Oak Lawn Park District Cancels July 4 Fireworks, Party In Park

OAK LAWN, IL — The Oak Lawn Park District is following the lead of other nearby communities and is canceling the Party In The Park celebration and Fourth of July fireworks due to the coronavirus pandemic. Should the region enter Phase 4 of Illinois’s revitalization plan, only gatherings of 50 or fewer people are advised.

Oak Lawn Park District board members voted June 8 to cancel the park district’s Fourth of July events, which are held at Richards High School. The park district co-sponsors the fireworks with the Village of Oak Lawn.

“Unfortunately, these unprecedented times are challenging our traditions for the greater good of keeping our community safe,” the park district said in a letter to residents. “Like all other holidays these past few months, COVID-19 has altered our ability to safely celebrate in the traditional sense. Fourth of July is no exception.”

There is no word whether the village plans to cancel the Fourth of July Parade. The park district said it would try to hold a community event and fireworks on Labor Day, which this year falls on Sept. 7.

Meanwhile, the Bridgeview Park District has announced drive-in fireworks on July 4 at SeatGeek Stadium on July 3.