What Is the Annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival and Why Is It Celebrated?

Since 1975, the Friendship Festival has been Bourbonnais’ five‑day love letter to community spirit, now celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Put on entirely by local volunteers, the nonprofit event has raised Over half a million dollars have been raised for local organizations through the festival. for Kankakee‑area charities and student scholarships while giving families an early‑summer tradition they can count on every June. Village of Bourbonnais

History of the Annual Bourbonnais Festival

What started as a single‑day picnic behind the old Village Hall has grown into a mid‑Illinois mini‑state‑fair spanning carnival rides, free concerts, food vendors, and two parades. The 2025 theme for the annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival celebrates 50 years of community and spirit.“Cheers to 50 Years!” is the motto of the annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival.—tips its hat to everyone who has ever sold raffle tickets, flipped pork burgers, or marched in the grand parade since the mid‑’70s. bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

Significance of Fun Community Events in Kankakee County

Large‑scale gatherings like this festival are more than entertainment; they’re the marketing engine for local mom‑and‑pop shops, civic clubs, and youth programs. A booth or sponsorship spot puts your logo (and your leather patch hats 😉) in front of 80,000+ fairgoers, while the festival’s scholarship fund keeps dollars circulating right here at home. bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

Overview of Free Fest Events

• Live Music on the Main Stage Regional rock, country, and cover bands every night will provide fun entertainment during the festival.

• Children’s Parade will be a highlight of the free events included in the 50th anniversary celebration. – Friday, June 27 @ 6:30 PMA pint‑sized warm‑up to Sunday’s grand finale will include fun activities for all ages. bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

• Fireworks & Laser Show Closing‑night sky candy (weather permitting) will be part of the fun activities.

• Battle of the Bands, Talent & Photo Contests – bragging rights and scholarships up for grabs. Village of Bourbonnais

What Can Visitors Expect at the 2025 Festival?

Annual Parade Highlights and Schedule

• Children’s Parade – Friday evening, shortest route, best for little legs and decorated wagons.

• Grand Parade – Traditionally Sunday afternoon along Main & Convent streets; watch bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com for the exact 2025 step‑off time once the route is approved by the PD. bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

Expect high‑school marching bands, vintage tractors, dance troupes, and floats dripping in “golden 50th” décor. Bring lawn chairs and snag curbside space early—spots vanish by 11 AM.

Activities & Attractions for All Ages

• Modern Midways Carnival – unlimited‑ride wristbands or per‑ticket thrills; hours vary by day. bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

• Bingo Tent – ice‑cold lemonade, old‑school dabbers, and air‑conditioned respite.

• Food Row – lemon shake‑ups, funnel cakes, and the famous “Tri‑Tip Taco” will be available at the 50th anniversary this year.

• Beer Garden – local craft taps + nightly cover bands (21+ wristband required).

• Vendor Alley – artisan crafts, corporate swag, and—yes—Glowmark Designs slinging custom leather‑patch hats and tees on‑site.

Special 50‑Year Anniversary Events

• Flashback Friday – staff in ’70s garb, retro ticket pricing on select rides.

• Gold Ribbon Fireworks Spectacular – bigger budget, louder booms, commemorative playlist.

• Limited‑Edition Merch – Glowmark is teaming with the festival committee to laser‑engrave a numbered run of 300 “Cheers to 50 Years” leather patch truckers ( snag yours at our trailer before they’re gone!).

How to Get Involved or Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

The Friendship Festival committee needs gate greeters, stage crew, clean‑up teams, and parade marshals for this year’s 50th anniversary event. Fill out the quick form under the website section to get more info on the Friendship Festival. “Volunteer Opportunities” on the official site—it’s the fastest way to earn a free T‑shirt and bragging rights for keeping a half‑century tradition rolling. bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

Join the Community as a Vendor or Sponsor

Local businesses can apply for booth space, banner placement, or parade float spots. As a veteran‑owned Ashkum business, Glowmark Designs jumped on a bronze sponsorship early; we highly recommend locking in by May 15 for prime exposure.

Lace Up for the 5K

The Friendship Festival 5K & 1.5‑Mile Walk fires off Saturday, June 28 @ 7:30 AM near William Latham Dr. & Stratford Dr. East. Register online ($20) before the 4 PM cutoff on June 27; every finisher scores a custom medal and post‑race refreshments. RunSignup

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary

Stay in the Loop

• Official Site: bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com (full schedule, vendor forms, weather alerts). bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

• Social Media: @bourbonnaisfriendshipfest on Facebook & Instagram for real‑time band lineups and flash‑sale wristbands. Facebook

• Local Calendar: visitkankakeecounty.com keeps an updated festival feed and nearby lodging deals. Visit Kankakee County

About Glowmark Designs—Your Local Merch Partner

Based just fifteen minutes down Route 57 in Ashkum, Glowmark Designs is a family‑ and veteran‑owned shop specializing in custom leather patch hats, screen‑printed tees, and promotional swag for events just like this. We’ll be:

• Pre‑Ordering for the Friendship Festival is available on our website. Need team shirts, parade‑crew caps, or commemorative merch? Order by June 10 for guaranteed festival pickup. We'll be giving 10% off for the big weekend! Just send us a DM to get your code.

Ready to gear up for Bourbonnais Friendship Festival 2025? We are!