Homewood’s Fall Fest, chili cook-off on the way
September 12, 2012 4:52PM
Homewood's Fall Fest will mark the unveiling of "Zombie Paradise," which features village residents in zombie makeup enjoying the amenities of Homewood with non-zombie residents. | Thomas Photographic Services photo
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Updated: October 15, 2012 9:26AM
The village of Homewood celebrates fall with panache each year with the Fall Fest and annual chili cook-off.
This year’s free event will take place from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 15 at a new location off Martin Avenue from Hickory to Ridge roads.
Hosted by the Community Relations Commission, the event will feature live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown, the annual bean-bag tournament, a petting zoo, children’s crafts and cuisine prepared by local eateries.
Fall Fest also will include the unveiling of Homewood’s latest creative community event titled “Zombie Paradise,” a series of three, family-oriented, 60-second videos featuring the acting debuts of several Homewood residents.
“Fall Fest is a great way for the community to come out and experience the best of what Homewood has to offer” said Rachael Jones, public relations and special events manager.
“From artists displaying their creativity to backyard iron chefs to the premiere of our quirky community video, Fall Fest has something for the whole family.”
Highlights for Fall Fest include the annual chili cook-off contest beginning at 2 p.m. and the open tasting at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the competition will benefit Horizon Hospice in Olympia Fields.
The seventh annual bags tourney will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is a spirited competition with prizes including certificates for shopping and dining, a custom bean-bag box set and cash.
Finally, there is family entertainment and activities throughout the day including Xtra! Xtra! and Latin Satin Soul.
Fall Fest also marks the much-anticipated unveiling of “Zombie Paradise” featuring Homewood residents in zombie makeup enjoying the many amenities of Homewood with non-zombie residents.
More than 60 resident volunteers showed up for the filming of the videos. Fall Fest attendees will be encouraged to post the videos to their Facebook page and other social media outlets to show friends the quirky side of Homewood.
“Zombie Paradise” is part of the village of Homewood’s branding campaign “You’re in the Right Place.”
“I fully support new ideas to create a buzz about Homewood,” Village President Richard Hofeld said. “With many new outlets for news and entertainment, we are creative with how we develop and tell people about Homewood.”
Information: homesweethomewood.com.
