Arcola Celebrates Inaugural Ben Franklin Fest

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Arcola Celebrates Inaugural Ben Franklin Fest

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Arcola, Illinois, recently celebrated its inaugural Ben Franklin Fest on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Green Mill Village. The event was held to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and featured a diverse range of activities for all ages.

Attendees enjoyed tethered hot air balloon rides, which were available from 6 to 8 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting. A foam dance party provided a unique way for families to cool off and have fun. The festival also included a “Lawn Ranger Boot Camp” led by the well-known Arcola Lawn Rangers, and opportunities for children to decorate miniature lawnmowers.

Local food trucks were on site, with Big Al’s Shake-Ups attempting to set a record for the most lemon shake-ups sold during a festival, though they did not succeed on this occasion, with plans to try again at future events. The event also embraced Arcola’s heritage with activities like making mini brooms, a nod to the town’s broomcorn history. Cassie Yoder, from Green Mill Village Marketing and Development, highlighted the whimsical spirit of Arcola, mentioning local jokes about Ben Franklin’s possible influence on the town’s naming and the introduction of broomcorn. WCIA meteorologist Kevin Lighty broadcast live from the festival, engaging with visitors. The Ben Franklin Fest aimed to be a community celebration, bringing together local businesses, organizations, families, and visitors for an evening of connection and memory-making.

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