America has the 4th of July to recognize its independence. Homer Glen started HomerFest to celebrate its 10th anniversary of incorporation in 2011.
“It was such a success that we have continued the tradition each year since,” said Village Manager Carmen Maurella.
This year’s fest is from 3 to 11 p.m. June 23; 5 p.m. to midnight June 24; noon to midnight June 25; and noon to 8 p.m. June 26.
It’s not hard to understand why they keep coming back again for more. The four-day event has just about everything you’d want from a festival — live music, carnival rides, kids games, a beer garden and lots of food vendors to give those attending plenty of choices. Oh, and one of the top fireworks demonstrations in the area.
“We have one of the best fireworks shows in northern Illinois,” Maurella said. “It’s a 20-minute display choreographed to music. The backdrop for HomerFest is our beautiful Heritage Park. An individual can enjoy the excitement of the carnival rides, dance to great music, or just relax on the village green.”
After having to skip the festival in 2020 due to the pandemic, it returned last year with record numbers, despite the less than desirable weather.
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“We had to deal with a lot of rain,” Maurella said. “Yet it actually turned out to be our most well attended and successful festival. And, we had to deal with a lot of rain!”
The musical acts are among the biggest draws of the festival. This year, organizers have added a bit more variety to the lineup and have found bands with a local connection. The headline bands include The Boy Band Night, which will hit the stage at 8:30 p.m. June 23, followed by the fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m.
June 24 features popular Chicago rock band 7th Heaven, known for its medley of ’70s and ’80s tunes called “30 songs in 30 minutes.” It hits the stage at 9:30 p.m.
June 25 features Eliminator, a ZZ Top tribute band, at 7 p.m. and Anthem/Classic Rock and Beyond at 9:30 p.m.
Chicago Experience, a tribute to the band Chicago, closes the show at 6 p.m. on June 26.
“We are very excited about our entertainment lineup this year,” Maurella said.
Ten local food vendors will be at the festival this year, including Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Bobalu’s Chicken and Shrimp, Joey’s Red Hots, KG Specialties, Mucha Salsa, Papa Joe’s Pizza, Pelican Harry’s, Rustic Knead, Smokin’ Z BBQ, and The Creamery,
The kids will enjoy the carnival with a large number of rides. A special area has been designated for kiddie rides, and the Heritage Corridor Business Alliance is providing children’s activities such as face painting in their tent.
Parking plans change with the weather, so Maurella recommends people follow the HomerFest Facebook page to get the most up-to-date information.
HomerFest
When: June 23-26
Where: Heritage Park, 14240 W. 151st St., Homer Glen
Tickets: Free
Information: 708-301-0632; homerfest.com
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.