Arcola hosts new ‘Ben Franklin Fest’ Aug. 7
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ARCOLA — Green Mill Village in Arcola is inviting families to the inaugural Ben Franklin Fest, a celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary on Friday, Aug. 7, from 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Hosted at Green Mill Village, the event combines free family attractions, hometown traditions, and promises one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate everything people love about small-town America.
Event Highlights Include:
• Free Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides by Midwest Balloon Rides (6–8 p.m., first come, first served, weather permitting)
• Free Foam Dance Party presented by Foam & Flight
• Big Al’s Shake-Ups American Record Attempt as America’s Favorite Food Truck attempts to set the record for the most Lemon Shake-Ups sold during a festival (5–8 p.m.)
• Future Lawn Rangers, where children can decorate their own mini Lawn Ranger mower for a fee, complete with a decorating station full of streamers, stickers, flags, and accessories.
• Lawn Ranger Boot Camp led by the legendary Arcola Lawn Rangers to see if you have what it takes to become an honorary Ranger.
• Meet Ben Franklin, pose for photos, and hear the legendary story of how he “put Arcola on the map.”
• WCIA Weather on the Road featuring Chief Meteorologist
Kevin Lighty, broadcasting live during the 5 p.m. and
6 p.m. newscasts.
• Food trucks and festival favorites throughout the evening.
“Ben Franklin Fest isn’t just an event—it’s the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway,” said Cassie Yoder, marketing and development for Green Mill Village. “Spend Friday evening enjoying free hot air balloon rides, dancing in the Foam & Flight foam party, helping Big Al’s set an American record, and making memories with the legendary Lawn Rangers and Ben Franklin himself. Then wake up Saturday to explore downtown Arcola, visit the Broom Palace, discover the story of how Ben Franklin ‘put Arcola on the map,’ and experience the hometown charm that makes our community unlike anywhere else. That’s the kind of weekend families remember.”
Yoder says the event was designed to showcase the personalities, traditions, and stories that make Arcola unlike any other community.
“Where else can you take a hot air balloon ride, meet the legendary Lawn Rangers, test your skills in Lawn Ranger Boot Camp, shake hands with Ben Franklin, and hear the story of how he ‘put Arcola on the map’?” Yoder said. “It’s all part of the charm that makes Arcola so special. Our history, our traditions, and our sense of community come together in a way you simply won’t find anywhere else. Ben Franklin Fest is about bringing those stories to life and giving families a chance to experience them together.”
For event updates and additional information, follow Green Mill Village on Facebook.