Homewood’s the place where party’s never over
After WGN gala, village will host its 13th annual Giant Block event, an invitation to all to join for food, family and fun
Homewood is having another big block party.
After hosting a televised bash last month, the village is holding the 13th annual Giant Block Party celebration from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday downtown on Martin Avenue between Ridge and Hickory roads. The gathering is part of Homewood’s 125th anniversary celebration.
The event will feature music and food vendors.
Throughout the village, individual blocks hold around 40 to 50 block parties annually, Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld said.
But the Giant Block Party gives an open invitation to all to join together for food, family and fun.
“Everyone comes out and just has a really good time,” Hofeld said. “The people in town really look forward to the events we have; it really binds people together.”
Various community organizations will contribute to the event, including the Homewood Science live Center, which will host a PopUp Science event exploring the science of bubbles from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Homewood’s weekly farmers market will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market takes place in Martin Avenue Square.
“What the village is offering is a full day of activities,” said Edie Dobrez, executive director of the Homewood Science Center. “There’s a lot happening in Homewood on Aug. 18, so it’s worth a trip for people to come out and see us.”
Members of the Homewood Historical Society will be available to share information about the village’s history, keeping with the theme of celebrating Homewood’s 125th anniversary.
Homewood events manager Alissa Opyd said attendees will be able to look at a historical map and photos and learn the history of the village and its neighborhoods.
“What we’re going to be able to do is showcase all of our wonderful neighborhoods that didn’t exist in 1893,” Opyd said. “We’ve really incorporated so much into this
“It’s really just a celebration of summer right before kids go back to school, as well as getting together as a community” —Mary Jane Maharry, Homewood publicist
event that is reflective of our community.”
Local restaurants, including Cilantro Cocina Mexicana, Fratello’s of Homewood and The Cottage on Dixie, will sell food during the block party.
Activities such as a zip line, a bounce house, an adventure slide and an obstacle course will be available for children. Musical acts ScribbleMonster, Timeless, Uncovered and Hush Train will provide live performances throughout the day.
“It’s really just a celebration of summer right before kids go back to school, as well as getting together as a community,” Homewood publicist Mary Jane Maharry said.
Several charitable programs will be a part of the party as well. Members of Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s choir will be on hand to help with games as they raise money for their upcoming trip to Italy. The village has partnered with the Cancer Support Center to commemorate the center’s 25th anniversary with an auction of decorated Adirondack chairs, known as Chairs for a Purpose.
“WGN Morning News” hosted the previous block party in downtown Homewood on July 13.
The program brought its anchors and crew to the village, highlighting Homewood hot spots and providing residents with an early morning celebration.
“The hope is that people continue to come out and enjoy themselves and enjoy getting together as a community,” Maharry said. “What Homewood really prides itself on is its community.”