Oak Lawn 4th of July 2021 Ultimate Survival Guide

OAK LAWN, IL — Yes, there’s going to be an Independence Day parade, and a post-parade concert too. And there will be fireworks even while Richards High School’s football stadium is undergoing construction. The Village of Oak Lawn is just shaking up its stodgy Independence Day traditions by introducing some delightful changes, and we like them.

JULY 3

For the first time ever, Oak Lawn’s patriotic parade will step off at 4 p.m. Saturday, JULY 3, at 95th Street and LaCrosse Avenue and proceed west on 95th Street to 55th Court. Staging will be at Fifth Third Bank, 9400 S. Cicero Ave. The stretch of 95th Street will be closed during the parade. From Fifth Third to Premo’s Ice Cream, that stretch of 95th Street will be closed during the parade. (Yay, the rail crossing is fixed!)

The parade will showcase local businesses, organizations, churches, youth sports teams and scout troops. Southpaw the Sox mascot, Those Funny Little People, the Giant Wheel and Medinah Flying Carpets will entertain kids of all ages.

After the parade, bring your blankets and chairs and head over to the Village Green,9446 S. Raymond Ave., east of village hall, for a post-parade concert featuring South City Revival. True to their South Side blue collar roots, South City Revival has gigged all over the Midwest. The band was voted Best Country/Western Entertainer of 2021 by Chicago Music Awards.
Smilin' Clyde's Hot Dogs and EL Chavis Taquiza taco cart will be providing concessions.

JULY 4

The Oak Lawn Park District will be launching an aerial fireworks show at dusk around 9:15 p.m., JULY 4, from Richards High School, 106th Street and Central Avenue.

There will be no central gathering place for fireworks this year because the high school football field is under construction. Instead, patrons should view the display from alternate locations.
Harker Park (104th and Minnick), Wolfe Wildlife Refuge (109th and Laramie), and Memorial Park (102nd and Major) may offer the best views. Park district staff will NOT be onsite, nor will there be any extra activities or amenities available. There will also be no music at the fireworks, but you can still cue up your favorite patriotic tunes on your car radio or smartphone. Please also note that aforementioned facilities close at 10 p.m., but the display should be over by then.

Patrons watching fireworks will NOT be permitted to use the Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center’s parking lot.

The park district pools will also be available for open swim on July 4th. Central Pool, 9400 S. Kenton Ave., will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Centennial Pool, 93rd Street and Nashville Avenue, will be open from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. There is a $5 admission fee for all. The village’s splash pads will be open their regular times.