Citing a need to take a “cautious approach” to hosting large events during the summer, the village of Oak Park announced its annual 4th of July parade and fireworks have been canceled.
Though the state is expected to fully reopen on June 11, the village of Oak Park made the announcement of the cancellations Thursday, adding that hosting large events is still “not recommended.”
The village’s 4th of July parade typically begins at Longfellow Park and marches north on Ridgeland Avenue toward Whittier Elementary School. The village’s traditional fireworks display would then take place that evening at Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Officials said the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to stress that anyone who is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 remains at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Local public health officials say they anticipate moving toward a full reopening of the village later this month, which should create opportunities to plan for community events this fall.
As of June 2, the village of Oak Park health department says nearly 29,000 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, while more than 26,000 of those residents are fully vaccinated.
Between May 26 and June 2, the village reported 15 new COVID-19 cases. To date, 3,199 Oak Park residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
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While some communities have canceled summer events, others, such as the village of Elmwood Park, announced the return of their 4th of July fireworks.
Twitter: @steveschering