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By Mark Constance
ST. HELEN — The 76th Annual St. Helen Bluegill Festival will return Thursday, July 9, 2026, through Sunday, July 12, 2026,July 9-12 with family fun, live music, contests, carnival rides, parades, vendors and community events.
Thursday, July 9
The festival opens Thursday with the Kid’s Parade at 5 p.m. Line up/Start behind Hen House Restaurant. The parade ends at Festival – Kids may walk or ride bikes – Patriotic Theme. ‘
Opening Ceremony and vendors open with the VFW & AM Legion at 6 p.m., followed by a softball Game at 6:15 p.m.. The Beverage Pavilion (LOCALS NIGHT), Family Fun Tyme Carnival, Shredder Monster Ride Truck, Cornhole Tournament Sign up/Event Details, LimeLight Live Band and Contests, Giveaways, 50/50 are also planned Thursday.
Friday, July 10
Special Needs – All Inclusive day from 10 a.m. to noon. Vendors Open at 12:00 PM. The day will also include Horseshoe Tournament Sign up/Event Details, Cornhole Tournament Sign up/Event Details, the Beverage Pavilion, Family Fun Tyme Carnival, Shredder Monster Ride Truck, Kids Sand Drag, Show and Shine, Cornhole Tournament, LimeLight Live Band and Contests, Giveaways, 50/50.
Saturday, July 11
Free Family Fun Day Games from 10 a.m. to noon in the Beverage Pavilion. Vendors Open at noon. Other Saturday events include the Beverage Pavilion, Family Fun Tyme Carnival, Shredder Monster Ride Truck, Horseshoe Tournament, Mud Bog and Sand Drags, A Little Reckless Live Band and Contests, Giveaways, 50/50.
Sunday, July 12
Car & Motorcycle Show Registration ($10 Fee) and Breakfast at Community Center from 8-11 a.m. The Car & Motorcycle Show Community Center runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grand Parade Line Up at Charlton Heston Academy begins at noon. No registration, just show up. Families and Businesses are welcome!
The Grand Parade begins at 1 p.m.. Parade route begins at Charlton Heston Academy moving through town on North St. Helen Road to East Airport Road ending at Festival. Sunday will also include Vendors Open, the Beverage Pavilion, Family Fun Tyme Carnival, Shredder Monster Ride Truck, Car Show Awards, Bluegill Pinewood Derby Race, Awards Ceremony for all festival event/activities and the Bluegill Festival Raffle Drawing.
The schedule is tentative and subject to change.
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