Looking Back on the Sights, Sounds of Algonquin's 51st Annual Founders' Days Celebration

Over the weekend, Algonquin celebrated its 51st annual Founders' Days festival in downtown Algonquin's Towne Park. Throughout the weekend, there were tons of events going on and Patch was there to capture all the moments.

Check out our coverage below!

Fireworks Photos: Founders' Days Ends with a Bang — Fireworks Spectacular was provided by Spectrum Pyrotechnics at Riverfront Park to close out the Founders' Day Festival in Algonquin.

VIDEO: 2011 Founders' Days Parade — More than 120 groups participated in the annual Founders' Days Parade on Saturday, July 30.

Thunder Will Roll — Arlington Heights band Rolling Thunder wins a spot on the main stage at this year's Illinois State Fair.

Crazy about Caricatures — Free caricatures were one of the perks at Founders' Days on Sunday.

Photos: A Petting Zoo, Kids and Lots of Smiles — The A Zoo to You Family Petting Zoo at Founders' Days was sponsored by the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital.

Photos: Competition Runs High at the Founders' Bags Tourney — More than 50 players compete for the top spot on Saturday, July 30.

— Contestants took first place in numerous categories including Best Use of Cardboard, Best Costumed Rider, Best Utilization of a Front Wheel and Best Use of Pipe Cleaners.

The Great Bake Off — Photos and results from the bake off on Friday.

— Algonquin A La Carte columnist Jennifer Cremerius reflects on fond memories of carnival food in her childhood and how to bring those back.

Photos: Algonquin Kicks Off its 51st Annual Founders' Days Carnival, food and rides highlight Founders' Days opening on Thursday, July 28.

Pirates Over 40 Open for Founders' Days — The tropical rock band kicked off the celebration's 51st year on Thursday, July 28.

Your Go-To Guide to Algonquin's 51st Annual 2011 Founders' Days — Everything you need to know about parking, the fireworks, shuttle buses, the band lineup, road closures and more!