Oak Lawn Marks America's 250th Birthday With Wiener Dogs, Cute Kids, Hometown Heroes

OAK LAWN, IL—Patriotism was on full display Saturday at the Oak Lawn Independence Day parade, a week before the actual 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Thousands of residents decked out in red, white and blue lined 95th Street to celebrate America’s sesquicentennial.

Tommy Hawk and Southpaw threw balls and pucks to the cheering crowds. Sam the Wheel Guy and other Cirque de Sole-type wheel turners, and Shriners zipped around on magic carpets and Model Ts, which makes us want to join the Shriners even more.

The parade kicked off with the Oak Lawn Raiders carrying of their giant American flag. Hometown Heroes whose banners hang from light poles along 95th Street and Cicero Avenue and/or their families were invited to march in this year’s parade. Some families carried photographs of their veterans who have passed away in their military uniforms.

Tony Mrozynski, 95, was the parade’s oldest Hometown Hero, who got to ride in Raider member John Hickey’s classic, turquoise blue 1957 Chevy.

We loved the Oak Lawn Spartan marching band’s red, white and blue tie dyed tee shirts. Other participants include the Chicago Infiniti dance team, Oak Lawn Baseball and Softball teams, OLCHS cheer team and athletes, Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 and Ladies Auxilary, as well as community churches and businesses, to name a few.

Post-parade, the throng headed to the Village Green for an afternoon concert by Rockology Chicago and photo ops in front of the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, including two weiner dogs, Willow and Mobi.

From the smiles, the crazy patriotic gear, the flags, the cheer moms and dance dads, at the end of the day, we’re all Americans. Happy 250!!!!