The Ferris wheel turned, the music played, and the fireworks lit up the night — all part of the fifth annual Slice of Summer, a free community celebration packed with rides, food trucks, stilt walkers and more.
Held Saturday, July 12, at Freedom Park, 6200–6228 Birmingham St. in Chicago Ridge, the event drew thousands for an afternoon of old-school fun and hometown connection. Rides ran free of charge and live music kept the party going.
“This is one of our favorite events of the summer,” Steve Szymczak, of Palos Hills, said. “Both grandparents live in Chicago Ridge, so we all go as one big group together every year. There’s so much to do. It’s perfect for young kids.”
The night ended with a crowd-pleasing fireworks show.
“We started doing this event to bring back the community closeness that we were missing,” said Jen Grabowski, recreation supervisor and lead organizer. “This is about fun, connection, and giving families something to enjoy without breaking the bank.”
Throughout the day, kids lined up for face painting and inflatable obstacle courses. Magicians roamed the grounds. Characters posed for selfies. And a trackless train circled the park while local vendors like Kona Ice, LaVista Pasta and Lou Malnati’s kept the crowd fed.
Live music filled the air from afternoon to night and featured local favorite Richie Z who kicked things off, followed by Crawford’s Daughter and headliner Midnight, whose set ended just before the fireworks launched.
Grabowski said her favorite moment each year is watching the joy unfold in real time.
“Personally, I love watching the kids have so much fun with smiles from ear to ear,” she said. “When you catch that laugh and see kids having fun with their families and friends, it feels amazing to know that I had a part in bringing so much joy.”
While summers often fly by with packed schedules and high costs, Slice of Summer aimed to slow things down — and bring people together.
“Events like this keep neighbors engaged and connected,” Grabowski said. “It’s about catching up, meeting new people, and just having fun.”
