WGN brings block party to downtown Homewood on Friday

Homewood has acquired an additional event in its summer festival lineup. Television station WGN-Channel 9 in Chicago will sponsor a block party from 6 to 10 a.m. on Friday, July 13. 

Though early in the day, the pop-up event will include most of the features of other Homewood festivals: food, live music, vendors and activities for kids, according to village officials. WGN will add to the mix a parade and live broadcast.

The live music stage on Martin Square will include performances by rock band Better than Ezra and the Lowdown Brass Band, a Chicago-based hip-hop/jazz band.

A number of Chicago sports teams will be represented by players, including the White Sox, the Sky, the Blackhawks and a NASCAR representative from the Chicago Motor Speedway.

There will be plenty for kids to do, with as many as nine inflatable bounce houses along Ridge Road and Martin Avenue.

The parade is expected to start at 9 a.m. and will travel from village hall south on Harwood to Ridge Road, east on Ridge to Martin Avenue and south on Martin to Kroner Lane.

The food court will be set up on Martin Avenue just south of Ridge Road, the same location as at the recent Artisan Street Fair.

The block party will be a chance to show off what Homewood has to offer, and local businesses and organizations will line the sidewalks of Ridge Road with wares to sell and information to share.

 

“Bringing the WGN Block Party to Homewood gives us the opportunity to showcase what truly unique amenities and local businesses our village has to offer,” Village Marketing Director Jennifer Quirke said. “Homewood knows how to throw a great party that includes our one-of-a-kind, inclusive community. Marry that with the fantastic talents of the WGN News Team and you’ve created an event that is fun for everyone!”

The event will be situated differently than most village festivals. In addition to activities on Martin Square north of Ridge Road and Martin Avenue south of Ridge, the event will take place on Ridge Road from Harwood Avenue to Dixie Highway. 

As a result, streets will be closed to traffic in preparation for and during the event.

No parking will be allowed on Martin Avenue from Chestnut Road to Ridge Road starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Streets are expected to reopen for traffic and parking by 3 p.m. Friday.