Pageants, parades headline Mundelein fest

Pageants, a chicken wing-eating contest, musical performances and a fireworks show are just a few of the events planned for this week’s Mundelein Community Days celebration.

The festival launches today, June 27, and runs through July 4. Most events are staged at or near the fairgrounds on Seymour Avenue at Courtland Street. That area will be limited to pedestrian traffic during the festival. Cars can park at nearby shopping centers or other locations.

The festival begins today with the Miss Mundelein Pageant, which is set for 7:30 p.m. at Mundelein High School.

The Junior Miss Mundelein Pageant is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, and the Little Miss Mundelein pageant is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 29.

After a one-day break, the festival really gets under way Friday, July 1. The Mundelein Munch food booths open at noon, and youth bands will perform on the main stage from noon to 4 p.m.

Among other events set for Friday, the carnival will open at 5 p.m.

Saturday’s activities include a 9 a.m. pet parade at Park Street and Seymour Avenue; a 10 a.m. car show at Santa Maria del Popolo Church; a 1 p.m. watermelon eating contest; and a 3 p.m. beanbag-game contest.

Sunday’s events begin with an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast. An arts and crafts fair, bingo and a 2 p.m. parade down Hawley Street also are on the agenda.

Community Days concludes Monday, July 4. The day will start at 8 a.m. with the annual Freedom Classic races. Also scheduled are the “King of the Wing” Buffalo chicken wing-eating contest, which will be 1 p.m. on the main stage, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

For the full schedule and more information, visit mundelein.org.