Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days returns with live music, carnival, sweet corn and more
Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days returns Aug. 10-13 with four days of nightly entertainment, a craft show, carnival for all ages, local food vendors, sweet corn, and a beer garden, as well as fireworks on Saturday night.
Festival hours are: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday on State Street, one block south of Allen Road in downtown Hampshire.
Coon Creek Classic 2K & 10K Race
This summer marks the 40th year for Hampshire Park District's Coon Creek Classic 2K & 10K Race on Sunday, Aug. 13.
The 10K begins at 8 a.m. followed by the 2K run at 8:05 a.m. The races, which will go on rain or shine. begin and end at the Hampshire Middle School, 560 S. State St. Water stations will be available during the race.
The 2K/10K is $40 or $35 for Hampshire residents. It is $25-$30 for youth, age 12 or younger.
Online registration closes at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11. Registration reopens on race day from 7 to 7:45 a.m. at Hampshire Middle School. In-person registration only that day. No entries will be accepted after 7:45 a.m.
Register online at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Hampshire/CoonCreekClassic or at the Hampshire Township Park District Office at 182 S. State St., Hampshire.
An award ceremony will be held immediately after the 2K race. Medals will be given to the top three male and three female finishers in each age division (10K and 2K). Plaques (10K only) to the top male and top female overall finishers and the top male and female finishers who reside in Hampshire.
Nightly entertainment
On Thursday, the Smokin' Gunz will kick off the main stage entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m.
On Friday, Hillbilly Rockstarz will open the main stage, performing your favorite country hits, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by the Semple Band, featuring Keith Semple, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
On Saturday, Nick Sanzeri will lead off the music stage from 1 to 3:30 p.m., followed by Members Only, an 1980s cover band, from 4 to 6 p.m. The Couch Coins will hit the stage with a mix of party rock music from 6:30 to 9 p.m., followed by the crowd favorite, Modern Day Romeos from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.
The Mad Bomber returns to put on the popular fireworks show at 9:10 p.m. Saturday. Rain date will be Sunday.
On Sunday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., the Mackenzie O'Brien Band will wrap up the four days of musical entertainment. The band has been featured at festivals throughout the Midwest and made a third straight trip to Country Thunder in 2023. They have opened for numerous country stars and Mackenzie continues to work on music projects in Nashville.
The basket raffle winners will be announced at 4 p.m.
Coon Creek Parade
The Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days Parade will have a new route this year. The parade will step off at noon Sunday at Washington Avenue and Warner Street, head west on Washington to State Street, south on State Street to Panama Avenue, east on Panama, ending at Warner Street.
In honor of the upcoming retirement of Hampshire's longtime Village Clerk, the grand marshal will be Linda Vasquez, a longtime supporter of all things Hampshire.
Kids' entertainment
On Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m., join the Carpentersville Home Depot for a fun DIY event in the Kids Tent. While supplies last, one DIY kit per child.
There also will be a Touch-a-Truck and petting zoo from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sgt. James Levand and Koda from the Campton Hills Police Department will lead a police dog demonstration from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Kids Tent.
On Sunday, stop by the kids' tent from 1 to 5 p.m. and check out the petting zoo and pony rides.
Sweet corn
On Sunday, starting at 1 p.m., enjoy some roasted sweet corn, available while supplies last.
Admission is free, although donations are welcome to help ensure this hometown tradition continues.
Visit www.hcccd.com for details.