Community Corner

Residents' Dogs, Fireworks Not Allowed at Fourth of July Celebration

Leave the pups and 'works at home July 4.

A Friday full of fun is planned for the Fourth of July Celebration put on by the Tinley Park-Park District, and they are asking for your help in keeping a safe environment during the festivities. In addition to the normal reminder that fireworks (even sparklers) are not allowed anywhere at McCarthy Park, the Park District also is increasing efforts to keep dogs and other pets from the large gathering of people at the annual celebration.

"The truth is, even if you think you know how your dog reacts to loud and stressful conditions, the person sitting next to you has no idea, and there's no guarantee your dog will react the same way it has in the past," said Park District Superintendent of Recreation, Sandra Wolff-Chevalier.

"It's just better for the dogs if you keep them at home," said Park District Marketing Manager, Matt Libs. "There are steps you can take to help your dog cope with the loud noises from fireworks displays in your home, but when you bring them out to McCarthy, there's no sound damper, and the fireworks are being shot off less than a half-mile away.

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"It just doesn't seem safe to subject a dog to that kind of stress," continued Libs.

Despite the stern warning about bringing dogs, fireworks, or sparklers to McCarthy Park, the Park District has planned a fun-filled day for local families.

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The day kicks off with the 24th Annual Stars and Stripes 5K Run/Walk presented by First Midwest Bank  at 8 a.m. Registration for the race opens at 7 a.m. on race day and is $30 per participant.

Following the race, Tinley Junction Miniature Golf and Batting Cages opens at 11 a.m. and is located right on the grounds of McCarthy Park. Also, right down the street, White Water Canyon Water Park will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the fourth.

At 4 p.m., the opening ceremonies will prelude the start of activities at McCarthy Park, including: Tug-O-War, Sack Races, Water Balloon Toss, Wacky Relays, BINGO, Craft Table, Penny Carnival, Horseshoe Tournament, Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, Sandy Candy, Food Tent, Beer Tent, Popcorn, Sno-Cones, and an Inflatable Climbing Wall, Giant Slide, Tot Town, Octopus Wind Tunnel, Moonwalk, and more!

Plenty of live music is planned for the evening. The Danny Tanner Band will take the main stage at 4:30 p.m., followed by headliners The Hat Guys at 5:30 p.m. Bruce Korosa's Polka Band will also be performing, as well as Clowns Loopy and Cazoo with free helium balloons, David Fleming the Stilt Walker, and Dale the Magical Balloon-dude. Also, at 6:00 p.m., free watermelon will be served.

The Hat Guys will entertain all the way up until around 9:15 p.m., when all eyes will be turned east towards Centennial Lake for the Grand Finale Fireworks Extravaganza.

This event is free to attend and is presented by the Tinley Park-Park District.


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