23nd Annual Lemont Heritage Fest Set for Saturday

Lemont’s 23rd annual Heritage Fest will make it’s way into town this weekend with a mix of old and new activities.

Unlike years past, the one-day street fair will run from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday in downtown Lemont, and will feature music, food, the Salt Creek Model-A Ford Car Show, and pony rides.

The village has typically kicked off the festival with a bike parade and kids activities at 1 p.m., but opted for a later start this year, according to village marketing coordinator Donna Pecina.

"It seemed like most of the parents weren't coming out until 4 p.m. so we pushed things back this year to get the maximum use of our kids activities," Pecina said.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., kids can enjoy an array of fun activities, from pony rides and a petting zoo to inflatables and face painting. There will also be a dunk tank and an opportunity to "smash the car," and the Lemont Park District will be running games along Lemont Street.

Returning to the festival this year is a zip line for kids and a trackless train, which will operate on a longer route. Stops will be located on Front Street near the children's activities and near Budnik Plaza.

"We tried to bring back some of the most popular attraction from last year, like the train and the zip line," Pecina said.

From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., adults can play bingo at Budnik Plaza. 

Volunteers from the Lemont Area Historical Society will be taking old-time photos from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will be selling flags and books to raise money to support the organization.

Food vendors will be located along Canal Street.

Over at the Main Stage, a number of talented musical acts will be playing from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

The Main Stage schedule is as follows:

• 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Two for the Road
  
• 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Peacefreak
• 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. Identity Crisis

For more information, visit www.lemont.il.us, or call 630-243-2700.