The evening will feature food, games, music, prizes, and a chance to learn about the history of Heritage Park and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its dedication to the community:
- 5-7 p.m. – Free picnic of hotdogs, brats, chips, cookies & water
- 5:30 p.m. – Memorial tree dedication honoring Mayor Marcia Smith
- 6 p.m. – Little Miss & Mister Contest (Follow this link by July 1st to register the kids)
- 5-8 p.m. – Music, games, and prizes!
Organizers have been planning this event since January, settling on a Thursday evening to create a relaxing atmosphere, a place to visit with friends and neighbors, and to enjoy a cookout while the kids play. They didn’t anticipate a forecast of heat and humidity with a high temperature of 92 degrees, so please plan accordingly. The pavilion and tents will provide shade and relief from the heat.
“Yes, it’s gonna be hot but it will be a night we all remember for years to come. Just think about when the 75th rolls around, how your kids and grandkids will be telling their kids about how much fun they had back in ’26 AND it was hotter than a firecracker,” shared organizers.
They also offered a little piece of history from 1976: “On July 4, 1976, the Erie, Illinois area experienced an afternoon high temperature of approximately 80°F (26.7°C), with comfortable morning lows dropping into the mid-50s. The day featured mostly sunny skies and pleasant conditions, as a high-pressure system dominated the Midwest for the nation’s Bicentennial.”
Despite the weather, Revitalize Erie hopes the community will show up to “make the kick off to the next 50 years a night filled with memories that’ll last a lifetime!”
This event is made possible through the commitment of steadfast community volunteers and the generosity of the following sponsors:
- Platinum: ComEd
- Gold: Hanford Insurance
- Silver: Erie Foods International, Stichter Construction, Gibson-Bode Funeral Home
- Bronze: Country Companies Insurance and Financial Services
