Annual Hazelnut Parade & Festival is August 3, 4 & 5

HAZEL CREST – Hazel Crest Village Mayor Vernard L. Alsberry Jr. reminds members of the community that the annual Hazelnut Festival is August 3rd, 4th and 5th at the Village Hall Grounds (3000 W. 170th Place) in Hazel Crest. Hazelnut is a three-day fun filled event with good food, competitions, games, carnival rides, pony rides, vendors and entertainment appropriate for the whole family.

The annual parade is on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., and kicks off from the corner of Laurel Lane and Elm Avenue – just east of the Highland Elementary School parking lot. This year’s parade route is from Laurel Lane Avenue to Elm Avenue (south), to 173rd Street (east) to Kedzie Avenue. The route continues on Kedzie Avenue (south) to 175th Street, then (east) on 175th, turning (north) onto California ending at 171st Street. Along the parade route, we’ll pass out raffle tickets to the children for a chance to win brand new bikes.

Residents and friends will have three fun-packed days of Hazelnut to enjoy. There is a carnival that runs every day and, in addition, each day offers something new. Friday evening starts the festival with a carnival and the Hazel Crest Got Talent show. On Saturday, after the parade, activities include a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a bike giveaway, a Chicken Wing Cookoff, the crowning of the Hazelnut Royal Court, fireworks, games, local performers, recording artists and more. On Sunday, come back for the car show and a gospel concert.

“We have something for everyone in the family to enjoy,” said Mayor Alsberry. “If residents want to sign up for Friday’s talent show, we are still looking for participants so don’t be shy to share your God given talents. This year’s concert lineup is bigger than before with Master of Ceremonies Comedian Ron Baker, Jr., and R&B Artists Miki Howard & Troop. And on Sunday car enthusiasts should get ready for the custom vehicles in the car show. I look forward to a strong showing of families and community friends each day of Hazelnut.”

For more information about the parade and festival activities, including how to register for the talent show and contests (i.e. Chicken Wing Cookoff, Car Show, Hazelnut Royal Court), call 708-335-9600, extension 209.