Bourbonnais, IL – The 50th Annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival kicks off today, offering five days of music, food, family fun, and community celebration at the festival grounds behind the Bourbonnais Municipal Center.
According to organizers, the event will run through Sunday and includes carnival rides, live tribute shows, a grand parade, a veteran’s luncheon, and special Armed Services Day events on Saturday. Today’s festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the carnival opening and a “Friends Night Special” offering two rides for the price of one. Opening ceremonies, bingo, and live music from Hillbilly Rockstarz are also on the schedule.
The festival will feature daily entertainment, including tribute bands covering the music of Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Tina Turner, and Chicago. Saturday’s lineup includes a 5K run, a fishing derby, and a fireworks display behind the post office beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday’s festivities will conclude with a grand parade starting at 1 p.m.
Safety protocols will be in place throughout the week. According to the Bourbonnais Police Department, emergency medical tents will be located near the police station, bags are subject to search, and drone and video surveillance will be active throughout the event. No bikes or scooters are allowed on the festival grounds. In the event of inclement weather, shelter will be provided inside the police station.
The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival is presented by Fieldstone Credit Union, Patriot Hyundai, Illiana Financial, Meineke, and Milner Media Partners. The carnival and beer garden will operate daily with varying hours.
Attendees are advised to dress for high temperatures expected this week and stay hydrated.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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