Hampshire goes all out for 34th annual Coon Creek Country Days
With a new stage ensemble, sound system, LED lighting and landscaping upgrades, Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days is ready to party.
The 34th annual festival runs Thursday, Aug. 4, to Sunday, Aug. 7, at Bruce Ream Park, 368 Terwilliger Ave.
“We are one of the few fests that are later in the year. Between the Fourth of July and now, people are looking for something else to do,” Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days President Carl Palmisano said.
Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that hosts the festival to raise funds for other nonprofit organizations and community organizations in need such as the Hampshire Food Pantry.
“Everybody's looking forward to this. As soon as it's over, people are looking up the dates to save them for next year,” Palmisano said.
Depending on weather, anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 people attend the festival for the live music, carnival rides and games, the beer garden and fireworks,
“It's a great family event for any age from infants to adults. It's just a great time had by all,” HCCCD committee member Connie von Keudell said. “You'll have no regrets. You'll be glad that you went.”
Since 2000, the festival has presented the Earl C. Engel Award of Excellence to a resident of Hampshire who has given back to the community through community service. The award is in memory of Earl C. Engel, a former Hampshire resident who was a vital member to numerous community organizations.
The recipient of the award doesn't know he or she has been chosen until it is presented Saturday night during the festival.
“They're always shocked and humbled by the community's response and appreciation of their service. For most people they just do it, it's a natural thing for them to help people,” von Keudell said.
After the parade on Sunday, people can enjoy as much fresh sweet corn as they want for free.
“We have a farm that brings it to us. They bring it on Saturday and we shuck it on Sunday — that's how fresh it is,” Palmisano said. “We steam boil with a genuine old steam locomotive over 4,000 ears of corn.”
Alpine Amusement Co. is providing the carnival rides and games for the festival.
“Our carnival is very good. They are well renowned,” Palmisano said. “There's an assortment of rides from ones that a 3-year-old could ride to a 33-year-old.”
Unlimited ride specials for $25 run all day Thursday and Friday, Aug. 4 and 5, and Sunday, Aug. 7, as well as from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.
This year's fireworks show is at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6. and has increased by over 35 percent, Palmisano said.
“We usually spend $10,000, but this year we upped it to $15,000,” von Keudell said. “We have always been known for our spectacular fireworks. They're going to be in amazement at how awesome they are. It's free so come out and enjoy it.”
Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days is from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 5; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 6; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7.
Admission is free. For details, visit hcccd.com.