Oak Lawn Fourth of July Parade

• What: Celebrate the red, white and blue at the Village of Oak Lawn Fourth of July Parade as dozens of scout troops, Benny the Bull, the White Sox Southpaw, Marist High School Marching band, sports teams, clubs, organizations and veterans step off down 95^th Street. Don’t forget to bring a bag for the candy.
• When: 10 a.m. sharp, July 4.
• Where: 95^th Street, from 51^st Avenue to 55^Th Court (Cold Stone Creamery to Premo’s).
• Cost: Free

Going somewhere? Check out our July 4th travel guide.

Oak Lawn Fire Fighters’ 2^nd Annual Duck Race

• What: Immediately after the village parade, follow Oak Lawn’s bravest—the last float in the parade—down 95^th Street to Lake Shore Park where hundreds of yellow duckies will be competing in a race down Oak Lawn Lake. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn’s “We the People Exhibit,” and the Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund. Ducks that cross the finish line ahead of the flock will win their lucky owners some fabulous prizes like an iPad II, iPod, a ride to school on a fire truck, a party for 20 at the Children’s Museum and lots more. Patch is a proud sponsor of the journalism duck.
• When: Immediately after the parade, approximately 11 a.m. July 4.
• Where:Lake Shore Park, 9610 E Shore Dr. (54^th Avenue and 96^th Street).
• Cost: Ducks are $10 and can be purchased at the Children’s Museum or any firehouse in Oak Lawn, including Fire Station #1, 4401 West 103rd Street; Fire Station #2, 6451 West 93rd Place; and Fire Station #3, 9446 S. Raymond. For information on purchasing or bidding on a specialty duck online, visit the Children’s Museum.

Star Spangled Family Celebration

• What: Join the Oak Lawn Park District for a patriotic family celebration. Activities include “Oak Lawn’s Got Talent” competition, a treasure hunt, bingo, obstacle course, games and crafts, giant inflatable slide, kids’ tattoos, a free play area and pony rides. See the flyer for more information.
• When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 4.
• Where: Centennial Park, 93^rd Street and Nashville.
• Cost: $5 wristbands for children ages 3 and up; parents are free.

Swim for $2 at All Park District Pools

• What: Swim all day for cheap on the Fourth of July.
• When: Starting at 11 a.m. Check pools for hours. July 4.
• Where: Centennial Park (94^th Place and Nashville Avenue and Central Park (9400 S. Kenton Ave).
• Cost: $2 admission

Pre-Fireworks Concert

• What: The "Oak Lawn's Got Talent" winner will perform at 8 p.m. The wacky Dave Rudolf and his musical henchman will be performing his family show before the evening fireworks. Dave’s interactive act gets kids and parents up on stage for every song singing or making funny noises. Dave will also be singing a few of his Dr. Demento-esque hits including “Mr. Potato Head Family,” “Lyphosuction Shack,” and many more.
• When: 8:00 p.m. before the fireworks, July 4.
• Where: Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.
• Cost: FREE.

Fabulous Fireworks Show

• What: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and catch the rocket’s red glare with your neighbors at the community fireworks display co-hosted by the Village of Oak Lawn and Oak Lawn Park District.
• When: Dusk (between 9 and 9:30 p.m.), July 4.
• Where: Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.
• Cost: FREE.

Find out when the Southland will be blowing off the rest of the works.

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