Celebrate the 4th of July with Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest

The Palatine Jaycees are once again sponsoring one of the largest Fourth of July festivals in the area, Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest from June 29th through July 4th at Community Park on Palatine Road and Northwest Highway.

"Hometown Fest brings Palatine residents together to celebrate the 4th of July holiday,” said Hannah Meadow, Co-Chair of Hometown Fest. "As we always do, we run this festival for the entire community to enjoy. We have events and activities for all ages with the Arts & Crafts Fair/Business & Charity Expo, the ever popular parade and fireworks, Family Day and a wide variety of food and free music."

On Friday, June 29, the Jaycees will be continuing their tradition of setting aside time during the carnival for individuals with special needs with The Kathleen A. Blanck Memorial Carnival. Registration will begin 30 minutes before the rides open at 1:00 pm. Then for two hours until 3:00 pm, individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities and their families are invited to enjoy complimentary rides. On Saturday, June 30 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Sunday July 1 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm is the Arts & Crafts Fair/Business & Charity Expo which will have over 70+ exhibits of pottery, jewelry, paintings, crafts, services and a wide variety of other unique items.

"We plan the festival to offer something appealing to a wide variety of people," said Sarah McKillop, Co-Chair of Hometown Fest. “Once again this year we will feature the MegaPass. This pass will allow someone to enjoy the rides anytime the carnival is open. Passes are available online for $75.00 at hometownfest.org. If individuals are unable to buy the pass online before the Fest starts, passes will be available at the Fest for $85.00.”

The parade will take place on June 30 at 11:00 am starting on Cedar Street. The Jaycees are pleased to announce that the South Shore Drill Team, the Naperville Drill Team and the Medinah Patrol/Segway Drill Team will be entertaining the crowd this year. Bingo lovers will be able to enjoy their passion on Saturday too. The American Legion Post 690 will be hosting bingo starting at 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm in the pavilion.

Sunday will feature the Hometown Toss baggo tournament. Registration and warm-ups start at 1:00 pm at the membership booth with the tournament at 2:30 pm. For $20.00 per team, individuals will be able to compete for prizes and bragging rights throughout Palatine.

The most anticipated event during the celebration is the fireworks display. The fireworks show will be held on Tuesday evening, July 3 at approximately 9:30 pm or dusk. This year’s show will, according to Co-Chair Meadow, "incorporate all of last year’s crowd favorite pyrotechnics as well as some that the committee feels the community will appreciate."

"Since families are what bind our community together, we have set aside Wednesday, July 4 as Family Day, a day of activities that the entire family can enjoy," said Co-Chair McKillop. "From 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm Palatine's families will be entertained with face painting, balloon art and activity stations, temporary tattoos, small crafts and painting. At Family Day, we’ll have something for children of all ages and interests.”

Entertainment will be provided all five evenings of the festival this year starting Friday, June 29th at 5:00 pm with the Fox Crossing Stringband. At 7:30 pm Wall of Denial goes on stage followed by 7th Heaven at 10:00 pm. Saturday June 30th starts with the Battle of the Band Winner at noon, followed by Six on Friday at 1:30, the The Roalde Dahls at 3:30 pm and Hot Rocks at 5:30 pm. The evening rounds out with Fletcher Rockwell at 7:30 pm and Hairbangers Ball taking the stage at 1:00 pm. Sunday July 1st features Arlington Heights School of Rock at noon, the Paul Castle Band at 1:30 pm, Don't Speak at 3:30 and The Boy Band Review at 5:30 pm. Sunday evening ends with Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8:00 pm. Monday July 2nd has Feuding Hillbillys playing at 5:30 pm and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press starting at 8:00 pm. Tuesday, July 3rd starts at 5:00 pm with Good Clean Fun, followed by Bucket #6 at 7:30 PM. Mike and Joe end the night after the fireworks starting at 10:00 pm.

The Palatine Chapter of the Jaycees, one of 50 local chapters throughout Illinois, has over 130 members and is one of the largest chapters in Illinois. The Jaycees provide individuals between the age of 21 and 40 the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community and have been recognized state-wide, nationally and internationally for their efforts.

The Palatine Chapter holds their monthly general meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road in Palatine. For further information on the Palatine Jaycees, membership or any of their sponsored events visit their web site at www.palatinejaycees.org, email them at info@palatinejaycees.org or call them at 847-604-0288.