Annual Fourth Of July Parade Canceled In Mokena

MOKENA, IL — The Mokena Chamber of Commerce and its parade organizers, with input from the village of Mokena, Mokena Fire Protection District, Mokena Police Department and Mokena Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, have made the decision to cancel the annual Fourth of July parade in Mokena.

"We waited to come to this decision while we explored as many alternate ideas and solutions as possible," the chamber said on its Facebook page. "This decades long tradition is so important to our chamber, and we know how cherished it is by our residents and our business community as well."

By July 4, Illinois could be in phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. However, the plan still only allows for gatherings of up to 50 in phase 4, and prohibits larger events and gatherings.

The chamber said the parade always provided a way for businesses to come out and promote their products and services. With the cancellation, the chamber encouraged residents to still find ways to support local businesses.

"As you can imagine, we're disappointed, but we're using this as an opportunity to plan the absolute best Independence Day parade EVER in 2021," the chamber said.