Homewood Fall Fest Returns Sept. 17

HOMEWOOD, Ill. — Homewood residents are invited to welcome autumn during the town's annual Fall Fest, set for Saturday, Sept. 17.

The celebration on Martin Ave. from Hickory to Ridge Road, to be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., features live music for all ages including Chicago’s “kiddie” rocker Ralph’s World, Homewood’s own folk and blues collective Work In Progress and the festive beats of Latin Satin Soul. In addition, Homewood’s “Top Chef” is crowned in the annual Chili Cook-Off. There is an annual scarecrow decorating contest, enchanting horse-drawn wagon rides, an outdoor viewing of “Hotel Transylvania 2,” food and beverage vendors and more. The Homewood Science Center is also hosting a Pop Up Science event, “HF’s Life Aquatic.”

“Fall is a beautiful time of year to be outside with friends in Homewood and Fall Fest is a wonderful way for the community to come together,” said Mayor Rich Hofeld. “It features all the best the season has to offer including a delicious Chili Cook-Off contest that shows off our creative chefs, lively music, the innovative scarecrow decorating competition, unique artists and kids activities. Fall Fest is a don’t-miss event in my book.”

The Homewood Science Center is presenting the Pop Up SCIENCE activity “HF’s Life Aquatic” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Led by Homewood residents and University of Chicago marine biologists Cathy Pfister and Tim Wootton, participants will explore the rich biodiversity teeming in neighborhood creeks and waterways. They will also demonstrate how and why those life systems are in trouble and what residents can do to help. A teaser tent is at the Homewood Fall Fest and the Pop Up SCIENCE activity will take place at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Hwy.

Homewood Fall Fest kicks off the live music from noon to 2 p.m. with Ralph’s World, created by Ralph Covert, an accomplished indie rocker, songwriter, playwright, and children’s book author. Homewood’s own Work In Progress (W.I.P) plays its original folk and bluegrass favorites from 3 to 5 p.m. The W.I.P band features guitar, mandolin, harmonica, lap steel, banjo and dobro. Latin Satin Soul closes the evening with its lively sound that includes everything from Motown to Salsa from 7 to 10 p.m.

The annual tradition of the Chili Cook-off crowns “Homewood’s Top Chef” for both professional and amateur cooks. The contest begins at 2 p.m. when a panel of judges will sample the entries and determine the spicy winner. Fall Fest attendees will get to sample the entrees themselves at 3 p.m. Chili Cook-off entrees require advanced registration at www.HomeSweetHomewood.com

Kids activities at Homewood Fall Fest include a pumpkin patch for pumpkin decorating, face painting and more. The ever-popular Mr. D’s magic show amazes the crowd from 2 to 4 p.m. A petting zoo and pony rides are available from noon to 4 p.m. and the pumpkin patch is open for creative decorations from 4 to 6 p.m. This year the outdoor movie “Hotel Transylvania 2” begins at dusk (around 7:30 p.m.) Attendees can also experience a charming tour of downtown Homewood on horse-drawn wagon rides from 6 to 9 p.m.

Homewood Fall Fest 2016 also features the annual scarecrow decorating contest. Interested residents can pick up their scarecrow from the Homewood Public Works Department located at 17755 Ashland Avenue and use their creativity to decorate it. Space is limited to 50 contestants. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place. After Fall Fest, the scarecrows are placed around the downtown area, showing off Homewood’s unique creative style. The contest is hosted by the Village along with the Homewood Beautification Committee.

The event also includes a wide variety of unique artisan vendors presenting home goods, vintage finds, and more. In addition, local caricaturist artist Ernest Posey will be set up ready to sketch family and friends. Fest participants will also experience a “taste of Homewood” with local food vendors such as Aurelio’s Pizza, The Cottage on Dixie, Fratello’s Cafe and Deli, Grady’s Grille, La Voute Bistro & Bar, Ridgewood Tap, 5th Quarter and Press Room Eatery and more.

Homewood Fall Fest 2016 is free and open to the public. The Fest is steps from the Metra Electric line and there is ample free parking as well. For more information visit www.HomeSweetHomewood.com or call 708-798-3000.

• 11 a.m. Judging Scarecrow Contest (Winner announced at noon)
• 12 to 2 p.m. Ralph’s World
• 12 to 4 p.m. Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
• 2 to 4 p.m. Mr. D’s Magic Show
• 4 to 6 p.m. Pumpkin Patch Opens
• 3 to 5 p.m. Work In Progress
• 6 to 9 p.m. Horse Drawn Wagon
• 7 to 10 p.m. Latin Satin Soul
• Dusk -9:30 p.m. Hotel Transylvania 2