Lemont Tractor Club Named Grand Marshal for Sept. 6 Keepataw Day Parade During Labor Day Weekend

The Lemont Tractor Club has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the 74th Annual Lemont Keepataw Day Parade, taking place Sunday, September 6, 2026, during Labor Day weekend in downtown Lemont.

This year’s parade theme, “We ❤️ Lemont,” celebrates the people, places, organizations, and community spirit that make Lemont special. The Lemont Tractor Club is a fitting choice, having spent more than a decade giving back to the community through volunteerism, charitable efforts, local events, and partnerships.

Under President Jim Helbling's leadership, the club has become a familiar part of Lemont traditions. Members come from Lemont, Homer Glen, Lockport, and surrounding communities, brought together by a shared passion for tractors and community involvement. They participate in Touch-a-Truck events, local parades, community celebrations, Hometown Holidays, and Tractors for Toys, and provide festive tractor and wagon rides during the holiday season and help with Halloween hayrides. Their tractors have become a recognizable symbol of Lemont’s history, community pride and small-town spirit.

One of the club’s most meaningful contributions is its involvement with Tractors for Toys, a charitable initiative that has been helping local families for more than 10 years. Last year, the program helped provide holiday gifts and support to 45 families and 129 children in the Lemont community.

The Lemont Tractor Club also regularly partners with local organizations including the Lemont Lions Club, United Sertoma Lemont Charter, Lemont Township, the Village of Lemont and The Forge. Through these partnerships, club members contribute their time, equipment and talents to events and initiatives throughout the community.

The club’s years of service, generosity and involvement embody the spirit behind this year’s “We ❤️ Lemont” theme. Its members have helped create lasting memories for local families while supporting neighbors and strengthening connections throughout the community.

Parade Kicks Off Keepataw Day

The 74th Annual Lemont Keepataw Day Parade will step off promptly at 1 p.m. Sunday, September 6, beginning at Stephen and Main Streets. The parade will travel down Main Street, turn onto Illinois Street and finish at Illinois and Lemont Streets.

Following the parade, the Keepataw Fun Fest will begin at 2 p.m. in downtown Lemont and continue through 11 p.m. The celebration will feature live music, food vendors, a beer tent, an Artisan Market and a Kids’ Corner with family-friendly activities for kids of all ages.

The Kids’ Corner will run from 2 to 7 p.m. and will include activities such as Smash a Car, Dunk a Pirate, mini-golf, carnival games and more. The Artisan Market will also run from 2 to 7 p.m., showcasing local artisans and makers, while food vendors will be available throughout the afternoon and evening. Live bands include School of Rock, Hairnation, RevDog and the Heard, and headliner Grungeworthy.

Complete information about the parade route, live bands, food vendors, Artisan Market vendors and Kids’ Corner activities is available at LemontKeepataw.com.

Mega Meat Raffle Benefits Keepataw Day

Lemont Keepataw Day is also hosting the Mega Meat Raffle, a major fundraiser supporting the 74th Annual Lemont Keepataw Day Parade & Fun Fest. Proceeds will also help the organization begin planning for the 75th anniversary celebration in 2027.

Only 300 tickets are being sold at $100 each, with 13 chances to win. Prizes include two half-cow packages with 15-cubic-foot deep freezers, two full-pig packages with 10-cubic-foot deep freezers, two 65-inch smart TVs, a Blackstone grill, two lotto baskets, two liquor baskets and two Lemont Downtown gift cards.

Mega Meat Raffle winners will be announced September 6 during Keepataw Day festivities. To purchase your raffle ticket, visit: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/lemont-keepataw-days-meat-raffle--2026.

With the Lemont Tractor Club leading the parade, followed by an afternoon and evening filled with music, food, shopping, family activities and community fun, the 74th Annual Keepataw Day promises to be a celebration of everything that makes Lemont special.

Come out Sunday, September 6, and celebrate “We ❤️ Lemont!”