The village of Homewood will host its annual Hobo Night event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Homewood Rail Park at Chestnut Road and Park Ave.
at a previous Hobo Night. (Provided photos)
The village of Homewood will host its annual Hobo Night event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Homewood Rail Park at Chestnut Road and Park Ave.
Attendees under 18 years old will receive a hobo snack (s’more fixings), a hobo name and a hobo decoder book to learn how the rail-riders of the past communicated.
One-man band and Homewood resident MG Bailey will perform train-themed songs, as well as lead a sing along.
costume contest.
Storyteller Hobo Joe will regale the audience with yarns from the olden days.
Attendees are encouraged to wear hobo costumes. There will be a costume contest for those under age 18.
Everyone will also receive a sample of hobo stew.
The Rail Park, on Park Avenue bordering the Metra station, features the retired and restored Illinois Central locomotive and caboose.
Homewood has a rich history with the railroad. The village grew around Thornton Station, an Illinois Central rail stop built in 1853, and it currently is a stop for the passenger services of Metra Electric and Amtrak. The village is on a main line for Canadian National (CN). Homewood is also the North American headquarters for CN.
“Hobo Night is a fun way for the whole family to experience a little slice of life from a gone-by era,” said Mayor Rich Hofeld. “The kids’ costumes are so creative and it’s so great to see the community come together and celebrate our rich railroad history.”
The event is hosted by the village Rail Committee and is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.HomeSweetHomewood.com.
