Homewood Fall Fest, Chili Cook-Off 2019: A Don't Miss

HOMEWOOD, IL — Join the Village of Homewood for its all-new 18th Annual Homewood Fall Fest 2019 Saturday, Sept. 28.

The new features include a People's Choice award for the annual Chili Cook-Off and cash prizes. This year also will boast a “spirited” pumpkin carving contest for individuals and for families, as well as organizations or businesses. There also will be a multiple bags tournament and a Safety Town bike race for kids.

Homewood also will be unveiling a new podcast and promotional videos.

Be sure to check out the live music from Crawford’s Daughter, Eric Lambert, and Marlon and the Shakes, and to see the enchanting horse-drawn wagon rides, an outdoor viewing of the 2019 version of “Aladdin” starring Will Smith, and Homewood's food and beverage vendors.

At the Chili Cook-Off, a “Homewood’s Top Chef” will be crowned and awards and cash prizes will be available for first, second and third place. All chefs entering the contest will receive a complimentary apron. The cook-off begins at 2 p.m., when a panel of celebrity judges sample the entries and determine the spicy winner. The cook-off sampling opens at 3 p.m. to the public for a small donation of $5, which benefits the Homewood Arts Council. Chili Cook-off entrees require advanced registration at www.HomeSweetHomewood.com. The deadline to enter is Sept. 23.

For the pumpkin contest, the squash will need to be carved in advance and submitted at Fall Fest between noon and 4 p.m. Judging takes place at 6 p.m., and a cash prize is awarded to the top three winners. The pumpkins will be on display for the remainder of Fall Fest.

Homewood Fall Fest 2019 will take place on Martin Ave. from Hickory to Ridge Road and is free and open to the public.

Kids activities at Homewood Fall Fest include a pumpkin patch for pumpkin decorating from 4 to 6 p.m. The Safety Town bike race will happen from noon to 4 p.m. and will allow kids to race on Hickory road for the chance to win a prize. A mechanical pony rides are also available. The outdoor movie “Aladdin” begins at dusk (around 6:45 p.m.). Attendees can also experience a charming tour of downtown Homewood on horse-drawn wagon rides from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The Village of Homewood presents Homewood Fall Fest 2019 Saturday, Sept. 28 from noon to 9 p.m. on Martin Ave. from Hickory to Ridge Road. Homewood Fall Fest is free and open to the public. There is transportation from Chicago on the Metra Electric and there is ample free parking, as well. For more information visit www.HomeSweetHomewood.com or call 708-798-3000.

Homewood Fall Fest Schedule of Events
12 - 4 p.m. Safety Town Bike Race and Mechanical Pony Ride
12:30 p.m. Bags Tournament begins
1 - 3 p.m. Crawford’s Daughter (BAND)
2 p.m. Chili Cook-Off Judging
3 - 5 p.m. Public Chili Cook-Off Sampling
4 - 6 p.m. Pumpkin Patch Opens
4 - 6 p.m. Eric Lambert (BAND)
6 p.m. Pumpkin Carving Contest
6 - 8:30 p.m. Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
6:30 p.m. Unveiling of Homewood Podcast and Videos
6:45 p.m.“Aladdin” outdoor Movie
7 - 9 p.m. Marlon and the Shakes (BAND)

Homewood Fall Fest 2019 is sponsored by the Community Relations Committee and Payroc.