Hazel Nut Festival & Parade August 3rd & 4th

HAZEL CREST - Hazel Crest Village President Vernard L. Alsberry Jr., invites residents to bring family and friends to the annual Hazelnut Parade & Festival to be held on Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4. The two-day festival is held on the Village Hall Grounds at 3000 W. 170th Place in Hazel Crest.

“We invite all south suburban residents to Hazelnut to enjoy fun competitions and games, vendors and entertainment,” said Village President Vernard L. Alsberry, Jr. “Admission is free, but everyone will want to bring money to shop with vendors, including food vendors. I look forward to crowning winners of the Royal Court, tasting delicious chicken wings in the cookoff, seeing classic and vintage cars, and, of course, enjoying the musical performers. With the help of volunteers and sponsors, Hazelnut offers something for everyone to enjoy.”

Hazelnut starts Saturday, August 3 at 11:00 AM when the parade starts from the corner of Laurel Lane and Elm Avenue – just east of the Highland Elementary School. Parade route: Laurel Lane to Elm Avenue (south), to 173rd Street (east) to Kedzie Avenue (south) to 175th Street, then (east) on 175th, turning (north) onto California ending at 171st Street near the village grounds. Children along the parade route will receive school supplies and raffle tickets for a chance to win brand new bikes. (The Bike Raffle will be conducted later Saturday at the festival).

After the parade concludes, the two fun filled days of festival and concerts officially begins. On Saturday, August 3 from 1:00 to 9:00 PM, games will include a basketball tournament, fun inflatables, a rock-climbing wall and dunk tank. People may purchase six balls for $5 to dunk the Village Manager, Police Chief and a Park District Commissioner. Witness the crowning of the Hazelnut Royal Court and Chicken Wing Cookoff. Enjoy local performers, recording artists, vendors, fireworks, and a beer & wine tent (for customers 21+ years). On Sunday, August 4 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, come back for vendors, a car show and another concert. (Note: priority parking at the Village Hall is for cars displaying disability placards).

Saturday’s concert, hosted by 106.3 Soul Radio’s Lady Red, features headliners Sandy Redd (Hillcrest High School Alum & NBC’s The Voice contestant) and R & B group The Voices. Other performers: Blues Legend Jo Jo Murray, Soul Street Collective, B.O.M. Boyz, Yourz Truly, reggae's best Indika, and Ultimate Concept Band. At Sunday’s inspirational concert, guests will enjoy soloist Jonathan Whitfield, Elements of Sound Band, Agape Ministries Praise Team, a Praetorium Sign Language Choir, and Lady Sax playing the saxophone.

President Alsberry sends a special thanks from the residents of Hazel Crest to our generous Hazelnut sponsors: Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Armanetti’s Beer, Wine & Spirits, Commercial Windows, CSI3000, State Representative William Davis, Homewood Disposal, IRH Consultants, Livewire Construction, PBS Plastering, Rosenthal, and Ujamaa Construction.

For more information about the 2019 Hazelnut Parade & Festival, including how to participate in the contest (i.e. Chicken Wing Cookoff and car show), email events@villageofhazelcrest.com or call 708-335-9600, EXT 201 to speak to Kimberly Parker.