Jaycees cook up new events for fest

Each year I marvel at the job the Palatine Jaycees do running our village's Fourth of July festival and this year is no different.

But, not ones to rest on their laurels, the Jaycees are adding a few new events to spice things up this year. Tonight, the Jaycees will offer an outdoor movie night - showing "The Bee Movie" starting at 8:30 p.m. or dusk at the amphitheater. My 8-year-old son thinks this is an awesome idea, so you can look for me and my family there.

At 3 p.m. Saturday, the Jaycees will hold the first "Hometown Toss Corn Hole Tournament." Now, I have to admit, I didn't know what a "Hometown Toss Corn Hole Tournament" was, so I asked the Jaycees. This is how it was explained to me: "It's the game where you throw three bags, one at a time, at a wooden target with a hole in it." Some know the game as Bags. For $10 per person or $15 per team, individuals will compete for prizes and bragging rights throughout Palatine. Proceeds will benefit Relay For Life. Sign up forms are online at palatinejaycees.org; click on event schedule for the link.

Then at 3 p.m. Sunday, Palatine singers can test out their pipes in the Palatine Idol Karaoke Contest, which is open to children and adults. Prizes will be awarded.

In addition, as a way of helping everyone show their patriotism, the Jaycees will be selling 3-by-5-foot American flags, said Adam Anderson, community development vice president for the Jaycees.

"The flags will be selling for $20 and can be purchased at the information booth at Hometown Fest. All of the proceeds will go to the Sons of The American Legion," he said.

Of course, all the regular Fourth of July events will be on tap as well - the carnival, food, bands, bingo and arts and crafts booths. And, of course, there will be fireworks at about 9:30 p.m. or dusk Thursday, and the parade at 10 a.m. July 5.

For the 13th year, the Jaycees are partnering with Palatine Township in the Neighbors Helping Neighbors food drive. Preceding the parade, Palatine Township officials will collect food for the food pantry. In addition, you can bring food donations to the pop and water tent on the festival site after the parade and throughout the festival.

For more information about the festival, visit www.palatinejaycees.org.

Farmers market: I thoroughly enjoy visiting the Farmers Market in the train station parking lot on Saturdays. I recently bought some fresh strawberries and lettuce there. But, because of the parade, there will not be a market on Saturday. Be sure to check it out other Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

mhollander@dailyherald.com