street at the 2014 Fall Fest. The band will perform again
at this year’s event.
After a summer of construction work, Martin Avenue has a new look and new features, finished in time to host the village’s annual fall festival.
Hofeld congratulates a
Chili Cook-Off winner at
the 2014 Fall Fest.
Residents can mark the changing season at the village’s annual Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on Martin Avenue from Hickory to Ridge Road. Spring and summer festivals took place on Hickory Road while the new streetscape was being built on Martin.
The 14th annual celebration features live music for all ages, the traditional Chili Cook-off to crown “Homewood’s Top Chef,” the second annual scarecrow decorating contest, enchanting horse-drawn wagon rides and an outdoor viewing of “Monster University.”
was a big hit at the 2014
Fall Fest. The contest returns
this year.
“Homewood Fall Fest is a wonderful way for the community to come together one last time before the cold winds blow,” said Mayor Rich Hofeld. “From the delicious chili cook-off contest that shows off our creative chefs to the lively music and kids activities, Fall Fest is a unique and fun event. This year will be especially nice with all the changes that have happened to Homewood’s downtown streetscape.”
The event opens at 11 a.m. and the entertainment kicks off at noon with Chicago kiddie-rocker Super Stolie. Music continues with classic rock by Midnight from 3 to 6 p.m. and Latin Satin Soul closes the evening with its lively sound from 7 to 10 p.m.
Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities from a pumpkin patch for pumpkin decorating to face painting and a tinkering space provided by the Homewood Science Center. The ever-popular Mr. D’s magic show amazes the crowd from 2 to 4 p.m. This year the outdoor movie “Monsters University” by Disney Pixar begins at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can also experience a charming tour of downtown Homewood on the horse-drawn wagon rides from 6 to 9 p.m.
The annual tradition of the Chili Cook-off crowns “Homewood’s Top Chef” for both professional and amateur cooks. Judging will begin at 2 p.m. Fall Fest attendees can sample the entrees themselves at 3 p.m. Chili Cook-off entrees require advanced registration at www.HomeSweetHomewood.com
at times during the 2014
Fall Fest, but this living statue
from the Theatre Arts
Leadership Kouncil (TALK)
gets a little help from a
colleague.
The scarecrow decorating contest is back by popular demand. Interested residents can pick up their scarecrow from the Homewood Public Works Department, 17755 Ashland Ave., and use their creativity to decorate it. Space is limited to 50 contestants. As of Friday, Sept. 4, about 20 scarecrow frames remained. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place. All scarecrows are used after Fall Fest to decorate the downtown area and show off Homewood’s unique creative style.
The festival will also include a wide variety of unique artisan vendors presenting home goods, vintage finds, fine arts and more. In addition, local caricaturist Ernest Posey will be set up ready to sketch family and friends.
Food vendors will include The Cottage on Dixie, Grady’s Grille, Cilantro, 5th Quarter, Ridgewood Tap, TJ Kettle Corn, Tiddleywink Toffee and more.
Schedule of events:
- 11 a.m. | Fall Fest opens
- Noon to 1 p.m. | Super Stolie (kiddie rock)
- Noon to 4 p.m. | Pony rides and petting zoo
- 2 to 4 p.m. | Mr. D’s Magic Show
- 3 to 6 p.m. | Midnight (classic rock)
- 4 to 5 p.m. | Pumpkin Patch opens
- 6 to 9 p.m. | Horse-drawn wagon rides
- 7 to 10 p.m. | Latin Satin Soul
- 7:30 p.m. | “Monster University” starts
- 10 p.m. | Fall Fest closes.
Homewood Fall Fest 2015 is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the village Community Relations Committee and Chevrolet of Homewood.
