The annual Homestead Festival honors Reverend Owen Lovejoy and his contributions to our nation's history. Lovejoy was prominent in the abolition movement and the Underground Railroad, a founder of the Illinois and national Republican Party, and a congressional leader.

Schedule of Events

September 8, 2023

12pm-5pm: Bureau Co. Historical Society Exhibit at 634 South Pleasant Street

5:30pm-9:30pm: Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides at Zearing Park

5pm-8pm: Bounce Houses at Zearing Park

5pm-7pm: Lego Contest Reception at Prairie Arts Center 24 Park Ave East

6pm-10pm: Music, Drinks and Food Trucks Band: Brass from the Past at Zearing Park

7:30pm-9pm: Hot Air Balloon Glow at Zearing Park

September 9, 2023

8:30am: Underground Railroad 5K Race at Bureau County Metro Center

9am-11am: Homestead Festival Fun Fair at Heartland Bank Parking Lot

9:30am-12pm: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at Alexander Park 500 S. Anderson St

9am-12pm: Stamp Collection at Princeton Post Office

9am-6pm: Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show at Courthouse Lawn

11am-5pm: 4-H Clubs BBQ at Soldiers and Sailors Park AND Drive-Through by the Fairgrounds

12pm-5pm: Bureau Co. Historical Society Exhibit at 634 South Pleasant Street

1:30pm: Homestead Festival Parade at Main Street Grand Marshal: Jeff Hunt

5:30pm-9:30pm: Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides at Zearing Park

5pm-8pm: Bounce Houses at Zearing Park

6pm-8pm Band: Blues Concert, Drinks and Food Trucks, Mississippi Heat at Zearing Park

7:00pm-8:30pm: Hot Air Balloon Glow at Zearing Park

Dusk: Rootbeer Floats and Outdoor Movie at Covenant Church 24 North Main St.

September 10, 2023

6am-3:30pm: 12th Annual Homestead BBQ Rib Cook Off at Central Bank Parking Lot

8am-12pm: Moose Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at Moose Lodge

8am-2pm: Homestead Flea Market at Bureau County Fairgrounds

8am-3pm: 43rd Annual Car Show at South Main Street

9am-12pm: Chainsaw Artist, Tim Bryner at Soldiers and Sailors Park

10am-4pm: Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show at Courthouse Lawn

10:30am-3pm: Bureau County 4-H Clubs BBQ at Soldiers and Sailors Park

12:30pm-2:30pm: Children's Tractor Pull at Soldiers and Sailors Park - Registration at 12pm

12pm-3:30pm: Kid Activities: Horse Rides, Bounce Houses, etc. at Soldiers and Sailors Park

3:30 pm: Homestead Festival 50/50Ticket Drawing In front of Apollo Theater

Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours: Fri. from 1pm-4pm., Sat. from 10am-12pm and 3pm-5pm., Sun. 1pm-4 pm.
Princeton High School Tours: Sat, from 9am-11am

Date: September 8-10, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Princeton, IL 61356.

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