There will be plenty to see and do at the 2025 Hillsboro Homecoming Festival on Friday and Saturday.
This year’s theme is “Wild About Hillsboro,” said Mandy Alley, event organizer and marketing coordinator for the Greater Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the annual event.
“We’ve incorporated the Wildlife Command Center into the event with a presentation of all their animals,” she said.
The Wildlife Command Center will have all kinds of its rescued critters, including owls, snakes and alligators, for a show from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday at the stage. Even if you miss the show, the group will have a booth near the stage from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Alley said.
Friday evening is when festivities kick off.
The Kids Fishing Tournament will be held at the Hillsboro School Bridle Ridge Acres Pond at 5:30 p.m. for ages 2-7 and 6:30 p.m. for ages 8-12. The cost is $20 per child, and advanced registration is requested at hillsborochamberofcommerce.com/hillsboro-festival-.html since space is limited. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Hillsboro R-3 Agriculture Program.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and should bring a fishing pole. Bait will be available, but you may bring your own.
Alley said trophies will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in each age group. Each child will receive a special treat and drink with paid entry.
Carnival rides will be open at the Jefferson County Courthouse square from 6 p.m. until midnight Friday. Carnival ride armbands are on sale in advance for $25 at Bank Star, First State Community Bank and Enterprise Bank until 4 p.m. Friday. Armbands will be available at the festival for $30.
Dear Darla, a local 1980s rock cover band, will play music from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday.
On Saturday, the festival kicks off with the annual Hillsboro Rotary Pancake Breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at the Hillsboro Intermediate School, 10478 Business 21. The cost is $5 per person. Children 4 and younger may eat for free.
Craft and business vendors will open at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Courthouse square, while the carnival opens at 11 a.m.
Lineup for the parade will begin at 10 a.m. behind Hillsboro Intermediate, with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. Alley said anyone who wants to enter the parade may register online, but entries will still be accepted that morning. The cost is $15 per entry.
She said the parade route goes from Hillsboro Intermediate, south on Business 21 and right on Main Street to the festival area.
Alley said this year, the Armed Forces ceremony will be held at the Hillsboro Intermediate gym, following the parade at about 12:30 p.m., adding that organizers thought it would be better to have the event inside.
The Lions Club is organizing a car show, dubbed “Wild Safari Motor Mania,” to follow the festival theme. The show will run from noon to 4 p.m. at Business 21 and Main Street. Registration begins at noon, with judging beginning at 1 p.m. The cost to participate in the show is $20.
To register in advance for the car show, visit HillsboroLions.org or call 636-789-2652. Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 50 registrants, and swag bags will be given to all registrants.
A Kids Corner will offer free activities and games for children from noon to 3 p.m.
A Pie-Eating Contest will be held from 3:30-4 p.m. for kids. Alley said the chamber has held the chocolate cream pie-eating contest for years, and it’s always a lot of fun.
“It’s hilarious to see them try to eat it as fast as they can,” she said.
Alley said children may register for the contest that day.
A cornhole tournament will be held at 1 p.m. on Main Street near the Jefferson County Health Department office, 405 Main St. The cost is $15. Partners will be drawn before the start of the tournament. Cash prizes will be awarded. Those who want to participate may register online or on the day of the tournament, Alley said.
Plenty of musical entertainment will be held throughout the day, with 90 Proof Acoustics performing southern rock and country music from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Modern Yesterday Duo performing a variety of music from 4-6 p.m., Line Dancing with Earline at 6 p.m. and Johnathan Braddy Band performing country music from 7-11 p.m.
The chamber’s 25th annual Golf Tournament at Raintree Country Club is being held today, May 15. The tournament is full, Alley said.