No Fourth of July fireworks or parade in Oak Park this year, officials announceMitch Dudekon June 8, 2021 at 6:41 pm

“Emerging from the pandemic is not a sprint,” Oak Park officials said in announcing their decision. Autumn, they said, will hopefully be a better time for community events.

It’s a double dud.

The Fourth of July parade and fireworks show aren’t happening this year in Oak Park.

Village leaders canceled the parade and cited a “cautious approach to large events” as COVID-19 restrictions ease, according to an announcement posted to the village’s website.

Though restrictions on capacity and social distancing are being lifted by the state Friday, leaders in Oak Park pointed to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that states anyone who is not fully vaccinated remains at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

“Emerging from the pandemic is not a sprint … and taking precautions now hopefully will help ensure a safe return in the not-too-distant future to the types of large community events many have missed over the past year,” the announcement stated.

“The community fireworks display has never been a village-sponsored event but was presented by a local not-for-profit organization. The village board is required to approve a permit for such exhibitions. No applications for a permit were filed this year or in 2020,” the announcement stated.

Oak Park anticipates moving toward a full reopening later this month if local and state COVID-19 rates remain on track.

Residents should look forward to opportunities to plan for community events in the fall, Oak Park officials said.

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