BOURBONNAIS, IL – Get ready to don your hard hats and join the festivities as the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival gears up for its much-anticipated annual celebration, set to kick off in exactly one month. Taking place behind the Municipal Building on Main Street, this year’s festival promises a unique construction theme, paying homage to the ongoing development in the area.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 21st, as the carnival swings open its gates at 5:00 pm, offering a special Friends Night promotion with a “Two People for the Price of One” deal. The Main Stage will come alive at 6:00 pm with an electrifying Opening Ceremonies, featuring the Veterans Group presenting the Colors, a soul-stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Ellie Yeager, and a special performance by Tim Boshaw. Meanwhile, the Meineke’s Beer Garden will be open from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, providing a lively atmosphere for festival-goers.
Thursday, June 22nd, will be a day of community engagement and wellness. CPR/AED Demonstrations will be held at the First Aid Tent, while a Blood Drive will take place from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Community Room. The carnival resumes at 5:00 pm, accompanied by the soothing melodies of Dance Alive Studio and Mary Claire Dwyer at the West Stage. The Silhouettes Band will take the Main Stage from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by Dance in the Light. The Anthem Band will close out the evening with an energetic performance from 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
Friday, June 23rd, offers a range of exciting activities. The First Aid Tent will host CPR/AED Demonstrations, and the firefighters’ Fish Fry will tantalize taste buds from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. The Meineke’s Beer Garden will keep the refreshments flowing from 11:00 am to 12:00 am. The highlight of the evening will be the dazzling fireworks display sponsored by Illiana Financial at 9:00 pm, followed by the Southside Social Club Band rocking the Main Stage from 9:30 pm to midnight.
Saturday, June 24th, will be dedicated to honoring our veterans on Armed Services Day. The day starts with the Kankakee River Running Club 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 am. The Cane Pole Fishing Derby at the Municipal Center Pond offers a delightful opportunity for family fun from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Veteran’s Luncheon will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, paying tribute to those who have served. The carnival opens at noon, featuring a special “Family Day” promotion from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, where all rides will require just one ticket. The Battle of the Bands will showcase local talent from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm on the Main Stage, while the West Stage will come alive with performances by Limelight Theatre Works, BUGC Band, and Christina Grace. The Any Given Weekend Band will take over the Main Stage from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, paving the way for The Nick Lynch Band to close out the night with a bang from 9:00 pm to midnight.
The festival will culminate on Sunday, June 25th, with the highly anticipated Grand Parade, proudly sponsored by Fieldstone Credit Union at 1 pm.
