Park District's 'Color Me Proud' 5K Kicks Off 'Freedom Days'

—Submitted by Lemont Park District

Lemont Park District Freedom Days kicked off with a giant burst of patriotic colors during the Color Me Proud Freedom 5K—a new color run that took place the morning of June 29, at Centennial Campus. 

Red, white and blue color stations were located throughout the course ready to blast runners as they went by with the final station including a variety of vibrant hues. Approximately 300 participants took to the course to experience this new trend in fun runs. The DJ was rocking as people ran by and at the end of the race the final color throw was amazing; a kaleidoscope of colors that shot up in the air like an awesome fireworks display. Sponsored by Country Financial and Citgo, the race was a huge success with people already inquiring about next year’s event.

The Color Me Proud Freedom 5K was just the beginning of a series of events that will take place during Freedom Days at Lemont Park District leading up to the annual Independence Day Extravaganza that will be held later in the week. On Monday, June 30, guests will make a splash at The All-American Swim party; a free, patriotic “Pack the Pool” Event at Centennial Outdoor Aquatic Center. Sure to be great for all ages, this event will include fun games with prizes, rockin’ music and more! So grab your friends, and head to Centennial Outdoor Aquatics Center for a fantastic time! Nothing says summer like taking some time to fly a kite! The Sky High Freedom Fly will take place on July 1, also at Centennial Campus. In addition to enjoying the great outdoors flying kites, kid’s games, music and much more are all part of this fun, new event.

It wouldn’t be a celebration of our great nation’s freedom if we didn’t salute the Troops. Join in on July 2 as we pay tribute to our local veterans during Red, White and Zumba, a Zumba class to benefit the troops at the Lemont VFW. Festivities will begin at Legion Park as we recognize our local vets and conclude at the Lemont VFW where refreshments will be available along with a special Zumba class (participation in Zumba is not required). The event is free but donations will be collected for the cause at the event. Folks can also enjoy “Free to Be Fit” all-day Open House at The Core.

Freedom Days will continue on July 3 as crowds flock to Lemont’s highly anticipated “Independence Day Extravaganza” that will be held at Lemont Park District’s beautiful Centennial Campus! Featuring the Park District Foundation Beer Garden, a food court comprised of local restaurant fare, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, bean bag tournament and children’s activities including fun giant inflatables, the event will commence at 4 p.m. All Veterans are asked to visit the Veteran Appreciation Booth that will be located in the event to sign up for the honor roll and receive a special token of appreciation. Named Chicagoland’s Premier Country band by US 99, Hillbilly Rockstarz will take the stage at 7 p.m. At dusk the sound of “oooo’s” and “ahhh’s” will echo throughout the campus as the awesome fireworks show will blaze up the sky. Noted as one of the best shows in Illinois, the display is brought to the community by the Lemont Park District, Village of Lemont and the Lemont Township. For more information visit www.lemontparkdistrict.org or call 630-257-6787.