A GUIDE TO HANNAH HARPER DAY

Today, Wednesday May 6 is Hannah Harper Day in Willow Springs. Harper is a contestant on American Idol. She advanced to the top 5 on Monday, April 27. The competition will be down to the nation’s top 3 after press time. 

 

Win or lose, Willow Springs is proud and is hosting Hannah Harper Day. 

 

Downtown music, food, and shopping

Live music will begin at 3 p.m. in the heart of downtown. The lineup includes The Greer Family at 3:05, Brady Walton at 3:45, and Brandy Lee at 4:25. 

 

Downtown businesses and restaurants will have specials and extended hours to accommodate merrymakers. 

 

All activities, including the concert, will continue rain or shine. 

 

Parade

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at Booster Field park ending at Willow Springs schools. Only licensed drivers will be permitted to drive along the parade route and all entries must be decorated in a patriotic theme. No candy will be thrown for safety’s sake. Parade lineup is at 4 p.m. at Booster Field. Upon arrival, entrants will sign a waiver with representatives from the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Concert

The capstone of the day is a free concert, beginning at 7 p.m. at Palenske Field, the Willow Springs High School football field. Parking areas have been designated throughout town with free shuttle service available to the football field. Gates for the concert will open at 6 p.m. Those attending should bring lawn chairs or blankets for field seating, as bleacher space will be limited. Handicapped parking and seating will be available. 

 

Free concessions will be available at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Items available will be hot dogs, chips, and water, sponsored by G&W Cash Saver and cooked by Willow Springs High School FFA; coffee by Crime Scene Coffee served by the Willow Springs Lions Club; pie by Pie-ology; string cheese kettle corn by BIG POPPA’s Kettle Corn; popsicles by Lakeland Pharmacy; and funnel cakes by Willow Care Healthcare. 

 

Clear, unopened water bottles will be allowed; bags are subject to search. No alcohol, smoking, vaping, or animals are permitted at the event.

 

Parking will be available throughout the city, and there will be free shuttles to the football field for the concert. 

 

Parking

The Willow Springs FFA Chapter will be the official parking team for Hannah Harper Day. Follow their Facebook page for real-time updates on parking lot openings and closures. 

-Parking lots will open and close as they fill up. There will be updates on the chapter’s Facebook page about which lots are opening and closing as the evening progresses. Parking for Lots 1 and 2 will begin at 4:30 PM.

-Handicap parking will be available for those with a valid handicap placard or a license plate displaying the appropriate symbol. There are NO exceptions to this rule.

-Do not overnight vehicles along Tenth street by the football field. Tenth street will be closed, and your vehicle may be towed. 

-Shuttles will be provided for Lots 2–6. Signs will designate shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations.

-Patrol officers will be stationed at every lot to help prevent theft and other criminal activity.

-At the conclusion of the concert, shuttles will pick up attendees outside the main arena entrance and drop them off at their assigned lots.

-Parking at the Thomas F. Benyo Golf Course (Lot 6) is for overflow only.

-Please be patient. High school students will be parking a large number of vehicles at new locations. While they will receive training beforehand, there will be a high volume of traffic in a short period of time.