Returning from a whirlwind of summer travel? On Aug. 3-5, 2012, Dearborn welcomes you back with the 33rd annual Dearborn Homecoming. Stop by Ford Field Park for three days of family fun, food and entertainment enjoyed by 110,000 people each year.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. all three days. Attendees may park at Ford Field Park for $10 or take a free shuttle from locations at Dearborn High School or West Village Drive parking decks.
Free events include inflatables from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; friendly kids competition in the applesauce-slurp, pie-eating, egg-toss and hula-hoop contests; a fishing derby 8-11 a.m. Saturday; and performances on three stages.
Friday night is capped off with Cruising Dearborn, a classic car cruise beginning at 7 p.m. on Michigan Avenue followed by a car show. Fireworks illuminate the sky Saturday and Sunday nights beginning at 10 p.m.
For carnival ride fans, passes run $13 for a half day and $18 for a full day. Parents have the option to buy $8 guardian ride-along passes if they wish to accompany their children. Tickets may be purchased online by Aug. 2 for a $5 discount.
When stomachs rumble, almost 20 food and beverage vendors, run by local nonprofits, will be on hand throughout the festival.
Added for this year, check out the Art Area from 11 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for family art projects guided by Detroit Institute of Arts artists. Additionally, Going Green Foundation will feature local organizations dedicated to environmental causes from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
For adults and children with physical, emotional or intellectual needs, the Special All Stars event hosts free activities and ride passes from 9-11 a.m. Friday. Participants must register online through the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by July 31.
For more information about the 2012 Dearborn Homecoming Festival, check out the Metro Parent listing.
