Homewood was born a railroad town, and it remains a railroad town. To celebrate its rich railroad history, the village will host its annual Rail Fest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the H-F Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road.
Homewood Rail Fest features a wide assortment of train collectables, model train displays, crafts for kids, train-themed story time and rides on Canadian National’s Lil Obie, a scale model of a CN locomotive, flatcar and caboose.
“Homewood has always embraced its rich rail history,” said Mayor Richard Hofeld. “From our viewing platform to The Rail Park, Homewood has always been a hot-spot for train enthusiasts of all ages. This unique festival reaches across generations and geographic location — drawing spectators from Chicago and around the Midwest. We are pleased to offer this festival again in 2015.”
Visitors will be able to view and purchase one-of-a-kind collectables, including antique trains, model trains, train memorabilia and items associated with model railways.
Families can explore the intricate train layouts for all ages to enjoy. Kids crafts include decoding Hobo symbols and a train-themed storytime with Homewood’s favorite train conductor.
There will also be a raffle to win an opportunity to run a locomotive on a train layout sponsored by the Chicagoland Lionel Rail Road Club (CLRC ). No purchase is necessary to enter the raffle.
Patrons can also ride the always-popular Lil Obie, a scale model of a Canadian National locomotive with a flatcar and caboose. Lil Obie will take riders on a short tour of historic Homewood. Homewood is home to Canadian National’s U.S. headquarters.
Additional rail amenities in Homewood include the Rail Watching Platform on Harwood Avenue. next to the Metra station. Viewers can watch the train traffic and even listen to the conductors as they maneuver on one of the eight tracks servicing Amtrak, Metra and freight trains.
On the west side of the tracks, visitors can enjoy the Rail Park on Park Avenue north of the Metra station, which features the newly restored interior of Illinois Central caboose 9426.
Connecting the two rail attractions is the underground pedestrian tunnel adorned with murals depicting local railroad history and murals painted by Homewood’s Girls Scouts.
Homewood Rail Fest is free and open to the public. For more information on Homewood Rail Fest, visit www.HomeSweetHomewood.com or call 708-798-3000.
Homewood Rail Fest is sponsored by The Homewood Rail Committee and The Village of Homewood.
