Paul Baillargeon/BND - Jordan Haar works on his Eagle Scout project, planting a shrub at the intersection of Frank Scott Parkway and Route 13.

Tim Vizer/BND - The Santa Claus Parade began at 17th and West Main Streets, and stretched for many city blocks in length.

Steve Nagy/BND - Megan Fitzgerald of Alton plots her next move after loading a home theater speaker system into her cart at Best Buy in Fairview Heights.

Tim Vizer/BND - Dancers from the Adams School of Dance shake metallic pom-pons as they march in the Santa Claus Parade.

Tim Vizer/BND - Santa and Mrs. Claus waves to the crowd as their sleigh float passes through downtown Belleville's Public Square during the annual Santa Claus Parade.

Steve Nagy/BND - Shoppers carry their purchases out of the Toys R Us in Fairview Heights before dawn Friday.

BND - Interior of historic Cahokia Courthouse

Jim Harding/For BND - The Belleville East Marching Lancers took first place — the fifth time since 2003 — and Mater Dei Catholic High School placed fourth in the 2008 AmerenUE Thanksgiving Day Parade band competition in St. Louis. Belleville East also won Outstanding Auxiliary and Outstanding Percussion. Missouri-based Windsor High School placed second, De Soto High School placed third and Bayless Marching Band placed fifth.

Steve Nagy/BND - Caitlin Combs, 17, of Belleville flashes a smile while loading a plate with Thanksgiving dinner at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Bellleville Thursday.

Steve Nagy/BND - Vickie Byrd of Belleville smiles while eating with friends and family at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Belleville Thursday. Byrd's ovarian cancer is in remission and she is recovering from her surgery last July and noted gladly "I'm very blessed."

Zia Nizami/BND - The Regency Conference Center executive chef Matthew Leeper.