Kewanee police officers took their turn in the dunk tank, an annual attraction at Hog Days Kids Day. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

Kewanee’s Hog Days Festival keeps kids front and center. With carnival rides, a fun run and a lively parade, children are part of the action all weekend—but it’s Monday, known as Kids Day, when the spotlight truly shines on them.

On Labor Day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Peoples National Bank parking lot and surrounding blocks become a hub for hands-on fun and family-friendly activities designed with youngsters in mind.
Elementary teacher and children’s book author Aaron Fasler will perform a pair of kid-focused shows featuring magic and balloon art, scheduled for noon and 2:30 p.m. His act is created for audiences 10 and under.

The petting zoo is a big hit at Kids Day. [Hog Days 2023]

Throughout the afternoon, kids can enjoy:

● A kiddie tractor pull at Tremont and Second streets
● The Four Seasons Rock Climbing Wall, operated by trained staff at the Peoples Bank lot
● A police meet-and-greet inside the bank, complete with a dunk tank challenge
● A fire department meet-and-greet where kids learn emergency safety tips and meet first responders
● Face painting by Ms. Fancy Pants at the Peoples Bank lot
● Miller’s Petting Zoo near Tremont and Second, where children can feed animals for a small fee
● Caricature drawings by artist Adam Belmares at the Peoples Bank lot

The climbing rock wall is a newer Kids Day activity but attracts plenty of participants. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

Hog Days celebrates Kewanee’s community spirit, and Kids Day ensures that its youngest members get a full share of the fun. With activities crafted just for them, it’s a day families won’t want to miss.