BYRON – ByronFest is returning to the streets of downtown Byron on July 9, 10 and 11.

This festival will offer big-name entertainment and exciting activities for the entire family.

“We are so excited to bring our community together and enjoy the summer festival after a long, hard year of being unable to gather together,” said Sarah Downs, executive director of the Byron Chamber of Commerce.

Presented by Byron Bank and organized by the Byron Chamber of Commerce and ByronFest Steering Committee, this community carnival and music fest is staged in historic downtown Byron, just one block north of scenic Illinois Route 2. The festival is in its 34th year.

“The success of the longevity of our festival is because of our great committee who meets all year round, our 300 volunteers that step up to help, and the support of our sponsors, community, and city,” Downs said. “We are extremely grateful for the 34 years of Byron Bank being the presenting sponsor of ByronFest.”

Admission wristbands are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. They can be purchased in advance until Thursday, July 8 at a variety of businesses around town. For more information, please see byronfest.org.

New this year is the Mega Pass. This pass provides unlimited rides at the carnival and entry into the festival grounds.

Along with a carnival, music, and food, ByronFest also hosts a variety of different events throughout the weekend. GospelFest kicks things off on July 8 at Generations at Neighbors. The 5K is held at the Byron Forest Preserve on Saturday, July 10 and the Bags Tournament is held on the festival grounds on Saturday as well. Sewing enthusiasts should not miss the judged Quilt Show that is held in the Byron Museum of History. As always, the ByronFest Parade will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday with a route starting behind Byron High School and going down Third Street.

Don’t miss out on all the ByronFest music, entertainment, food, and beverages this year. There will be a variety of bands performing all three days of the festival at both the Exelon Stage and the Byron Lion’s Club Stage.

Contact the Byron Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-234-5500 or visit www.byronfest.org for a complete schedule of events.