On June 21st, 1853 the town known (at the time) as Kankakee Depot was voted the official government seat for newly-founded Kankakee County. Shortly thereafter, such time-revered city landmarks as the courthouse were established creating its downtown.

One hundred years later, quite a bit of fanfare was held by local citizens, businesses, and organizations throughout the streets of that same downtown in honor of the first Kankakee Centennial Celebration. 

The citizens of Kankakee Area have a lot to be proud of: an extremely rich cultural and economic heritage; a unique natural landscape courtesy of the Kankakee River; and a continuously developing history of outstanding community leaders.

Today, Kankakee continues as a breeding ground for creative genius, a growing hub for the arts, and a cornucopia of charitable hearts, famous for its uncanny ability to materialize respite in times of great need.

On Kankakee Day, citizens are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors, learn about local history, engage in community service projects, get involved with local happenings, attend local events, support local government, talk to local leaders, eat local cuisine, patronize local businesses, and most importantly of all Love Kankakee.