Flossmoor Fest got a rousing start as the Homewood-Flossmoor High School marching band opened the festivities with drumrolls and songs that got lots of toes tapping.
It was the second event of the day for the musicians. Early in the morning band members were on the grounds of the high school as runners for The Hidden Gem Half Marathon came through the campus as part of the 13.1 mile run.
The band assembled near the library and marched to the circle on Sterling Avenue. The nearly 200 members filled in around the flower beds to start their performance as parents, friends and residents crowded around, cameras in hand recording the musicians. They were given rounds of applause following each song.
Drum major Judah Crowder helped keep the tempo for the H-F High Marching Band during Flossmoor Fest. (Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
During her welcoming remarks, Mayor Michelle Nelson thanked the event’s co-sponsors: the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, Flossmoor School District 161, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, and the Flossmoor Public Library. She gave special thanks to village staff who had worked tirelessly to put the event together.
Among the dignitaries present was Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White who proudly introduced the Jesse White Tumblers. They jumped, twisted and thrilled the audience with their abilities on the mat. White said he founded the organization more than 60 years ago and was happy to report that more than 18,000 young men have been part of the program.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, Flossmoor Fest visitors enjoyed performances by Timeless, Raspberry Ca-beret, King Melik and Shining Star.
In addition to the entertainment, there were bounce houses for kids, video games, booths for organizations sharing information, and food and beer selections for anyone with an appetite.