Hello Chamber Friends,

November is almost here. The temperatures are dropping, and the holidays are approaching fast! There are several events in Lebanon to help you and your family and friends get ready for the holiday season.

• Don't forget the Queen of Hearts every Thursday evening at the 50 'n 4 Event Space from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

See below for dates on our upcoming Halloween & November events:

Oct 30 - ***Lebanon Chamber of Commerce Meeting & Elections

Nov 15 - Emerald Mound Grange Big Breakfast 8 - 10 am

Nov 21 - Dec 31 - Lebanon Winter Wonderland 5 pm - 9 pm nightly

Nov 27 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner - First United Methodist Church -

Nov 29 - Small Business Saturday

Do you have an upcoming event for your business or organization? Send event flyers and marquee requests to Rebeca Gabel at lebanonchambermarquee@gmail.com. Would you like to have your business or non-profit featured in the next Chamber Spotlight? Contact Lori Henrichs at lorihenrichs@msn.com to feature your business and be included in the next newsletter!

(SCROLL DOWN FOR UPCOMING EVENTS & FLYERS)

October Chamber Meeting Postponed

Until Oct 30th, 8:30 a.m.

The regular monthly chamber meeting and officer elections have been postponed until Thursday, Oct 30th at 8:30 a.m. Due to floor renovations at the Lebanon Visitors’ Center, the upstairs will be closed from Oct 20th until Oct 24th.

We are holding our elections for the 2026 Chamber of Commerce officers and board members at next week's meeting! We are accepting nominations for all positions and currently have two known positions whose incumbents will not be returning: Vice President and Secretary.

Please send us an email at chamber@lebanonil.us if you would like to run for a position for our 2026 Chamber Officers and Board Members, so we can add you to our ballots and join us at the chamber meeting next Thursday! Nominees must be active members in good standing, have paid dues for the year they wish to serve, have agreed to accept the responsibility of the office, and be able to fulfill the roles of the office they are seeking. We can also accept nominations from the floor at the meeting. Positions with multiple nominees will have a brief opportunity to speak before voting.

LEBANON FALL FESTIVAL

THANK YOU!!!

The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Fall Festival Committee and all participants for their contributions to a successful Lebanon Fall Festival this year. The Lebanon Fall Festival Committee included: Rebeca Gabel (committee chair), Lori Henrichs, Tiffany Suydam, and Cheri Wright. 

We want to thank the following entertainers for keeping everyone entertained: Kenneth Bornert (steel handpan), Cadence Cloggers, and Kayden Crews (guitarist and singer). These entertainers were so popular this year that we are asking them to come back next year. Non-musical entertainment included a Clydesdale from JFP Equine and small farm animals that belonged to the Farmers and Friends 4-H Club.

We would also like to thank the non-profit organizations who sold food, raffle tickets, and other items: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon First United Methodist Church, Lebanon Band Boosters, Enterprise Grange (from O’Fallon), Pentecostal Power Church, Lebanon Lions Club, Future Farmers of America (assisted the Lions), Lebanon Rotary Club, and Lebanon High School Interact Club. 

Thanks also to the commercial food vendors who participated: 1^st and Last Pours, Dippidy Donuts, Uncle Huffy’s Barbeque, and D&T's Kettle Corn. Also, thanks to the Brick Street restaurants, which were open to serve festival visitors and vendors. 

Behind the scenes, Andrew Steele from Andrew’s Lawn Service handled trash removal to keep our event clean and tidy for guests. Thank you, Andrew! And Brian Goss took photos/video of the festival using his drone! Thanks, Brian!

Thank you to the Lebanon Visitor’s Center volunteers for keeping the Visitor’s Center open. Also, thank you to De Laird and Sharon Geil from the Garden Club of Lebanon for volunteering to assist the vendors as needed. 

We would also like to give a very special thanks to the McKendree Men’s Soccer Team for volunteering to assist with vendor setup and teardown! You guys were great!

Last, but not least, we would like to thank the many vendors who participated. There are too many to name, but you can find their names on our Lebanon Chamber of Commerce website. And of course, THANK YOU to all in the community who attended!!



Article by Lori Henrichs

This month's Chamber Business Spotlight shines on Cerberus Aerial Photography! Brian Goss is the owner of Cerberus Aerial Photography and opened the business 5 years ago. Brian uses his experience as a drone pilot to take aerial photography of farms, business and private property, roof inspections from storms, and outdoor events. Just recently, he used his drone to take aerial photographs of the Lebanon Fall Festival.

Brian has also taken aerial photography for Lebanon May Market. But his favorite event he has covered is the Firemen’s Picnic. When asked what he liked about covering Firemen’s Picnic, he replied, “Everyone is having a good time, and no one expects a drone to fly over and buzz the crowd!” Then Brian added, “several adults and kids found where I was standing and asked questions and watched me fly. The fire department also wanted pictures I took so they could hang them up.” In addition to the Firemen’s Picnic, Brian also covered a drunk driving demonstration the fire department put on with Lebanon High School for their prom night.

Brian served in the Air Force for 10 years. He spent 3 of those years in the Air Force Drone Program. Then in 2005, he separated from the military and moved to Lebanon and became a Defense Contractor. When asked about his family, Brian said, “I am a proud father of three children: Erin 30, Matthew 24 and Ryleigh 21. Along with my girlfriend Denise, the four of them have inspired me to be a better father, pilot and an overall better person.”

I asked Brian if any of his family members are interested in flying drones. He said his son Matthew started flying drones for fun. But after a while Matthew lost interest, and Brian took the drone and created his business. Matthew continues to help Brian sometimes with farm photography jobs.

Brian currently flies a DJI AIR 2S drone. It just takes pictures and videos, but it is impossible to crash because of all the sensors it has to prevent collision with trees and buildings.

I asked Brian what his favorite part of his business is and he replied, “I enjoy the freedom I have to create a memory for the customer and the end results of my work. Plus, I like to educate the public of the responsibilities of being a drone pilot.” I asked him if he had grown personally since owning his business and he said,” Yes I have grown and become a more knowledgeable pilot and small business owner.”

When asked if he had anything else to add, Brian said, “If anyone is interested in my services please contact me. My prices are very reasonable and negotiable.”

Article by Lori Henrichs

Business hours: Any time when the weather cooperates

Contact Information: Brian Goss

Phone number: 618-210-9777

Email: cerberusaerial@gmail.com

Website: www.cerberusaerial.com

Facebook: Cerberus Aerial Photography

This month’s Chamber Non-profit Spotlight shines on Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland! Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland (LWW) is a 501(c)3 organization that puts on a holiday display each year in Horner Recreational Park, on the northern border of Lebanon, Illinois.  The organization is chartered for the sole purpose of bringing the display to the area, and to assist where they can – when they can.

Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland was organized in October of 2007 as “Christmas in the Park”. It was created with the idea that Lebanon needed something to bring people to the area, visit our town, and let them see the beauty of Horner Recreational Park. It was designed to give people a truly nostalgic look back at Christmas of long ago: a simpler time, full of warm memories.

The first display was from November 21 through December 27, 2008, consisting of 180 wooden cutouts and several large lighted displays (including the skaters, the train with depot, and the original waving Santa). In 2009, Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland received the Governor’s Hometown Award for the work done to present the display and for creating an event in the City of Lebanon that brought people together for a common cause.

This year is Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland’s 18^th anniversary! Since the first year, a lot has been added including an animated light show, a new waving Santa, and many lighted displays! 

The organization itself is made up of all volunteers. Volunteer opportunities exist for those who would like to help set up the displays, and for those who would like to greet visitors and take donations as vehicles arrive in the park.  Setup is taking place on Saturdays starting at 10 am and Sundays starting at 12:30. Anyone wishing to volunteer at the greeters’ hut may contact Dona Schiepe at 618-792-2014. Further information on setup and details on the display can be found at lebanonswinterwonderland.org or at Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland's Facebook page. 

Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland will be open from November 21 – December 31 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday – Thursday and from 5:00 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Article by Lori Henrichs

Save the Dates!

Join us for Lebanon’s 32nd Annual Victorian Holiday and experience the charm of the season! Stroll along historic St. Louis Street with the Ole Lamplighter as carolers and madrigals fill the air with festive music. Visit Father Christmas, enjoy children’s activities, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, shop, and indulge in delicious holiday treats and sweets.

Follow us on the Lebanon Victorian Holiday Facebook page & watch for our new Lebanon Victorian Holiday Website, coming soon!

Lebanon Victorian Holiday 1st Annual Gingerbread Competition - Sponsored by the Lebanon Rotary Club

Event Date: November 21-22


Event Address: Historic downtown district, Saint Louis Street, Lebanon, Illinois 62254

Email us at rotary.3321@gmail.com or on FB @ Lebanon Illinois Rotary if you have questions not answered on this page.

Details: 

Entries are to be put in place November 11- 15th during business hours unless some of the host locations are open later for us. You will be assigned a location on the day of placement.

 Use a sturdy base, such as .5" - .75" plywood or heavy cardboard, which is recommended. The base itself may be decorated with non-edible materials like paint or ribbon. The maximum base size is 24" x 24". Shop owners constructing a house to fit their own window space are not limited.

Primary structure: The house's main structure must be constructed from at least 75% gingerbread. 

Edible materials: Everything above the base must be edible, including candies, icings, and other decorations. Mechanically produced components, such as 3D-printed parts, may be used, provided they are edible. 

Gingerbread Ornaments - May be reinforced to hang safely for a few weeks. Wire may be used in the dough to support the display, as these will be hung in windows. No larger than 4"x6".

Categories:  

Adults – Entrants age 18 and older; may include one or more individuals of this age


Junior – Entrants aged 17 to age 8; may include one or more individuals of this age


Children - Entrants age seven and younger. Kits and ornaments are only allowed in this category.


Groups/Businesses – Groups comprised of both youth and adults; may include two or more individuals. This category includes, youth groups, clubs, etc. with no age restrictions. Any businesses, groups & non-profits are welcome to compete and may include their name, logo, and a small QRC.

Only one Gingerbread House per entry form is permitted, and individuals may have only one entry in each category for which they are eligible to compete. 

Entries may not include battery-operated or electric lights to avoid potential fire hazards. All entries must be family-friendly and holiday-appropriate, and any entry may be rejected if deemed inappropriate.

Entry Fees:


Individual - Free


Group/Business - a suggested donation of $5 to the Rotary club to defray the cost of awards/prizes. Businesses are welcome to donate a prize in lieu of an entry fee.

Judging:

Judging will be held on the second day, with winners announced, TBD

Various judges will pick their favorites in each category, with a public's choice award in each. For the junior and children's category, only their first name, last initial, and age will be mentioned in online posts.

New Website Sponsorship Form

Only $550 Remains to Reach Our Goal!



Help us shape tomorrow, today! Your support will bring a new Chamber website to life and restore our Visitors Center for all to enjoy.

The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce is raising funds to launch a new website and to complete necessary repairs at the Visitors Center. The Lebanon Visitors Center is run entirely by volunteers and was built 25 years ago. The Visitors Center provides a welcome place for visitors to Lebanon and clean bathrooms for downtown events. Your sponsorship helps support our community and enhance local business visibility.

Website Project Benefits:

1. Reduce annual website cost from $3,000 to $800.

2. Online membership applications and dues payment.

3. Expanded member directory with logo, SEO, business details, and photo gallery.

4. Interactive Chamber Event Calendar where members can submit their events and include event details.

Sponsorship of $200 or more includes:

-

A Thank You Ad on our new website homepage with your logo and link during the 2026 membership year.

- Free digital marquee advertising for one year.

***Sponsorship of any amount will be displayed in a list of our donors and a thank you on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and e-newsletter (unless you request to remain anonymous). 

Business/Organization Name: ________________________________

Contact Name: ________________________________________

Phone: __________________________

Email: ______________________________

Mailing Address: _____________________________________________

Sponsorship Amount:

[ ] $200 [ ] $250 [ ] $500 [ ] Other: $__________

Payment Method:

[ ] Check (Payable to Lebanon Chamber of Commerce)

 Send completed forms to 221 W St. Louis St, Lebanon IL 62254

[ ] Credit Card Payment Link: https://square.link/u/D5718aDS

Would you like an invoice? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Email: chamber@lebanonil.us Phone: 618-537-8420 or text 618-610-2509

Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity in Lebanon?

The Lebanon Visitors' Center is open to the public and provides a warm welcome and clean public restrooms for visitors to Lebanon and the brick street businesses.

Do you have spare time once a week to volunteer? It is a peaceful and quiet place to read, do homework, and greet occasional visitors to Lebanon. We need volunteers who can fill 2-hour shifts once a week to welcome visitors, answer the phone, and direct them to our businesses and attractions in Lebanon. Currently, the Visitors Center is open only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as for special events.

For more information about volunteering at the Visitors' Center, call Marie Fero at 618-830-3781 or Email mfero60@gmail.com.

618-537-8420