Free event concludes Sesquicentennial celebration
The Village of Bourbonnais announces French Heritage Day Saturday, September 27, at The Grove at Goselin Park – 700 Main St. NW. The all-day Sesquicentennial celebration begins at 9 a.m. and is free admission. French Heritage Day will bring Bourbonnais history to life with engaging performances and interactive demonstrations along with traditional music, live reenactments, cultural showcases and kids’ games and activities. French cuisine and wine will be available for purchase.
Attendees of all ages are encouraged to learn more about how original settlers lived in Bourbonnais with the following experiences (times are approximate):
- 9:00 a.m. – Opening ceremony with posting of colors by Scout Troup #361 of Bourbonnais, Scout Troup #319 of St. George, Scout Troup #300 of Kankakee and Crew #319 of Bradley; Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps performance
- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. French-themed books for purchase from Rubber Rose Books
- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. French pastries for purchase from St. Rogers Abbey
- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Explore the Stone Barn exhibit from the Kankakee County Historical Society & Museum
- 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Beverages for purchase from Rotary Club of Bradley-Bourbonnais
- 9:30 a.m. – Singing of national anthems by Tony Fightmaster including France, Canada and the United States
- 10:00 a.m. – Welcome by event organizer, Frank Koehler, and Bourbonnais Mayor Jeff Keast
- 10:10 a.m. – Jim Healy presents as Louis Jolliet and Solid Path Through Water
- 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. French cuisine for purchase by Bennett-Curtis Catering
- 11:30 a.m. – Father Tom Koys presents On the Trail with Father Marquette
- 12:30 p.m. – Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps performance
- 1:00 p.m. – Anne St-Jean of the Quebec Delegation speaks
- 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Historic tours of the LeTourneau Home & 1837 Log Schoolhouse;
- 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Kids’ games and activities hosted by the Bourbonnais Township Park District
- 1:15 p.m. – Le Compagnia Dance Troupe Musical Entertainment performance
- 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. French wine for purchase by The Lush Vine
- 2:15 p.m. – Olivet Nazarene University student, Anthony Roebuck, presents as Eusebe Sylvestre and From Quebec to Bourbonnais
- 2:30 p.m. – Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps performance
- 3:00 p.m. – Le Compagnia Dance Troupe Musical Entertainment performance
- 4:00 p.m. – Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps performance
- 6:00 p.m. – Bourbonnais Historical Society President, Dr. Jim Paul, presents HOORAY BOURBONNAIS II/Duex, a history of Bourbonnais pageant
- 8:45 p.m. – Finalé by Starlight Dance Academy and its award-winning performance Fun in the Sun followed by Bishop McNamara Catholic Schools concluding performance
"French Heritage Day will showcase the rich history and French roots that shaped the Village of Bourbonnais," said Mayor Jeff Keast.
"Join your community on September 27 as we honor the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future of Bourbonnais together."
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Time: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Location: The Grove at Goselin Park, 700 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais, IL
- Admission/Parking: Free
- Seating: Lawn chairs/blankets encouraged
- Weather: Rain or shine
French Heritage Day will conclude the Sesquicentennial celebration events scheduled by the Village of Bourbonnais to honor its incorporation (1875-2025).
