10th Annual Patriotic Picnic: Road Closings, Parking And More

PLAINFIELD, IL — This is the 10th year for the annual summertime event which includes fun for the entire family. The annual event got its start in 1999 as part of Plainfield Fest and became The Plainfield Park District Patriotic Picnic in 2008.

This year’s picnic kicks off with a flag raising at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 Fort Beggs Drive off of Route 59, followed by patriotic bike decorating.

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The public is invited to bring their blankets, picnic baskets, lawn chairs and coolers. Concessions will be available. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on school property.

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According to Plainfield police, Fort Beggs Drive will close from 5 p.m. until approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. There will also be an increase in pedestrian traffic in the area. All motorists are advised to use caution on Tuesday afternoon and evening when driving near PCHS.

The parking lot and bike path at Greg Bott Community Park will close at 10 a.m. The remainder of Bott Park will close at 4 p.m. for final setup of the fireworks show. This includes the ball fields and skate park.

Parking for the Patriotic Picnic will be on the main campus of Plainfield Central High School. The rear parking lots will be accessible from James Street near Commercial Street and from Route 59 and Fort Beggs Drive. Handicapped parking will be accessible near the front of the school. Additional parking is available at St. Mary Immaculate Parish located at 15629 S. Route 59. Parking will also be restricted on Fort Beggs Drive, River Road and Commercial Street.

The event leads up to the big patriotic fireworks display that gets started at dusk. Fun events for the day include:

• Bike Parade at 6:30 p.m.
• Touch-a-Truck
• Dance performances at 7 p.m.
• DJ spinning tunes
• Retiring of the colors led by the American Legion at 8:30 p.m.

Purchase a $5 wristband and kids can bounce around in our inflatables an unlimited number of times at the event. Games and inflatables close at 8:15 p.m. so be sure to arrive early!

The Kids’ Patriotic Bike Parade is at 6:30 p.m., and children can decorate their bikes, big wheels, wagons, scooters (non-motorized), etc. with red, white and blue decorations and show off their American pride. A limited supply of decorations will be available.

Sponsors for the event include: Village of Plainfield, Park Partner; Plainfield Township, Activities Park Partner; NorthStar Credit Union, Plainfield, Activities Park Partner.

Photo/article submitted by the Plainfield Park District with information from the Plainfield Police Department.