DEARBORN – The 39th annual Dearborn Homecoming festival will provide a number of activities for families looking to have a fun weekend without breaking the bank Aug. 3 to 5.
This year, guests can expect the return of free and low-cost Homecoming classics such as children’s games, giant inflatables, crafts and more on all three days of the festival. Most of the children’s activities are in the Hilltop Area, including:
• Children’s crafts at the ACCESS/ Arab American National Museum tent from noon to 5 p.m. on Aug. 3 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 5.
• Free giant inflatables from noon 5 p.m. on Aug. 3 and noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 5.
• The Kids’ Art Making Tent, presented by the Dearborn Community Arts Council, is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Aug. 3 and noon to 7 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 5.
• Free children’s games with a carnival feel but gentle style take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, and noon-5 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 5.
• Free children’s crafts at the Detroit Institute of Arts tent from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5.
• Free contests such musical chairs, a hula hoop, potato sack, hacky sack, karaoke, cookie face contest and a water balloon toss for children of all ages Aug. 4 and 5.
• Free Home Depot Children’s Crafts from noon to 2 p.m. on Aug. 4.
In addition to the Hilltop Area children’s activities, events for children take place throughout the festival grounds. They are:
• A free Children’s Fishing Derby from the Dearborn Rotary Club at the Ford Field Pond from 8 to 11 a.m. Aug. 4.
• Free frozen treats (while supplies last) in the Dining Tent at the Yogurtown Cool Treat Social from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 3.
• Free entertainment, including magicians, clowns or stilt walkers can be seen around the festival on all three days.
• On Aug. 5 families can participate in a 1-mile Family Fun Run or 5K. The Fun Run is $15 to register and starts at 7:45 a.m. The 5K is $35 and starts at 8 a.m.
• Healthy Dearborn is offering a free Family Bike Ride at 10 a.m. on Aug. 4 starting at the tennis courts.
• Healthy Dearborn will also offer a number of free activities for all ages from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 5 in the Beaumont Wellness Tent. A dance party in the tent from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 4 is Healthy Dearborn’s main feature.
Carnival discounts until 11:55 p.m. Aug. 2
Visitors to Homecoming can also enjoy two dozen carnival rides all three days of the festival from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., including the return of the Mighty Mouse Roller Coaster.
There are two discount carnival pass options provided by Wade Shows Inc., the carnival operator. To receive the discounted options, the passes must be purchased before at 11:55 p.m. Aug. 2 at www.cityofdearborn.org/homecoming.
The three-day Mega Pass can only be purchased in advance online, and it grants unlimited rides during carnival hours for $44 plus a $1.50 service fee.
When purchased online, the full-day wristband, which allows one day of riding for all carnival attractions to be used on any day of the festival, costs $15 plus a $1 service fee.
Wristbands can also be purchased on site during the carnival and cost $15 for a half-day band (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and $22 for a full day wristband (11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.). A $10 companion wristband is available for parents to ride with their young children (restrictions apply). Individual ride tickets can also be purchased at Homecoming.
As always, the festival will conclude on Aug. 4 and 5 with highly anticipated firework displays.
For 39 years, Homecoming has been a tradition and is now coordinated by the city of Dearborn and the nonprofit Dearborn Community Fund. The presenting sponsor is once again Beaumont Health. The festival is at Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill. Admission to Dearborn Homecoming is free.
For more information about Homecoming, go to www.cityofdearborn.org/homecoming.