W E D N E S D A Y
July 3, 2024 Vol. 45, No. 1
$2.00 @wednesdayjournalinc
@wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL @oakpark
of Oak Park and River Forest
Love red, white and boom? Here’s where to celebrate the 4th of July
Alan Brouilette: Consider our pets this 4th of July Page 13
New task force to address highrisk funeral processions The goal is to discuss how to prevent what officials say is dangerous behavior during these processions By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
parades, festivals and even a 5K Independence Day run for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.
On June 7, Bernadette McLain of Forest Park was driving north on Des Plaines Avenue. But when she turned right on Jackson Boulevard, she encountered a funeral procession traveling west down the same road. Suddenly, McLain said, a big black SUV was speeding toward her, traveling the wrong direction into her lane. Farther down the road, two other cars in the funeral procession did the same, swerving out of their lane toward McLain’s car before getting back into the procession’s line of cars. “I was shook,” McLain said. “I was very scared.” Her experience is not unusual in Forest Park and surrounding areas, where funeral processions — typically solemn, stately occurrences — occasionally evolve to include speeding cars, vehicles that weave in and out
See 4TH OF JULY on page 12
See FUNERAL PROCESSIONS on page 10
Events include firework displays, parades and a 5K run By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Are you looking for ways to show your American spirit this Fourth of
July? Luckily, events in and around Oak Park have you covered so you can rock red, white and blue in style. Events in the western Chicago suburbs include firework displays,
Happy 4th of July from The Pile Bookstore!
Stop by to find your next summer read, play a board game with friends, or enjoy a coffee and pastry. Open 10am-8pm Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-3pm Sunday, and 10am-2pm on the 4th!
thepilebookstore.com | 7117B Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL 60402 | 708-320-1001