Last Day of Art and Garden Street Fair

HOMEWOOD, IL — Homewood proudly announces the 9th annual Downtown Homewood Art & Garden Street Fair, Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 on Martin Ave. between Ridge and Hickory Rd. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The 2016 Downtown Homewood Art & Garden Street Fair celebrates the beginning of summer with a wide variety of entertainment for all ages and musical tastes, hand-crafted artisan offerings from around Chicagoland, delicious samples of local food outlets and hands-on activities to engage and inspire all festival goers. The Downtown Homewood Art & Garden Street Fair is free and open to the public. There is ample free parking. More information at 708-798-3000 or visitwww.HomeSweetHomewood.com.

"Everyone looks forward to this festival as the start of summer," said community events manager Allisa Opyd. "School is out, the community is excited to gather together and we always craft this event to celebrate both of those things. We take care to choose the musicians and hand select the food and art vendors to make the Art & Garden Street Fair a wonderful party for everyone. This year we are especially excited to have the Homewood Science Center bring PopUP Science activities as well as to highlight some of the new breweries coming to our area."

The 2016 Downtown Homewood Art & Garden Street Fair boasts some of the best entertainment in the Chicagoland area. Chicago kindie musician Little Miss Ann (Friday) and Homewood's own Scribble Monsters (Saturday) will entertain the young set and parents alike. Headliners include Top 40 cover band Maggie Speaks (Friday) and lively Latin Satin Soul (Saturday). In between is an eclectic grouping of bands playing bluegrass, jazz, rock mash up (Sunnyside Up), folk and blues (Homewood's own Work In Progress) and tight power pop teen rock (Through the Flood), which recently performed at House of Blues and is comprised of all Homewood-Flossmoor students.

New to the festival is 'PopUP SCIENCE' presented by the Homewood Science Center. Museum of Science and Industry educator and board member, Patty Messersmith has planned fun hands-on activities for your whole family, including exploring plant dissections and investigating "all things butterfly." Look for the 'PopUp SCIENCE banner at the festival from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and explore, create and connect with environmental science.
Also new to the 2016 Festival is a celebration of our local breweries with a Craft Brew Tasting. Patrons over 21-years-old can sample unique brews from local craft brewers and learn from the brewers themselves how they cultivate their own special brew. Enjoy tastings unique ales from local breweries such as Vice District, One Trick Pony, Flossmoor Station Brewery and more.

Unique hands-on activities include the return of "Chalk of the Town", an open-air public chalk art event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday . Professional artist, Nancy Pochis Bank will recreate a famous work of art before patron's eyes using only the street and chalk. Individuals, families and friends can also create a work of art with the professional artists. Lasting only until the next raindrop, the environmentally friendly chalk will transform the asphalt and sidewalks into living artwork. All ages are welcome to create their own master piece. Each participant will receive a space and loaned artist chalk to create their artwork. Space is limited and is first come-first served.
Additional hands-on activities include kids crafts and garden art with local business Lou Lou Belle and art vendor Doughney Design. Crafts will take place on Friday, from 12p.m.to 5 p.m. or while supplies last.

Artists at the 2016 Downtown Homewood Art & Garden Street Fair include booths by Art Corner, Bayete Jewelry Collection, The Book Keepers Gifts & Home Decor, Cloud Nine Sterling, Doughney Design, Glassy Girls, Jean Insalaco, Koster Pottery, Lon's Granite Designs, LouLou Belle, Made Sew Happy, Margaret's Mosaics, Origami Owl, Plates 'N Such, Poppies, Thomas Photographic Services, Marc Fishman from Unshaven Comics,Village Artists, Vondell Designs, Zeldenrust Farm Market and more.

Food vendors include Bakewell Bakery, The Cottage on Dixie, Dunning's Gourmet Market,EmpanadUS, Fratello's Cafe & Deli, Fruit Blend Smoothies, Grady's Grille, La Voute Bistro + Bar, Tiddleywink Toffee, TJ's Kettle Corn and Wiley's Grill.