Homewood Throws Another Giant Block Party

HOMEWOOD, IL — The Village of Homewood will host its 11th annual Giant Block Party on Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event is on Martin Ave. between Ridge and Hickory Roads. This year's festival features the Pooch Parade and dog contest, live music from Mary Macaroni, Eric Lambert and Final Say, the first Homewood Liar, Liar Contest, balloon art, ice cream eating contest and more.Homewood Science Center will also be presenting a Pop UP SCIENCE interactive activity.

"As a dog owner and a Homewood resident this is one of my favorite festivals of the year," said Mayor Rich Hofeld. "Summer is a wonderful time to spend outdoors with neighbors and reconnect. This Block Party captures the essence of summer all in one day!"

Homewood's Block Party starts off on the right paw with the dog contest and parade at 11 a.m. A panel of judges from the community will oversee the dog contest and award the three prizes: Best Trick, Most Humorous Costume and Best in Parade. Check in is at 10 a.m. and the Pooch Parade steps off at 11 a.m. for a tail-wagging good time. Advanced registration is required by August 15 and application is atwww.HomeSweetHomewood.com.

New this year is the Liar, Liar contest from 12 to 1:30 p.m. sponsored by the HomewoodPublic Library. Competitors will have five minutes to tell the biggest and most convincing lie they can, without the use of materials or props. Space is limited to 10 contestants and the contest is open to anyone, age 18 and above, and you do not have to be a Homewoodresident. Judges will score the contestants and determine who is the best Liar, Liar! Applications are available at the Homewood Public Library.

The Homewood Science Center is on hand for an interactive Pop Up SCIENCE activity from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring Homewood-Flossmoor resident and Behavioral Science Professor Nicholas Epley from the University of Chicago. Professor Epley specializes in the study of social cognition, perspective taking and intuitive human judgement. He will be on hand for an interactive demonstration of his work, providing an intimate peek into what makes humans tick and click with one another.

Balloon artist Mary Macaroni makes her Homewood debut from 12 to 3 p.m. Macaroni entertainers the younger set with amazing balloon creations, music, witty banter and more. Additional kid activities include ice cream eating contest, sponsored by Homewood's Dairy Queen and a water balloon toss contest.

A block party needs good music and Eric Lambert rocks out from 2 to 4 p.m. and Final Say, part of the Maggie Speaks band from 5 to 8 p.m. Lambert was a "2015 Chicago Music Awards winner, is a renowned flatpicker who delivers his original elixir of feel-good Americana infused with bluegrass, blues, rock, and soul. Final Say, part of the Maggie Speaks band, performs vibrant and extensive repertoire of songs that range from the latest Top 40 hits to the classics.

Food vendors include local favorites such as The Cottage, Wiley's Grill, Fratello's Cafe & Deli and the Homewood Dairy Queen.

Homewood's Giant Block Party is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.HomeSweetHomewood.com or 708-798-300.