Whether you're looking for something new, used or you're making your own costume for Halloween this year, O'Fallon has stores with plenty of options.  MERS Goodwill Store, 815 Highway K, O'Fallon Goodwill in O'Fallon has a variety of used and donated costumes for adults and children, from superheroes to flappers.  Prices range from $4-$6.  Also for sale are dog costumes for $3-$4.  Find Your Piece Consignment Shop, 2900 Highway K, Suite 58, O'Fallon Childrens' costumes in include: Bunny, Baby Elvis, Queen Amidala, Girl Viking, Tow Mater, Lightening Mcqueen, Witch, Jedi, Cow, Bumblebee, Donkey…

Need a tree topper that is out of the ordinary? Grab a Santa hat from your Michaels and give your tree a jolly look. Have a flea market find or vintage winter gear? Take your old sled and a pair of skates, add a bow and you have an instant front porch enhancement. Pizzazz Gifts on Highway K in O'Fallon boasts a wide array of tabletop items, both functional and decorative. Give as gifts or save some for yourself. Kirkland's Home has sparkling, lighted decor to fit any budget.  Willow Lake Home Decor has both vintage and new Christmas decorations as well as gifts. Let them help you create a …

Looking for something other than ghouls and gore for your Halloween display? Patch has you covered for your Halloween pumpkin needs. O’Fallon has several places to help you create a spirited display, without ever stepping foot into a temporary Halloween store. If you are not the creative sort, several area shops have ready-made pumpkin décor to add a touch of elegance to the holiday. Create your own work of art with this idea for an elegant, embellished pumpkin: You will need one craft pumpkin found at Michaels, carbon paper which can be found at any office supply store, a pen and a paint pen…

Spring is here: A time when our thoughts turn lightly to, jazz? Well, why not? The Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival earlier this month got Patch thinking about where else folks can enjoy this all-American musical genre. Big Band 7 p.m. Monday, Jazz at Webster presents the Webster University Big Band Cost: General admission is $5; $3 for seniors; students are free. New talent Genesis Jazz Project Concert. The group consists of students from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center Cost: Free Home-grown talent Jazz St. Louis All…

Whether you're celebrating your Irish heritage or just want to join in the St. Patrick's Day festivities--we've got five things to do on March 17.   McGurk's Public House--This Irish pub located on Main Street in O'Fallon will serve corned beef and cabbage and offer drink specials throughout the day.  Cook Your Own Irish Meal--Don't feel like leaving the house to celebrate? Local Dierbergs stores have deals on a complete corned beef dinner, including corned beef, steamed cabbage, potatoes and baby carrots for $6.99 (individual). Colorado Premium Point Cut Corned Beef Brisket is on sale for $…

It’s about time to start registering your kids for summer camp and O'Fallon Patch is here to help! This week, we've compiled a list of local programs to keep your kids busy when school’s out.  Gator Camp in Civic Park Sign up kids age five to 12 for this O’Fallon day camp at Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center. Camp begins on June 6 and weekly sessions will be held until Aug. 5. The program incorporates sports, games, crafts, swimming and a weekly field trip or pizza party. Field trips include the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center, Sk8 Galaxy Day and more. Camp runs from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m…

O'Fallon Patch has compiled a list of great books with some picks for adults and some for children, in honor of National Read Across America Day. We talked to local librarians and had a little help from our mom columnist to find out what books they just couldn't put down.  Adult Picks:  Looking for Salvation at Dairy Queen, by Susan Gregg Gilmore--Marcia Mceachron, an adult reference paraprofessional at Middendorf-Kredell Library recommended this book. "They're great character studies with strong female characters," she said.  The Help, by Katheryn Stockett-- This popular book that's been on …

If a change of pace is something you're in search of, the O'Fallon Renaud Spirit Center can help. The center offers classes ranging from one to six sessions dealing with everything from cooking to photography. Grab the family and try your hand at something new. Dive-In Movie: Have you ever considered watching a movie as you float around on an inner tube? Snag a tube and your suit to find out at this family-friendly event where an indoor pool is turned into a one-of-a-kind movie theater. The next movie will be shown from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m Friday, March 18. Build a Dollhouse: Put together a …

The birds are chirping and all that snow is finally beginning to melt. Read on to find out what other signs are popping up, signaling that spring is on its way. 1) Temperatures in the twenties, low teens and single digits are out of sight, at least for now. This week meteorologists are promising something we haven't seen in awhile; temps in the 50s and 60s. Let's just hope our good 'ole unpredictable Missouri weather stays this way.  2) Something else we haven't seen in weeks -- sunshine. The sun has made an appearance throughout the week, drenching those once gray skies in its blinding light…

Patch Picks: Five Places to Take Your Valentine  White Castle is taking reservations on Valentine's Day for dinner on Monday between 5 and 8 p.m. The store will be decorated with flowers and table cloths. A hostess will seat you and your dinner guest, while a server will take your order.  Madison's Cafe will feature live entertainment and a special dinner menu, including prime rib, beef bruschetta and a steak special topped with crab meat.  Kitaro  chefs will show off their culinary skills and grill the finest Japanese cuisine right on the table for you and your date's entertainment.  …

Starting today, Patch will run a new weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.   You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more.  Want to suggest a list? Submit your idea in the comment box. With this week's winter storm, you and the …