Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest returns with parade, carnival, fireworks and more
Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest will mark its 68th year this July. Organizers say the festival has evolved over the years with strong support from the community.
“We have over 30 volunteers who are involved in planning this festival, and there are over 100 volunteers to help run this event,” according to Cassie Kolle, the event’s co-chair.
The festival will take place Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, at Palatine Community Park, 250 E. Wood St. It includes live bands, food vendors, adult beverages, a carnival, a business expo and craft fair, Family Day, fireworks, a parade and other activities.
New this year will be an extra night of carnival rides from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. From 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 2, the Kathleen Blanck Memorial Carnival offers free rides to people with disabilities and their families.
The entertainment lineup includes:
Thursday: Liquid Faction at 5 p.m.; the Sean McKee Band at 7 p.m.; and ARRA at 9 p.m.
Friday: Riplock at 12:30 p.m.; Mel Senese Band at 2:30 p.m.; Lady Groove & the Get Downs at 4:30 p.m.; Fletcher Rockwell at 7 p.m.; and Bucket Number Six at 10 p.m.
Saturday: Local Remix at 12:30 p.m.; The PriSSillas at 2 p.m.; The Throwbacks at 4 p.m.; Whiskey Road at 6:30 p.m.; and Hello Weekend at 9 p.m.
Sunday: Madcats Summer Stage from noon to 4 p.m.
The highlight of Hometown Fest is the fireworks display, set for dusk on Friday, July 3. Kolle shared some tips for viewing the show.
“The festival grounds are the best spot to watch them, but come early to claim a spot,” she said. “The fireworks are launched on site and it is among the best shows in the Northwest suburbs.”
On Saturday, July 4, the festival opens with a parade along a roughly one-mile route. Participants will step off at 10:30 a.m. and proceed south on Cedar Street to Slade Street, east on Slade to Brockway Street, north on Brockway to Wood Street and east on Wood into Community Park.
Kolle said Hometown Fest raises funds the Jaycees use for their local projects.
“This event will help with student scholarships, community grants and various other projects aimed at giving back to our community,” she said.
Admission is free. For details, visit hometown-fest.com or email hometownfest@palatinejaycees.org.