PLAINFIELD, IL — Dwindling participation is the reason the Patriotic Picnic won’t happen this summer, Plainfield Park District officials said.
The park district would sponsor the event each summer ahead of Plainfield’s Fourth of July fireworks display. But that won’t be the case July 3.
Compared to the estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people who gathered throughout town to see the fireworks show, only about 300 actively took part in the Patriotic Picnic’s offerings, park district Executive Director Carlo Capalbo told Patch.
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“We have observed more and more individuals arriving closer to the [7 p.m.] marker (only 45 minutes prior to when we start closing the attractions and offerings to prepare for the launching of the fireworks) and having more of a tailgating activity happening,” he wrote in an email.
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Staff at the park district will instead redirect resources to organize the fireworks show and host other free events over the summer.
Some of the popular offerings once available at the Patriotic Picnic, including touch-a-truck, will be shifted to an event called Party @ Parc, taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10. The bash meant to kick off the summer, as organizers described it, will feature inflatables, a magic show, an open gym, food trucks and other entertainment.
Two weeks later, the Plainfield Park District will host Tiki Bash from 3 to 5 p.m. June 24 at Ottawa Street Pool. The event will feature a food truck, free swimming and Hawaiian dancers.
“As years continue, we always evaluate and listen to our residents as to what offerings and activities they would like to see from their Park District,” Capalbo said. “Our goal is to bring quality recreational programs and offerings to our [residents] year round.”
Alternatively, a new event will replace the Patriotic Picnic before the fireworks. Brew Avenue Events is in the final stages of planning what will be known as the Plainfield Food Truck Festival, Patch reported.
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Several food trucks will gather at Bott Park in the hours leading to the fireworks display set to begin at dusk July 3.
“The Park District is committed to offering the fireworks display as long as the Village of Plainfield continues its commitment of co-sponsoring the display costs at 50%,” Capalbo said.
Asked if the Patriotic Picnic will return in the coming years, Capalbo reiterated the only pre-fireworks activity will be the food truck fest.
“Nothing has been determined for 2024,” he added.
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