The City of Dearborn’s Homecoming festival will celebrate its 31st year August 6-8, made possible in part by presenting sponsor Oakwood Healthcare System.

The annual festival features spectacular fireworks Saturday and Sunday, nationally known entertainment Saturday and Sunday; and three days of fun for the whole family.

The Ultimate Billy Joel Experience — 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage

The Big Shot with Michael DelGuidice - The Ultimate Billy Joel Experience is headlining this year’s Homecoming on Saturday night.

Featuring the remarkable vocals and piano of Michael DelGuidice, this talented band treats audiences to uncanny Billy Joel impersonations as well as music by the Beatles, Elton John and many others.

Other stage entertainment

Starting off the Main Stage festivities on Friday will be Horizon, backed by the Two and a Half Deep Band. This popular Motown review will be jamming out from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Finishing up the eclectic musical weekend on Sunday will be Emerson Drive. This contemporary country music ensemble has earned countless fans and critical acclaim with their fresh style.

Fireworks Saturday and Sunday

Homecoming wouldn’t be Homecoming without spectacular fireworks on Saturday and Sunday, beginning about 10 p.m.

They are sponsored by Redico, Dr. Mark Saffer of Midwest Health Plan and the City of Dearborn on Saturday; and by Kenwal Steel Corp. and the City of Dearborn on Sunday.

Blankets on the hill

People can put their blankets on the hill to view the fireworks after 8 a.m. on Saturday and after 8 a.m. on Sunday. All blankets must be removed by midnight both nights.

The size of a blanket is limited to no more than 8 feet by 8 feet to accommodate as many families as possible on the hill.

Car Show and Drive-In Movie: Back to the Future

The Cruisin’ Dearborn car cruise organized by the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce will begin at the 19^th District Court at 7 p.m. on Friday and travel down Michigan Avenue to Outer Drive to Cherry Hill and into Ford Field Park beginning about 7:30 p.m.

Accompanying the car show again this year is a drive-in movie, with the screen set up near the cars at the bottom of the hill. The film, Back to the Future, begins at 9:15 p.m.

Other favorites

The Dearborn Community Arts Council’s Craft Show will take place on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

And back again is the Living History Hill with historical re-enactors, musical entertainment, crafts, antique firearms, a high tea and more.

The Turbo Turtle Race returns for its third year on Sunday at 4 p.m. to raise money for the Kiwanis Club of Outer Drive’s children’s projects.

And Dearborn service clubs and charitable organizations will be selling food and beverages from about 40 booths in the Food Court and other areas to raise money for their good causes. Also part of the fundraising is the sale of Labatt Blue, the festival’s beer sponsor.

High School Reunions

Homecoming got its name from the festival’s draw of current and former residents, and Dearborn school alumni.  High school reunions picnics for Dearborn, Edsel Ford and Sacred Heart high Schools are on Saturday; picnics for Fordson, Lowery and St. Alphonsus high schools are on Sunday.

Returning for 2010: Guitar Hero

It is the sensation that can’t be stopped. “Guitar Hero” tournaments will be on Saturday and Sunday. $5 fee applies. Registration is at noon both days, and the tournament begins at 1 p.m.

Pancake breakfast on Sunday

A pancake breakfast is offered by the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn 8-11 a.m. Sunday, inside the Polish Tent, on the east side of the carnival.  Fee applies.

Carnival—$10 online specials (advanced sales only)

The carnival runs Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. -10:30 p.m. Half-day wristbands can be purchased for $12, or all-day wristbands for $15. Other prices apply.

Advanced sales of all-day wrist bands are $10, plus $1 service fee from July 9 through midnight at August 5 at www.wadeshowsinc.com

Plenty of low cost of free children’s events

Free “gentle” carnival style games for children are offered Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Every child receives a small prize at every game.

Free inflatable rides are offered for children noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and “wacky games”  for all ages, like hula hoop, donut-eating, and kick the shoe, take place 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with medals awarded.

Elderfest on Friday

As usual, the festival begins with activities for senior citizens, centered inside the Polish Tent.  A Fun Walk with Mayor O’Reilly starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by events until 1:30 p.m., including music, a free breakfast for senior citizens, anniversary waltz, bingo, dancing and a free lunch for seniors.

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Click here for the complete schedule.