Village staff and volunteers in Homewood and Flossmoor are gearing up for the annual July 4th celebrations marking the nation’s birthday.
Homewood’s parade
Homewood’s annual parade steps off at 10 a.m. Parade floats, walkers and participants will meet at St. John Neumann Church parking lot, 17951 Dixie Highway, to Ridge Road for the walk to the Izaak Walton Nature Preserve. Residents are welcome to start sitting out at their favorite spot at 9:30 a.m. when the streets will officially be closed.
(Chronicle file photo)
Izaak Walton community picnic
Izaak Walton Nature Preserve volunteers will host its annual village picnic and provide attendees with activities, games, food and more.
Izaak Walton Board President John Brinkman said, “It’s been more than 40 years of families partaking with the parade and picnic. Folks have a great time.”
The family event will feature food and refreshments for sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu items include brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, corn pudding, gourmet sandwiches, soft drinks and water.
Spend some time in friendly competition participating in games open to everyone, including foot races for the kids, a water balloon toss, a three-legged race, sack races, and much more. Other feature-structured team events that require signing up in advance include bag toss and volleyball tournaments –– teams finishing first and second will have an opportunity to win cash prizes.
Activity stations offering fun activities for kids will by presented by local organizations and businesses, including Homewood Science Center, Serendipity Yoga, Homewood Baseball, Goodspeed Cycles, John Harrell State Farm Insurance, Union Street Art Gallery and Fiddlesticks Forest School.
“Bring a chair, SPF, snacks, and some ice-cold lemonade!” said Homewood’s Events Manager Marla Youngblood. “Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve is hosting the picnic, not as a fundraiser, but as a way of showing appreciation to the community.”
old fashioned community picnic. (Chronicle file photo)
Flossmoor’s Bicycle Parade
The annual Flossmoor Bicycle Parade begins at 10 a.m. Participating kids can highlight and decorate their bikes and wagons in patriotic red, white, and blue colors.
The lineup for the parade is at 9:30 a.m. at the Parker Junior High School parking lot, 2810 School St. Bikers will parade down Flossmoor Road to picturesque downtown Flossmoor. Sterling Avenue will be closed to car traffic until noon.
Participants and residents can enjoy free coffee, donuts and ice cream (while supplies last) from The Flossmoor Volunteer Fire Corporation. The Flossmoor Fire Department will also perform a demonstration.
For the safety of participants and spectators, motorized vehicles are not allowed to participate in the parade.
Flossmoor Program and Events Coordinator Stephanie Wright said, “Residents and guests should decorate their bicycles and wagons in their finest red, white and blue displays. We love to see the creativity and imagination of what participants can do with streamers and crepe paper!
“The parade turns 92 this year and is a much-loved Flossmoor tradition with a simplistic charm that will delight all participating in the parade or as a spectator along the route,” she said.
Area fireworks displays
Harvey
Saturday, July 1. Parade at 3 p.m. The parade route will go from 155th and Wood to 155th and Broadway. The carnival at 155th and Broadway will feature a kids’ zone and bouncy houses, a train ride for younger kids, a gaming truck and small carnival rides for elementary age kids as well as a trampoline station for teenagers. Fireworks planned but time not listed on promotional material.
Hazel Crest
Saturday, July 1. Festivities start at 4 p.m. at 3000 170th Place. A DJ will provide music. Fireworks at dusk.
Chicago Heights
Monday, July 3. Family-friendly viewing area located on Bloom High School’s north field opens at 6 p.m. Food vendors, craft vendors music and more. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fireworks at dusk.
Tinley Park
Tuesday, July 4. The celebration will take place in the north parking lot of the 80th Avenue Metra train station, 18001 S. 80th Ave. Live music, food and beverages. Fireworks at dusk.
Frankfort
Tuesday, July 4. DJ at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Main Park, 200 S. Locust St.
Glenwood
Tuesday, July 4. Parade at 1 p.m. from Glenwood Oaks Restaurant, 106 N. Main St. east to village hall. Music, food and vendors at Glenwoodie Golf Course at 6 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
South Holland
Tuesday, July 4. Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park, 500 E. 160th Place. Kiddie Bike Parade at 12:15 p.m. Live music from noon to 1 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Fireworks shortly after dusk.
Thornton
Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks at sundown. The public can view from Hubbard Park, 200 N. Wolcott. Concessions will be available.