MT. VERNON — The 7th Annual ‘Illinois Proud’ Mt. Vernon Fall Fest will focus on the state’s bicentennial. The event is scheduled for today through September 30th.

Executive Director of the Greater Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Mike Beard, says all ages should come and take part in the fun.

The “Illinois Proud” theme will permeate throughout the entire three-day festival. A celebrated, 100 entry parade, that features a Marching Band Expo awarding $4000 in prizes to help fund regional middle and high school bands, returns to Fall Fest 2018 on Saturday, September 29th. This year, participants will build floats, decorate trailers, trucks and automobiles, gather families and friends, and even develop impressive marching band routines all to the theme “Illinois Proud” to celebrate the state we live in.

From Friday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 5 p.m. entertainment at Fall Fest will, once again, be in abundance. Performer details will be announced soon, but Blues Sunday is confirmed to return in 2018! The Kids Zone, Fall Fest 5K for Special Olympics, DMDC Cruise-In, Tri-State Treasure Hunt for Kids, and the Mt. Vernon Business Women’s Club “Great Pumpkin Contest” are all on schedule to return in 2018, as well.

Find more details here southernillinois.com.