Village Announces Montgomery Fest Lineup

Submitted by the Village of Montgomery:

The 2014 Montgomery Fest schedule is packed with a variety of fun activities and entertainment for all age groups. The event is set for Aug. 8 to 10 in downtown Montgomery.

Friday

Starting off Friday night is a “Battle of the Bands” that begins at 5 p.m., featuring live music performed by aspiring local bands. Wristbands will be available for $20 for unlimited carnival rides from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday evening. New this year is a private showing of an Oscar-nominated documentary, “Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall,” about a prison hospice program. This movie directed by Montgomery resident Edgar Barens will be shown at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Village Hall. Barens will be on hand to answer questions after the movie, which is suitable for ages 16 and up.

Saturday

If you get to the Fest early on Saturday, you can take advantage of the $20 wristband special good for unlimited rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or participate in the Downtown Walking Tour at 10:30 a.m. Settler’s Cottage will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Mayor Matt Brolley will greet visitors from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Village Booth and fest-goers will have a chance to “Ask An Arborist” at the Village Booth from noon until 4 p.m. From 4 to 6 p.m., be sure to stop by 95.5 The River’s Road Crew booth!

Saturday’s Main Stage will host the energetic Cloggin’ Craze performing at 11:45 a.m. Next is a chance to scope out more local talent at 1 p.m. when “Montgomery’s Got Talent” hits the stage. Judge for yourself and expect to be impressed! You also won’t want to miss the annual Montgomery Fire Department Water Fights at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Village Hall, or the chance to “Drive a Bot” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Robotics Scrimmage area in the north parking lot behind the Village Hall.

Saturday’s entertainment continues at 3:15 p.m. on the Main Stage with Andrew Salgado, an up-and-coming pop country artist just back from the Pepsi Southern Original Tour. After a performance at 6 p.m. by the winner of Friday’s Battle of the Bands, this day of great music wraps up with “EVOLUTION” performing at 8 p.m. This popular band features the original members of Hi-Infidelity. With music ranging from classic to current rock sounds, these fun musicians energize their listeners. They will rock the Fest with cover songs from favorites including Bon Jovi, REO, Styx, and Journey.

Sunday

Sun., Aug. 10, will provide a wide range of events and activities sure to please everyone. The day kicks off early with a 6 a.m. start time for the Family Fun Carp Fishing Derby and 8 a.m. registration for the Car and Motorcycle Show in Austin Park.

Community Christian Church will provide a worship service on the main stage at 10 a.m., followed by the Christian band ASAPH at 11:30 a.m. Ronald McDonald will be on hand to greet little and big kids in front of the Village Hall from noon to 12:30 p.m.

The Montgomery Fest Parade begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Main and Mill Street, continuing south to Watkins, over to River Street and back up to Mill. This year’s parade will include performances by the Navy Band and the 65-member Proviso West High School Band in addition to local favorites. And don’t forget to bring a food donation for the local food pantry!

A highlight of Sunday’s entertainment will be the world famous Division BMX Stunt Team, with performances at 3 and 5 p.m. in front of the Village Hall. The Division BMX Stunt Team knows how to entertain and keep an audience on their edge of their seats. Watch in awe as stunt riders perform tricks at heights reaching more than 25 feet above the ground!

Sunday’s Main Stage will feature the musical talents of a local reggae band called Dabylon at 2 p.m., while the Blue Line Band will entertain with their blues & rock tunes at 4 pm. The evening continues at 6:45 p.m. with “White Saddle Band” playing lively country music, followed by Sheridan Archbold performing the National Anthem and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Of course, Montgomery Fest always includes everyone’s favorites: the carnival, food vendors, craft and vendor booths, free pony rides and petting zoo. Community Christian Church will host a family tent offering diaper changing and rest areas, free water and freeze pops. Free shuttle bus service will be provided to downtown Montgomery on Saturday and Sunday from Lakewood Creek Elementary School and from the parking lot in front of Poor Boy’s on Montgomery Road near Douglas. Busses will run about every half hour from 11 a.m. until about 10 p.m.

Click here for a Montgomery Fest brochure.