47th Annual Shermerfest Returns To Downtown Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — Shermerfest has been entertaining local residents since 1979, making it the second-oldest outdoor event in Northbrook. This year's 47th edition is planned for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, in Village Green Park.

The Northbrook Historical Society's annual fall festival is a "free, fun-filled, beloved family event," organizers tell Patch. Once again, Shermerfest will feature children's games, community groups, food and refreshments, a real blacksmith, mums for sale, live music, and more.

In addition, visitors can receive a tour of the Northbrook History Museum at 1776 Walters Ave., complete with a walkthrough of a circa 1900 home replica.

Sunday also marks the 25th year of the popular "Classic Northbrook" Car and Truck Display. Classic vehicles from all eras will be exhibited throughout the park. Awards will be given to the favorite vehicle. The Northbrook Classic CARavan leaves from the YMCA at 10:30 a.m., and makes its way through Covenant Living to Western Avenue, Cherry Lane, Church Street to Walters Avenue and into the park.

The 2025 Northbrook Rotary Duck race is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Shermerfest. A $10 donation will gets the buyer one duck in the race, a $25 donation gets a Quack Pack of three ducks in the race and a $100 donation gets a flock of 15 ducks in the race. The first place duck gets $1,000, second place is $500, and third place is $250. Duck numbers are sent a day or two before race time.

"We sell lots of tickets to make our goal so we can support the charitable work we do in our communities and in the world," organizers tell Patch. "You personally have a whole bunch of ducks itching to get in the race and we need you to get them sponsored."

The unique raffle, "Cow Pie Moo-lette," is also slated to return this year. Glenview's Wagner Farm is providing the "key participant" in this exciting event. A large grid will be painted onto the Village Green grass and if your square receives the Cow Pie, you win. Raffle tickets may be purchased on the Northbrook Historical Society's website.