced childhood trauma, have felt guilty about succumbing to the stresses of motherhood, or grappled with how to become a cycle-breaker for themselves and their families.

She weaves stories of what it was like to grow up as a little girl who admired a father struggling with addiction, with the latter portion of the book moving toward healing, forgiveness, and spiritual awakening, and a guided workbook to help readers begin their own healing journey. 

If you would like to learn more about Through a Daughter’s Eyes, it is available for purchase on Leah’s website. You can connect with Leah on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, or learn more about her life coaching business on her website.

Posted in Advertorial Feature

Get to Know Brandon Bretz, Owner of Residential Architectural Drafting Business Freelance Services

Posted on by Amanda

With increasing construction prices and interest rates, more people are opting to add on to their existing home rather than looking for a new home. This decision not only makes financial sense since they’re reinvesting equity directly into their property, they’re also ensuring they stay in their current neighborhood, school district, or current acreage.

Whether you choose to add a larger addition such as a new master suite or a smaller project like a four seasons room, it’s important to work with an experienced design professional that can help guide you through the process. Freelance Services is a growing Franklin County drafting and design business owned and operated by Brandon Bretz, a residential architectural draftsman with over 25 years of experience. 

Brandon grew up in Arnold and attended South Tech High School, a tech school that gives its students real-world experience in hands-on career fields like welding, construction, graphic design, and more. It was at South Tech that he was introduced to drafting and reading architectural blueprints.  

Under the school’s program, he learned how to draft blueprints by hand as well as through using the two-dimensional drafting software AutoCAD. After drafting at South Tech, Brandon knew he wanted a career in residential architecture and once he graduated high school, he pursued an associate degree in drafting and design, while also balancing a full-time career in the drafting field.

Brandon Bretz sitting in a chair outdoors with a chain link fence and green ivy in the background.
Freelance Services is a growing Franklin County drafting and design business owned and operated by Brandon Bretz, a residential architectural draftsman with over 25 years of experience. Photo credit: Alex Don Media Group

Over two decades of experience 

In the early 2000s Brandon landed his first full-time job and quickly began gaining practical drafting experience. Over time he stacked his knowledge base through the various jobs he held as a production draftsman at decorative fence and metal railing companies, architecture firms, and design build firms. Although he’s worked on commercial projects like multifamily units, shopping centers, and commercial corridors, his passion has always centered on residential architecture.  

After a decade of doing architectural drafting projects on the side of his full-time job, in 2023 Brandon began his entrepreneurial journey and went all in with Freelance Services. The transition from working a full-time job as a production draftsman at an architectural firm and working on projects for his own clients on the side was a big leap, but one that Brandon welcomed when he realized it was an opportunity to make a bigger impact. 

“Since I’ve gone out on my own, I’ve done a lot of professional networking to get my name out there and find clients. The reputation I’ve built professionally and with my clients has allowed me to help more people.”

Services provided 

Due to the experience he gained working at a variety of firms, Brandon is as comfortable working with an individual homeowner as he is working with contractors. He can assist contractors who are having issues pulling a permit, draw plans for firms that don’t have in-house drafting personnel, or help out firms that need drafting support from time to time. 

“What I’ve noticed over the past three years is that more local municipalities are requiring permits and are adopting a more thorough review process for residential projects, even when they typically haven’t in the past,” Brandon explains. 

“I have helped several clients recently work through what has been a six-to-eight-month ongoing permit process. Because of my experience working with permitting departments, I’ve been able to get contractors their permits so their teams can get back to building the project.” 

His services include custom home plans that are tailored to the client’s lifestyle and budget, and he can adapt existing plans to fit a client’s needs or design something from scratch. And in circumstances when a client has outgrown their house due to a growing family, Brandon can help with renovations, additions, and remodels – everything from renovating a kitchen to adding a new room or completely remodeling a home to make it fit a client’s life.  

A couple other ways Brandon can help a client maximize the space in their existing home is by providing finished basement plans and designing patios, decks, and other outdoor living spaces.

In this video, Brandon shares how his goal is to execute the customer’s vision on each project. Video credit: Alex Don Media Group.

Brandon’s process 

“What sets me apart from others in my field is the individual relationships I form with my clients as well as my dedication to each one of my projects,” he says. 

Finding the right person to help you through your project’s design process can feel like a daunting task. One way Brandon aims to eliminate the guesswork in this stage is by first meeting with a perspective client to get a clear picture of what the project entails, followed by putting together a design proposal based on the information he’s gathered in that initial client meeting. 

“I begin the design process with a preliminary design proposal which allows clients to see how I work, and ensures we work well together,” he shares.  

Another advantage of the preliminary design proposal is that it gives the client, Brandon, and any engineers involved a clear scope of work, which means more accurate bids for the work provided, so there’s no surprises when it’s time to move forward in the process. 

If you’re thinking about making an addition, updating your outdoor living space, or are ready to build your dream home, view Brandon’s portfolio of work on his website. You can also connect with him on Facebook or call/text him at 314-799-9272.  

Posted in News and Features

Volunteers Needed for Summer Camp Put on By Nonprofit That Supports Children and Families Affected by Childhood Cancer

Posted on by Amanda

When a child gets diagnosed with childhood cancer, the diagnosis affects the entire family. While no family wants to imagine the unthinkable happening, the reality is that children get diagnosed with cancer every day and it puts families in a spot where their entire world shifts, yet life still continues. There are bills to pay, jobs to work, school to attend, and everyday obligations, in addition to the well-being of the sick child and the rest of the family, as well as financial considerations, and the list goes on.

HIS KIDS Cancer Support Group was founded in 1984 and it is a nonprofit that helps ease the financial burden of treatment by providing food, holiday gifts, and other needs to families.HIS KIDS founders Jim and Connie Miles lost their daughter Marcia to childhood cancer in 1982 and for over four decades the nonprofit has helped families navigating childhood cancer.

Another part of the organization’s mission is to bring hope and joy to all family members at all stages of their childhood cancer battle- from diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond through uplifting events and therapeutic programs, including its annual Camp HIS KIDS summer camp.

Camp HIS KIDS campers and support staff group shot.
Camp HIS KIDS is a week long summer camp experience for children with cancer, as well as their siblings. This year the camp will be held in Franklin County and the organization is currently seeking camp volunteers. Photo via HIS KIDS on Facebook.

The camp provides a unique experience by giving both children with cancer as well as their siblings an opportunity to meet other kids that are going through the same circumstances. The camp is therapeutically designed to meet the emotional and social needs of campers as well as the physical ones, with activities planned by an art therapist, counselor, recreation specialist, and an early childhood education specialist. 

Camp HIS KIDS was located at a campground in Illinois for several years, but in 2026 it will be held at a campsite right here in Franklin County. Camp HIS KIDS relies on around 50 volunteers to make the week long event a success for children, and the nonprofit is currently seeking volunteers for the July 19-24 event.

There are numerous ways to make an impact as a volunteer, and the organization is seeking day volunteers to help out in various roles. Volunteers may help with things like activity setup to more specialized roles for photographers, lifeguards, and camp nurses (must be an RN). If you’re unable to physically volunteer, you may support the camp with a monetary donation. The organization has an Amazon wish list filled with supplies needed for camp. View the wish list here.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Camp HIS KIDS should apply online.

More about Camp HIS KIDS

Camp HIS KIDS has been twice awarded the Stellar Performance Award for Best Special Needs Camp in the St. Louis area, and is a member of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA) which strengthens children’s cancer camps through networking, education, and advocacy.  In 2017, the organization was awarded Gold Ribbon Camp Status for exceptional oncology camping and was re-certified in 2022. 

Find out more about HIS KIDS by visiting its website, or follow the organization on Facebook.