Celebrating the Fourth of July in Burr Ridge

The Pleasant Dale Park District will host a free fireworks display as part of an Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 3, beginning at 9:30 p.m., in Walker Park. A section of the park is located in Burr Ridge, and the Burr Ridge Park District and Village will not host separate events for the holiday.

According to Katherine Parker, Pleasant Dale Park District director,  several thousand attendees are expected for the event.

This year, the event is limited to fireworks and the sale of items including popcorn, glow sticks, water, snow cones, peanuts and prepackaged cotton candy, by volunteers.

In the past, the celebration has included food vendors, bands and games for kids. Parker said the park district is under a tight budget this year and needs to make sure there is enough money for repairs and maintenance, as well as fund for classes and camps.

“[The fireworks display] is an expensive undertaking,” said Parker, adding that the Pleasant Dale Park District always loses money on the Independence Day event.

However, Parker said the event means a lot to the community.

“It’s a great fireworks display. It’s a lot of fun and a family event,” said Parker.

The area where the event will be held is residential, and the Burr Ridge Police Department will post signs about parking.

“People do need to pay attention to 'no parking' signs. It’s for the benefit of residents,” said Burr Ridge Deputy Police Chief Tim Vaclav.

The Pleasant Dale Park District is selling 125 parking permits for $20 each for its parking lot. Limited parking near the event will be available on July 3 beginning at 6 p.m., and the church across the street from Walker Park will also offer parking for a charge.

“It’s always been a nice event and we’ve never had any big problems, and we’re looking forward to people being able to enjoy the fireworks,” Vaclav said.