Hampshire’s Coon Creek Country Days returns with live music, parade and more
Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days returns on Aug. 7-10 with four nights of live entertainment with seven bands.
Admission is free, although donations are welcome to help ensure this hometown tradition continues. There is a $2 daily wristband required at the beer and wine garden.
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 off North State Street and Towne Place in Hampshire. Southbound State Street and Towne Place are closed during the festival; enter from northbound State Street only. Parking entry will be directed by security. Or walk to the festival grounds along the path available from downtown.
Nightly entertainment
On Thursday, Hi Infidelity returns to Coon Creek Country Days to kick off the main stage entertainment from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
On Friday, the six-piece Back Country Roads will bring on some 1990s country favorites, top 40 country hits, and some originals at 6:30 p.m., followed by Semple Band, featuring Keith Semple, at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, The Whiskey Kitten Band will play the best R&B, disco, and party/dance music at 3:30 p.m., followed by Hillbilly Rockstarz from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Modern Day Romeos will perform from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, after the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
On Sunday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., festival favorite Smokin' Gunz will wrap up the four days of musical entertainment. The basket raffle winners will be announced at 4 p.m.
Coon Creek Classic 2K & 10K Race
Hampshire Park District's Coon Creek Classic 2K & 10K Race returns for its 42nd year on Sunday, Aug. 10. The 10K race is a challenge for trained runner and the 2K race is great for all ages who want to join in on the fun with a shorter route that runs down State St. The 2K race is also great for walkers.
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 $45 or $40 for Hampshire residents. It is $25-$30 for youth, age 12 or younger.
Online registration closes at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. 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.
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.
Coon Creek Parade
The Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days 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.
Kids' entertainment
On Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m., join Home Depot for a kids workshop in the Kids Tent, while supplies last. There also will be a Touch-a-Truck from 1 to 3 p.m. and petting zoo from 1 to 5 p.m. The free ice cream eating contest, sponsored by Colonial Cafe, will start at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, stop by the kids' tent from 1 to 5 p.m. and check out the petting zoo and pony rides.
Carnival rides
The carnival by Alpine Amusements will be offering more rides and they will be accepting credit cards. Unlimited ride specials will be offered from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for $30. It will be $35 for 6 to 11 p.m. Friday.
Craft show
The craft and vendor show will be 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, and 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Sweet corn
On Sunday, starting at 1 p.m. after the parade, enjoy some roasted sweet corn, available while supplies last.
Visit hcccd.com or facebook.com/hampshirecooncreek.hcccd for details.