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Oak Forest Veterans Commission schedules June 27 Independence Day celebration at Gaelic Park
Summary
The Veterans Commission set an Independence Day event for June 27, 2026 at Gaelic Park, confirmed entertainment and vendor plans, and asked the city administrator to coordinate permits, liability forms and interagency safety planning.
The Oak Forest Veterans Commission on May 21 finalized plans for the city’s Independence Day celebration, scheduling the event for Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Gaelic Park and confirming entertainment and vendor logistics.
Minutes show the commission confirmed the headline band Free Byrd as the 8 p.m. performer and noted an earlier entertainer will begin at 6 p.m. Organizers said the main band requested a larger stage; the commission directed members to ask Gaelic Park contacts whether a bigger stage can be provided.
The commission recorded that Trucking for Veterans will return to the event this year but “might move to another location,” and that organizers should expect to adapt the layout. The commission agreed to invite five food vendors and listed prospective vendors: BoFill’s BBQ, Joey’s Hot Dog, Kona Ice, Jack Frost and Ken Keeler (Cooper’s Bar). Two additional vendors noted in the minutes were Sisters Concrete and caricature artist Mark Odewald.
City Administrator Moses was tasked to provide a liability form for all vendors and to coordinate planning meetings with police, fire, the Emergency Management Agency and Gaelic Park to ensure a smooth operation. Minutes also note Gaelic Park has a wedding booked the same night; commission members discussed the need to coordinate any site changes with park management.
The commission said event advertising will promote fireworks in the park. The minutes record additional operational questions — including whether Gaelic Park can provide dinner coupons to commission members — but do not record a final answer.
The commission’s Independence Day planning will continue at future meetings as staff and park management finalize logistics and permits.
