Francis Park Fourth of July Car Show, Woodland Palace Tours, Craft Fair, Food, and Community Fun

The Fourth of July will bring classic rides and community giving together at Francis Park in Kewanee. The Street Cruisers Car Club and Gustafson Ford are hosting a car, truck, and motorcycle show, with registration open from 8:30 to 11 AM. Trophies will be awarded, including best-in-show honors. Proceeds from the event will support “Wounded Warriors Project” and “Hog Capital Wildlife Rescue.” Visitors can also browse a craft and flea market running alongside the show. Organizers say it’s a holiday event built around cars, local vendors, and support for two meaningful causes. Stay up-to-date with car cruise-ins in the area by joining the “cruising the 4 lanes / Kewanee cruise in!“ group on Facebook.
At this year’s Francis Park Festival, guests can honor a service member while supporting wounded veterans. A special Wounded Warrior display will be set up at the park, where visitors can purchase a star for $5 and write the name of a service member on it. Organizers say every penny raised will go toward helping brave men and women injured while protecting the country. Those unable to attend can still take part by messaging organizers to have a name placed on a star. Payment options include Venmo or arranging pickup, with photos of completed stars available afterward. Message “John Wirth on Facebook” for payment options.

Francis Park in Kewanee, Illinois, is opening its grounds for a free Independence Day celebration the whole family can enjoy. The event features tours of the historic Woodland Palace, giving visitors a look inside one of the area’s most unique landmarks. Classic car fans can check out vehicles from the Street Cruisers Car Club, while shoppers browse the flea market and history buffs take in a display of vintage tractors. Tours of Woodland Palace run from 9 AM to 3 PM. The celebration offers a mix of local history, community tradition, and holiday fun at no cost to attend. Visit the Woodland Palace on “Facebook” and their website.

