March 10, 2025
Local News

Algonquin Founders Days events canceled

By Northwest Herald

Matthew Nichols (from left), 3, and Gavin Vuglar, 6, watch as Eric Nichols, all of Algonquin, puts the finishing touches on their cardboard boat during the annual Algonquin Founders Day 2018 Cardboard Boat Regatta at Riverfront Park on July 26, 2018, in Algonquin. he event featured 33 registered boats, and participants were given two hours to build their vessel using donated cardboard, duct tape, safety knives, life jackets and permanent markers. (Matthew Apgar)

Algonquin Founders Day, set to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, has been canceled. The organizing committee for the event, scheduled for July 25 to 28 at Spella Park in Algonquin, announced the move because of COVID-19 capacity restrictions, stating that it plans to hold the event again in 2021.

“After much reflection of the current COVID-19 situation and recent capacity restrictions mandated by the state of Illinois, the committee has decided that the health and safety of festival participants, entertainers, volunteers and staff could not be guaranteed,” according to the news release. “Therefore, the committee regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2020 Algonquin Founders Days Festival and all its events.”

The committee sought input from village of Algonquin officials as well as various department heads before making the final decision.