Holiday Christmas Festival Kicks Off With Parade By Editor | December 10, 2019 | 0 The Holiday Christmas Festival opened this past weekend with the parade through downtown, led by grand marshal Brad Arnold, executive director of the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center. “ Posted in Community, ViveSteGen Leave a Comment Comment Click here to cancel reply. Related Posts A Vallée Visits Home March 15, 2023 SG First Baptist Adds To Leadership Team March 15, 2023 Packed House Opens WMS; So. Gypsi Up Next February 14, 2023 Winter Music Series Returns Feb. 10 February 1, 2023 By MARK EVANS STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD Ste. Genevieve’s two late-winter activities will both be taking place Feb. 4. The annual Chocolate Walk will see participating downtown merchants dispersing chocolate to those taking part in the event. Only 300 tickets are available, and they always sell out in advance. To purchase tickets go to: downtownstegenevieve.org. This event is sponsored by Downtown Ste. Genevieve. Meanwhile, in a tradition passed down from France to Canada, and on to the Illinois Country, the annual King’s Ball returns. Bad weather forced its cancellation last year. It will be held Feb. 4, at the Ste. Genevieve VFW Lodge at 852 Memorial Drive, 6-11 p.m. Fiddle virtuoso Dennis Straughmatt will perform, and will also bring a dance caller, Deborah Hyland, with him. Traditional dress is encouraged, but not required and dance lessons will be provided. Each male will receive a piece of La Galette des Rois or “the king’s cake.” Whoever gets a tiny Jesus figure in his piece is crowned king and then gets to choose his queen. Each year a couple is honored as the Le dame and Le Chevalier. This year the honor goes to Mary and Paul Hassler. January 24, 2023