35th annual Hampshire parade to offer prize awards for the first time

Applications are now being accepted for the Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days Parade that steps off at noon Sunday, Aug. 6.

The four-day festival will run Aug. 3-6 in downtown Hampshire.

For the first time in its 35-year history, prizes will be awarded. Participants are encouraged to decorate floats with the five prize categories in mind - Most Original, Best Business/Commercial, Best Representation of Hampshire, Best Decorated Kid's Bike and Best Spirit. Hampshire village board trustees will serve as judges.

"We have many artistic people in Hampshire and one of the goals of the festival is to unlock the hidden talent within our village," said Connie Von Keudell, longtime committee member and co-coordinator of the parade. "Offering prize categories is yet another way Coon Creek Country Days is providing a forum for neighbors to share their gifts with neighbors."

The parade is one of many happenings scheduled for the last day of the festival, including a pancake breakfast, 2K and 10K walk/run, carnival, crafts, food vendors and music, and free activities that include a corn boil, petting zoo and pony rides.

Parade participants are asked to line up beginning at 11 a.m. for the parade that will set off from Warner Street and Washington Avenue.

There is a $10 entry fee. To download the application which includes additional details, visit hcccd.com/parade-application.html. For questions, call Connie Von Keudell at (847) 683-3116.