Homewood Rail Fest: What To Know If You Go

HOMEWOOD, IL - A wide display of model trains and train collectibles will take over Downtown Homewood on Saturday, May 19. Homewood Rail Fest is planned for the H-F Park District Auditorium and Martin Avenue Square from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. that day and will include a new science hands-on exploration from the Homewood Science Center.

One-man band MG Bailey will sing folk railroad songs and kids crafts will also be available at the 14th annual festival, which is free and open to anyone.

Inside the H-F Park District Auditorium will be intricate multiple gauge train layouts and kids activities including crafts, train puzzles and coloring train cut-outs, according to a news release from the village of Homewood.

In a tent at Martin Avenue Square, across the street from the Auditorium, train memorabilia vendors showcase one-of-a kind collections of antique trains, model trains and items associated with all things train.

MG Bailey will perform his songs in the square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendors stationed at the square will include Bakewell Bakery, Dairy Queen, EmpanadUS and LaVoute Bistro and Bar. Martin Avenue Square bakewell will be inside the auditorium and there will be a taco food truck.

New to the festival, the Homewood Science Center will present PopUp SCIENCE “Simple Machines” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. over at 18022 Dixie Highway. The hands-on exploration will explore how Mi-Jack’s modern, sophisticated products were influenced by concepts from simple machines invented in the 3rd Century B.C.

“Our 125th Anniversary is a great time to also celebrate our rich rail history,” Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld said. “If it weren’t for the railroad, Homewood wouldn’t exist and be the creative and welcoming community it is. We are happy to have people from all over visit us using the convenient the Metra Electric train line."

The village and the Homewood Rail Committee worked to put together the festival, which will also feature a rail watching platform next to the Homewood Metra station and a newly restored interior of Illinois Central caboose 9426.

Photo courtesy of the Village of Homewood