In this case, age does matter.

With Homer Township turning 175 this yer, and the village of Homer Glen marking its 10th anniversary of incorporation,  residents throughout the area can enjoy a weekend celebration complete with a parade, music, a carnival and much more.

“A festival like this is a first for us, having something this large in scale,” said Mary Pat DeGrassi, an administrator for Homer Township and part of the event planning committee.

The fest will open Thursday, June 23, and run through Sunday, June 26, at 151st Street and Creme Road in Homer Glen.

Members and staff from the township, village and the Homer Township Road District have worked together to produce the festival, said Yelana Bowes, deputy village clerk and office manager.

“We started planning in September,” Bowes added. “It’s been quite an undertaking.”

In years past, there has been a local Independence Day Parade followed by a four-hour festival in a park, Bowes said. This year, that four hour festival has turned into a four-day program with music, family-friendly activities and entertainment, as well as live bands.

“It’s going to be something really unique to all residents,” Bowes said.

DeGrassi is finalizing details for the Homer Community Independence Day Parade, which steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25. There are more than 40 entries, including the Lockport High School Marching Band and students from Homer Glen Junior High School.

There is a contest for best patriotic float in the parade, which will also include local businesses and the library’s bookmobile.

There will be a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Friday, a first for the area DeGrassi said.

“We wanted to step it up a little bit this year because it is a celebratory year,” De Grassi said.

There is free admission and parking to the festival. Full details on the events, including a schedule of entertainment, carnival hours and special times for unlimited carnival rides are available on the village website and the township website.