Photo Gallery: An Explosive Night in Tinley's McCarthy Park

Tinley resident Julie Dekker matched the American Flag Monday night. Dressed in a red, white and blue clown costume, she sat beside her husband, Kurt Dekker, during a patriotic fireworks display at

"This is a day for everyone to come out and have a good time," said Julie, who is also the director for the in . "What the park district does, what the village does ... is put (forth) a lot of work to make this happen for our town."

Families on blankets dotted the lawn at McCarthy Park Monday while children ran and jumped through inflatable fun houses.

An opening ceremony began with a message from the Village of Tinley Park mayor, Ed Zabrocki.

"July Fourth is special for a couple of different reasons," he said, adding that two local natives have died in Iraq. "We will never forget that. Several people from Tinley Park are still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let's hope they can enjoy the Fourth of July wherever they are. We hope they come back Swiftly and safely." 

He thanked the for organizing the Independence Day fun.

"It doesn't end tonight ... " he said. "Tinley Park is a great place to raise your kids."