Thomas Wolfe said you can't go home again. But General Motors Corp.'s Saturn says you can, though it has taken five years.

Spurred by the introduction of its first midsize sedan, Saturn Corp. is gearing up for the carmaker's second Homecoming event -- with attractions ranging from plant tours to music concerts -- on July 30 and 31 at its manufacturing site in Spring Hill, Tenn.

"We never saw this as an annual event," said Betsy Chisholm, Saturn Homecoming manager. "This one happens to coincide with major changes at Saturn such as the launch of the new series and product updates."

TEST DRIVES

In one of the new events slated for the '99 Homecoming, current owners will be able to test-drive the redesigned models.

There will be more sports activities for attendees, including a mini-driving range, ski simulator and bowling alley, as well as a puppet theater, space camp and family fun area.

"Adults will be able to use our high-tech room to get on the Internet and use e-mail," Ms. Chisholm said.

Saturn agency Publicis & Hal Riney, San Francisco, will have crews at the Homecoming filming the event for future TV commercials, and also will break ads promoting it.

Saturn recently sent a direct-mail piece from Carlson Marketing Group, Troy