Firecracker Dance Return Draws Hundreds

MOKENA, IL — The music was hot and the drinks were cool for the return of Mokena Lions Club 33rd annual Firecracker Dance July 17. The event was postponed last year because of the pandemic.

Area residents flocked to the outdoor party for live performances by Midnight, followed by Johnny Russler & The Beach Bum Band. Of course, the ever-popular Margaritaville drew its fair share of thirsty revelers, as well.

An estimated 750 people attended this year's dance, according to Mokena Lions Club Past President Robin Urbaszewski.

"It just seemed like everybody wanted to get out and see each other," Urbaszewski said.

Proceeds from the event will go toward local and national donations to programs that promote hearing and vision screenings, as well as programs to help battle hunger, according to Urbaszewski said.

It wasn't immediately known how much was raised this year, but Urbaszewski said that "it looks like we're back on track" for the club's budget pre-pandemic.

The Firecracker Dance gets its name from when the Mokena Lions Club used to provide the July 4th fireworks for Mokena, according to Urbaszewski said. At some point, the Village took over the fireworks, but the Firecracker Dance name just stuck, he said.