Families looking to have a great time without breaking the bank can find plenty to do at the carnival and other Homecoming favorites such as spirited games, wacky contests and superb live entertainment all weekend long. And, of course, spectacular fireworks displays on Saturday and Sunday. A Dearborn tradition for 30 years, the Homecoming celebration will be August 6-8 at Ford Field Park. This year, the presenting sponsor is Oakwood Healthcare.
Wade Shows Inc., will again offer advanced sales of all-day wristbands for carnival rides for just $10, plus $1 service fee. The bands allow ridership of all carnival attractions from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on one day. These bands can be ordered from July 9 through midnight of August 5 at www.wadeshowsinc.com. They can be used on any one day, Friday-Sunday. Those who do not wish to purchase advanced wristbands can still buy them at the carnival for $12 for a half-day band (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) and $15 for a full day, as well as individual ride tickets. An $8 companion wristband is also available for parents and guardians to ride with their children (restrictions apply.) Note that there is no refund for carnival ride tickets. Please consider the weather forecast before buying tickets.
Parents will find that Homecoming is very affordable with plenty of events that are free or very inexpensive. Here is a rundown: Free giant inflatable rides for bouncing. Free children’s games, including a small prize for kids under 12, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Free wacky contests like the pudding slurp, pie-eating, hula-hoop and kick the shoe, for kids of all ages on both Saturday and Sunday.
Find strolling musicians and clowns entertain the crowds throughout the festival. Grab your poles and try your luck at the Ford Field Pond for the free fishing derby from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, sponsored and organized by the Dearborn Rotary Club.
Do your child love to shoot hoops? They can take a shot at the basketball skills and fun course from 3-9 p.m. on Friday, and the Youth All-Star Games from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, Basketball Training Camp is offered from 1-3 p.m. for ages 6-9 and again at 3-5 p.m. for ages 10-13. At 5 p.m., the High School Excellence program is offered. Small fees may apply. Organized by Hype Athletics at the Tennis Courts, these basketball events are a ball!
The entire family is welcome to watch the live entertainment that takes place on several different stages throughout the weekend.
The University of Michigan tent at the Children’s Activity Field will feature tattoos, U of M sun visors, innovative science fun, and members of the Society of Automotive Engineers student organization will bring their own car to sit in! All activities are free at the tent.
There is a Guitar Hero contest at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A $5 fee will apply. Registration begins at noon each day.
Of course, the weekend-long celebration will also have historical re-enactments, arts and crafts for sale, plenty of live entertainment, and delicious food stations benefitting Dearborn nonprofit community groups.
Visit the City of Dearborn’s official website, www.cityofdearborn.org, for more information about Homecoming, or call 313-943-2285.
Buy carnival tickets online now for the best value for Dearborn’s Homecoming festival, Aug. 6-8. Ride all day for $10, plus $1 service fee, when tickets are purchased by midnight on Aug. 5. Visit wadeshowsinc.com. Other good values can be found at the festival, including $15 all-day wristbands. Note that no refunds are given for carnival ride tickets.