Homer ready to rock with this year's Krazee Daze festival
HOMER – Plans for this year's Homer Krazee Daze festival Sept. 12 and 13 are in full swing, with plenty of dancing, food, children's events, a car show, a small business expo, and a parade.
Shops on Main Street will hold sidewalk sales both Friday and Saturday, and special in-store events on Saturday.
On Sept. 13, a judged car show, sponsored by the Sun-downer's Car Club of Champaign, will go from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. in a two-block area starting at the southwest edge of downtown, at Wabash Street. Organizer Jeff Wright said from 100 to 300 entries are expected, with antique, modern and special interest vehicles.
The parade will start at 6 p.m. Saturday and will go through downtown, said organizer Kevin Wright. Everett Walters, who received the Homer Community Improvement Association's outstanding citizen award last June, will be parade grand marshal. Local businessman Maurice Wienke will also be honored in the parade as the merchant longest in business in Homer's history. Wright said the Heritage High School Band will march in the parade.
The festivities begin Friday with an evening meal on Main Street served by brothers Greg and Kevin Knott, Smith said. A kid's dance party with a DJ will follow from 7 to 10 p.m.
The remainder of the activities take place on Saturday. A breakfast of biscuits and gravy and breakfast pizza will be available at the St. Charles Borremo Catholic Church on Wabash Street from 8 to 11 a.m.
The Homer United Methodist Church will hold a quilt show and luncheon from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Saturday. The lunch menu includes chicken salad, Barbecue, hot dogs, chips and dessert. The $6 entrance fee covers both show and meal.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Homer Historical Society will exhibit photos of past Homer Krazee Daze.
Stage coach rides, starting in the downtown area, will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The local American Legion will hold a Krazee Beer Garden indoors at their lodge on Second Street, with food and beer available from 11 a.m. till midnight.
"Elvis on Main St.," a musical impersonation by Freddy Jay Smith, will be performed downtown from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 4 to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, food vendors will be located near the park at First and Main, and Saturday evening, musical band "No Secret" will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.
Contests with trophies or donated prizes will take place throughout the day.
Registration for the kiddy tractor pull starts at 9 a.m. There will be six age groups, ranging from 3 to 8 years old. Tractors are provided and there is no charge to enter.
A sidewalk chalk contest, sponsored by Ms. Becky's, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Homer Historical Society museum. Winners will be announced at 3:45 p.m. at the stage at First and Main streets.
The Senior Citizen King and Queen contest winners will be announced at the same time. Nominations can be made at the Homer Country Market, by decorating a can with a photo, name and address. Entrants must be 65 or older. A penny in the can is a vote.
Two Krazee dress-up contests will be held, the first with costumes provided in the downtown area at 11 a.m., the second for individuals in their own costumes at the stage at 11:45 a.m. The library will sponsor back-to-school bingo for ages 7 to 14, from noon to 2 p.m. Prizes will be back-to-school items.
From 12:30 to 2 p.m., the Homer Bank will hold its second annual celebrity Wii bowling tournament, with cash prizes. This event is for adults only.
Karaoke with children's and adults' divisions, will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the caboose park.
A hula-hoop contest for all ages will start at 3 p.m., between the Jack Johnson building and the post office on Main Street. A softball tournament with trophies will be held at the elementary school. Teams can contact Rick Bates at Homer Market to enter. There is a fee to enter.
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