The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce and the Genoa Merchant Association are busy planning this year’s annual Homecoming Celebration, which will be held June 4 and 5 in downtown Genoa.

The two-day festival and the Friday-night parade will have a patriotic theme, “Celebrating Our Hometown Military Heroes,” intended to honor our country and the men and women who serve and protect it.

Festivities begin Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. with the annual parade that will feature past and present military units, including the United States Marine Color Guard.

According to Neil Ammons, parade chairperson, parade goers will be entertained by local school bands, floats and contingents from a number local organizations and businesses.

Once again, the amusement rides will be back, and for those who love to shout “bingo,” they’ll have ample chances to play Friday and Saturday at games being held by the Genoa Fire Department.

Friday evening at dusk, come and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display near the ball diamonds at Veterans Park on Washington Street.

On Saturday starting at 9 a.m., there will be activities and events for the whole family, including crafts, business displays, live entertainment, a children’s activity area, a corn hole tournament, a pie-baking contest, plus “Art in the Park” on the front lawn of Town Hall featuring renowned artist, Jan Pugh, along with many other local artists.

At 5 p.m., a classic car show will drive and park up and down Main Street. A teen dance is being planned for the evening.

St. John’s Nurturing Center will be providing children’s activities Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. including a unique hands- (and feet-) on activity. Children and babies are invited to help create an American flag that will be presented to the Genoa American Legion. Twenty-five babies will help to create the field of stars by having their feet painted blue with non-toxic finger paint and pressed onto the cloth. Older children will have their hands painted red and pressed onto the cloth for the stripes. Participants will receive a certificate, and their names and birth dates recorded in a journal to be kept with the flag.

Children will also have an opportunity to decorate and take a sun visor.

On Sunday (June 6) only, Ray’z Cafe is sponsoring its First Homecoming Motorcycle Run. Registration starts at 10 a.m. The event will also include door prizes and raffles. Proceeds will go to Honor Flight and the Genoa American Legion. For more information, call Ray’z Cafe at 419-855-CAFE.

For more information about this year’s Genoa Homecoming call Dave Grosjean, co-chairperson at 419-466-9396; Neil Ammons, co-chairperson and parade chairperson at 419-855-3176; Cheryl Grosjean for information about craft and food vendors at 419-855-8495; and Sharon McCullough, media coordinator at 419-250-3239.

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