In 2018 Amy Laws (at the time chapter president) sought out to throw a Halloween themed festival that not only would bring different aspects of the community together for a day of family fun but would also be the Kankakee Area Jaycees annual chapter project. The day’s success speaks to the hard work she put into making the day one that would not soon be forgotten.
An estimated two thousand children attended the festival to play free games run by local businesses and organizations and take part in the trunk-or-treat. The vendor market was packed, the petting zoo was a hit, and people got a little surprise with the Star Wars 501st showing up for the day in full movie quality costumes. The turnout overall was amazing, as was a glowing response from the community.
The festival’s success aligned with the Kankakee Area Jaycees mission to create positive change in Kankakee County and resulted in an “Award of Excellence” from the Illinois Jaycees 2018 President for an outstanding project.
Halloween Downtown will take place on Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 10 am to 4 pm in downtown Kankakee, Illinois. The festival area will include the farmer’s market lot, S. Schuyler Avenue and Festival Square around the train depot fountain.
The Kankakee Area Jaycees is inviting local businesses and organizations to take part in the festival by running a free game or activity or running a trunk during the trunk-or-treat. They are also seeking sponsors to cover the general operating costs for the festival, the petting zoo, and an appearance from a time machine DeLorean!
Sponsorship and participation forms are available at K3Halloween.com. To discuss sponsorship of the DeLorean, please contact Amy Laws directly.
Halloween Downtown Contact
Amy Laws Phone: 815-630-7051
Email: KankakeeAreaJaycees@gmail.com (Attn: Halloween Downtown in the subject)
