The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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July 4th Parade

Monday, July 4, 2016 - 10:00am

The 11th annual Oak Park July 4th parade will step off from Longfellow Park at Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street. Parade participants march north on Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta Boulevard and disperse at Whittier School. The route will offer many viewing opportunities along the way. Residents typically bring chairs and blankets to sit on the parkways and curbs as they enjoy the old-fashioned, small-town display that suggests simpler times in the nation’s history. 

Participants include social and special interest groups, community groups, athletic teams, politicians, businesses, service organizations, children’s groups, animal lovers with their pets and musical groups. Some participants bring floats and drive vintage cars. Others play music, carry banners, ride decorated bicycles and skate. Most dress up in all manner of red, white and blue to commemorate the nation’s birthday and to celebrate Oak Park’s rich diversity.

Of course, the Police and Fire Departments are part of the parade, too, with vehicle lights flashing and sirens.

A fireworks display organized by the local nonprofit Great American Light Show Association (GALA) typically begins at dusk in the football stadium of Oak Park and River Forest High School, near East Avenue and Lake Street.

Check out a video from a previous parade...