Momence History Museum

Momence History MuseumMomence History MuseumMomence History Museum

Momence History Museum

Momence History MuseumMomence History MuseumMomence History Museum
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  • More
    • Home
    • Exhibits
      • 1908 Temperance Movement
      • Gladiolus Festival
      • Kist Soda Bottling
      • Dairy
      • Astle's Hardware
      • W. J. Dixon Cafe
      • P&K - Pachner & Koller
      • Styles Hardware
      • Ruger's Harness Shop
      • Lieutenant Pat O'Brien
    • Resources
      • Graham Historic House
      • Graham House Archives
      • Genealogy Resources
      • Famous People of Momence
      • Historic Homes of Momence
      • Discover Historic Momence
  • Home
  • Exhibits
  • Resources

Momence Gladiolus Festival - Since 1938

Perhaps nothing is more synonymous with Momence than the annual Gladiolus Festival - a staple of Momence since 1938.  The festival was the brainchild of Roy G. Hess who presented the idea at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in 1937.   The first festival was held in 1938 and featured a flower show, antique display, floral parade, children's parade, band concert and pageant which are still staples of the event more than 80 years later!


A formal association to organize the festival was established in 1938 and the event continued to grow each year.  1939 saw the addition of a boat pageant on the river, 1940 saw the addition of drum and bugle corps, and 1947 saw the first window-decorating competition.  Today it is a 5-day event which features live music and artistic performances, 5K run, carnivals, car shows, flea, craft and antique markets, raffles, tractor pulls, 3 parades, food, drink and so much more!  The festival attracts more than 7,500 visitors each year as well as being a center point of class reunions and family gatherings.


Through the years, the festival has received national and international renown. It is commemorated on a collector's whiskey bottle, and in 1983 Ova Parish, in her capacity as festival chairman, was invited to the Netherlands to meet with Queen Beatrix.  

Photo Gallery

2022 Glad Fest Logo

Credit: Momence Gladiolus Festival Association

    OTHER RESOURCES

    Graham Historic House

    Edward Chipman Library

    Edward Chipman Library

    A  complete copy of the original 1938 Glad Fest Brochure is available below courtesy of the Graham Historic House/Nancy Porter

    1938 Brochure

    Edward Chipman Library

    Edward Chipman Library

    Edward Chipman Library

    Online Archives of Glad Fest Memorabilia

    Online Archives

    Glad Fest Association

    Edward Chipman Library

    Glad Fest Association

    The Glad Fest website provides historical information including a listing of all of its presidents since 1938

    Glad Fest Association

    Momence History Museum

    PO Box 221, Momence, Illinois 60954, United States

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