Nominations Open for Grand Marshal of 74th Annual Keepataw Day Parade

Community members are invited to submit nominations for the Grand Marshal of the 74th Annual Lemont Keepataw Day Parade, set for Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. in downtown Lemont during Labor Day weekend.

This year’s celebration carries the theme “We ❤️ Lemont,” which highlights the community’s deep connection to one another and the shared pride in the people, places, and spirit that make Lemont special, while honoring the wonderful place we live and all its unique attributes.

The Keepataw Day Parade is one of Lemont’s longest-running community traditions, spanning more than seven decades of celebration in downtown Lemont. What began as a small community gathering has grown into a signature annual event that brings together residents, families, schools, civic groups, and local organizations. Each year, it highlights community spirit while showcasing the people and stories that help shape the village.

The Grand Marshal is a ceremonial honor awarded to an individual or individuals recognized for outstanding contributions to Lemont. Honorees are featured guests throughout the day’s festivities and are celebrated as part of the parade program.

Organizers say nominations are now open and encourage residents to consider individuals who have made a meaningful local impact through volunteer service, civic leadership, education, nonprofit work, business involvement, or community support. Nomination forms are available on the Lemont Keepataw Day website at this link, and all nominations must be submitted by August 1, 2026. The Grand Marshal must be available on the event date.

In addition, Keepataw organizers announced a free community raffle in partnership with St. Matthew Lutheran Church. The raffle offers reserved premium seating on the church lawn along the parade route, providing a central and comfortable viewing location for parade attendees.

The premium seating raffle will be available during Lemont’s July 3rd celebration at the Lemont Park District and at Lemont Cruise Night on August 12, where attendees can submit free entries for a chance to win. The winner will be drawn on August 12 at approximately 7:30 p.m. at the Lemont Cruise Night DJ tent.

The Lemont Keepataw Day Committee also recently launched a new community fundraiser, the “Lemont Keepataw Day Mega Meat Raffle,” to support the 74th Annual Parade and Fun Fest, as well as early planning for the organization’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2027. The raffle includes 300 tickets priced at $100 each and features 13 prizes, including half-cow packages with deep freezers, full-pig packages, smart TVs, grills, themed baskets, and local gift cards. Tickets are available online at Lemont Keepataw Day Mega Meat Raffle.

The parade will be followed by Fun Fest from 2 to 11 p.m., featuring live bands, food vendors, a beer tent, an Artisan Market, a Kids’ Korner, family-friendly activities, and more.

The Keepataw Day celebration continues to serve as a cornerstone of local tradition, bringing the community together each year for a full day of events centered on community spirit, connection, hometown pride, and the unique character of Lemont.

Residents are encouraged to participate by submitting nominations to recognize those who embody the spirit of “We ❤️ Lemont” ahead of this year’s celebration.