Dearborn’s Homecoming Celebration Slated for August 5-7 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center

Dearborn's Homecoming Celebration Slated for August 5-7 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center

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The 41^st annual Dearborn Homecoming Festival is set to take place August 5-7 on the grounds of the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. The festival will include traditional elements such as the fireworks show, carnival rides, food, musical performances, and free family activities, among other attractions.

There will be a one-dollar recommended entry fee this year that will cover operational expenses, and all profits will be given to the various service clubs and non-profits of Dearborn present at the festival.

The fireworks will take place on Saturday and Sunday evenings following the headline musical performances.

Festival hours are 12-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday, though some activities may start earlier.

All available information can be found at www.dearbornhomecoming.com

Entertainment Lineup

The lineup includes rock, country, folk and pop, plus a multitude of lively bands performing original music and covering classic hits.

Saturday night's headliner, Steve Augeri, former lead vocalist of Journey, will take to the main stage at 8:45 p.m. Since 1973, Journey has sold nearly 90 million albums worldwide and cemented their reputation as one of America's most beloved and accomplished Rock & Roll bands in history. In 1998, Steve Augeri debuted on the seven-times platinum Armageddon soundtrack, continuing the legacy as the Super-Group's lead vocalist. For nearly a decade Steve recorded three albums and performed on multiple world tours to millions of adoring fans. Known for his soaring vocals, gritty tenor and powerful stage presence, Steve Augeri brings his signature blend of rock and soul into every event, singing the songs that made Journey famous.

This 8:45 p.m. performance on Saturday will be preceded by Motown Tribute band Phase 5 and local favorites, Sunglasses After Dark.

Bluffett-Tribute to Jimmy Buffett, will headline on Friday night at 6 p.m. Entertainment on Friday will also include Band J, a vocal, dance and theater experience. They will begin at 4 p.m. The evening will conclude with the Killer Flamingos, a metro-Detroit fan-favorite that was voted best band by both HOUR Detroit Magazine and MetroTimes.

The festival's musical entertainment will conclude on Sunday with a fun-filled night of country music performances, featuring a Main Stage performance at 8:30 p.m. by award-winning county music artist Randy Houser. Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits and more than four million in singles sales to date with his Stoney Creek Records album, How Country Feels. Houser added a fourth No. 1 to his catalogue with "We Went" from his 2016 album, Fired Up. Following 2019's critically acclaimed Magnolia, Houser's "Note to Self," is available now, with more new music on the horizon in 2022. Also performing on Sunday is Billy Gunther and The Midwest Ryders at 4:30 p.m. and the Family Tradition Band at 6:30 p.m.

Dearborn nonprofits selling merchandise, food and beverages

Dearborn nonprofits will be partnering with vendors on the sale of food, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, in addition to providing information and selling merchandise. Returning to Homecoming will be the ACCESS tent, which will feature entertainment, arts, crafts and halal food provided by Malek Al Kabob. A Polish food tent will also be available on all three days and will be catered by Veronica's.

In addition to these traditional Homecoming delicacies, there will be several food trucks and other food vendors.

Class Reunions

Be sure to join your past classmates and friends from Dearborn Public Schools, and other Dearborn-based schools, in the class reunion tent from 12-1 p.m. each day.

Activities

Attendees can also look forward to the return of free and low-cost Homecoming classics, including children's games, crafts, carnival rides and play in the World's Largest Bounce House. These activities will be available all three days of the event. The bounce house activity will require an extra fee of $20 per child.

Open from 12 p.m.-11 p.m. on all three days, the carnival will offer numerous rides and activities for festival attendees. A full-day wristband is $25 online and $30 at the door. Individual tickets are also available for purchase. You can purchase your wristbands in advance by visiting the city's website at www.dearbornhomecoming.com

Elderfest and Special All-Stars on Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Kicking off the events on Friday, the traditional Seniors Elderfest will take place in the Lincoln Ballroom at The Ford Community and Performing Arts Center beginning at 9 a.m. There will be plenty of events and activities for Dearborn Seniors, including Bingo, plus lots of dancing to Polka, Waltz and an Orchestra performance. The Elderfest will conclude at 2 p.m.

In addition, there will also be a dance and pizza party for all people with special needs from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Children's Village area. A flyer and registration form is available on the city's website.

Shuttles and parking info

Parking and a free shuttle service will be provided for attendees. There will be onsite parking for $10 at the following locations: The Henry Ford Centennial Library, The Dearborn Administrative Center and Ghafari Associates. A free shuttle from 12 p.m.-12 a.m. and a free continuous loop shuttle service from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. to and from the Senior High-Rise Budlings will be provided at no cost. Parking at The Ford Community and Performing Arts Center is reserved for handicap parking. For more information about times and locations, visit: www.dearbornhomecoming.com

Sponsors make Homecoming possible

Homecoming is organized by the City of Dearborn in conjunction with the nonprofit, the Dearborn Community Fund. The presenting sponsor is Beaumont Health, and Ford Motor Company is a Diamond sponsor of this year's event, in addition to many more. Their generous contributions have helped raise $126,000 for the event so far, breaking the record sponsorship funds raised. See the full list on the city's website.

Dearborn Homecoming annually attracts 150,000 people.

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