This week is the Crawford County Fair, the free drive-in movie series continues in Washington, plus there’s a local farmers market, barbecue events, an outdoor yoga experience, and a lot more happening.
Thursday, July 17 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in showings this week with a screening of “Mamma Mia.” Weather permitting, the show will begin after sunset in the parking lot. Parking spaces are first come, first serve, with concessions available for purchase. Follow the theater on Facebook to stay updated.
Friday, July 18 Teens can gather at the Washington Public Library for the Teen Paint and Pizza Party. Create an original masterpiece under the guidance of a paint instructor. Materials will be supplied. Registration required. Call 636-390-1070 to register. Ages 12 & Up. Find out more.
Friday, July 18 On the third Friday of each month, The Washington Coffee Shop hosts an Open Mic Night. Singers, musicians, poets, and spoken word artists are welcome to share their talents with the crowd. Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.
Saturday, July 19 Rennick Pavilion at the Missouri Riverfront in Washington will be the site of Blessings Are Miracles’ free BBQ. Learn more.
Saturday, July 19 The St. Clair Farmers Market happens every on the first and third Saturdays in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more. Get more details on Facebook.
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Saturday, July 19 Head to the Union American Legion for the 3rd Saturday BBQ, beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out! Menu includes full slab of ribs, 1/2 slab ribs, chicken, brats, pork steaks, and more. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 19 Hood Park in Cuba is the site of the Crawford County Fair! Kicking off on Tuesday, July 15 and running through Saturday, July 19, the fair will include food vendors, agricultural and live stock shows, entertainment, and carnival rides. The fun gets started with a fair parade on July 15, at 6 p.m. Find the full schedule of events on Facebook.
Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20 Where can you find antique tractors, steam engines, a flea market, food, music, and fun activities like a cast iron skillet throwing contest and a bale throw? In Rosebud at the Steam Engine & Antique Tractor Show. Find the full schedule.
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Saturday, July 19 Flow at the Spring at Maramec Spring Park in St. James. Stretch, breathe, and flow in a natural environment at this outdoor morning yoga class. Bring yoga mat, towel, and water to class. $15 fee to attend class. Sign up details found here.
Saturday, July 19 Watch truck and tractor pulls at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro. Find more info on Facebook.
Saturday, July 19 Head to St. James Winery for a stunning summer evening in the heart of the Meramec Highlands! Settle in at the Taproom for a four-course dining experience showcasing seasonal flavors, local ingredients, and expertly crafted pairings from St. James Winery and Public House Brewing Company. Limited seating available! Get more info and tickets.
Building on last week’s article about Strike Axe Coffee and this video of my experience of my day in Rosebud, today I’m sharing about a restaurant we dined at. While there are more restaurants in Rosebud than I could’ve dined at during one day, my hubby and I decided to grab a bite at Ruthie’s Family Restaurant, located on Highway 50.
When it comes to the vibes and the food, the restaurant offers what I feel like is a classic homestyle dining experience, with a menu that features items like burgers, wraps, and sandwiches, and hearty, tasty daily specials.
We perused the menu and just when I was set on ordering a Rueben (one of my favorites, and the menu notated it as a Ruthie’s recommended item) we decided splitting a meal would be the way to go to make sure we saved room for dessert, because, priorities!
A daily special at Ruthie’s – Italian beef on garlic cheese bread and fries. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
When it came to food, we decided to split that day’s special: an Italian beef sandwich served on garlic cheese bread, served with a side of au jus and we ordered the fries as our side. It was a pleasantly warm day, and since we’d decided to dine outside, we each had a beer to wash down our meal (it was an IPA from Mothers, and a perfect complement to the weather).
The sandwich was excellent, stacked high with plenty of well-seasoned Italian-style beef, which gets flavor from pepperoncini peppers, Italian herbs, and a delicious au jus. Adding all that juicy meat to garlic cheese bread is a truly genius move and the added toasting helps the bread hold up to a dip in the au jus. As wonderful as the sandwich and fries were, I’m glad we shared the meal because the sweets at Ruthie’s just looked too amazing to pass up.
The banana cream pie was just one delectable dessert selection at Ruthie’s Family Restaurant. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
Although the offerings were many on that day – ranging from rich and fudgy chocolate cake and Reese’s cake to a refreshing-sounding lemon blueberry along with fruit and cream pies – we decided on the banana cream pie.
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On the first bite, I got a wave of nostalgia, since it took me back to the flavor and texture of cream pies that I’ve enjoyed in years past that were lovingly made by some of my relatives that have since passed away.
With its buttery, flaky crust, thick and creamy banana filling and lovely whipped cream topping, we really enjoyed it. Honestly, I’d drive back to Rosebud just for a slice of this pie.
If you have a sweet tooth, I’d plan on ordering a couple of desserts to go, and if you don’t split a meal with a companion, then just know you’ll leave with a to-go box, because the portions are quite generous. Even though I adored the food and beer, and although I don’t have a huge sweet tooth, I’d love to make another trip to Ruthie’s and try a few of their shareable appetizers, as well as more of their desserts.
The Socialite recommends Ruthie’s Family Restaurant!
Fourth of July celebrations kick off this weekend, so this event post covers two full weeks of community fairs, celebrations, festivals, and other events happening in Franklin, Gasconade, and Crawford Counties – and beyond. Read on for all the fun things going on over the next two weeks!
Tuesday, June 24 – Saturday, June 28 Spanning five days of fun, The Meramec Community Fair will include a parade to kick things off, pageants, truck and tractor pull, livestock exhibits, rodeo, demolition derby, carnival rides, food, concerts, and more. Find out more.
Wednesday, June 25 Head to the Washington Public Library at 1 p.m. for Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show, a laugh-out-loud comedy coupled with sensational magic that’s ideal for all ages. Get more information.
Wednesday, June 25 The Bubble Bus is pulling into the St. Clair Branch of Scenic Regional Library from 11 a.m. – noon. Register for this free event.
Wednesday, June 25 The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. Bring your book of choice, order a beverage, and sit and read in companionable silence, followed by a short period dedicated to conversation, or continued reading. Learn more.
Wednesday, June 25 Are you looking to reduce stress, release what no longer serves you and step into a more powerful, aligned version of yourself? Come together in a safe, judgement free space for a heart opening, healing, transformative evening of holotropic breathwork. Register for the event.
Thursday, June 26 Head to downtown Washington for the June Sunset on the Riverfront, held at Rennick Riverfront Park on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. This family-friendly and free event features local bands, food vendors, beer, wine, and children’s activities.
Thursday, June 26 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is hosting a free drive-in showing of the 1971 film “Willy Wonka” in its parking lot. Parking is first come, first served, with concessions available for purchase. Learn more.
Friday, June 27 Singles, here’s your chance to meet people in a fun, new way, at The Tipsy Keg’s Lock & Key event! This 21+ event starts off with drinks and music from a DJ. And attendees will sign up with the bartender to receive your lock or key. There will be beer pong, foosball, corn hole and pool for you to play while mingling, along with a raffle. Check out more details.
Saturday, June 28 Pacific’s 23rd Annual Car Show includes food, live entertainment, and lots of cars. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 Be part of history and catch an amazing fireworks display at the Missouri State Record 1 Million Firecrackers event in Union, happening from 6 – 8 p.m. The free event will also feature an adult hot dog eating contest and kids ice cream eating contest. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chair and settle in for an evening of fun. Get location and other details.
Saturday, June 28 St. Clair is hosting Freedom Fest at Orchard Park. The all-day event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will include food, a bounce house and kids activities, a beer garden, live music, and a fireworks display. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 St. Gerald’s Catholic Church in Gerald will host a cafeteria style meal on Saturday, June 28 from 2 – 7 p.m. The dine in or carry out meals consist of choice of fried chicken or kettle beef, plus sides and desserts. Get more information.
Thursday, July 3 The City of Union is hosting an Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park that includes live music, a beer garden, food trucks, activities for kids, and a fireworks display after dark. Find out more.
Thursday, July 3 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington will host a free drive-in showing of “Independence Day” with concessions available for purchase. Parking spaces are first come, first served. Get more details.
Thursday, July 3 New Earth Fest is a conscious music and healing arts gathering, kicking off its first iteration July 3 – 6 at Lost Hill Lake in St Clair. Activities include yoga, meditation, music, hiking, breathwork, connection with likeminded people, and more. Admission varies from day passes to the full weekend event, which includes on-site camping, or glamping. Learn more and get tickets.
Friday, July 4 Celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks display in Sullivan. The event is open to all area residents. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and patriotic spirit. Find out more.
Friday, July 4 This year’s fireworks celebration at Lions Lake in Washington will mark its 100th year. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and watch the magic unfold in the night sky! Find out more.
Saturday, July 5 Head to New Haven to watch a truck and tractor pull, hosted by New Haven Community Youth Fair. Get all the details.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, June 26 Follow the yellow brick road to Movie Night in The Gardens! Enjoy a timeless classic under the stars and watch “The Wizard of Oz” in the beautiful setting of the Gardens at St. James Winery. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family, pets included. Get more details.
Friday, June 27 The town of Owensville is hosting a picnic and fireworks festival on Friday, June 27. There will be a flag raising, beer garden, cake walk, bake sale, food, kids events, and a fireworks display at Memorial Park in Owensville. Get the details.
Saturday, June 28 Do you bake, sew, grow a garden, or create handmade goods? Connect with other likeminded people at The Homemade Exchange, happening at the Owensville Library from 9 – 10 a.m. Bring items like homemade jam, cookies, fresh veggies from the garden, or a handmade craft and swap it, one-for-one, with an item another person brought to the exchange. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 Bland is hosting a fireworks and fundraising event on Saturday, June 28. Bland Police and Bland Fire Department will run the concession stands, which will serve fish sandwiches and tater twisters, with proceeds going to kids in need in the community. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 Head to Salem for an antique and vintage junking day with a homestead farmers market twist, happening at Smith Valley Event Barn. Get the details.
Saturday, June 28 Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a stargazing event. The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will be demonstrating the use of telescopes and identifying stars and planets. Find out more.
Sunday, June 29 It’s worth the short drive to Fenton to take in the amazing cars at a free, family-friendly car event at 1st Phorm Headquarters. You’ll find everything from exotics, to classic cars, imports, works in progress, and more at this car show. Get more information.
Wednesday, July 2 – Saturday, July 5 Rolla Lions Club 90th Annual Carnival will feature several games, food, and carnival rides. Lions Club Park, located at 1061 S. Bishop Ave. in Rolla is adding a sensory-friendly celebration to the always popular free fireworks shows on July 4 and 5. This year’s event will include a brand new drone show on July 3 at 11 p.m. SkyGlow Drones will present a dazzling display of lights, movement, and music that promises to be a can’t-miss experience. Find out more.
Saturday, July 5 Rosebud is hosting a fireworks display at the Rosebud Community Park. Be sure to arrive early and grab treats from the concession stand, open from 5 – 8 p.m., and catch candy from the kids candy cannon at 7:30 p.m. Find out more.
This week, there’s a drive-in movie, multiple car shows, a demolition derby, farmers markets, a pig roast, the town of Belle’s 77th Annual Fair, and a lot more. Read on for the full list of exciting things happening in our area!
Thursday, June 5 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movies with a showing of the animated film “Sing.” The movie will start 30 minutes after sunset. Parking is first come, first serve for these free events. Learn more.
Thursday, June 5 & Saturday, June 7 Birdie’s Bakeshop in Washington offers two cookie decorating classes; Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for beginners or an all ages option on Saturday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Must register online first in order to attend either class. Register here.
Friday, June 6 Head to Union for the Concert in the Park series, with live music performed by Twisted Fiction. Attendees are welcome to bring coolers. Learn more.
Saturday, June 7 The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 8 a.m. until Noon, in the Elks Lodge parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.
Saturday, June 7 Union City Park will be the site of the Car Show in the Park, a rain or shine event that will include lots of cars, as well as free train rides and a petting zoo for kids. Get all the details.
Saturday, June 7 Celebrate summer with the 1st Annual Pig Roast & Lagerfest from 1 to 8 p.m. In this collaboration of multi-downtown businesses, join Lang A Tang Catering, Paddle Stop Brewing, Avant Gardens & Pinckney Bend in a fun filled afternoon! Learn more at the Facebook event.
Saturday, June 7 – Sunday, June 8 The Villa Ridge Farmers Market happens on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Find locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked. Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.
Saturday, June 7 Citizens Bank is hosting a Black Light Music Bingo, with all proceeds donated to Franklin County Area United Way. Call in or visit any Citizens Bank location for reservations. The Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. and the bingo starts at 7 p.m. Get pricing and other details.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Wednesday, June 4 – Saturday, June 7 The 77th Annual Belle Fair is happening in the town of Belle from Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 7. The fair festivities kick off with a parade on Wednesday, followed by the crowning of the 2025 Fair Queen. Throughout the festivities, you will find live entertainment, livestock shows, tractor pull, kids events, food, and more. Get the details.
Friday, June 6 Car enthusiasts will want to check out the Memorial Cruise In happening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rosebud General Store. This free event will feature live music, food provided by Wildflower Cafe Drive-In, and of course, lots of impressive rides! Learn more.
Saturday, June 7 The Gasconade County Fairgrounds in Owensville will be the site of a demolition derby. The gates open at 5 p.m., and the event will also include a beer garden and food shack. Find out more.
Saturday, June 7 Head out to the city of Rosebud for the town-wide garage sale. Hunt for treasures at the garage sales and support local merchants in town by shopping side walk sales at participating businesses. Learn more.
Small Town Socialite 