Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days opens Aug. 8
Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days Aug. 8-11 will be introducing a new open concept layout to the festival grounds. Bring the family, grab some food, grab a beer and walk around enjoying the music, food vendors, vendor tents and free kids activities.
Organized by a volunteer committee, this annual event raises funds for community organizations. Admission is free, although donations are welcome to help ensure this hometown tradition continues.
Festival hours are: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday on State Street in downtown Hampshire. There is a $2 daily wristband required at the beer garden. Only service animals are allowed on the festival grounds.
Nightly entertainment
On Thursday, festival favorite Smokin' Gunz returns again this year to kick off the main stage entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m.
On Friday, Semple Band, featuring Keith Semple, will perform at 6:30 p.m., followed by Infinity at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, Trending Time will lead off the music stage from at 2:30 p.m., followed by Back Country Roads at 6 p.m. The Wedding Banned will perform after the fireworks.
The Mad Bomber returns to put on the popular fireworks show at 9:10 p.m. Saturday. Rain date will be Sunday.
On Sunday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., the Mackenzie O'Brien Band will wrap up the four days of musical entertainment. The basket raffle winners will be announced at 4 p.m.
Coon Creek Classic 2K & 10K Race
Hampshire Park District's Coon Creek Classic 2K & 10K Race returns for its 41st year on Sunday, Aug. 11.
The 10K begins at 8 a.m. followed by the 2K run at 8:05 a.m. The races, which will go on rain or shine. begin and end at the Hampshire Middle School, 560 S. State St. Water stations will be available during the race.
The 2K/10K is $45 or $40 for Hampshire residents. It is $25-$30 for youth, age 12 or younger.
Online registration closes at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. Registration reopens on race day from 7 to 7:45 a.m. at Hampshire Middle School. In-person registration only that day. No entries will be accepted after 7:45 a.m.
Register online at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Hampshire/CoonCreekClassic or at the Hampshire Township Park District office at 182 S. State St., Hampshire.
An award ceremony will be held immediately after the 2K race. Medals will be given to the top three male and three female finishers in each age division (10K and 2K). Plaques (10K only) to the top male and top female overall finishers and the top male and female finishers who reside in Hampshire.
Coon Creek Parade
The Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days Parade will step off at noon Sunday at Washington Avenue and Warner Street, head west on Washington to State Street, south on State Street to Panama Avenue, east on Panama, ending at Warner Street.
Kids' entertainment
On Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m., join Home Depot for a kids workshop in the Kids Tent. There also will be a Touch-a-Truck from noon to 3 p.m. and petting zoo from 1 to 5 p.m.
Koda from the Campton Hills Police Department will offer a police dog demonstration from 4-5 p.m. in the Kids Tent.
On Sunday, stop by the kids' tent from 1 to 5 p.m. and check out the petting zoo and pony rides.
The free ice cream eating contest, sponsored by Colonial Cafe, will start at 3 p.m. Sunday.
New this year, the carnival by Alpine Amusements will be offering more rides and they will be accepting credit cards. Unlimited ride specials will be offered from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for $30. It will be $35 for 6 to 11 p.m. Friday.
Craft show
The craft and vendor show will be 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, and 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Sweet corn
On Sunday, starting at 1 p.m., enjoy some roasted sweet corn, available while supplies last.
Visit hcccd.com for details.