What began as a simple two-man band under a tent playing music with a keg of beer has become one of the largest and best-attended festival in the Lincoln-Way area. With its popularity, days were added, contests and activities added, carnival rides as well as various food vendors from local restaurants and organizations. In July 1984, the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce became the host for what was t
ermed the 1st Proud American Days. The chamber along with needed assistance from the New Lenox Community Park District which offered the location and other amenities needed. After several successful years, the Chamber of Commerce made the tough decision to no longer host the Proud American Days festival. Gratefully, the New Lenox Community Park District stepped in and continues for over ten years to plan and improve the Annual Festival. This festival prides itself in providing a fun and family-oriented weekend for everyone. This annual, four-day festival is always held on the last weekend in July running from Thursday through Sunday and is attended by over 30,000 people throughout Lincoln-Way area and surrounding Will County. It features live entertainment hosting some of the most popular bands in the area. The carnival rides featured always provide an economical way for families to enjoy the carnival featuring unlimited ride wristbands on select days and hours of the festival. This festival truly has something for everyone. Activities are added almost annually as well as time-honored traditions remain. Some of the festival favorites include Annual Baby Contest, Military Tribute, Bean Bag Tournaments and the Family Extravaganza, just to name a few. The Proud American Days festival continues to truly be a community event that spotlights the Town of New Lenox as truly the Home of Proud Americans.
