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Towns host Independence Day celebrations
Oak Brook will host Taste of Oak Brook at the Sports Core polo fields on 31st Street just west of York Road from 2-9 p.m. July 3. I Scott Stewart~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: July 29, 2012 4:39PM
Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace residents will have the opportunity to unfold a chair, roll out a blanket and enjoy some fireworks next week as both towns host their annual Independence Day celebrations.
Oak Brook will host Taste of Oak Brook at the Sports Core polo fields on 31st Street just west of York Road from 2-9 p.m. July 3. On-site parking will be available at the Sports Core fields, Christ Church of Oak Brook and Butler Junior High School at $10 per car.
Food and drink tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Participating restaurants are Freshii, Gibson’s Steakhouse, Grotto Italian Steakhouse, Kama Indian Bistro, Kona Grill, Labriola Bakery & Cafe, Pinstripes, Ravioli Oli and Tuscany.
McDonald’s will also hand out free french fries.
“(The taste) has become so much more family friendly over the years,” Trustee liaison for the taste Michael Manzo said. “Responses we got last year were the most positive responses we’ve gotten to date, but there’s always room for improvement.”
This year will again include live music beginning at 2 p.m. featuring Chris Green, Vito Zatto, Hi Infidelity and a DJ. Manzo said the stage will be “more centralized” to answer feedback from last year about sound concerns. Fireworks will follow the music at dusk.
“Last year we made tremendous progress and we’ll keep doing more,” Manzo said. “We’ll have a petting zoo, face painting, Ronald McDonald and the park district will have a bounce house set up. The tweaks will make it better for guests.”
The Taste of Oak Brook is supported by a $100,000 donation from McDonald’s Corporation, which Manzo said is necessary for the event to break even.
Oakbrook Terrace
on July 4
The next evening, Oakbrook Terrace will host its Fourth of July picnic from 4-7 p.m. at Terrace View Park. The picnic and bingo will be open to Oakbrook Terrace residents only.
Tickets are free for residents and can be picked up at City Hall until 4:30 p.m. July 3. Non-resident tickets cost $10 each and must be purchased by an Oakbrook Terrace resident.
The picnic will be provided by Uncle Bubs beginning at 4 p.m. and bingo will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Terrace View Fitness Center.
A concert by R-Gang will take place at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m. The concert and fireworks are open to the public.
“People can come in and set up during the concert and stay for the fireworks,” Oakbrook Terrace City Manager John Carpino said. “We ask there are no animals, alcohol or fireworks allowed at the park.”
More information on the Fourth of July Picnic is available by calling (630) 941-8300, ext. 338.
