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 The day began with the pool being open for fun and
games, then moved on to more fun and games in the evening, along
with entertainment, food, and of course, fireworks.
Around the playground and putting green area there were several
activities that children and some adults enjoyed participating in.
The face painting and special shaped balloons by The Unique Twist
balloon artist were wildly popular with the kids.
Across the way, a collection of inflatables awaited children. There
were multiple slides and bounce houses for kids to traverse one at a
time to their hearts delight.
The putting green is being transformed, and there is now a ball
diamond in front of the clubhouse. There, adults and children with
their plastic bats and balls enjoyed a quick game before darkness
fell.
There was also food. Three food trucks were available for the
purchase of a summer supper to be enjoyed on blankets or in lawn
chairs as guests awaited the grand finale’ – fireworks.
The park district was also offering crafts and lawn games for all
ages.
Director Becky Strait and Program Coordinator Jaylee
Swinford had a table set up sharing information about the park
district. They also were offering popcorn in bags large enough for
the whole family to enjoy.
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As darkness fell, families gathered together to watch the long
anticipated fireworks.
This year the show was exceptional, lasing very close to one hour with dozens of
colorful explosives lighting the night sky.
On more than on occasion, the pyrotechnic experts fired off multiple rockets at
a time, filling the sky and causing “ooohs” and “aaahs” from folks on the lawn.
The Fourth of July this year was perhaps one of the most important we’ve seen in
a while. The past year of 2020 was one that many consider to be a total debacle.
We were told to stay home, not go to work, and definitely don’t go play. People
got sick, some passed away, and the face mask became the latest way to express
fashion and personal style. To put it nicely, one social media post on the LDN
Facebook page said it simply, “If it is fun, you can’t do it.”
With the pandemic seemingly dwindling among us, the restrictions have been
lifted, and people are enjoying the opportunity to go out in public and be with
friends and family.
The celebration at the park district on Sunday evening emphasized that new
freedom while also remembering the freedom that we have enjoyed since 1776.
Thanks to the staff at the Lincoln Park District for giving us a memorable
Fourth of July 2021.
[Nila Smith] |
