Day Of The Immigrant Could Draw 15,000 To Bolingbrook Saturday

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The 9th annual Day of the Immigrant is expected to draw more than 15,000 people to Bolingbrook Saturday. Taking place at the Bolingbrook Arts Center, the event will happen at the same place and same time as the village's End of Summer carnival.

The Day of the Immigrant event, put on by the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project, seeks to champion the suburban immigrant community while empowering their voices. This year's event will focus on citizenship for immigrants.

The event will also have a focus on immigrants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (or DACA) status, since the Supreme Court is slated to rule on the constitutionality of the President Obama-era order this fall. For the first time in Day of the Immigrant history, the festival will host a citizenship and DACA renewal workshop.

There will be testimonials from DACA-status persons and other community members, and the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project will award three immigrant kids with a scholarship.

Entertainment options at the event include live music, including native and folkloric music styles from immigrant communities, as well as dance recitals and other art exhibits.

This year's Day of the Immigrant will happen at the same time and location as the Bolingbrook End of Summer Carnival. The events are coordinating with each other to provide entertainment and cultural attractions for all visitors. (The immigrant event is free while the carnival requires a daily wristband.)

The Day of the Immigrant event will take place from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Rd. For more information, click here.