Kids’ bicycle decorating. Ice cream eating contest. Street dancing. Water fights.
Old-Fashioned Days is back — and Hampshire is ready to celebrate 150 years the way only a small town can!
Join us for a weekend of laughter, music, family games, storytelling, and traditions that let us relive one of the most cherished events of our childhoods.
Think all the charm we remember — only bigger, livelier, and with non-stop amazing music! ***
SAVE THE DATE!
FRIDAY NIGHT
4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Founding of Hampshire Skit
- Fish Fry by Copper Barrel**
- Fox Valley Harmonizers Barbershop Quartet
- Elvis Impersonator
- Line Dancing Lessons
8:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Mega Stars of Country ***
Tribute Show featuring music by:
Allen Jackson, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
12:00 noon – 5:30 p.m.
- Veterans and Community Recognition
- Founding of Hampshire Skit
- Hearth & Home Booth
- Piano and Guitar Recitals
- Barrel Chat
- Great Family Games
- Ice Cream Eating Contest
- Kid’s Bike Decorating Contest
- “Put a Friend in Jail”
- Old -Time Photo Stand
- Happy Hour with Cole Brandt ***
**Fish Fry: Limited supply! Purchase tickets downtown at Copper Barrel or text Bill Swalwell at 847.997.9690
SATURDAY NIGHT
5:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
- Hampshire High Reunion / Sock Hop Downtown Hampshire at James Motors – 190 S. State Street
- Miller Hometown Band ***
8:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- American English *** Beatles Tribute
SUNDAY
10:30 a.m.
- Community Worship at Ream Park
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Fireman’s Water Fights
- MC2 Jazz Collective ***
- The Kave 90th Anniversary
3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Blooze Brothers *** Tribute Band
Created as a family keepsake by Mayor Jerry and Jean Thornhill’s nephew, Dave Coppert, this photo book captures the fun shenanigans of Hampshire’s Centennial Celebration — from the parade and water fights to the Kangaroo Kort (wereyou in the stockade?), the community sing-along, and fireworks. Click the green circle to flip thru and enjoy!
A Little History … 1964 – 1978
Old-Fashioned Days began in 1964, when the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce created a summer celebration to bring the community together downtown. What started with sidewalk sales and an ice cream social quickly grew into a beloved tradition — featuring parades, decorated bikes, the Kitchen Band, rocking-chair contests, firemen’s water fights, and the Saturday night street dance.
In 1976, Old-Fashioned Days proudly served as the centerpiece of Hampshire’s Centennial Celebration. As a climax to “Hampshire Salutes the Future Day,” a 50-year time capsule was buried at Hampshire Park set to be opened fifty years later. That moment has arrived. As part of this year’s Sesquicentennial celebration, the time capsule has been opened, and its fascinating contents are on display in downtown Hampshire. Stop by and take a look – its packed with local history!
Though the event later evolved into what we now know as Coon Creek Country Days, the spirit of Old-Fashioned Days never faded.
As part of Hampshire’s Sesquicentennial, the Hampshire Township Historical Society is honored to bring this cherished tradition back — as we remember it … and maybe even a little better!