Effective Monday, May 20, the closing time for Westhoff Plaza will be 10 p.m. Westhoff Plaza is the City’s facility for skateboarders, BMX bikers and inline skaters in Paul A. Westhoff Park, 810 Shepard Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. Formerly, the facility closed at 11 p.m.

Be a part of O’Fallon’s awesome Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, in downtown O’Fallon. This year’s theme is “Made in America.” Civic organizations, veterans posts, bands, churches, scout troops, businesses and others are encouraged to create an entry and join the competition for prizes. Or, just have fun and show your patriotism. Hurry and apply before the deadline, Friday, May 24, or until space fills.

Entries will be judged on how well the parade theme is expressed, with extra points awarded for incorporating music and mechanical movement. Plaques will be presented for “Best Musical Float,” “Most Patriotic Float,” “Best Color Guard,” and “Mayor’s Choice.” In addition, first, second and third-place prizes of $500, $400 and $300 will be awarded to “Best Overall” winners.

Weather permitting, on Thursday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. drivers can expect some lane closures at the intersection of Highway N, WingHaven Boulevard and Bryan Road. During this time, the intersection will be a four-way stop as work on traffic signals proceeds. Signs will alert drivers, but some delays can be expected.  

The public is invited to attend an Armed Forces Day ceremony that will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, at O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk, 800 Belleau Creek Road, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. Free parking is available.

Traditionally, Armed Forces Day is dedicated to Americans serving in the five branches of military service: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. O’Fallon’s ceremony will focus on women in the military, and Col. Anne M. Winkler, U.S.A.F., will be the keynote speaker. Am Vet Post 404, a women’s membership post, will present colors and fire a rifle salute.

The O’Fallon City Council and the Parks and Recreation Department have scheduled an open house to discuss the master plan and possible development of a lodge proposed for the City’s O’Day Park. The meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366.

For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us, or call 636-240-2000.

Sunday, June 9
Shows at 1:30 and 3 p.m., Heald Home
Cost: $2 per person at the door; includes house tour

Get ready for Flag Day with Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Susan Russ by learning the story of Betsy Ross, the American flag, and life during the Revolutionary War, which left Betsy Ross a widow. Each show is 30 minutes.

MoDOT, St. Charles County, and the City of O'Fallon have teamed together to allocate $118.2 million towards building Route 364 Page Phase 3.

For kids, the best thing about O’Fallon’s annual Public Works Fair is the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of some of the City’s big equipment, such as a street sweeper, backhoe, paint striper, recycling truck, snow plow and other machinery.

Kids will get that chance at the 8^th Annual Public Work Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22. The fair will be held in the west ballpark parking lot at Tom Ginnever Avenue and T.R. Hughes Boulevard, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. Admission, parking and activities are free. The event commemorates National Public Works Week May 19-25. Free activities include:

Actors, singers, dancers, gymnasts, jugglers, artists, tech crew, costumers and sculptors are needed for the O’FallonTheatreWorks’ summer production of Aladdin, Jr., which will be performed on August 2-4 and 9-11. Filled with magic, mayhem, flying carpets and favorite Disney characters, this stage adaptation of Disney’s hit film, Aladdin, includes the Academy-award winning movie score and the songs “A Whole New World” and “Friend like Me.”

Principal parts are written for the voice of the middle school-aged child, and auditioners should bring 16 bars of upbeat music, a bio and a headshot. The chorus is open to ages 6 – 16, and those trying out for the chorus should bring 16 bars of upbeat music and a headshot. Please note, parental support is both appreciated and required for this production.

After 14 years of public life, Bill Hennessy is starting his second term as Mayor of the City of O'Fallon. We recently talked with Mayor Hennessy about his view of the past and vision for the future.