ALEDO MAIN STREET events
Holly Days Day 2
Join us for Aledo Main Street’s 20th Annual “Holly Days” event in Historic Downtown Aledo on Friday, December 5th & Saturday December 6th!
December 6: Pop-Up Vendors & Local Shopping: 9:00AM-1:00PM
December 6: Hot Chocolate Hustle 5k: 9:00AM
Stay up-to-date with all things Holly Days by following our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/aledomainstreet.
To check for vendor openings, please contact Aledo Main Street at info@aledomainstreet.com or 309-582-2751
The 20th Annual Aledo Holly Days Electric Parade theme is "LUAU".
Hosted by Aledo Main Street. The lighted evening parade welcomes local businesses, community organizations and residents to participate and kick-off the holiday season together! FREE to participate.
Date: Friday- December 5th, 2025
Time: 5:30PM (Line-up beginning at 5:15PM)
Location: Historic Downtown Aledo
Route: Start on West Main Street across from BankORION and run East towards Cheers on Main.
Theme: LUAU
Entry Guidelines:
Lighting:
Every float or entry must include working lights — this is an “Electric” parade!
Safety First:
No throwing candy or objects from floats/vehicles. Candy/items may be handed out by walkers.
Drivers must be licensed and vehicles in safe working condition.
Participants must remain on their float or walking route at all times.
Family-Friendly Content:
Please ensure all music, decorations, and themes are appropriate for all ages.
No political campaigning or controversial messaging is allowed.
Animals:
Animals must be well-controlled, leashed, and cleaned up after.
Proof of current vaccinations may be requested if required.
Line-Up:
Participants will receive line-up instructions and location via email the week of the parade.
Late arrivals may not be guaranteed placement.
Special Note on Santa Claus:
Aledo Main Street will provide the official Santa Claus for the parade.
Please do not include another Santa on your float to avoid confusion for children.
Weather & Cancellations:
The parade will be held rain, snow, or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe.
Cancellations or changes will be posted on the Aledo Main Street Facebook page & sent via email.
*Please communicate these rules to everyone in your parade entry.
*Any deviation from the rules will result in disqualification from current and/or future parades.
Hot Chocolate Hustle
When: Saturday, December 6th, 2025 at 9:00AM
Course: The 3.1-mile course is on city streets with one hill. The start and finish are at Central Park. Course marshaling and safety protection will be available during the run.
Packet Pick-Up: Race Morning 7:45 AM- 8:30 AM @ Ferg’s Public House
Volunteer Race Director: Sam Whan 309-337-5413 or whans@mercerschools.org
Online Registration is now CLOSED! If you would still like to register for the Hot Chocolate Hustle, please download, fill out, and return the paper form to the Aledo Main Street office.
Holly Days Day 1
Join us for Aledo Main Street’s 20th Annual “Holly Days” event in Historic Downtown Aledo on Friday, December 5th & Saturday December 6th!
December 5: Electric Parade 5:30PM
December 5: Pop-Up Vendors & Local Shopping: 5:00-8:00PM
Stay up-to-date with all things Holly Days by following our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/aledomainstreet.
To check for vendor openings, please contact Aledo Main Street at info@aledomainstreet.com or 309-582-2751
The 20th Annual Aledo Holly Days Electric Parade theme is "LUAU".
Hosted by Aledo Main Street. The lighted evening parade welcomes local businesses, community organizations and residents to participate and kick-off the holiday season together! FREE to participate.
Date: Friday- December 5th, 2025
Time: 5:30PM (Line-up beginning at 5:15PM)
Location: Historic Downtown Aledo
Route: Start on West Main Street across from BankORION and run East towards Cheers on Main.
Theme: LUAU
Entry Guidelines:
Lighting:
Every float or entry must include working lights — this is an “Electric” parade!
Safety First:
No throwing candy or objects from floats/vehicles. Candy/items may be handed out by walkers.
Drivers must be licensed and vehicles in safe working condition.
Participants must remain on their float or walking route at all times.
Family-Friendly Content:
Please ensure all music, decorations, and themes are appropriate for all ages.
No political campaigning or controversial messaging is allowed.
Animals:
Animals must be well-controlled, leashed, and cleaned up after.
Proof of current vaccinations may be requested if required.
Line-Up:
Participants will receive line-up instructions and location via email the week of the parade.
Late arrivals may not be guaranteed placement.
Special Note on Santa Claus:
Aledo Main Street will provide the official Santa Claus for the parade.
Please do not include another Santa on your float to avoid confusion for children.
Weather & Cancellations:
The parade will be held rain, snow, or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe.
Cancellations or changes will be posted on the Aledo Main Street Facebook page & sent via email.
*Please communicate these rules to everyone in your parade entry.
*Any deviation from the rules will result in disqualification from current and/or future parades.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
City of Aledo Central Park Grooves
Music to be announced at a later date- you’ll want to keep your eye out for this!
Harvest Hop
It will be a fun day of shopping, music, food and activities!
Gather up your friends and family. Shop & Experience Downtown Aledo through local shops & restaurants along with special Fall Pop-up Vendors! Follow Aledo Main Street on Facebook for more details. If interested in being a vendor at Harvest Hop (formerly known as Aledo Fall Fest) reach out via email to info@aledomainstreet.com or via phone at 309-582-2751.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Aledo Antiques Day & Car show
Aledo Antiques Day & Car Show is offered in conjunction with the Golden Eagles Restoration Program Car Show on Saturday- August 23rd, 2025. All the action takes place in Downtown Aledo Historic District in Aledo, IL with FREE admission to the public rain or shine!
This event packs in a full day of activities starting off with the Aledo Volunteer Firemen Pancake Breakfast with additional activities in Downtown Aledo such as: Car Show, Tractor & Engine Show, Garden Tractor Pulls, Odd Bettie’s Pin-Up Contest, Antique Vendor Market, Artisan Vendors, Food Trucks, Live Music Entertainment in the Central Park Bandshell, and rounded off with local brick-and-mortar Shopping & Dining opportunities! Aledo Antiques Day truly offers fun for all ages and interests. It’s a “Big time Festival in a Small-Town Atmosphere”.
If interested in being a vendor, entering your car into the car show or have general questions you can reach out to Aledo Main Street Inc by calling 309-582-2751 or by email at info@aledomainstreet.com.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Mercer County Fair
From the Mercer County Fair website:
The Mercer County Fair has been important to the residents of Mercer County since its first fair in 1853. Today, 172 years later, the fair still brings the county together each July. We are a small county, with only 15,000 residents, yet over 11,000 visit our fairgrounds each summer. Our exhibitions, from livestock to hobbies, antiques, photography, to culinary arts, flowers, and vegetables, allow a large number of our people to enter the competitions.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Bandshell: Big River Brass Band
7:00PM
Cinema @ Central
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole family to Aledo’s Central Park for Aledo Main Street’s Cinema at Central Outdoor Movie Showing.
Admission is always free, thanks to the 2025 Cinema at Central movie sponsor: Casey’s General Store- Aledo. Aledo Cub Scouts pack 428 will have concessions available for purchase. Enjoy a family friendly atmosphere under the stars.
Movie starts at dusk- See ya there!
2025 Cinema@Central Movie Showing
Friday, June 13th
Despicable Me 4: Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.
Farmers Market
Buy fresh, buy local, live healthy!
Find homegrown produce, fresh baked goods, and more at the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo.
You’ll find it every Thursday from 4:00-6:00PM, starting June 12 through September 25 in Aledo’s Central Park. Support your local growers/producers/artisans and make it your one-stop-shop on Thursday evening!
Stay up to date by visiting our Aledo Main Street Facebook Page too.
Bandshell: Myrna Rae Dancers
6:00PM
Rhubarb Festival
This incredible festival will be celebrating its 33rd year in 2025!
The Rhubarb Festival will feature thousands of homemade Rhubarb goodies for sale, Rhubarb Samplings, thousands of free Rhubarb seeds given away, vendors, music, entertainment and more all set in Historic Downtown Aledo. You don’t want to miss a weekend in Aledo, The Rhubarb Capital of Illinois!
9:00AM - 4PM each day
For more details on all things Rhubarb Festival visit: aledorhubarbfest.com
Ladies On The Loose
Aledo Main Street invites you to our "Ladies on the Loose" Event!
2025 marks 20 years since the very first AMS "Ladies on the Loose" event—let’s celebrate together!
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This is a ticketed fundraising event for Aledo Main Street.
Tickets: $40 per person
Includes a plated brunch at Tobala Mexican Bar & Grill, a coupon book, and a goodie bag for the first 75 registrants)
Join us in supporting local businesses during this fun event in Downtown Aledo!
To purchase tickets, contact Lindsey at Aledo Main Street:
Phone: 309-582-2751
Email: info@aledomainstreet.com
Facebook Event Page Details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AEUvWLgq8/
Aledo Main Street Scholarship
The 2025 Aledo Main Street Scholarship is open from March 4, 2025, to April 30, 2025.
Thanks to generous community donors and proceeds from the Holly Days Hot Chocolate Hustle 5K, AMS is proud to award at least two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from MCHS District #404.
This year, we’re adding a creative twist! Instead of a traditional written essay, applicants have the option to submit a short video. We encourage applicants to showcase their creativity by recording a 20- to 60-second video introducing their favorite LOCAL Aledo or Mercer County place, event, restaurant, or small business. We can’t wait to see your unique perspectives on what makes our community special!