The free Colton Dixon concert was extremely popular with guests of many music types. Photo by WBGL Radio.
BagelFest had yet again another great year for the local residents and guests from outside the residential lines. The local favorite festival returned with three new artists, who were featured Thursday to Saturday. Music types ranging from christian to country and even the resurfacing of old rock stars ‘Queen’ tribute band. Complimenting the concerts and high volume of guests attending, there was enough food and tickets to go around.
The BagelFest fair has been a local tradition to the residents of Mattoon for more than 30 years. In a Mattoon exploration article, BagelFest originated from the first ever BagelFest in 1986 for the 50th anniversary of Lender’s Bagels, which became a fan favorite brand across the US. This was a huge staple for the residents of Coles County and surrounding counties. BagelFest is a nationwide celebration, often celebrated on the east coast in places like New York and New Jersey.
Parts of the local festivities focus on family fun for all, including, but not limited to, carnival games and rides. The traditional festival branded a few carnival rides that have been around since the early 2000s, allowing the younger generation to also form their own traditions with the carnival. It lasted four days and four nights with an event parade. The carnival has also started being more small business friendly, including more family owned businesses and gaining them monetary value, as well as the carnival games and rides.
Reviews from the previous years’ concerts reflect on how the community enjoys the summer fun. “Rocket Man was amazing!!! I really hope you bring him back next year! Thanks for bringing in such wonderful entertainment!!,” wrote community member Tammy Scott, on the festival in 2022.
Not only has bagelfest become a staple in the lives of eastern Illinois residents but it has also shown the talent and beauty of those within it. BagelFest supports a pageantry program that has different age categories depending on the child. Four new queens were crowned this year, starting with Hadlee Barr, 14, crowned Miss Teen BagelFest 2023. Barr wore a shockingly beautiful green gown that sparkled along with her other queens. Barr will also be attending Mattoon High School this fall semester as a freshman, she is also a member of the student council, National Junior Honor Society and the high school cheer team.
Lillian Thompson, 13, was crowned Junior Miss BagelFest. Thompson will also be joining Barr in her freshman year of high school, matching her teen crowned counterpart in other school activities. Miss Pre-teen BagelFest crowned winner Kamrynn Brown, 9, who will be starting her final year as an elementary student. Lastly, the youngest school age group, Little Miss BagelFest was given to Ava Young, 8. Her parents, Chris and Lyndsey Young, say she will be in the third grade in the fall.
The BagelFest pageant winners are not chosen strictly based on their beauty and dress choices. They are also asked a series of questions and asked to explain their answer. This allows the girls to show their own talent and personality within the pageant in their search for the crown. A question that was featured this year was ‘If you were any Disney character, who would you be and why?’.
BagelFest this year was all around a great turn out for the queens who both participated and won, as well as the artists who performed for the community. This festival happens every July, and the communities surrounding it look forward to it even more each year.
