Hometown Carnival
Palatine's Annual Summer Carnival
Windy City Amusements has carnival rides and games for all ages to enjoy. Ride the thrill rides and try your luck to win a prize at one of the games on the midway. Younger children will love the slide, train, and carousel.
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Information on rides and height requirements can be found at Windy City Amusement’s website.
2024 Hometown Fest Carnival Schedule
Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hometown Fest Carnival Wristbands
This year’s ride deals are as follows:
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Unlimited Ride Specials on Wed 5:30-9:30pm and Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun 12:30-4:30pm for $30 per person per session.
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Prime Time Special Thurs & Sat 5:30-9:30pm for $35 per person.
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Additional deals may be found on site at the ticket booths at the discretion of Windy City Amusements
To contact us or if you have any questions about the carnival or Hometown Fest, please email hometownfest@palatinejaycees.org.
Kathleen Blanck Memorial Carnival (KBMC)
Registration will begin at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, and runs from 1-3 p.m., individuals with special needs and their families are invited to enjoy complimentary rides. Pre-registration is also available.
The Kathleen Blanck Memorial Carnival gives an opportunity for those with unique needs to attend the carnival prior to opening to the public in a quieter environment.​​​
In 1997, the Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest co-chairs Karen Blanck and Todd Pearson and carnival committee chair Wendy Copeland were inspired by Karen’s sister Kathleen to offer an opportunity to those with developmental and physical disabilities to enjoy the carnival for free and without an overwhelming crowd.
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Since its inception, Windy City Amusements has provided complimentary access to most rides for the attendees and their caregivers. After Kathleen passed away in 2012, the Jaycees renamed the event to the Kathleen Blanck Memorial Carnival.