FREE 50th Anniversary Independence Day Community Celebration

WHEELING, IL, 6/28/11: A Star-Spangled Banner Day is planned for the community Monday, July 4, to commemorate the Wheeling Park District 50th Anniversary.
Decorate bikes, trikes, wagons, strollers, and scooters at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) starting at 1 PM. The Park District provides red, white, and blue streamers and other decorations. Pets are welcome, too. Prizes awarded for the best decorated bike and most patriotic pet.
At 2 PM, the Sis Boom Bike and Pet Parade begins with mascots, Petie and Willie, leading the way from the CRC to the “secret” location of the Wheeling Park District Time Capsule in Heritage Park. The first 500 participants receive a free 50th Anniversary souvenir t-shirt.
The ceremonial Time Capsule dig takes place at 2:30 PM. Once the historical artifacts, buried 25 years ago, are revealed, some of Wheeling Park District’s history from 1961-1986 will be on display. The fun continues with old-fashioned lawn games including water-balloon toss and potato sack races. Enjoy a snack and purchase a “Lucky Duck for a buck” for the race held at the Aquatic Center at 4 PM. (Winner need not be present.)
At 3:30 PM, the party moves to the Aquatic Center with live music by Postadelic and games throughout the afternoon. (Receive half-price admission to the Aquatic Center for the remainder of the day.) The celebration concludes with a fireworks display at 9:15 PM sponsored by the Village of Wheeling.
For more information, call the Guest Service Desk at (847) 465-3333, or go to www.wheelingparkdistrict.com.
The CRC is located at 333 West Dundee Road in Wheeling.

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