Carthage ~ The schedule for the Hancock County Independence Day weekend has been set with 2 bands on Saturday, July 2, 2022, for the Annual Street Dance on Main located one block west of the square. Gates open at 7 PM with “Fast and Easy,” the “reunion” of a band that originated from Carthage High School in 1986-87.  Scheduled to perform are Jimmy Gelhaar, Clayton Huston, Rick Bentzinger, and Travis Wilhite.

At approximately 8:30 PM, “SOUTH 35”, a popular hard rocking country band based in Des Moines, will take the stage, and play until midnight.  “SOUTH 35” mainly performs new country with a mixture of classic rock.  Travis Wilhite, originally from Carthage, is the drummer for “SOUTH 35”. The dance is the major fundraiser for the annual fireworks display in Carthage.

Monday, July 4, 2022, will be a full day of activities on the square in Carthage with a 10 AM Independence Day Parade, NOON Presentation of Colors, afternoon entertainment, games, activities, and FIREWORKS AT DUSK near Illini West High School.  Food and other vendors will be available all day.