ByronFest, July 7-9, is a fun-filled tradition with music, food, carnival rides and contests for the purpose of bringing the community together and raising money for the local Chamber of Commerce.
“The longevity of this festival speaks to the strength of our community and how everyone pulls together each year to make it happen,” says Deanna Mershon, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
ByronFest is known for its non-stop music on two separate stages, with a beer garden at each location. The Constellation Stage is located outside of City Hall on the corner of Second and Washington Streets, and the Byron Lions Stage is in Municipal Parking Lot 1 on Walnut Street. The headliner this year is country singer/songwriter Walker Montgomery, who will perform 8-9:15 p.m. Saturday on the Constellation Stage.
For the second year, a ByronFest Idol will be chosen. The event takes place from noon-1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Taste of ByronFest occurs daily and features a wide variety of food vendors. Other highlights include a 5K run, carnival rides, a quilt show, entertainers and a parade at 3 p.m. Saturday. The parade will begin at Maple and Second Streets, travel east on Second Street, north on Colfax and east on Third Street, ending at Third and Market.
Admission wristbands are $8 in advance or $10 at the gate and are required for admission to the beer gardens, entertainment stages and Taste of ByronFest. No wristbands are required on “Family Day,” Sunday, when admission is free.
Wristbands are available at Byron Bank, the Chamber of Commerce, Felker Foods, Kelly Williamson Mobil, Snyder Pharmacy, Sterling Federal Bank, Merlin’s Greenhouse and Stillman Bank. A mega pass, which includes unlimited carnival rides and daily admission, is $65 at the gate or $55 in advance at the chamber office, 232 W. Second St., or at office@byronchamber.com. Children under seven years old are admitted free. For a full list of events, go to byronfest.org.