Homewood Hosts 'Hobo Night' for Local Families Oct. 11

A Homewood family tradition will return Oct. 11.

The Village of Homewood will host its annual Hobo Night on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m on the Rail Platform in the Homewood Rail Park, at Chestnut and Park Ave. The evening, hosted by the Village of Homewood Rail Committee, features hobo storytelling, a hobo costume contest, s’mores, an old fashioned sing-a-long and tours of the Rail Park’s retired and restored Illinois Central locomotive and caboose. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information visitwww.HomeSweetHomewood.com

“Hobo Night is not only a fun event for kids of all ages, it’s also a wonderful way to experience the traditions of the railroad,” said Mayor Richard Hofeld. “Homewood really celebrates its connection with the railroads and honors its history. Hobo Night is a great way to get the whole family involved.”

Homewood Hobo Night features a wide variety of activities for ages 4 to 10 years old and beyond. One-man band and Homewood resident, Matt Bailey will perform train-themed songs along with leading a sing a-long. Local storyteller Joe Krol will regale the audience with yarns from the olden rail days. Attendees are encouraged to wear hobo costumes and there will be a best costume prize. Everyone will also receive a goodie bag upon arrival with all the ingredients necessary for s’mores.

Homewood has a rich history with the railroad as it is a stop for the Metra Electric, Amtrak and is a main line for the former Illinois Central (IC) line which is now Canadian National (CN). Homewood is also the North American headquarters for CN. In 2007, Homewood unveiled a train watching platform on Harwood Ave. which provides a safe and legal vantage point for observing the tracks. The CN main and running tracks together feature more than 30 freight movements a day, including road freights, switch moves and transfers. The Homewood Rail Park where the Hobo Night takes place, features a permanent IC locomotive and caboose and borders the Metra platform on Park Ave.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.HomeSweetHomewood.com