Genoa Days queen Kristin Orozco (left) and king T.C. Holterhaus, wave and throw candy to the crowd during the parade for the 74th annual Genoa Days in downtown Genoa, Ill. on June 20, 2009. This year's king and queen will be selected on Wednesday night at 8pm. Photo by Curtis Clegg.

The 76th Annual Genoa Days starts this Wednesday, June 15th and runs through Saturday, June 18th. Visit Genoa this week for great family fun including carnival rides, parades and live music.

The four-day long festival kicks off Wednesday with a DJ playing downtown from 6-10pm and the annual king and queen contest beginning at 6pm on the main stage.

Thursday’s fun includes The Safehouse Band playing live on stage from 7-10pm. Kids Wristband Night for the carnival rides is also on Thursday.

On Friday, Stroker Red plays classic country music from 6:30 to 9:30pm. There will be Fireworks at Chamberlain Park starting about 10pm, after the close of the carnival for the evening. The rain date for Fireworks is on Saturday, June 18th at the same time if needed.

Brett’s Run/Walk – 5K will begin at 8:30am on Saturday at the Genoa-Kingston High School.  Brett’s Run was created by Lauren, the sister of  Brett Kubasiak, a young boy who was tragically killed in the area in an auto accident in 1997. Brett’s Run Genoa Days 5K raises funds to create and maintain the Brett Kubasiak Scholarship Fund. Graduating members of the Genoa-Kingston School District qualify to receive funds from the account.  A 4H Children’s Pet Show will take place on the stage at 10:30am on Saturday.

The Genoa Days Parade marches through downtown Genoa starting at 1pm on Saturday. Come out and see this unique small town parade with the family. After the parade, from 2pm to 5:30pm, take the kids to the carnival where it’s Kids Wristband Afternoon.

Don’t miss the Fire Department Water Fights at 4:30pm on N. Genoa Street. All Fire Departments are invited to participate. Wrapping up Genoa Days will be the band No Dice, playing 60′s and 70′s Classic Rock on stage from 7pm to 10pm Saturday.

Rides are provided by Skinner Amusements and Bingo is held by the Genoa Lions Club. Bingo will be held nightly starting at 6pm and after the parade on Saturday. Please support Genoa’s local merchants who will be open during normal daytime hours. The festival is sponsored by the Genoa Fire Department and all funds benefit the fire district.