Orland Park Announces Independence Day Celebration July 3

All are invited to enjoy the full lineup of activities and entertainment beginning July 3 and extending into July 4

The Village of Orland Park has a fun-filled two-day celebration planned in honor of America’s birthday.

On July 3 at 7 p.m., we will kick things off with the annual Veterans Liberty Fun Run and Walk and will close things out with the best fireworks show around on July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at Centennial Park West.

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to the residents of Orland Park and their families to join us for this special celebration in honor of the nation’s independence,” said Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your community, enjoy fantastic entertainment, great food and a spectacular fireworks display.”

Fireworks display for the 4th of July. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

The Veterans Liberty Run and Walk on July 3 begins at the 153rd Street Metra Station and continues through Centennial Park. Participants are invited to run the 2-mile course or walk or jog the 1-mile course, making the experience family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages.

Onsite registration and packet pick-up for those who have not yet picked up begins at 5:30 p.m. on July 3rd at the race site. Each participant will receive a dri-fit race shirt, a USA hand flag, post-race refreshments and entry into a prize raffle. Participants will also receive a free admission pass to the Centennial Park Aquatic Center, eligible for one free admission on one of the following dates: July 5, 6, 7 or 8, 2025.

Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each age group, from 9U through 70+. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local veterans’ organizations.

Not quite ready for the 1 to 2-mile trek? Children of all ages can participate in the Kids’ 50-yard dash. The Dash, which is free, begins at 7:30 p.m. at the 153^rd Street Metra station at the conclusion of Liberty Run. Pre-registration is not required, all who wish to participate should be ready to go at 7:30 p.m.

On July 4, the Village will continue the festivities at Centennial Park West with its annual Independence Day Celebration that includes a new free pet & kids bike parade, presentation of colors, fireworks display and a free concert presented by Comcast.

Children interested in participating in the Kids & Pet Parade can decorate their bikes, trikes, pulled wagons, or even dress up their pets for a festive parade around the park and chance at great prizes. Parade start is 5 p.m. on the East path in the event grounds. No registration necessary! No e-bikes or motorized vehicles are allowed and all pets must be leashed.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. country pop band, In the Stix, opens the concert followed by headliner 90’s Pop Nation playing your favorite 90’s hits!

Before the spectacularly choreographed fireworks at 9:30 p.m., join us for the Presentation of the Colors and singing of the National Anthem by the Children’s Theater Troupe to salute the men and women of the armed forces.

Event parking and admission is free. Guests are invited to bring their chairs and blankets, coolers, snacks and beverages and join their community for an evening of music and fun. Concessions and alcohol for 21+ will be available for purchase at the event.

Thank you to our platinum event sponsors Christopher Burke Engineering, Waste Management, Dave & Busters, Northwestern Medicine and Comcast for your continued support.

“Let’s come together to create lasting memories and celebrate the great nation we live in as well as the vibrant spirit of the Orland Park community,” remarked Dodge.

For more information, visit orlandpark.org/events or follow the Village of Orland Park on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.

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Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

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