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LEMONT – Of all the elements at Lemont's 65th annual Keepataw Days Festival, the one that event organizer Mike Carey wants to see the most is sunshine.
Attendance at Keepataw Days has been marred by rain the last two years, he said, which limited the amount of money that the Keepataw Days Festival Committee was able to raise.
The money is necessary to pay for next year's festival and the committee's charitable donations.
"We're just looking forward to some nice weather and local people coming out and having a good time," he said.
The four day festival features carnival rides and games, food, live entertainment, a beer garden with guest bartenders and a Labor Day parade.
Attendees should not expect many changes from the previous years, Carey said.
"We got a few new bands," he said. "The carnival has a few new rides. Other than that, the layout is pretty much the same."
The parade will have a "Retro 60s" theme.
"This is our 65th year, so we thought it was something appropriate," Carey said.
Because of the number of votes received, the parade will have two grand marshals: Lemont Township Supervisor Steven Rosendahl and Lemont Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners Chairman Gary Krueger.
Krueger is a veteran of the parade, but this will be his first time as grand marshal.
"Being in the parade is no big deal for me. I've been in every one except one," he said.
He said he was pleasantly surprised to be selected as a grand marshal and is looking forward to the experience.
Rosendahl, who nominated Krueger for the title, said he is honored to be participating in one of Lemont's richest traditions.
Carey said there are a couple things that make Keepataw Days stand out among other festivals, such as its longevity and the amount of entertainment for all ages it offers.
"We just try to cater to all ages and not just a specific age group," he said. "I like to think that we are a little bit more family orientated."
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If you go
When: 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Monday
Where: Canal Street and Bossert Drive, Lemont
Cost: $5 admission to beer garden; $20 ride wristbands
More information: keepatawdaysfestival.com
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Family entertainment
• Midway and carnival games
• Free face painting, Saturday to Monday afternoon
• DJs including Chicagoland's Electric Teddy Bear, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday to Monday
• Dave Flemming Variety Show, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday to Monday (magic, balloons and juggling)
• Parade, 1 p.m. Monday
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Beer garden entertainment
Attendees must be 21 or older to enter after 6 p.m.
Friday
• Crazy Uncles, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• BLACKENED, 9 to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday
• Andrea Veltri, noon to 2:30 p.m.
• Wall of Denial, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
• Fort Awesome, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Hill Billy Rock Stars, 9 to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday
• Bruce Korosa, noon to 2:30 p.m.
• XFactor, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
• Mellon Cougar, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• INFINITY, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Monday
• Double D and the Sensations, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• 5 Guys Named Moe, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
• Legendary Rockstars, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Guest DJ (all ages show), 8:30 to 10 p.m.