Carlock's America 250 Celebration

The Schedule of Events:

Friday, July 3rd, 2026

1:00 - 4:00pm - Carlock Library Open House, - Tours, Refreshments, Historical Displays

5:00 - 10:00pm - Braffet Berry Farm, 9010 E 2250 North Rd, Carlock (on Hudson Blacktop)

• Square Dancing & Line Dancing called by our own Nationally Reknowned, Hall-of-Famer Square Dance Caller, Curt Braffet! 
• Music provided by a DJ  
• Kids Games and Castle of Camelot Bouncy House.
• Food & Drinks:  
  • Prize winning Porkchops, Brats & Dogs by The A-Train
  • Strawberry Shortcakes by Braffet Berry Farm

FIREWORKS!!

Sponsored by the White Oak Township

What to Bring:  Dancing Shoes, Appetite, Lawn Chairs/Blanket & Bug Spray

Parking - Please Note:  There will be limited parking at the event location (per county laws, no parking allowed along Hudson Blacktop).  Please car pool or use our shuttle bus - pick-ups and drop-offs at the Carlock Park Ball Diamond times tbd.

Saturday, July 4th, 2026

Following the parade, all events will be at the Carlock Rock Creek Veterans Park, South end of Jefferson Street

10:00am - Parade!!

11:00am - 5:00pm - Food Trucks:  MamaBear's Brunchbox,  Twisted Pasta,Hinks Smokhouse,  FireFoods The Long Road Home & Stan's Ice Cream Truck

Noon - Welcome, Flag Raising, Pledge & National Anthem, Reading of the Declaration of Independence

12:30pm - Time Capsule Reveal

2:00pm - Walking Historical Tour (from Park to Perry Street) Local Historian and Tour Guide:  Mike Miller

3:00pm - Brothers of the Brush Beard Contest (see info below in Related Documents) & Period Dress Recognition

11:00am - 5:00pm - Park Activities - Face Painting (11am - 1pm), The Unique Twist Balloons, Selfie Photo Backdrop, Historical Games & Relays, Carnival Bouncy House w/ Slide, Gladiator Jousting, Bungee Run, Swing & Score Baseball Game, Local Artisan Vendors & Producers, Historical Displays, Duck Race, and more!

What to Bring:  Walking Shoes, Appetite, Lawn Chairs/Blanket, Sun Protection & Bug Spray

Parking - Please Note:  To increase safety for pedestrians, parking down at the park will be reserved only for those with handicap placards.  Parking will be available in the grassy area along the RR Tracks.  We will have golfcart shuttles from parking areas to the park.

Sunday, July 5th, 2026

10:00am - Pack the Pews!  Worship at one of our local churches.

Noon - Picnic Lunch in the Park - Bring your own lunch or enjoy Hot Dogs and Chips proviced by the Carlock Bible Fellowship Church.  Dairy Queen Ice Cream Treats  and "Put out the Flames" House provided by the Carlock Fire Department

1:00pm - Farewell and Finale - Music by The Gibson Girls

What to Bring:  Walking Shoes, Your Lunch if you're not into hot dogs, Lawn Chairs/Blanket, Sun Protection & Bug Spray

Parking - Please Note:  Parking down at the park is limited and to increase safety, parking along Jefferson Street south of Franklin will be prohibited.  If you can walk easily, please consider parking by the baseball diamond or in the grassy area along the RR Tracks and use the walking trails to access the park.

A Self-led Historical Driving Tour of the Carlock Rural Area will be available.

Want to Contribute an Item for the Next Time Capsule?  Watch for Information Coming Soon!

Want to be in the Parade?

Want to be a Sponsor or a Volunteer?

Contact:

John Holliger, [email protected] or (309) 531-3099, or

Rhonda Baer, [email protected] or (309) 275-8451

Sponsorship Letter and Sponsorship Levels are below in Related Documents