Carpentersville Prepares for 250th Anniversary Celebrations

The Carpentersville area will kick off celebrations for the country’s 250th anniversary a week early this weekend. The festivities include a blues festival, a parade, fireworks, and a car show.

Events Overview

The celebrations begin Friday with the Duke’s Blues N’ BBQ Festival at Carpenter Park. This event is hosted by East Dundee restaurateur Terrance “Duke” Seward and his nonprofit, Taste The Love. Except for a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, Seward has organized this festival annually since 2016. Headlining the event on Saturday night will be Carlisle Guy and the NuBlu Band. The band returns to the U.S. after a tour in Brazil with Carlisle’s father, Buddy Guy.

We have a six-member board headed by my wife, Rhiannon, that oversees the event. She’s allowed me to do this all these years, and I couldn’t do this without her.

A total of 16 bands will perform over the three days. Friday’s performances run from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday features music from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday wraps up with activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Food and Beverage

Seward’s barbecue restaurant, Taqueria El Tio Ramos, Cook’s Ice Cream, Happy’s Pretzels, Street Eats, and Jamaica Mi Hungry will provide food during the festival.

Parade and Fireworks

The Carpentersville Independence Day parade will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27. It will follow a new route around Carpenter Park due to construction near the village hall. This change aims to highlight the neighborhood around the park. According to Jen Hyde, special event coordinator, this route offers a more comfortable viewing experience.

The updated route remains primarily within residential neighborhoods, creating a more comfortable viewing experience while highlighting the beauty of the park.

This year’s parade includes around 50 entries, featuring groups such as Fox Valley Flourish Twirling Club and River City Rhythm Drum Line. The Dundee Township Park District’s celebration and fireworks will take place the same evening at Meadowdale Park and Shopping Center from 6 to 10 p.m.

Parking and Access

Katie Keller from the park district noted that ongoing roadwork along Besinger Drive might affect traffic and parking. Drivers should note that Besinger Drive is one-way south of Ball Avenue through Kennedy Drive. To simplify arrival, guests should use the Meadowdale Shopping Center parking lot. A walking path leads to the Meadowdale Park event field near Carpentersville Village Hall.

With portions of Besinger Drive currently limited to one-way traffic, people may experience delays.

Entertainment at the park will include a DJ and a kids’ climbing tree, with fireworks striking the sky at 9:30 p.m. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with a car show and additional music performances, including a band from Dundee Middle School, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Souvenirs and Theme

To commemorate the Semiquincentennial, a souvenir blues fest T-shirt celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing will be available for purchase.