Oak Lawn Celebrates Independence Day with Parade and Patriotic Fun

Red, white, and blue filled the streets of Oak Lawn on Saturday, June 28, as families gathered for the village’s beloved Independence Day Parade. Beginning at 4 p.m., the celebration kicked off at 95th Street and 51st Avenue, with the parade route stretching west to 55th Court.

Spectators lined the sidewalks, waving flags and cheering as a vibrant procession of community groups and performers passed by. The Oak Lawn Raiders led the way with a large American Flag, joined by the Oak Lawn Police and Fire Departments, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, the U.S. Marine Corps, Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220, the U.S. Army, and many more.

Also marching were members of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, Oak Lawn Arts Commission, OL Library, Oak Lawn Park District, churches, Oak Lawn Community High School Band and Moraine Valley Community College. The parade featured everything from dance troupes and classic cars to clowns, jugglers, and beloved local mascots like Skates and Tommy Hawk. The Jesse White Tumblers and Medinah Shriners Genies wowed the crowd with their high-energy performances.

Laughter and excitement filled the air as children collected candy tossed from floats, creating a festive atmosphere that brought the whole community together. The parade ended on a refreshing note as the Oak Lawn Fire Department gave kids a surprise cool-down—spraying water from one of their trucks and turning the street into an impromptu splash zone, much to the delight of the little ones.

After the parade, families gathered on the village green to enjoy a high-energy performance by Charles and Company, rounding out an afternoon full of celebration and community pride.

Looking ahead, the Village of Oak Lawn and the Oak Lawn Park District will host their annual fireworks display on Friday, July 4th, at dusk at Richards High School.