Family events in Bourbonnais, IL

Grant Park Fall Fest honors the United States Semiquincentennial with the theme Hooray for the Red White and Blue. The weekend features a family bike ride and an outdoor movie presented with support from Wick's Bicycle Shop and DJ Tony Foushi. Across the festival, attendees will find food vendors, a bouncy playland for children, kids games, a bar inside the park building, and gas card raffle tickets available with three prize levels of $300, $200, and $100. Activities include a chili cookoff, a reptile program, Bertrand's Petting Zoo, a demonstration by Sensei Steve’s karate group, bingo, performances by Hendrick’s Highlanders, an Elvis tribute act, a lighted parade with lineup at GP High School, and live music from 51 Lincoln on the main stage. Kids train rides are offered on one day only. The Zion Lutheran Church trebuchet launch is canceled. Additional highlights include a car show by the Chicago Heights South Side Cruisers, a Magic card game session with JNS Toys, and a hands-on experience with Bricks and Minifigs of Bradley. A burnout contest at the GP Police Station features kids contests followed by the main competition, and the raffle drawing takes place at the Community Center. This community celebration is part of nationwide activities recognizing 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For vendor inquiries, contact the village hall at 815-465-6531 or email Festivals Committee Chairperson Jodi Wackerlin at jwackerlin@grantpark-il.org. Organizers note that comments requesting vendor information in public threads are spam.

Volunteer days at the CSC community gardens invite participants to lend a hand on a variety of land projects. Families with children and people of all ages are welcome, and every contribution is appreciated. The focus is on building community through cooperative work. First-time visitors can arrive early or stay afterward for a guided tour of the CSC land. Light refreshments, including snacks, iced tea, lemonade, and water, will be available.

Take a guided look at Riverside Medical Center’s Family Birthing Center and learn about its family-focused approach to maternity care. The tour highlights spaces and services designed to support families as they welcome a new baby. Reservations are available for scheduled tours. For a private visit at another time, personal tours can be arranged by calling the Family Birthing Center at (815) 935-7511.

This friendly gathering for makers welcomes people of all ages, skill levels, and interests. Snacks will be available.