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Visitor's Guide
Annual Signature Events
La Guiannée (La Guignolèe) - New Years Eve
Image: R.Mueller
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La Guiannée, La Guignolèe or La Guillaneé - Founded by French fur traders, Ste. Genevieve remained a French speaking enclave for centuries in the newly Americanized Midwest. Sadly, the last generations of native French speakers are disappearing, but old traditions like La Guiannée still remain. This ancient tradition, analogous to the English custom of Wassailing that harkens back to Europe's Middle Ages, is celebrated by descendants of those French settlers. Dressed in bizarre and somewhat archaic costumes, the revelers wander from place to place singing a beggars song for favors. You can see and participate with these singers and musicians as they celebrate this 250 year old tradition each New Year's Eve in the streets, cafes and pubs of old Ste. Genevieve's Historic District.
When: December 31st, (New Year's Eve) |
Ste. Genevieve Kings Ball - February
Image: Natl Archivesof Canada, Ottawa (Accession No. 1989-472-1) |
Annual King's Ball - The Ball, originally held to celebrate twelfth-night, is just another of Ste. Genevieve's old French settler's traditions that has been celebrated annually for over 250 years. Attendees are encouraged to dress in French Colonial attire and participate in the traditional music and dance. Some guests dress their tables with a candelabrum, tableclothes, wine glasses and buffets of food, so dancers can "nibble their way around the hall and visit". Don't miss this 'Mardi Gras in Missouri'! Proceeds benefit the Ste. Genevieve Museum and other projects.
When: First Saturday evening in February |
Spring Garden Walk - May
Image: R.Mueller
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Ste. Genevieve's Spring Garden Walk - Tour private and public gardens, guided walking tour, plein air painting, plant sales, gardening item sales. Tours begin at the Welcome Center. Maps and a schedule of events may be obtained at that location.
When: Mid-May |
French Festival - June
Image: R.Mueller
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French Fest - Living history, live traditional music, folk dancing, french cusine, wine tasting, reenactors in period dress, gumbo cook-off with French delights, FREE street dance, promenades (parades), open houses, walking tours, tea with 'Marie Antoinette' at the Guibourd and much more!
When: Second weekend in June |
Freedom Celebration - July
Image: IHC
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Freedom Celebration - Ste. Genevieve's Independence Day public gathering with music, dancing, food and fireworks!
When: July 4th |
Ste. Genevieve County Fair - July
Image: SG Herald Newspaper
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The Ste. Genevieve County Fair includes a parade, livestock shows, demolition derby, horse show, truck pulls, tractor pulls, queen contest, 4H and FFA exhibits and a band on Friday night. There is a lot to see and do for adults and children all weekend with plenty of good food and entertainment.
When: Second weekend in July |
Jour de Fête - August
Image: R. Mueller
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Jour de Fête - The annual Jour de Fête is southeast Missouri's largest Crafts Fair. Held in the heart of Ste. Genevieve's Historic District, visitors can browse through arts and crafts booths. Forget the heat and cool off while enjoying traditional and modern music, foods and other activities at this 45 year old tradition at the Lion's (downtown) Park and all the Historic District.
When: Second full weekend in August |
Autumn Festival - October
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Autumn Fest brings a variety of activities from car shows to paintings. The Ste. Genevieve Lions Club and other local groups host this annual event that's filled with interesting and foot-tapping fun for everyone.
When: First full weekend in October |
Christmas in Ste. Genevieve - December
Image: R.Mueller
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Christmas in Ste. Genevieve with parades, parties, carolling, cooking and tradition. Festivities are highlighted by the annual Country Christmas Walk along with the 'old-time' Christmas Parade which features floats with City officials, Shriners, marching bands, Le Petite Chanteurs, Homecoming Queens, Classic Cars, Santa & Mrs. Claus and much more. In addition, there's Strolling Carollers, the Ste. Genevieve Art Guild Show & sale, open houses at the historic sites, free entertainment and, of course, the annual tree lighting.
When: First weekend in December |
