LANSING, Ill. (July 3, 2021) – A windless evening and mild temperatures made Saturday, July 3, a perfect evening to enjoy fireworks at Lan-Oak Park. Precautions put in place by Lan-Oak Park District prevented over-crowding, and residents throughout the surrounding neighborhood celebrated with picnics and potlucks leading up to the main event.In an effort to keep attendance numbers manageable and safe, the Lan-Oak Park District set up fencing around Lan-Oak Park, and kept the park closed until 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Parking was prohibited on the streets surrounding Lan-Oak Park, except for a few designated handicapped spots. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Orange fencing around the north end of the park designated the area where Melrose Pyrotechnics would operate the display, with oversight by the Lansing Fire Department. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Soon after 7:00 p.m., local families made their way toward the park. Those coming from farther away found parking at the Eisenhower Center, Walmart, or throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Officer Kacich had been on duty all day and was positioned at the southeast corner of Lan-Oak Park to restrict traffic flow. Prior to the opening of the park, he was optimistic about how the evening would turn out, and his optimism was confirmed after the show was over. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)From left: Spencer, Dominique, and Lee have a tradition of celebrating the Fourth with family. Dominique’s mother has lived on Oakley Avenue, which borders the eastern edge of the park, for 15 years, and the family gathers there for a perfect view of the fireworks. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)On Arcadia Avenue, which borders Lan-Oak Park to the west, Mustafa Alobaidi (standing) and his family picnic together pre-fireworks. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Lan-Oak Park District arranged for three entrances to the park, staffed with officers and park district personnel. From left, Officer Keven Meyer, Kendall Casagrande, and Darren Rouse were stationed at the south entrance. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Darkness had descended by 9:15pm, but high-powered lights kept sections of the park bright. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)As the night deepened along Oakley Ave., Dominique’s family filled the parkway and spilled into the street in anticipation of the pyrotechnics display. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Inside the park as well as along the perimeter, Lansing police maintained a watchful presence. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Melrose Pyrotechnics began the show right on time, at 9:30pm. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The clearing on the west side of Lan-Oak Park provided a spacious vantage point. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Onlookers on the east side of the park could see the display above the tennis courts. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The rockets’ red glare cast a patriotic glow over the crowd. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
By 10:00 p.m. the crowds filed out of the park and back to their homes. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
Thanks for all that you do. You’re reporting on the community really makes a difference. Same goes for Josh Bootsma.