The 60th annual Hometown Fest celebration continues on Saturday, July 1, with a parade, craft fair, baggo tournament, and bingo.
The Hometown Fest parade steps off at 11am in downtown Palatine, and spectators are advised to pick out their spot along the route early for the best viewing. The route begins at Slade and Cedar streets on the west side of downtown, proceeds east along Slade Street to Brockway, then heads north to Wood St. The parade will continue along Wood Street and end at the fairgrounds at Community Park around noon. More than 60 patriotic floats from local business and organizations will be featured, as well as music and dance performances. Parade participants will distribute giveaways and candy for kids.
The festival will be open Saturday from noon until midnight. Hometown Expo, featuring arts and crafts vendors and local businesses, will be located in the grassy area between the food tent and the beer tent. Vendor booths will be open from noon to 8pm, showcasing a variety of unique and fun items for purchase.
The American Legion Post 690 will host bingo from from 1pm to 5pm in the picnic pavilion at the north edge of Community Park along Wood Street. Proceeds benefit the Legion and the Palatine Jaycees.
The Hometown Toss baggo tournament will begin at 2:30pm, with registration beforehand. The tournament will be held on the east side of the park near the Family Aquatic Center. Two-person teams will compete for a cash prize. Visit the Jaycees beer tent for additional information.
Windy City Amusements’ carnival will be open from noon to 11pm, with rides and games for all ages. Individual tickets, daily ride passes, and Mega Pass, which is good for unlimited rides every day of the festival, are available for purchase at the carnival ticket booth.
Live music performances begin at noon on the Fred P. Hall amphitheater stage at Community Park. Arlington Heights School of Rock will open, followed by songwriter Glen Murschel at 1:30pm. The Nothing Yet band returns to Hometown Fest for a 3:30pm show. There Goes the Neighborhood will play pop-punk and alternative favorites at 5:30pm, followed by Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band Wall of Denial. The award-winning Maggie Speaks rock and pop cover band will take the stage at 10pm with a high-energy performance not to be missed.
A wide variety of food, from slow-cooked brisket to corn on the cob, will be sold in the food vendor tent from noon to 11pm. Greek, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine are available, as well as pizza, hamburgers, donuts, and ice cream. Lemonade, bottle water, and soft drinks are also sold in the food tent.
The Palatine Jaycees beer tent will serve beer, cider, and wine from noon until 11:45pm.