The annual Hillsboro Homecoming Festival drew large crowds despite the threat of rainy weather, organizers said.
The festival, which ran from Friday, May 15, to Saturday, May 16, was organized by the Greater Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce.
Mandy Alley, marketing coordinator for the chamber, said the festival kicked off with “good attendance.”
Dear Darla, a local 1980s cover band performed Friday evening.
“Dear Darla is a local favorite, and they did an amazing job keeping the vibe with the crowd Friday night,” Alley said.
The following day was challenging with rain on and off throughout the morning and afternoon, Alley said.
“We made the best of it during the day,” she said.
The festival also faced setbacks when its parade was canceled May 13 due to low participation.
Once the rain cleared, Alley said, the community came out in abundance. She also said attendance was up from the previous year despite Saturday’s weather.
“The carnival was packed with families and kids having a great time,” she said. “Many food vendors even sold out of food before the night was over.”
Eclectic Treasures and Gallery, a Festus-based cultural and metaphysical store, set up a booth at the festival for the first time.
Adrienne Williams, co-owner of the business, said she wanted to support the community because she used to live in Hillsboro before moving to Festus.
Williams said festivalgoers were “super excited to see all the crystals.”
“With me having a store that’s local, then they’ll know where to find me in Festus,” she said.
Hillsboro-based Cosmic Donut Company returned to the festival for the second year in a row.
Co-owners Derek Downs and Jeff Flier opened the business in August 2024.
“We did really well here last year,” Downs said. “We just try to do all the festivals we can in Hillsboro because that’s where we’re based out of.”
Flier also credited the business’ social media followers for their support.
“Anytime we post that we’re anywhere here in (Jefferson County), everyone comes out to support us.”
The Jefferson Barracks POW/MIA mobile museum was also at the festival.
Amy Bazzell, the museum’s secretary, said the museum’s mission is to educate, honor and remember military service members who are missing in action or prisoners of war.
“The reason why we do this is to help the younger generation know there were people out there helping us to earn our freedoms,” Bazzell said.
She said this year is the second year the museum was at the festival.
“We came as a smaller 10 by 10 last year, this year is the first year the mobile museum has been here.”
Bazzell recognized retired Hillsboro Intermediate School Principal Scott Readnour and Hillsboro Mayor Buddy Russell, who serve on the museum’s board of directors, as the reason for coming back a second time.
“They have been so wonderful in making sure that we are around and heard from, and people know about us.”
Alley said the highlight of the evening was the reunion show of country rock cover band Higher Ground.
“The crowd loved them, and Main Street was packed with people dancing and enjoying the music.
Despite the challenges, Alley said the weekend was successful overall.
“We enjoy being able to continue this great community festival tradition, and we love bringing so many people in the community together to make it happen. Seeing so many out enjoying the festivities makes all the hard work worth it!”
The Hillsboro Lions Club organized a car show along Main Street on Saturday afternoon.
Greg Hubler was awarded people’s choice and first place in classic muscle for his 1966 Chevrolet Impala.
The 26th annual Chamber of Commerce golf tournament was held May 14 at Raintree Golf Club.
Alley said winners from the children’s fishing tournament and cornhole tournament will be shared on the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
For more information, visit hillsborochamberofcommerce.com.
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