By Patrick Baron

CULLOM – Cullom’s annual homecoming celebration is next week and the historic event has a number of festivities planned for the weekend.

2018 marks Cullom’s 126th Annual Homecoming and the 71st Jr. Fair. The homecoming celebrations begin August 9 and continue through August 11, while the Jr. Fair runs August 10-11. Judy Ehlers with Citizens for Cullom told WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner the celebrations begin with the traditional hot air balloon show, which has national historic value as well.

“It’s just been a tradition and we want to keep that tradition going,” said Ehlers. “We are the longest running hot air balloon show in America.”

Ehlers added the festivities will be capped off with a fireworks display.

“Saturday night, that ends our homecoming and we have a big, beautiful display behind the high school,” Ehlers said.

Ehlers said there will also be raffles people can participate in to potentially win a number of prizes. One of those raffles will include a quilt made by members of the library.

“They have a quilt that they raffle off and they sell tickets and then they draw the winner on Saturday night at 9,” Ehlers explained. “Our Citizens for Cullom raffle sell tickets all three nights and they draw on Friday and Saturday night, so [there’s two chances] to winning for that one.”

More information on the Annual Homecoming and Jr. Fair activities can be found at www.cullomillinois.com.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].