Wow, Has it Been Almost a Year?

I can't believe it has been almost a year since I've blogged. I must try to do a better job. The sun is now rising and I've been writing this blog for the last few hours (after not being able to sleep)... one glitch after another.... big sigh...

Last weekend on May 16, Down Nostalgia Lane Photography covered the Arthritis Foundation walk in O'Fallon, Illinois.

At the outset, it appeared that it might get rained out. It was rather dreary and looked like thunderstorms were looming in the horizon. Luckily it must have traveled elsewhere because it never rained to any real extent. I was prepared though... My cameras had a little plastic raincoat, just in case!

Katie Haverkamp is a teenager with polyarticular arthritis. She gave a speech and lead the way in the walk.

All of the teams have done a great job raising money.

There were several businesses & organizations present donating food and services including Michael W. Hine Chiropractic Medical. His group was giving free massages. Nice!

The clowns from the Mascoutah Clown Unit Moose Lodge 815 were super nice and entertaining.

The Camp Bow Wow booth was a very busy one indeed. The people at that booth were always smiling and they had a small crowd of visitors the whole day. It makes me wish I had a dog to take there.

Happy people were everywhere. Denise Heidger worked very long and hard on this project! Her hard work paid off. It looks like all had fun (even the furry walkers) and much money was raised.


See the gallery for more pictures. If you would like to have a Arthritis walk in your metro east St. Louis area, contact Denise. Or, if you would like to donate to this worthy cause or participate in a walk near you, just visit the Arthritis Foundation site.


Are you a non profit looking for a photographer?? I just might be the one for you. I really enjoy covering events. Shameless plug...

Hopefully my next post won't take near this long... but no promises! ;)

Breakfast with Santa @ Westview Baptist Church, Belleville, IL

Wow, only a couple short weeks away from Christmas! I better start my Christmas shopping and get the tree up or will have some very unhappy kiddos... This weekend was Breakfast with Santa at Westview Baptist Church in Belleville, Illinois. It seems like all had a great time. Frosty and Mrs. Frosty were very cheery and the kids loved them. I kinda think they upstaged Santa! Event picture slide show.

The Day After Thanksgiving... Belleville, Illinois Santa Parade!

No sooner do we have Thanksgiving under our belt and we are starting the Christmas holiday season! The highly attended Belleville, IL Santa Parade takes place the day after Thanksgiving. Some may be shopping but I can tell you there are lots of Bellevillians at the Santa Parade. It was a bit windy and chilly but we braved the elements along with countless others. The streets were lined with people, hot chocolate, candy and folding chairs. This was my first year but my family really enjoyed it. Quite an affair!

Please excuse the blurry Santa pictures. Was awaiting his arrival and he got by without getting a great shot. Oh well, maybe next year... What would the Santa Parade be without the climax of Santa's arrival. So, included the picture anyway. Santa Parade photos!