Algonquin Founders’ Days adds beer festival to lineup this year
The 64th annual Algonquin Founders’ Days, which runs July 25-28, will be kicking off with the new Founders’ Beer Fest Thursday.
Enjoy samples from local breweries and wineries in one spot at the Jefferson Street parking lot. Wristbands will be sold for $40 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the front gate for those age 21 or older with a valid ID.
There will be more than 30 different beers and wines from local breweries, including Lincolnshire’s Half Day Brewing Co., Woodstock’s Holzlager Brew Co. and Kishwaukee Brewing Co., Huntley’s Sew Hop'd Brewery and Taproom, Schiller Park’s Short Fuse Brewing Co., and Mundelein’s Tighthead Brewing Co., as well as Algonquin’s own Scorched Earth Brewing Co. and Village Vintner Winery and Brewery.
Also downtown on Thursday will be the Main Street Car Show from 5 to 9 p.m. and the popular Cardboard Boat Regatta at Riverfront Park. Those interested in participating in the regatta should sign up at 3 p.m., with boat building at 4 p.m. The race will start at 6 p.m.
The festival will return to Ted Spella Park, 2610 Harnish Drive, from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 26; 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
Music stage
Once again, Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band are kicking off the four-day festival with their mix of reggae, surf, trop rock and calypso at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Jefferson Street stage.
On Friday, the music stage at Spella Park will open with the Rok Brigade, a Def Leppard tribute band, at 6 p.m. Festival favorite 7th heaven will take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Focal Point will perform the best of the 1970s to today at 4:30 p.m., followed by Hairbanger’s Ball re-creating the ’80s at 6 p.m. The classic rock tribute band ARRA will take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Pino Farina Band will perform a mix of original music as well as alt rock covers at 4:30 p.m. Jimmy Nick & Don't Tell Mama are returning again this year to close out the four-day festival at 7 p.m.
The festival will close with the village of Algonquin's fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Sunday.
Parade
The Founders' Goes to the Movies Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27. The parade will travel on Eastgate Drive to Algonquin Road, Algonquin Road to Main Street, and Main Street to Madison Street. The parade winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m.
Cornhole tournament
Compete in the annual Founders' Cornhole Tournament at 6 p.m. Friday and 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Spella Park. Cost is $50 per team. It is single elimination, with the top two teams both days receiving cash prizes. Registration is available via app.scoreholio.com/v2. For questions, email nundambc@gmail.com.
Founders' 5K/10K
The Founders' 5K/10K Walk/Run continues the “Let’s Go to the Movies!” theme Sunday, July 28, at Algonquin Middle School, 520 Longwood Drive. On-site check-in and registration will be 7:15 to 7:45 a.m.
The 1-mile Kids' Fun Run for ages 12 or younger starts at 8 a.m. The 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:15 a.m. Sign up at raceroster.com/events/2024/88935/algonquin-founders-day-run.
Advance registration is $27 for the 5K run/walk, $32 for the 10K run, or $12 for the Kids' Fun Run. Same-day registration is an additional $3.
Bake-Off
Amateur cooks are invited to bring their best cake, cookies or pies to compete on Sunday in the 2024 Bake-Off. The entry fee is $12.50, payable at algonquinfoundersdays.com.
Check-in will be 12:30 to 1 p.m. with judging at 1:30 p.m. Entries will be judged on taste, appearance, and creativity/originality. First- to third-place prizes will be awarded in each category. For the rules, go to algonquinfoundersdays.com.
Business Expo Market & Bazaar
The Founders' Business Expo Market & Bazaar will feature local business organizations, retail vendors, crafters, and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Taste of Founders
The Taste of Founders runs 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, featuring food from the Knights of Columbus, Barone’s Pizza, Thumka Indian Express, Got Calzoni, Taco Factory, Midwest Citrus Smashers, and Fudgie Wudgie.
Public safety
To enhance its public safety efforts, Algonquin Police Department will be utilizing the public safety drone throughout the four-day event. The drone will help monitor the festivities, ensuring a safe environment for everyone attending. Stop by the Algonquin Police Department tent, where they will answer any questions and showcase how the department is using technology to keep the community safe.
Get updates at algonquinfoundersdays.com or facebook.com/FoundersDays/.