Heidi For Homer

Heidi laughing, hair flying, on the Cow Coaster at Bengtson’s, beside a supporter in a Heidi for Homer shirt.

Thank you, Homer Glen.

Over 700 neighbors came out to Bengtson’s on a Wednesday night.

Heidi’s speech

Heidi PacellaRunning for Mayor of Homer Glen. From the stage at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, September 9, 2026.

The community support was overwhelming.

Thank you for coming, and thank you to Bengtson’s for hosting.

Hosted byBengtson’s Pumpkin Farm13341 W 151st St, Homer Glen. They opened the rides, the grounds and the petting zoo for the night.
Food byThe Ricobene familyTheir food trucks and their famous sandwiches.
CrewThe volunteersThey showed up early to open the rides.
Who cameOver 700 neighborsOn Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

“That is not a campaign event. That is a community.”

Heidi Pacella, from the stage

The night in pictures

Neighbors stand and watch as Heidi speaks on the pavilion stage under string lights.

Volunteers in Heidi for Mayor shirts clap as Heidi speaks on the pavilion stage under blue spotlights.

Two volunteers, seen from behind, point their thumbs at Heidi for Mayor printed on their shirt backs.

Families at picnic tables under the pavilion's string lights, with Heidi on the stage in the distance.

Heidi, in a yellow t-shirt, arm in arm with a guest in front of Bengtson's cow statue at night.

Transcript

The speech as captioned in the video. Select a time to play from that moment.

Hello, Homer Glen! How are you?

Everyone, I'm Heidi Pacella, I live on Hadley Road, and I'm running for mayor of Homer Glen.

I want everyone to take a look around. Look at the hundreds of people that are out here tonight, on a Wednesday, in one place. That is not a campaign event. That is a community.

[Cheers]

But before I go further, I have to bring up the Bengtsons. Their farm has been part of this town for generations, and tonight they opened it up. The rides, the grounds, the petting zoo. That's what a deeply rooted family business does when it belongs to a town with intention and passion.

Every one of you who's ever been here with your children, or anyone at all who's ever come here to walk around, pick a pumpkin, have a homemade donut, experience the atmosphere, you know what I'm talking about.

So please, help me thank the Bengtsons.

[Applause]

Here's what I want you all to remember tonight. Tonight was made possible by local families, including all of you. The Bengtsons and their employees and the volunteers showed up early to open the rides. And the Ricobene family brought their food trucks with their famous sandwiches. And neighbors told neighbors. That's Homer Glen.

And that is exactly why I'm running for mayor, because I believe this place is worth protecting, and I think we do it best together.

Now, I know there's lots of kids and adults out there that want to get back on the Cow Coaster, and I do as well. So for now, I want you to go enjoy yourself. I want you to walk around, get some food, meet neighbors that you've only ever waved at. Get to know each other and make memories.

And before you leave, don't forget to sign in at the table at the yellow tent, and sign one of the clipboards. So I really appreciate you being here. Thank you so much, and enjoy your night, Homer Glen.

“That is exactly why I’m running for mayor, because I believe this place is worth protecting, and I think we do it best together.”

Heidi Pacella

Blue hour outside Bengtson's red barn: Heidi hugs a supporter while volunteers and a neighbor with a stroller look on.

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Election Day is April 6, 2027.

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