DEARBORN, Mich. – A new 4 p.m. curfew for minors is among several new safety measures in place for this year’s Dearborn Homecoming Festival, set to kick off Friday at Ford Field Park.
The 45th annual festival is expected to draw more than 100,000 people over the course of the weekend.
“We’re expecting large crowds. We’re expecting over 100,000 people throughout the weekend,” said Cpl. Dan Bartok, public information officer for the Dearborn Police Department.
New curfew for minors
Anyone 17 or under who wants to enter or remain at the festival after 4 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Officials say the decision followed a review of best practices from events around the country and across metro Detroit.
“The goal of the curfew is to just encourage parents and guardians to make sure that they know where their children are at, and that they’re responsible for their children,” Bartok said.
Not everyone is on board with the new rule.
Layal Fares, who lives near the festival grounds, called the policy “crazy.” Logan Marcum, who was visiting the area, pushed back on the timing.
“4 p.m. is when kids get out of school — I mean, not during the summer. That’s not a good policy,” Marcum said.
“It’s not,” Fares agreed.
Entry points, bag checks also in effect
In addition to the curfew, the city has designated three entry points into the festival: Cherry Hill, Brady Street, and Monroe.
A bag policy will also be enforced — attendees may bring bags, but they are subject to search upon entry.
Dearborn resident Ken Schultz said he’s optimistic about the new measures.
“Let’s put it to the test. I think you got to experiment with these things and find out what works well,” Schultz said. “I’m hoping for a really good event that everybody walks away happy, and the fact that all sorts of ethnic groups and ages and everything can get together for a really joyful event.”
What to know before you go
The 4 p.m. curfew applies only to minors inside the festival grounds. Outside the festival, a separate temporary 9 p.m. citywide curfew is in effect.
This year’s headliners include Chance the Rapper and Martina McBride. The festival opens Friday at noon at Ford Field Park.
For more information, visit dearbornhomecoming.com.