Food Trucks, Live Music, Bingo: Mokena Lions Firecracker Fest Kicks Off At Yunker Park

MOKENA, IL — A Mokena tradition is getting a revamp and a new venue.

The Mokena Lions Club is changing up its biggest fundraiser, with a new location, all-ages offerings and a refreshed name.

The organization's Firecracker Dance, held under a tent on Front Street for nearly 40 years, has been rebranded as Firecracker Fest and relocated to Yunker Park, 10824 W. La Porte Rd. The event is set for Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12.

Activities kick off with Bingo Friday from 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Yunker Park barn. Firecracker Yoga with SPENGA Mokena is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, at the Yunker Park bandshell.

At 12:30 p.m., firefighters and police take to the field at Main Park, 10925 W La Porte Rd., for the Battle of the Badges. Concessions, raffles, and split the pot will be offered, with all proceeds going to the Mokena Lions Club.

Fest gates back at Yunker Park open at 3 p.m., with food trucks, drinks, Margaritaville, and live music from Firechicken and Woulda Coulda Shoulda lined up. Food and drink vendors include:

• Brothership Brewing
• Nancy's Pizza
• Nothing Bundt Cake
• Joey's Red Hots
• Papa J's Pizza, Mokena VFW
• Ambrosino's

Raffle tickets are $10 each, with purchase admitting those 18 and older into Saturday night's fest activities. Grand prize is $2,500; 2nd prize is $1,000; 3rd prize is $800. Prizes for 4th through 8th.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs.