Know Before You Go: I Spy Summer Event
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
4 min read
(Know Before You Go is a feature of Everything Mahomet where we try to research and tell you the small details you need to know for community events. Feel free to go the Talk to Us page to let us know how we can do even better.)
The I Spy Summer at the Library is a unique, free family event that kicks off the summer season in Mahomet. It includes the I Spy Walk, a carnival with games and activities on the library lawn, and a free lunch for all participants.
When is it? 9 a.m., to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23rd
Where is it?
Mahomet Public Library West Lawn
1702 E Oak. St
Mahomet, IL 61853
What is an I-Spy Walk? The walk is a fun challenge that takes place along the bike trail between Barber Park and the library. Along the path are hidden four special picture book displays, and 150 other items. At each picture book display (marked by a small red bucket) walkers receive a sticker to prove they found it. Walkers who find all four displays win a free book when arrive back at the library.
Also hidden along the trail are 150 items of various sizes. This year, 50 robots, 50 socks and 50 monkeys will be hidden. Walkers receive a clipboard and a scorecard to keep track of how many of each they spot, and for their stickers. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and ends at the library.
Is the I Spy Walk only for kids? Absolutely not. People of all ages enjoy the challenge of trying to spot all of the hidden items, and join in for free lunch at the library.
How do participants get back and forth from Barber Park? The library provides two shuttle busses between the library grounds and Barber Park. They run non-stop throughout the event. The two busses are provided by MAYC and Mahomet-Seymour Schools as their contribution to the event.
Parking: Parking can be a challenge during this event. Parking is available at the library parking lot, and on the streets nearby, but it usually gets pretty crowded by about 10:30 a.m. One parking "hack" for this event is to park down at Barber Park, do the I Spy Walk first, then take the shuttle bus back to your car when you are done.
What else is there to do at the event? There is a carnival on the library grounds with
inflatables, face painting, bubbles, games and more. All of these activities are free. Families often find they stay several hours.
Did you say there is free lunch as well? Yes, starting at 11:00 a.m. a simple lunch of hot dogs, chips and water bottles is served for all present. Lunch is served until 1:30 or until supplies run out, whichever comes first.
Does anything cost money at this event? Ice Daddy's has traditionally brought their truck to the event, and sells shaved ice and ice cream treats at normal prices. This is the only place to spend money at I Spy Summer.
Helpful hints for bringing your family: Organizers recommend:
Bring strollers for the I Spy Walk due to the length.
Use sunblock before attending. There is not a lot of shade at the library.
Come early for the smallest crowds. Crowds usually trickle in slowly between 9 and 10 a.m., but it gets busier from there. Lines for the shuttle busses, as well as popular stations like face painting, tend to be shortest during the first hour
Consider staying in Mahomet this year. In addition to I Spy Summer on Saturday, the Parks & Rec Dept is hosting Summer Splash on Monday, May 25th. Between these two events, there is a lot for families right here in town.
Who organizes this event, and how is it funded? I Spy Summer is a cooperative event between the Friends of the Mahomet Public Library, Rotary Club of Mahomet, and local businesses. Business sponsorships cover all the costs of the event, allowing this event to be totally free for participants. Volunteers from the two clubs handle most of the work of the day, along with library staff members. For the first time this year, Fisher National Bank of Mahomet has signed on as a Presenting Sponsor, and you will also see lots of FNB staff helping out throughout the day. A full list of sponsors is at the bottom of the article.
Why should you attend the I Spy Summer at the Library
Take part in the unique I Spy Walk
Lot of fun activities at the library
Free lunch
Sign up for the MPL Summer Reading Program.
Business Sponsors
Thank you to the following businesses and organizations for their sponsorship of this great family activity,
Presenting Sponsor:
Fisher National Bank
Premiere Sponsors:
Tenet Wealth Partners
First State Bank of Forrest
Gold Sponsors:
Burgwald Eye Clinic
Mahomet Town & Country Women's Club
Walk Chiropractic
Needful Things
Two Roads Wellness Clinic
Eastwood Plaza
Silver Sponsors:
No Limits Fitness
Jack & Jeanne Campion
Margaret White
Filippo's Pizza
Farm Credit IL
