The Park District Board this week reminded residents that it has canceled its Independence Day Parade and fireworks display to give other local governments and civic groups a chance to pick up the torch.
“You’ve got to have a parade. It’s the 4th of July, for crying out loud,” said Commissioner John Wassinger. “We would be remiss if we didn’t let everybody know we’re not doing it this year.”
The Park District has sponsored the events every year since 1976.
The Park Board voted last November to cancel the festivities after voters turned down a referendum question that would have increased the Park District’s tax rate by 6 cents after a promised 9-cent bond abatement.
Last year the Park District spent $46,000 on the parade and fireworks and lost an estimated $30,000 to $50,000 in revenues because White Pines Golf Course was closed to host the events, said Park District director William Grady. “We can’t afford to absorb an $80,000-plus loss for one day,” he said. “We just don’t have the resources anymore.”
Civic groups that wish to sponsor the festivities should contact Village Hall, Grady said.