T&C Giant Parade - Sat. Sept 20th - 1pm
Pet Parade - Sat. Sept 20th - 10am
scroll below to register for either parade
"Lights, Rides, and Small Town Nights"
is the 2025 theme.
This should be a very fun parade with a lot of variety!
The Town & Country Days Parade is still one of the biggest draws for our festival and the streets are lined with people every year! Town & Country Days President Bill Kittinger organizes the parade each year and our local businesses have a very healthy competition with their floats for winning the "big" prize. The parade begins at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 20th, this year. Candy is abundant and kids of all ages bring their bags to load up. After all, who doesn't love a good parade? Be sure to stick around Saturday for a FREE concert featuring Confederate Railroad!
Scroll below to register
2025 Grand Marshall
C. Mart Watson
C. Mart Watson, Jr., a lifelong Eldorado, Illinois native, is our parade’s esteemed Grand Marshal. Born to C. Mart Watson, Sr. and Mary Lou Watson, C. Mart graduated from Eldorado Township High School in 1966 as Senior Class President, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University in 1970 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1973. C. Mart began his career as Saline County Assistant State’s Attorney before opening his Eldorado law practice in 1975. In 1976, he co-founded the Law Offices of Watson and Murphy, still thriving today. He has served as Eldorado City Attorney for 50 years and Chief Counsel for the Saline Valley Conservancy District for 45 years. A dedicated community leader, C. Mart is a 50-year member and past president of the Eldorado Rotary Club, recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He helped found and led Eldorado Teen Center Inc., securing funds for a community building now home to the Eldorado Police Department and Community Center. He also served as past president of Main Street Eldorado, Inc., Saline County Bar Association, and the Eldorado Unit 4 School Board (5 years as president). Currently, he leads the Saline County Tourism Board and serves on the River to River Trail Society. Married to Beverly Watson, C. Mart is a proud father of two, grandfather of two, and great-grandfather of five. His unwavering commitment to Eldorado makes him a true hometown hero.
Parade Line Up is at 11:30am
at the former Clearwave building on Fourth Street near the Colonial Terrace Funeral Home.
2025 Theme: "Lights, Rides, and Small Town Nights"
**All horses need to have a diaper**
All parade entries will be judged during the parade from the stage.
Plaques will be presented at the stage immediately following the parade.
Trophies are given in each of the following categories:
antique units
band or marching units
church or youth groups
equestrian units (all horses must have diaper)
in-town civic
school group or club
out-of-town civic
in-town business
out-of-town business
Grand Prize Winner
We look forward to your entry and participation in this year's parade.
To enter simply fill out the form below or click link
forms due by September 5th via online, mail, or email.
Bill Kittinger, Parade Chairman
3305 Cottonwood Rd
Eldorado, IL 62930
Pet Parade and Costume Contest
Hosted by Stiltmore Kennels
Saturday September 20th - 10:00am
Line up at 9:30am
in front of the main stage downtown Eldorado at the 5 way
Online Registration
Awards Include the Following:
Most Original
Crowd Favorite
Best in Show
Pets will be divided into the categories of dogs and other, with the dogs being split into the groups small, medium, and large.
Adult and youth handlers will be separate as well
Placing awards will be given in each category
All youth will receive a goody bag to take home
Pet Parade will take place after the contest
Registration Forms are Due by September 15th
We ask that all pets please be kept on a leash or held, no running free. Eldorado Town & Country Days and Stiltmore Kennels will not be held liable for any damages or injury to persons or animals, all individuals are responsible for themselves and their pets. We reserve the right to make changes to the event based on the amount and variety of entries received.
Town & Country Days VIP Sponsors:
