Story posted Thursday, June 25, 2009
Palatine Pride
'Hometown Fest' Kicks Off Wednesday At Community Park
Last minute plans are being completed for the 52d Annual Palatine Jaycees' Hometown 4th of July Festival that kicks off on Wednesday, July 1, continuing through Sunday, July 5 at Community Park near downtown.
The annual event features carnival rides, entertainment, the traditional parade and fireworks.
On July 1, the Jaycees will host an outdoor movie night starting at 8:30 p.m. or dusk. The carnival will run from 5 to 10 p.m.
At dusk, on Friday, July 3, there will be fireworks at Community Park.
The Hometown Toss Corn Hole Tournament will be held three days later on Saturday, July 4 at 1 p.m. Earlier in the day, there will be an arts and craft fair/business and charity expo from noon to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, July 5 at 2 p.m., the Jaycees will host the Palatine Idol Karaoke Contest. The competition is open to children and adults.
The parade will feature more than 80 entrants. Onlookers can enjoy a dozen entertainment acts that include Palatine police and fire departments, American Legion, Palatine Township, Mayor Jim Schwantz and council members, South Shore Drill Team, Palatine Park District, Knights of Columbus, Palatine Rotary, Palatine High School Marching Band, and more,
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, the parade route will start on Slade Street working its way to Brockway Street, over to Wood Street and ending on Oak Street. The theme for the 2009 Parade and Festival is "Hometown Fest".
Palatine Township will collect canned goods for the Food Pantry about 15 minutes prior to the start of the parade.
All four nights of the fest, a variety of bands will perform until midnight.
Food will also be provided everyday by local establishments.
Once again this year, festival-goers will have the opportunity to purchase "Mega Passes," which are good all hours and days throughout the festival. This allows access to the carnival and food at a set-price.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the five-day event.
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