It’s quite a tradition in the village of Herscher. The annual Labor Day celebration includes one of Illinois’ largest downstate holiday parades. And it’s happening again.
The 98th Herscher Labor Day Celebration runs this weekend... Saturday through Labor Day Monday.
The festival is a family-friendly event. The festivities include a 5K run and a 2-mile walk, food, entertainment and the 37th annual running of the Herscher Hare and Tortoise Race.
Monday’s Grand Parade –always a lengthy parade --- includes marching bands, floats, antique vehicles, farm equipment and horses.
This year’s grand marshal for the Herscher Homecoming and Labor Day Celebration is Earl Datweiler. Earl A. Datweiler Insurance Agency has been around 52 years.
Earl is a lifelong member of the Herscher Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. He’s been a volunteer fireman and served as a member of the village board.
The parade also proudly attracts political candidates with a mid-term election coming up in November.
Monday’s entertainment in Village Park will include the Herscher Area Historical Society presentation. The Herscher High School marching band performs at 1 pm.
Schedule of events >
Saturday
• Carnival opens. Noon.
• Herscher Area Historical Society museum open. 1-3p
• HAHS’s Anderson House Open. 1 - 3 p
Sunday
• Registration for Squeals and Wheels Car Show.
• Carnival opens. Noon.
• Herscher Area Historical Society museum open. 1-3p
• HAHS’s Anderson House Open - 1-3p
• Small Petting Zoo. Behind Village Hall. 2-6p
• 37th annual running of the Herscher Hare and Tortoise Race, 5K run and 2 Mile Fun Walk.
• Fourth annual Bunny Dash. Kids 7 and younger.
Monday
• Arts and Crafts Show
• Grand Parade. 10:30 am
• Carnival opens. Noon.
• Kiddie Tractor Pull at Village park. 1p
• Art in the Park in Village Park. Sponsored by the Herscher Area Historical Society and Leiser Furniture. A teacher and students from Herscher High School will be available to teach children how to draw. 1-3p
• Herscher Area Historical Society museum open.
• HAHS’s Anderson House Open. 1-3p
• Bingo. Legion Community Center.
94.1 WGFA
