Woodridge announces Fourth of July events and weather contingency plans
Woodridge residents are invited to celebrate the Fourth of July with a series of community events, as announced in the Village of Woodridge's weekly update on July 3. Village offices are closed in observance of Independence Day and will reopen on Monday, July 6.
The Woodridge Special Events Committee will host its annual Fourth of July Picnic at Castaldo Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnic games to enjoy food, drinks, and live vocal performances with DJ mixes. The Woodridge–Downers Grove Fourth of July Fireworks Show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at 75th Street and Lemont Road, with nearby parking lots recommended for viewing.
Due to forecasted rain and potential thunderstorms on July 4, the Village has outlined contingency plans. Decisions regarding the picnic will be made by 8:00 a.m., and fireworks decisions by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. The Village said, "These decisions are necessary due to limited parking and the lack of suitable shelter-in-place options. Decisions regarding the fireworks show will be made by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. This timing is necessary because fireworks require extensive setup well in advance of the show, and once they are in place, it is extremely difficult for them to be safely removed and reloaded without the increased risk of accidental ignition. For the safety of everyone, we will make a decision before setup begins. We are closely monitoring the weather and will continue to provide updates. The latest information will be posted on the Village of Woodridge website at www.woodridgeil.gov and on our official social media channels. We remain committed to hosting these beloved celebrations if the weather permits. We know these events are cherished community traditions, and this year’s festivities are especially meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. We appreciate your patience and understanding as always. Weather conditions can change rapidly; decisions must take into account public safety, event logistics, and the time required to prepare for a safe and successful holiday celebration," according to the Village of Woodridge.
Parking for the picnic is limited, with ADA accessible parking and drop-off only at the park lot. Attendees are encouraged to use the Woodridge Park District Community Center and Village Hall parking lots, where a shuttle will run every 15 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additional event and parking information is available on the Village website.
Mayor Gina Cunningham announced the availability of the 1976 Woodridge Time Capsule Digital Archive. Cunningham said, "When our 1976 Woodridge Time Capsule was unearthed, we were disappointed to discover that decades of water exposure had caused significant damage to much of its contents. While we knew not everything could be saved, we remained committed to recovering and preserving as much of our community's history as possible. Although we were unable to save every item, we are incredibly grateful that so much was recovered and can now be shared with you. These letters and keepsakes offer a remarkable glimpse into the hopes, dreams, memories, and everyday lives of Woodridge neighbors from 50 years ago. As you browse the collection, you'll notice that we made every effort to organize and label items so they would be as easy as possible to locate. In some cases, however, handwriting, water damage, fading, and other deterioration make it difficult to identify names or fully read the contents. While we know the archive may not be perfect, with tremendous effort, we were able to preserve as many irreplaceable pieces of our Woodridge history as possible. Whether you discover your own contribution, recognize the name of a friend or family member, or simply enjoy taking a step back in time, I hope this archive brings you the same sense of pride and connection that it has brought all of us working on this project. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support throughout this journey. Happy Fourth of July and thank you for helping us celebrate both our nation's history and Woodridge's remarkable story. Honoring Our Past as We Celebrate Together!"
Other updates include the upcoming Plan Commission meeting on July 6 to consider rezoning requests and zoning ordinance amendments, the ongoing school supply drive for District 68 students, and opportunities to apply for entry-level police officer and school crossing guard positions. The Village also reminds residents that there are no changes to garbage and recycling pickup schedules for the holiday week.