DEARBORN, Michigan – The City of Dearborn’s Homecoming festival will celebrate its 32nd year August 5-7 at Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill. The annual event is made possible in part by presenting sponsor Oakwood Healthcare.
As always, it will feature spectacular fireworks Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of major fireworks sponsor Westborn Chrysler Jeep, with additional support from sponsor Kenwal Steel Corp.
Dearborn Homecoming Fireworks
And, the festival is famous for nationally known entertainment Saturday and Sunday, along with three days of fun for the whole family.
This year, the City is joining with the nonprofit Dearborn Community Fund in organizing the festival, which is a major fundraiser for 30 service clubs and youth, cultural and charity groups.
Frontiers! The Journey Tribute— 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage
Frontiers! The Journey Tribute is headlining this year’s Homecoming on Saturday night on the Main Stage.
Touring across the United States and performing at venues such as The House of Blues, the group is known as “THE national full-time touring tribute to Journey.”
Featuring vocalist Jeremey Hunsicker, the group caught the attention of Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain and founding member and guitarist Neal Schon.
The band, which became a fulltime endeavor in 2008, also features guitarist Stephen Chesney, bass player Greg Eanes, and drummer Chris Castelda, with touring keyboard players Chad Campbell and Billy Jones alternating shows.
Hotel California, “A Salute to the Eagles”
Capping off the eclectic musical weekend on Sunday will be Hotel California, “A Salute to the Eagles”.
This band, comprising five respected, multi-talented top music industry professionals, presents a dynamic exciting show saluting the music of The Eagles, a supergroup whose music has proven to have a staying power that few bands lay claim to. Finally, audiences can once again experience the energy and magic of this timeless music.
Members of the band have opened separately for groups such as Boston, The Little River Band, and Van Halen. They take the Main Stage together at 8:30 p.m. Their explosive, on-stage energy will be the perfect lead-in to Sunday night’s fireworks display.
Dearborn Homecoming Car Cruise and Car Show
Car Show
The Cruisin’ Dearborn car cruise organized by the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce will begin at the 19th District Court at 7 p.m. on Friday and travel down Michigan Avenue to Outer Drive to Cherry Hill and into Ford Field Park beginning about 7:30 p.m. The classic car show will last until about 10 p.m.
Other stage entertainment
Starting off the Main Stage festivities on Friday will be Larry Lee and the Back in the Day Band. Former Detroit Lions player and Vice President Larry Lee leads the group in exciting performances of songs from the past and present, from 8:30-10 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, music will play on three stages, including Bugs Beddow Band, Bomb Squad on Friday; Gratitude Steel Band, Redhill, Howlin Mercy and Riot House on Saturday; and Rockestra, Laith Al-Saadi, Annabelle Road on Sunday.
Dearborn Homecoming Carnival Rides
Carnival Rides
The carnival runs Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. -10:30 p.m. Half-day wristbands can be purchased for $13 at Homecoming, while all-day wristbands will be available for $18. Other prices apply. $13 online specials for all-day wrist bands (advanced sales only)
This year, the Ferris wheel returns, along with 25 other exciting rides. Advanced sales of all-day wrist bands are $12, plus $1 service fee from July 1 through 11:59 p.m. on August 4 at www.wadeshowsinc.com. No refunds on any carnival tickets or wrist bands.
Fireworks Saturday and Sunday
Homecoming wouldn’t be Homecoming without spectacular fireworks on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at about 10 p.m. They are sponsored by Westborn Chrysler, with additional support from Kenwal Steel Corp.
Blankets on the hill
People can put their blankets on the hill to view the fireworks after 8 a.m.on each, Saturday and Sunday. All blankets must be removed by midnight both nights.
The size of a blanket is limited to no more than 8 feet by 8 feet to accommodate as many families as possible on the hill.
Other favorites
The Dearborn Community Arts Council’s Craft Show will take place on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
And back again is the Living History Hill with historical re-enactors, musical entertainment, crafts, antique firearms, a high tea and more.
The Turbo Turtle Race returns for its fourth year on Sunday at 4 p.m. to raise money for the Kiwanis Club of Outer Drive’s children’s projects.
Nonprofit groups raise money
And Dearborn service clubs and charitable organizations will be selling food, beverages and other items from about 40 booths in the Food Court and other areas to raise money for their good causes that support Dearborn residents.
Also part of the fundraising is the sale of Labatt Blue products. Labatt Blue is the festival’s beer sponsor.
High School Reunions
Homecoming got its name from the festival’s draw of current and former residents, and Dearborn school alumni. High school reunion picnics for Dearborn, Edsel Ford and Sacred Heart high Schools are on Saturday; picnics for Fordson, Lowery and St. Alphonsus high schools are on Sunday.
Plenty of low-cost, free children’s events
Free, “gentle” carnival-style games for children are offered Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Every child receives a small prize at every game.
Free inflatable rides are offered for children noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
And “wacky games” for all ages, like hula hoop on Saturday at 4 p.m., sponsored by Said Deep/deepsaidwhat.com; bubble gum blowing at 4 p.m. Sunday, sponsored by Dearborn patch.com, and spaghetti slurp at 3 p.m. Sunday, sponsored by the Italian American Fraternal Club. Other games take place from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
The Dearborn Rotary Club, along with Eppinger Manufacturing, will again sponsor the Free Fishing Derby at the Ford Field Pond on Saturday morning.
Free shuttles
There is free parking and free shuttle service from Dearborn High School, sponsored by Henry Ford Health System, and free shuttle service from the west Dearborn business district along West Village Drive, from Military to Monroe.
The Dearborn High shuttle runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, and noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday of Homecoming weekend. Parking is free.
Another free shuttle is available on West Village Drive,from Monroe to Military, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Parking fees may apply in the west Dearborn business district.
Ford Field parking is $10
The Ford Field parking lot also provides a limited number of spaces, including handicapped parking, for $10 per car.
Elderfest on Friday
As usual, the festival begins with activities for senior citizens, but this year, they will be centered inside the Italian Tent on the north side of the bridge.
A Fun Walk with Mayor O’Reilly starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by events until 1:30 p.m., including music, a free breakfast for senior citizens, anniversary waltz, bingo, dancing and a free lunch for seniors.