Free and Affordable Family Activities at Dearborn’s Homecoming Aug. 1-3

Families looking to have a great time without breaking the bank can find plenty to do at Dearborn’s Homecoming festival Aug. 1 - 3, including carnival rides, children’s games, wacky contests, inflatable rides and live entertainment all weekend long.

Spectacular fireworks displays on Saturday and Sunday evenings cap off these fun-filled days.

A tradition for 35 years, Homecoming is an event coordinated by the City of Dearborn and the nonprofit Dearborn Community Fund. This year’s presenting sponsor is Oakwood Healthcare. The festival is at Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill.

Visitors to Homecoming can enjoy two dozen carnival rides all three days from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Carnival values are available online for those that purchase wristbands in advance. Wade Shows Inc., the carnival operator, is offering a 3-day Mega Pass for unlimited rides for $40 plus a $1 service fee if purchased in advance by 11:55 p.m. on July 31. Visit www.cityofdearborn.org to purchase in advance.

Also online for advanced purchase is the popular all-day wristband, which costs $13, plus a $1 service fee if purchased through 11:55 p.m. on July 31 at www.cityofdearborn.org

The wristbands allow one day ridership of all carnival attractions and can be used on any one day, Friday-Sunday.

Wristbands can also be purchased on site during the carnival and cost $15 for a half-day band (11 a.m.- 5 p.m.) and $20 for a full day (11 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.)

A $10 companion wristband is available for parents to ride with their children (restrictions apply.) Individual tickets also can be purchased at Homecoming.

Note that there is no refund for carnival ride tickets, wristbands or the Mega Pass. Please consider the weather forecast before buying tickets.

Parents will find that Homecoming is very affordable with plenty of events that are free. Here is a rundown:  

Free giant inflatable rides for bouncing noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by Nickel & Saph, Inc.

Free children’s games from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by Village Community Credit Union.

Free wacky contests like the apple sauce slurp, pie-eating, hula-hoop and kick the shoe contest, for kids of all ages on both Saturday and Sunday.

The “top of the hill” will feature an Art Area from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, including a children’s activity tent.

Home Depot provides a free kids wood workshop on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

The Dearborn Rotary Club is again offering a free Children’s Fishing Derby at the Ford Field Pond from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

All-Stars Day for Special Needs Kids

Kicking off the annual three-day Homecoming festival once again is the Special All-Stars Day event on Friday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m.-noon at Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill.

The festival opens early to special needs children and adults and gives them an opportunity to enjoy select rides and have some fun in a less crowded, more comfortable environment.

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce presents the three-hour event with the City of Dearborn, Dearborn Community Fund and Wade Shows, Inc. Sponsors are Polish League of American Veterans and Little Caesars Pizza of Dearborn.

From 9 a.m.-noon at Ford Field Park near the tennis courts, volunteers will offer games, activities, a dance party, face painting, and snacks.

From 9-11 a.m., participants will be able to enjoy at no cost select carnival rides.

Light refreshments will be served in the south picnic shelter. Wheelchair repair and a visit to a Dearborn fire truck will also be available.

Volunteers from the following organizations will be providing their services at Special All-Stars Day: Wade Shows, Inc., Polish League of American Veterans, Dearborn Fire Department, Wright & Filippis, Besek Photography, Valu Land, Memberfocus Community Credit Union, Aflac, Yogurtown, Lil’ Jimi Dearborn, and DJ Mark with MotorCityDJ.com.

Pre-registration for this event is required by July 31. Registration and additional details are available online at www.dearbornareachamber.org. Registration is also available at the Dearborn Area Chamber office, 22100 Michigan Ave. For any additional questions, please contact the Chamber at (313) 584-6100.

Dearborn Homecoming is a project of the City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Community Fund. It is sponsored by Oakwood Healthcare and runs Aug. 1-3, featuring free music on two stages, fireworks Saturday and Sunday, high school reunion picnics, free children’s activities and food and information booths operated by Dearborn non-profit groups.

Alcohol Policy Changes

Because of a new directive from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, visitors to Homecoming should be prepared for a change at the annual festival.

In 2014, all alcohol must be purchased and consumed within four designated areas of the festival grounds.

Visitors cannot leave a designated area with alcohol and travel through the festival grounds. Visitors cannot take their drinks from one designated area to another designated area.

The four designated areas generally are as follows:

• a perimeter around the Italian Pavilion, including the picnic area and bocce ball courts

• a perimeter around the Polish Pavilion