Coon Creek Country Days celebrates silver anniversary

Coon Creek Country Days is going silver this year.

The summer staple festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary Thursday through Sunday at Bruce Ream Park in Hampshire.

"This is the event where you're sure to see all your neighbors," festival committee treasurer Sharon Almquist said. "Hampshire's a pretty quiet place - this is something everyone knows about."

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. today with unlimited carnival rides and a concert by Old School Band, a group of local residents performing classic rock hits.

Live tunes continue through the weekend with 80s group Hi Infidelity at 8 p.m. on Friday, a Coon Creek Idol competition at 1 p.m. Saturday, immediately followed by the Earl Engel band. Later Saturday night, Almquist said, festival organizers have "brought in something different" - 7DEEZ - a disco, funk and Motown tribute band.

"We're hoping they'll have everybody on their feet dancing," she said.

Admission and concerts are free. Bracelets for unlimited carnival rides are $18 Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and $20 on Friday.

The fireworks display - according to Almquist, one of the best in the area - will take place Saturday at dusk, with a rain date the following night.

Capping off the event is a 2-kilometer walk and 10-kilometer run Sunday morning at Hampshire Elementary school, followed by a parade at noon through downtown Hampshire.

If you're looking for a good spot along the parade route, Almquist advises setting up shop early.

"Some people are out there in lawn chairs at 8 and 9 a.m.," she said.

Hampshire's 25th Coon Creek Country Days

Where: Bruce Ream Park, 400 W. Jefferson, Hampshire

When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Cost: Free admission, carnival bracelets $18-20

Info: (847)683-2181