Founders' Days sticks to recipe of proven success
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Instead, tweak certain things when warranted.
That's the mantra of Kevin Myers, president of the Founders' Days board of directors.
For Founders' Days' 48th year, officials are going with their standby formula of providing entertainment for people of all ages.
"It's kind of a proven one so far," he said.
But officials have expanded the roster on Sunday to include more free activities for children, Myers said.
Home Depot will offer a craft corner for children, in which they'll make bird houses, bug catchers and other things using wood, nails and hammers.
"It's very hands-on and it typically has a fair draw to it," Myers said.
There also will be face painters, caricature artists, a stilt walker and balloon artist and a little mister and miss pageant.
The annual festival, Algonquin's marquee event, typically draws between 35,000 and 38,000 to the village that bills itself as the "gem of the Fox Valley."
"We have been told we are the second longest, continuously run festival in the state of Illinois," Myers said.
A variety of entertainment, including bands and live karaoke, has been scheduled for the festival.
The party begins today with a carnival for disabled kids, another carnival open to all and opening ceremonies.
Friday offers a market and bazaar, a dog and cat show, children's' games and a bake-off.
Saturday brings the "Founders' Goes on Safari" parade, featuring disabled veteran Tammy Duckworth as the grand marshal, Village Clerk and clown Jerry Kautz as the Founders' honoree and Founders' favorite Kari Krause, honored for the years she has spent helping to put the festival together.
Karaoke and a puppet show are among the things that will follow.
Sunday kicks off with a pancake breakfast, a 5k/10k walk/run and a one-mile walk. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
For information, visit www.algonquinfoundersdays.com.
"Look at the Web site and if something interests you, come on down," Myers said.
Founders Days
TODAY
4 to 6 p.m. Carnival for Special Kids
6 to 10 p.m. Carnival for all (wristbands)
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Social Garden open
FRIDAY
Noon to 5 p.m. Carnival for all (wristbands)
5 to 10 p.m. Carnival for all, regular prices
5 to 10 p.m. Social Garden open
SATURDAY
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parade, with Grand Marshall Tammy Duckworth, Founders' Favorite Kari Krause and Founders' Honoree Jerry Kautz.
All roads for the parade route will begin to close at 10 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade.
2 to 10 p.m. Social Garden open
3 p.m. Parade Awards Presentation, main stage SUNDAY
7 a.m. Founders Days Run registration for 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and 1-mile run.
9 p.m. Founders' Days Fireworks Spectacular at Riverfront Park
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