KEWANEE WEATHER

Full day of July 4 fun at Francis Park


By Elizabeth Jamison    June 18, 2026
Roger Malcolm gives a tour of Fred Francis’s Woodland Palace during the Fourth of July Festival at Francis Park in 2025. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

Francis Park will come alive with patriotic spirit and family fun this Fourth of July, offering a full day of activities for visitors of all ages.

Guests can step inside the remarkable home built by inventor Fred Francis during morning and afternoon tours of Woodland Palace, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

To help preserve local history, visitors are invited to make a $17.76 “patriotic gift” donation, ring the “Bell of Preservation,” and snap a selfie with Fred Francis.

The Fourth of July Festival at Francis includes a car and motorcycle show and an antique tractor display. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

The celebration will also feature a classic car show, flea market and antique tractor display, with the car show presented by the Street Cruisers Car Club. The car, truck and motorcycle show will kick off at 9 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. Registration will start at 9 a.m.

Additional donations will be accepted through the sale of $5 stars, which guests can personalize with the name of a service member to be displayed at the park. Proceeds from the stars will benefit the Wounded Warrior Foundation, while funds raised throughout the day will support Wounded Warrior and local wildlife rescue efforts.

Organizers are seeking donations from local businesses and volunteers to help make the event a success. Those interested in donating or volunteering can contact John Wirth at 309‑525‑2469.

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