Lemont KeepAtaw Day and Fun Fest
Named in honor of Potawatomi Chief Keepataw, whose nomad tribe settled in the region near what is now Lemont, the event began as a downtown Lemont festival in 1950, eventually adding a parade. Volunteer and community organizations throughout Lemont gather annually to celebrate their hometown.
The Lemont Keepataw Parade and Fun Fest is organized by Lemont Keepataw Day, a local nonprofit, 501(c)3 arts, culture and humanities organization.
Sunday, September 1, 2024
1 PM - 11 PM
Make Your Plans
Parade
The parade will kick off at 1 PM on Sunday, September 1 beginning at Stephen and Main Street, proceed down Main Street, make a right at Turnabout up to Illinois Street, continue down Illinois Street, and finish at the corner of Illinois Street and Lemont Street.
Music Lineup
2 - 4:30 PM | Grungeworthy
5-7:30 PM | Anthem
8-11 PM | Maggie Speaks
Kids Corner | 2 - 6 PM
After the parade, make your way to the small Metra Lot beneath the underpass for family-friendly activities. Activities will include Irish dancers, children’s dj, balloon twister, face painting, inflatable axe throwing bubble pavilion, chalk zone, magician, and gigantic building blocks.
Artisan Market | 2-7 PM
Celebrate Lemont’s tradition of supporting small, locally-owned businesses by joining the artisan market! Meet talented artisans and makers showcasing their handcrafted creations.
Food Vendors | 2 - 8 PM
Enjoy delicious treats from our wonderful food vendors throughout the day.
Plan Ahead
Road Closures
To ensure the safety of participants and the community, please follow instructions for driving, parking, and walking from the Lemont Police Department, LEMA, Event Organizers and Volunteers.
Stephen St. (from the tracks north to the railroad bridge)
Front St. (from Stephen St. to River Rd.)
River Rd. (one-way west from Stephen St. to Front St. from 9 am to 12:30 pm, closed from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm)
Canal St. (from Stephen St. to the Metra Lot)
Talcott St. (east from Stephen St. to Holmes St.)
Main St. (no parking from Stephen St. to Turnabout Pizza, closed from 12:45 pm to 2:30 pm)
Illinois St. (no parking from Turnabout Pizza to Lemont St., closed from 12:45 pm to 2:30 pm)
Nail Inn Parking Lot and Safety Vehicle Parking Lot (no parking from 9 am to 2:30 pm)
Meet Your Grand marshalL
Rick Leadley and John Miller of the Lemont Lions Club, John Quinn, and Tricia O'Neill, President of the Lemont Keepataw Day organization.
(Image Credit | Lemont Keepataw Day)
Meet Your Host
Led by President Tricia O’Neill, the Lemont Keeptaw Day Committee is comprised of volunteers committed to the annual fundraising, planning, and organization of the parade and fun fest.
Volunteer at Lemont Keepataw Day
Lemont Keepataw Day runs with the help of many volunteers. Lemont High School students will receive National Honor Society Credit. If you’re interested in volunteering or getting involved, connect with the planning committee at info@lemontkeepataw.com or visit the website.
Become a Sponsor + Follow for More Fun
We’ll see you in Lemont Downtown for the 72nd Annual Parade & Fun Fest starting at 1 PM on Sunday, September 1. Until then, follow Lemont Keepataw Day on Facebook for the most up-to-date information and for more ways to get involved throughout the year.
