Algonquin Founders' Days – Always The Last Full Weekend In July

Parking & Shuttle Service

The Founders’ Days Festival will again be offering free Parking and Shuttle bus services from the JCPenny outlots. There will be no charge for parking or taking the bus to and from the fest at Spella Park. Handicapped Parking is reserved at the Algonquin Library and there is NO parking allowed in that lot other than Handicapped Parking. There is on street parking around the side streets of the festival that is marked and enforced by the Algonquin Police.

SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 28 – NO SHUTTLES

Friday, July 29 – 6pm-11pm

Saturday, July 30 – 4pm-11pm

Sunday, July 31 – 2:30pm-10pm

FOUNDERS' DAYS CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARADE

On Saturday, July 30th at 11:00 a.m., Founders’ Days are hosting their 59th annual parade with our FOUNDERS’ DAYS CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARADE as part of the Founders’ Days celebration. The goal of the parade is to show off the best of the best and celebrate how the Algonquin and surrounding communities are shaped by those who are a part of it — from its social organizations to its businesses; from its local leaders to its Fire, Police, and other village entities.

Parade Info Packet

Parade Registration Form - REQUIRED

Make
More Memories

The Founders’ Days Festival began in 1961 with a group of local businessmen who wanted to celebrate their community. Fifty-nine years later that tradition continues. Every year a group of dedicated volunteers work to bring families, friends and neighbors together to enjoy a family-friendly four day event, with something for everyone including: Great music, Food, Carnival, Kids Korner, Outdoor Business Expo, Family Olympics, one of the longest standing parades in the state.

GIVE YOUR GIFT OF TIME - VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

Timeless Bands

With the band lineup this year we are sure you’ll be on your feet and dancing to the beat. Ranging from rock, pop, oldies, blues, classic rock, country and tribute bands. There is sure to be something for everyone so come on out and bring a friend. You’re not going to want to miss this year’s line up.

Taste of
Founders'

In addition to the events below, there will be amazing food available all day as long as the festival is open.

REQUIRED FOOD VENDOR CONTRACT

PAY FOOD VENDOR REGISTRATION FEE

2022 FOOD VENDOR LINE UP:

Taco Factory2
Ethan Burns Chicago Hot Dog’s
Knights of Columbus
Smiley’s BBQ
Contemporary Kitchens
Angelo’s Concessions
My Funnel Truck (Sunday only)
Stix & Moodles (Thursday only)

CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA INFORMATION

Two Divisions

Division I
Age 12 & under

Division II
Age 13 & over

2022 CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA RETURNS

Thursday, July 28, 2022
Riverfront Park, Algonquin
Registration begins at 3pm
Boat Building 4-6pm
Race at approximately 6:15pm

To Pre-Register for the Cardboard Boat Regatta please contact Fox 14 Marina at 847-658-7622.

Each team is provided about 180 sq. ft. of cardboard, 1 Stanley knife, 3 rolls of duct tape and 2 hours to build the boat. There will be a $5 deposit for the utility knife that is refundable at the conclusion of the event.
The team then must paddle out about 200 ft. to the middle of the river around the buoys and back to shore.
The Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District will be in the water
watching for anyone in distress.

The first, second and third place teams will win a cash prize.

Cornhole Tournament

Friday, July 29 @ 6:30PM
Saturday, July 30 @ 4:30 PM
50 Per Team Per Tournament
Single Elimination
Prizes Awarded to the Top 2 Teams in both Tournaments

TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FLYER

VENDOR / BUSINESS REGISTRATION FORM

FULL WEEKEND VENDOR / BUSINESS REGISTRATION FORM

PAY FOR BOOTH SPACE & OPTIONS

FOUNDERS' DAYS EXPO / MARKET & BAZAAR

It’s time to sign up for the Founders’ Days Expo Market & Bazaar. An outdoor event featuring business organizations, retail vendors, crafters, and many others taking advantage of this opportunity to connect with members of the community.

All spots are assigned on a first come first served basis on July 31st. Booth sizes are 10 x 10. Exhibitors are responsible for their entire display, including but not limited to canopy, tables, chairs, etc. Exhibitors are welcome to sell items; they are responsible for their own sales tax. Due to health department regulations, no prepared food items in this area. There is NO electricity available.

Founders' 5K, 10K Walk / Run

2022 Theme:

“CHRISTMAS IN JULY“

Bring the whole family for a run in *Algonquin, Illinois.

Age Group Awards

T-shirts & Goodie Bags

Postrace refreshments

FUN for all ages!

*SPECIAL NOTE:

Our race starting and ending location is at Algonquin Middle School. The address is 520 Longwood Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102

Founders' Run Registration Link

Certified 5K Course Map

Certified 10K Course Map

GIVE YOUR GIFT OF TIME - VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

JULY

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULED EVENTS

7:00 pmMAIN STAGE

JOHNNY RUSSLER AND THE BEACH BUM BAND

Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band combine the sounds of Trop Rock, Reggae, Surf, and Calypso by pouring great original music along with songs by Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Zac Brown Band, Paul Simon, Sublime, Beach Boys, and many more into a musical blender to create a strong concoction direct from the lower latitudes!

RIVERFRONT PARK
3:00pm – CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA REGISTRATION
4:00pm – CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA BUILDING BEGINS
6:00pm – CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA RACE BEGINS
SPELLA PARK
5:00pm – FEST OPENS
5-9:30pm – SOCIAL GARDEN
5-10pm – TASTE OF FOUNDERS’
5-9pm – DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM
6:30pm – OPENING CEREMONIES
7:00pm – JOHNNY RUSSLER AND THE BEACH BUM BAND
9:00pm – LAST CALL
9:30pm – SOCIAL GARDEN CLOSES
10pm – FEST CLOSES

JULY

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULED EVENTS

8:30-10:30 pmMAIN STAGE

7TH HEAVEN

7th heaven is an experience you just have to see and hear!
7th heaven has charted #1 on the Midwest Billboard Charts three times.
The band has been heard on over 7 radio stations in Chicagoland with their hits:
“Beautiful Life”, “This Is Where The Party’s At”, Stoplight”, “Better This Way” and “Sing”. Also known for the famous “30 Songs in 30 Minutes” medley of songs from the 70’s and 80’s, 7th heaven has been an entertainment staple for 37 years.
Playing around 200 shows a year, with an average of 100 outdoor events,
7th heaven has earned the right to say …
“We’ve seen a million faces and rocked them all!”

6-8:00 pmMAIN STAGE

MY METAL HEART

Keeping the greatest hard-rockin’ songs of the ’80s alive!! Dressed to the nines and turned up to 10!

LIBRARY PARKING LOT
5-9pm – CRUISE NIGHT
SPELLA PARK
5:00pm – FEST OPENS
5pm-10:30pm – SOCIAL GARDEN
5-11pm – TASTE OF FOUNDERS’
5-9pm – DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM
5-10:30pm – INFLATABLE AREA
5-10:30pm – VIRTUAL REALITY TENT
6pm – BAGS TOURNAMENT PROGRAM
6:30pm – MY METAL HEART
8:30pm – 7TH HEAVEN
10:00pm – LAST CALL
10:30pm – SOCIAL GARDEN CLOSES
11pm – FEST CLOSES

JULY

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULED EVENTS

8:30-10:30 pmMAIN STAGE

MODERN DAY ROMEOS

Put on your partici-pants!! MDR strives to be the most entertaining band you will see. Jim is in the crowd half of the time, separating them and assigning singing parts and leading a “bad dancing” competition, while Justin is showing off his majestic cowbell moves. Even if you attend by yourself, we will make sure that you meet the people next to you and high five and cheers the rest. We don’t want you to come see a show, we want you to be a part of it.

6:30-8:00 pmMAIN STAGE

FOCAL POINT

Playing Known Covers by: Journey, REO, Boston, STYX, RUSH, Night Ranger, Sammy Hagar, UFO, Led Zeppelin, Foofighters, STP, Fuel, Queensryche, Bon Jovi, Brian Adams, Billy Idol, Van Halen, and More!

4:30-6:00 pmMAIN STAGE

ROK BRIGADE

Rok Brigade is a Def Leppard tribute band formed in the summer of 2018 when six friends, all in well-established working cover bands in the Chicago area came together to pay tribute to one of the most dominant party rock bands of the 1980s.

DOWNTOWN ALGONQUIN
11:00am – FOUNDERS’ DAYS CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARADE
SPELLA PARK
3pm – FESTIVAL OPENS
3pm-10:30pm – SOCIAL GARDEN
3pm-11pm – TASTE OF FOUNDERS’
3pm-10pm – DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM
3pm-10:30Pm – INFLATABLE AREA
3pm-10pm – VIRTUAL REALITY TENT
3pm-10pm – BUNGEE TRAMPOLINE
3pm-10pm – AXE THROWING
3:30pm – PARADE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
4:00pm – BAGS TOURNAMENT
4:30pm – ROK BRIGADE (DEF LEPPARD COVER BAND)
6:30pm – FOCAL POINT
8:30pm – MODERN DAY ROMEOS
10:00pm – LAST CALL
10:30pm – SOCIAL GARDEN CLOSES
11pm – FEST CLOSES

JULY

SUNDAY’S SCHEDULED EVENTS

7:00-9:00 pmMAIN STAGE

JIMMY NICK & DON’T TELL MAMA

Jimmy Nick is an old-fashioned, guitar slinging blues prodigy who spent his teenage years being schooled by legendary bluesmen in the famous Chicago clubs of Kingston Mines, Rosa’s Lounge, and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted.

5:00-6:30 pmMAIN STAGE

THE BELVEDERES

Raised on a healthy diet of Garage Rock, Power-Pop, Roots, Red-Hot Rockabilly, Honky-Tonk and Soul. Dynamic playing, tight harmonies, dance floor-friendly energy and lots of love are what you can expect to experience at a Belvederes show. So get in on this rockin’ dance party!

3:00-4:30 pmMAIN STAGE

WALL OF DENIAL (SRV COVER BAND)

Wall of Denial have been wowing audience’s around the Midwest with their Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan since 2011. Initially, the band started out playing blues standards at parties and clubs, but it was their delivery of the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan that kept pulling the fans in asking for more. It’s no surprise. Lead singer/guitar slinger Gary Stratton had been honing his SRV chops for over 20 years, delivering the goods and special nuances that takes the listener right back to the first time they heard these songs and immediately makes you crave for more. It’s one thing to have the musical chops to play this music. It’s another to combine that with vocals that make your ears do a double take!

ALGONQUIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
7:00am – FOUNDERS’ RUN CHECK-IN
8:00am – FOUNDERS’ RUN – 1 MILE
8:30am – FOUNDERS’ RUN – 10K, 5K
8:40am – FOUNDERS’ 5K WALK
SPELLA PARK
11am-4pm – BUSINESS EXPO
11am-4pm – MARKET & BAZAAR
11am-3pm – MEIJER KID’S CORNER
11am-3pm – CHILDREN’S GAMES SPONSORED BY PRIMROSE
11am-9pm – TASTE OF FOUNDERS’
11am-9pm – INFLATABLE AREA
11am-10:30pm – VIRTUAL REALITY TENT
11am-9pm – BUNGEE TRAMPOLINE
11am-10:30pm – AXE THROWING
12pm-9pm – SOCIAL GARDEN
12pm-8:30pm – DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM
3:00pm – WALL OF DENIAL (SRV COVER BAND)
5:00pm – THE BELVEDERES
7:00pm – JIMMY NICK & DON’T TELL MAMA
8:30pm – LAST CALL
9:00pm – SOCIAL GARDEN CLOSES
9:15pm – FIREWORKS!!
10:00pm – FEST CLOSES