Events held at Chaplin

Seasonal events like the Summer Harvest Festival and patriotic celebrations, including the Reading of the Declaration of Independence, offer food, entertainment, family-friendly fun, and popular attractions such as the Big Rig Show.

The Franklin Grove Summer Harvest Festival will take place August 1st & 2nd, 2026. In Chaplin Creek Village on Saturday from 9:30-4pm will be the Big Rig Show as well as 1776 Reenactors in the Chaplin Village, the buildings will be open for independent tours and Reenactor camps will be available to visit. Fresh Pies will be sold, and various vendors will be on site. There is a raffle for a commemorative blanket, one of a kind dog tags will be sold as well as lapel flag pins.

On Sunday August 2nd 10-4, the Reenactors will be showcasing more of the colonial ways of life and battling the British for Independence. A concession stand with Hot Dogs or Pulled pork sandwiches’ will be available for purchase. Admission is $5.00 and there is parking onsite both days.

Senator Li Arellano, Jr presented a Certificate of Recognition signed by the Illinois State Senate and the 104th General Assembly to Willard Simpson for his service in World War II. Willard (who is currently 101 yrs old) was a Combat Engineer, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, witnessed the bombing of Berlin, helped liberate the Jews from concentration camps, and served under General George S. Patton in the 28th Division, also known as the Bloody Bucket by the German soldiers. Mr. Simpson is a long-time resident of the Franklin Grove, Il area.  We are proud to Honor him and recognize his service to the nation during this 250th Anniversary year of our country.

Historic reenactments, including Revolutionary War and World War II events, bring the past to life with encampments, demonstrations, and interactive learning experiences.

Upcoming plans include rebuilding the wooden fence, restoring the Kelly House interior and upstairs, reconstructing a building into a nondenominational church, and hosting future events such as a WWII reenactment, music festivals, and a community 5K run.

Local artisans and vendors showcase their goods, creating lively marketplaces for the community while helping fund restoration projects.

Hands-on learning experiences, school tours, and interactive demonstrations provide opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore history, nature, and early life on the Illinois prairie.

The Scott Barn and select areas of the property are available for weddings, anniversaries, and private gatherings. Members can enjoy discounted rates, and each event supports the preservation of our historic site.