The free Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks Display will begin at 5 p.m. July 3 at Plainfield Central High School, with fireworks going off at dusk.

Sponsored by the Plainfield Park District, the fourth annual event will provide activities for the entire family, including an inflatable obstacle course, “Chalk It Up” sidewalk art, family games, bean bag toss, and Play Zone activities.

There will also be touch-a-truck opportunities, including military, police, fire, and village vehicles, and representation by Operation Support Our Troops, an organization that sends community care packages, cards and letters of support to troops deployed overseas.

A DJ will provide music throughout the evening, and the Plainfield Park District’s dance classes will perform at 7 p.m. A 50/50 raffle will be conducted with proceeds going toward the cost of the fireworks.

If you plan on attending, park district officials encourage you to bring blankets, picnic baskets, chairs and coolers. Concessions will be provided by the Plainfield Central High School Athletics Booster Club. (Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on school or park district property.)

For more information, call 815-436-8812 or go to www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com.

(As an aside, don't forget the Plainfield Police Department is conducting a Click It-or-Ticket campaign now through July 4. They're doing both daytime and evening watches, and promise that no warnings will be given.)