Have fun near home in Addison
With summertime spurring families to travel throughout the country, Addison officials hope local residents will make their fun at home on the Fourth of July.
That's because the Village of Addison and the Addison Park District are sticking with their annual tradition and hosting a day full of free activities for children and adults.
"With high gas prices and the high cost of traveling right now, we just want to encourage people to stay in Addison and have fun on the Fourth," said Traci Wicks, park district spokeswoman.
The day's events, which all happen at Community Park, will start with free admission to the pool from noon to 4 p.m. After swimming up an appetite, visitors can purchase food from vendors that will be on site starting at 6 p.m., including Addison restaurants like JD Muggs and La Placita Mexican Restaurant. The Family Fun Zone also will open at 6 p.m. and includes four giant, inflatable play structures.
Other events set for Friday include big wheel races, tricycle races and a bags tournament.
Wicks said the festivities will mix attractions that both children and adults can enjoy, which is why the park district hopes people will "play local" on Friday.
Another village tradition, the annual watermelon eating contest, will start at 6:30 p.m. Wicks said anyone who wants to compete should just show up with an appetite (no reservations required).
Before the big fireworks show, the Addison Park District Dancers will perform and the Westernettes will twirl their fire batons at 8:30 p.m. By dusk, up to 4,000 people are expected to gather in Community Park for the fireworks, which will again be set to music this year. Parking will be available at Community Park and Green Meadows shopping center.
For details on Addison's Fourth of July Celebration, call (630) 833-0100 or www.addisonparkdistrict.org.
If you go
What: Addison Fourth of July Celebration
When: activities start at noon; fireworks at dusk July 4
Where: Community Park and Recreation Center, 120 E. Oak St.
Cost: Free
Details:(630) 833-0100 or www.addisonparkdistrict.org