Road Closures and Route for Keepataw Day Parade on Sunday, September 1

The 72nd annual Keepataw Day Parade on Sunday, September 1, 2024, will lead to several road closures in Lemont. Starting at 9 am, the following roads will be affected:

• Stephen St. (from the tracks north to the railroad bridge)
• Front St. (from Stephen St. to River Rd.)
• River Rd. (one-way west from Stephen St. to Front St. from 9 am to 12:30 pm, closed from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm)
• Canal St. (from Stephen St. to the Metra Lot)
• Talcott St. (east from Stephen St. to Holmes St.)
• Main St. (no parking from Stephen St. to Turnabout Pizza, closed from 12:45 pm to 2:30 pm)
• Illinois St. (no parking from Turnabout Pizza to Lemont St., closed from 12:45 pm to 2:30 pm)
• Nail Inn Parking Lot and Safety Vehicle Parking Lot (no parking from 9 am to 2:30 pm)

Parade Route and Event Highlights

The parade will start at 1 p.m. at Stephen and Main Streets, proceed east down Main Street, turn right at Turnabout Pizza onto Illinois Street, and end at the corner of Lemont and Main Streets. A reviewing stand will be located in front of St. Matthew Church.

Highlights include parade participants celebrating milestone anniversaries, including the 150th anniversary of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, the 100th anniversary of Tom’s Place, and the 50th reunion of the Lemont High School Class of 1974. The parade will also feature four marching bands, scouts, schools, local businesses, civic organizations, churches, and more.

Fill the Bus Campaign

Parade attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or personal care items to help "Fill the Bus" for The Pantry at Bethany Lutheran Church, which has served Lemont since 1975. The Pantry currently supports around 60 local households monthly.

The parade will be followed by a fun fest at 2 p.m. in the Metra parking lot. The fun fest promises a day of enjoyment with live bands, food and beverage vendors, an artisan market, family-friendly activities, and more.

The live band lineup for the festival will include the 90s rock band Grungeworthy from 2 to 4:30 p.m., classic rock band Anthem from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and cover band headliner Maggie Speaks from 8 to 11 p.m.

For more details, visit https://www.lemontkeepataw.com.