Bethalto Homecoming Draws Crowds for Nostalgic Family-Friendly Fun

Bethalto Homecoming 2026

BETHALTO - The Bethalto Volunteer Fire Department welcomed an impressive crowd to the 107th Bethalto Homecoming.

From Sept. 4–7, 2026, the homecoming offered a carnival, vendors, live music and plenty more fun to enjoy. The event serves as a fundraiser for the fire department. Riverbend residents enjoyed the homecoming tradition and look forward to another great event next year.

“I think the community really enjoys this because it’s a time to get together,” said volunteer Christine Grant. “They get to have fun with their family. I’ve grown up in this town, so it brings a lot of memories back. I just love seeing all the kids enjoy themselves.”

Derek Mormino, president of the Bethalto Volunteer Fire Department Association, echoed Grant. He noted that the homecoming started during World War I as a way to welcome home 17 Bethalto veterans. Over 100 years later, it has remained a meaningful opportunity to bring people together.

Mormino admitted that organizing the festivities can be a lot of work, but it’s always enjoyable to see the town turn out. He thanked partners like Luehr’s Ideal Rides and other vendors who come together to support the fire department and the community.

“I enjoy doing it every year,” he said. “It has been a lot of work, but it’s nice to see the final product come together with all the vendors in here, the partnership with Luehr’s that we’ve had for 50-plus years. I’m just a small part of that. Getting everybody together, seeing the community come out and support us — this is our only fundraiser for the fire department for the year, so it’s nice to see everybody come out and enjoy themselves.”

The money raised goes toward the fire department’s work in the community. The volunteer firefighters use the homecoming’s proceeds to buy equipment and tools they need for the job. It means a lot to Mormino to see so many people supporting them.

The homecoming is nostalgic for many attendees, some of whom have been coming since they were children. Taylor Wamboldt said that she grew up attending the Bethalto Homecoming. She looks forward to sharing that tradition with her own children.

“I’ve been coming out since I was a little girl, and now I get to bring my daughter,” she said. “It’s always a fun time. We always listen to the band and we can’t go home without a fish sandwich.”

While the homecoming has passed this year, the fire department will soon begin working to plan the 2027 event. Grant, a longtime volunteer, can’t wait to be back in the thrall of the Bethalto Homecoming once again.

“I really love seeing all the kids’ faces whenever they get on the rides. I love listening to all the different bands we have. The food is great. I love getting all the different foods like funnel cakes, fried Oreos, lemon shakeups,” she said. “The whole fire department really does put together a really good event for all the community and the Riverbend area.”

For more information about the Bethalto Homecoming, or to inquire about next year, visit the official Bethalto Fire Department Facebook page.