Thousands Expected in Hennepin for 4th of July, Courthouse Anniversary
This year’s celebration promises to be better than ever, according to event organizers.
“Last year, we probably had over 5,000 (people visiting Hennepin on the Fourth),” Quentin Buffington, who serves on both the Hennepin Village Board and Fourth of July committee, said. “Last year was the biggest event we’ve ever had, without a doubt.”
This year’s celebration also includes the 175th anniversary of the historic Putnam County Courthouse.
“The 175th required something vastly different,” Buffington said.
The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra has agreed to play at 6 p.m. on the courthouse stage, Karyn Christiansen, who also serves on both the Hennepin Village Board and the Fourth of July committee, said.
A re-enactment of Abraham Lincoln’s State versus Melissa Goings case will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. that day at the Putnam County Courthouse, in conjunction with the village of Hennepin’s other Independence Day activities. The murder case, which brought Lincoln to Metamora, involved a woman who was accused of murdering the husband who had allegedly often physically abused her, according to Buffington.
All events will take place rain or shine, with the exception of the fireworks, which has a rain date of July 5.
Other tried-and-true features of the Hennepin Fourth celebration will return, including the annual cruise-in, which is now in its 11th year.
All entries will receive dash plaques. The entry fee is $5. Trophy awards include mayor’s choice, fire chief’s choice, people’s choice, best GM, best Ford, best Mopar, best motorcycle, best truck, best foreign car, sponsor’s choice, tractor awards, best work clothes, best international, best John Deere and best of the rest.
The Fourth of July committee has worked hard to ensure there are events for every age to enjoy. Buffington and Christiansen attribute the event’s increasing popularity to the outstanding fireworks display and the family atmosphere.
“We have one of the best shows around,” Christiansen said.
The event would not be possible without the work put in by numerous volunteers, they were quick to point out.
“There’s an army of them. You couldn’t do it without them,” Buffington said.
Hennepin Happenings
Friday, July 4
6:30-7:30 a.m., run/walk registration at the Hennepin Pool.
8 a.m., run/walk at the Hennepin Pool.
8-11 a.m., pancake and sausage breakfast at the Hennepin Pool.
10 a.m., registration for the cruise-in begins at Ernest Bassi park.
Noon-4 p.m., cruise-in, pork chops, Ernest Bassi park.
Noon, beer gardens and food vendors open at Walter Durley Boyle park.
12:30 p.m., water fight registration and bags registration (until 1 p.m.) at Walter Durley Boyle park.
1 p.m., water fights at Walter Durley Boyle park.
1-9 p.m., skeeball at Walter Durley Boyle park.
1:30 p.m., bags tournament at Walter Durley Boyle park.
1:30 & 2:30 p.m., Lincoln trial re-enactment at the Putnam County Courthouse.
2-4 p.m., BINGO at the park
2-8 p.m., kids inflatables at Walter Durley Boyle park.
4:30 p.m., pork chop dinner at Walter Durley Boyle park.
5 p.m., welcome by village president Kevin Coleman, Citizen of the Year award, presentation to Putnam County Education Foundation, performance by Panteras and Little Panteras at Walter Durley Boyle park.
6 p.m., Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, same park. 8-9 p.m., The Craigs live band.
9:30 p.m., fireworks on the riverfront.
10 p.m.-midnight, The Craigs live band.
Source: News Tribune