Splashes, laughter, music hits and the aroma of hot dogs filled Grennan Heights Park on July 4 as the Niles Park District hosted its annual “Post-Parade Family Fest.”
With inflatable attractions, pony rides, booths full of family-friendly games and a live performance by the band The Mix, the Park District delivered a festive Fourth of July celebration to its residents and visitors alike.
The post-parade fest has been a tradition in Niles for more than two centuries. With free admission to the park and most attractions and food included – aside from beverages and raffle tickets – the event came together with help from Park District staff and other who spent hours preparing for an anticipated high turnout, according to organizers.
“It’s a great event and it’s definitely a team effort,” said Robin Brey, Niles Park District office manager and recreation supervisor. “They set up all day yesterday. We get here at 6 in the morning, everybody comes in, then there’s the parade, and everybody gets here at 11 o’clock. So, it’s probably 24 hours. There’s 30 full-time staff and about 50 part-time staff that help.”
A crowd estimated in the thousands – from Niles and neighboring towns – poured into the park, looking to make the most of the holiday despite the high summertime heat and morning cloud cover. Among them was Tia Davis, a Niles resident who’s made the Post-Parade Family Fest a tradition with her sons Roman, 6, and Don, 9.
“It’s a lot of fun for the kids. Nice parade, good rides; just a lot of fun with the neighborhood,” said Davis.
This year marked the Davis family’s fourth time celebrating the Fourth of July at the event.
“I really love the after-party,” Davis added. “It’s just a time to be with family, get away from work and just enjoy ourselves.”
Also returning were longtime attendees Renee Polit, her husband, and their sons Jacob, 4, and Joaquin, 8. This marked their eighth year at the post-parade fest.
“We’re just letting the kids have fun. We always go to the parade, and they enjoy the jump house here,” said Polit.
For Carmen Sciackitano, this year was her first time attending. She traveled from west suburban Winfield to spend the Fourth of July with her family, especially her granddaughters and great-granddaughters.
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When asked what she enjoyed most, she said, “The beautiful parade with veterans, police, first responders and the band here at the park. Wonderful.”
As her family played nearby under a refreshing spray from a fire truck ladder, Sciackitano reflected on what the day meant to her.
“It means that we’re a country united by all different types of Americans, and we’re strong, good people,” she said.
During the event, the Park District picked prize winners for a raffle open to all attendees, with tickets available for $1 each, or six for $5. Ten prizes were awarded, including bikes, scooters, a volleyball and badminton set, and other interactive items.
Despite a few morning showers, the Post-Parade Family Fest saw a packed turnout.
“I think it brings families together. People come from all over, and kids [who] grew up here … come back here to visit and take part in the event,” said Brey.
Kaitlin Mikrut is a freelancer.