Illini West High School Announces Homecoming 2026 Parade and Celebration Details

 

CARTHAGE, IL — The 2026 Illini West Homecoming is quickly approaching! The Illini West High School Student Council invites local businesses, community organizations, and area residents to celebrate Homecoming 2026 with this year’s theme, "Where the Party Never Ends."

 

The annual Homecoming parade will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026. Parade participants will line up at 4:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot (located at the intersection of Washington and Walnut Streets) before proceeding west down Main Street toward the Carthage Square. The parade will officially begin at 4:30 p.m.

 

Directly following the parade, a community pep rally will be held on the Carthage Square. The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced on the north steps of the Hancock County Courthouse during the rally. Later that evening, the Illini West Chargers will face off against Hamilton/Warsaw in the Homecoming football game.

 

Parade Entry & Registration Information

 

Community members, clubs, and local entities wishing to enter a float, car, or walking group in the parade must submit an entry form prior to the event. Participants are asked to leave room during lineup for the Illini West Marching Band and the Homecoming Court.

 

To register, submit the following details via email, mail, or fax:

 

• Name of Group/Organization:

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• Contact Person:

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• Phone Number:

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• Email Address:

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• Type of Entry (e.g., walking group, car, float):

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Submissions can be directed to:

 

Attn: Melissa Sturlic

 

Illini West High School

 

600 Miller St., Carthage, IL 62321

 

Email: melissasturlic@illiniwest.org

 

Fax: 217-357-3569

 

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