Cook County picnic permits go on sale Friday

People planning large group picnics in Cook County's forest preserves can make reservations starting Friday.

County officials say that picnic permits will be sold online and in person at the forest preserve headquarters in River Forest. Sales start at 8 a.m. Doors open for in-person sales at 7 a.m.

Anyone planning a picnic for a group of 25 or more must obtain a permit. The prices vary depending on the size of the groups and other factors.

The forest preserve system has nearly 300 picnic groves and nearly 10 percent of the annual permits are usually sold on the first day. This year, more than 1 million people took part in permitted picnic events in the forest preserves.