Live music, kids games, tumblers and more at Elgin Juneteenth Festival June 18-19
The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the African American Coalition of Kane County are hosting the Elgin Juneteenth Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 18, and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 19, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin. It will feature music, food, local vendors, a DJ battle, gospel ensemble, a KidZone, and a tribute to fathers.
Live music from Harlan Jefferson Band, the Funk Brotherz, and Accidentally On Purpose as well as a DJ battle is planned for Saturday. A "Gospel Explosion" takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, in addition to some Father's Day events.
On Saturday, a flag procession and celebration will kick off the fest at noon, followed by the Jesse White Tumblers at 1:30 p.m., Accidentally On Purpose at 2 p.m., Tani J at 3:20 p.m., Divine Dance Ministries at 3:45 p.m., Harlan Jefferson Band at 4 p.m., The Funk Brotherz at 5:30 p.m., and a DJ Battle with DJ Dre at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, the "Gospel Explosion" will feature Philadelphia Holiness Full Gospel Church at 11:30 a.m., singer/songwriter Steve MAC180 at 11:45 a.m., Bumbac at 1 p.m., Pastor Mark Smith of Spates Temple and Community Gospel Choir at 1:50 p.m., Adrian B. King at 2:30 p.m., and Dr. Dre until closing.
Also, on Sunday, Elgin Symphony Orchestra musicians will perform music by African American composers. The string quartet, featuring violinists Wendy Evans and Eric Pidluski, violist Loretta Gillespie, and cellist Sara Sitzer, will perform at noon.
Stop by the Kids Zone from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday for Bubble World, Balloon Burst, Duck Pond, as well as face painting, sack races, three-legged races, and more. On Sunday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., check out the Bubble World, then enjoy painting with dad. The first eight dads that paint will get a special gift.