Planning Your Event at the Cross

Whether attending a special event, or just making the journey up without a special occasion, you are in for a treat. Bald Knob Mountain is the second-highest point in Southern Illinois and offers wonderful views, particularly in the fall.

Upcoming 2025 Events

Winter Gala 2025

Date: Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at 7:00pm

Location: The Pavillion
1602 Sioux Drive Marion, IL

The event will include a silent auction, a delicious meal with live music and entertainment, among other things.

“We are excited to partner with the talented Chris Parton and Midwest Music Supply to bring you this highly anticipated event. A Gala is something we have never done, and we are looking forward to hosting something new.

On a daily basis we have visitors from all over the county with handicap or mobility challenges who are concerned with how they might access the cross. Our current state poses many challenges for these individuals to access this historical landmark. Many people travel from hours away to encounter Bald Knob Cross of Peace. We want these individuals to have the opportunity to experience the fullness of what being on the top of that mountain feels like.”

Jena Guined, Executive Director, Bald Knob Cross of Peace

This event is sponsored by the generous giving of local businesses and community partners. To help offset the costs of the event, donations can be made online at www.baldknobcross.com/donate. Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Jena Guined at (618)214-4680.

This event will be aimed at raising funding for Bald Knob Cross of Peace’s current upgrades and improvements to the facility.  In 2010, the transitional board set a long-term goal with a two-phase plan to rebuild and restore the cross after years of deterioration. Phase two concentrates on the areas surrounding the structure. The Cross began the expansion of the Courtyard and Paver Garden in the summer of 2024. This phase will focus on providing seating for visitors, space for special events and services, a walking path for better accessibility for all, and most importantly, this expansion will make the cross ADA accessible for handicap individuals.

2024 Events

Blessing of the Bikes

Blessing of the Bikes

Sunday, May 19th
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Blessing of the Jeeps

Blessing of the Jeeps

Saturday, June 1st
8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Fall Colors at the Cross

Sat, October 19th from 10 am – 4 pm
Sun, October 20th from 1 pm – 5 pm

Christmas at the Cross

Sunday, December 8th
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm