Harvard Milk Day Association

They even have a «Bean Bag Toss» sponsored by Taco Bell. One great way to salute the 50% Hispanic population in Harvard

I’m about to tell you a secret… Harvard Milk Days.
About an hour and a half, maybe two hours, north west of Chicago close to the Wisconsin state line, you’ll find a small town called Harvard. Every year in late spring/​early summer the entire town celebrates what is known as Harvard Milk Days. It started off in 1942 as a small celebration honoring dairy farmers but today has grown into a month of festivities, contests, and celebrations. It is the longest running festival in Illinois. The milk, the dairy industry’s contribution and tradition continue to be the foundation for the festival.
The festivities and contests include Antique Tractor Show, Bed Races (a must see!), Car and Bike Show, Prince and Princess Contest, Harvard Milk Day Queen Contest, Milk Run/​Walk, Outdoor Grilling Competition, Carnival and more!
One of the events that I didn’t mention yet is the Milk Days Parade. The parade always takes place on the first Saturday in June rain or shine. The parade route is painted white — to symbolize milk, of course! The parade brings hundreds of thousands of people from all over to town. It’s great for a wide range of ages. The children love seeing how much candy they can collect, the teens enjoy the freedom from their parents as they walk along the parade route and the adults enjoy the many parties and boozing.
If you’re looking for a small road trip to take this summer, this has got to be it! Even if you’re not from Harvard, just show up during the first weekend in June… the people of this town will welcome you with open arms, plenty of kegs and will not let you leave disappointed!
For all the other events I listed check out the website for info on registration and dates.
And of course, if you decide it’s for you, let me know!

Ahhh Milk Days. Just the only real tradition Harvard has ever had. If you have EVER lived in Harvard, you know all too much about this fabulous tradition.
Through the years, Milk Days has gone from me being a child and LOVING the parade, so I can collect as much candy as possibly, and then hitting up the carnival! To my pre-​teen years of absolutely needing a wristband for the friday night zipper rides, to my late teens and current, of partying my ass off!
During the first weekend of June, you can expect hundreds of thousands of people to come through town, literally hundreds of house parties, and dozens upon dozens of friendly faces. Milk Days is AMAZING!
Milk Days is the longest running festival in Illinois. and… ah, well, just check out the web page…
Me loves me some milk days :)