CHICAGO (CBS) — For the first time ever, Winnemac Park on the northwest side will host an official “Fourth of July” celebration, but the downside is there will be no fireworks.
It comes after years of illegal and disruptive fireworks displays that attracted crowds And controversy.
Like it or not, the event has become a longstanding Fourth of July tradition in Winnemac Park: a spontaneous but unofficial and terribly illegal fireworks shows where amateur pyrotechnicians perform a show until late at night.
Although it attracts large crowds every year, it also causes unrest among many people in the community.
As part of an organizing effort by the Winnemac Park Advisory Council to create an event that “respects state and local fireworks laws,” the group will host the first-ever “Winnemac Fourth for All,” a free daytime event for residents.
“This is completely funded by the community, by businesses, local businesses. We try to provide a little bit of everything,” said Manny Vega of the Winnemac Park Advisory Council.
The day, which will include a disc golf tournament, a yoga class, face painting and tattoos, and live entertainment from various food trucks, aims to bring the community together after a neighborhood survey found that nearly 40 percent of residents were dreading the Fourth of July… citing disruptive fireworks and activities that would last well past midnight.
“I know people who have autistic children. It’s always been a difficult night for them. We know plenty of people who have dogs. You can bring your dog to this event. So the idea is that there’s no stuff that’s going to lock you in your house,” said Russ Klettke of the Winnemac Park Advisory Council.
Even though fireworks are not on the event’s program, illegal and unofficial fireworks displays can still take place near the park, and organizers hope local police will intervene.
“Anyone who decides to bring fireworks has to ask themselves the question: Do you really want to put on a show for people who aren’t really interested in it?” Klettke said.
