Justice Chamber celebrates America’s 250th a week early

The Justice Chamber of Commerce brought the Fourth of July celebration to town on Saturday, June 27, with hot dogs, hamburgers, bingo, raffles, and community spirit.

The event at Wilkins Elementary School, 8001 S. 82nd Avenue, drew a strong crowd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving residents a chance to meet chamber members and learn how the organization supports local businesses and attracts new ones to Justice.

Ron Patrick, the chamber president, said the early celebration was a deliberate shift from the group’s usual yearly event.

“We wanted to celebrate the 250th in July a week early, and everyone else seemed to want to do the same,” Patrick said. “We had a very good turnout. My thanks to everybody that pitched in and helped out, and all of the organizations that contributed.”

Miranne Nienhouse, the chamber secretary, ran the kitchen for the first time this year. She said the team went through about 200 hot dogs and 250 hamburgers.

“We have a lot of help from the school kids. Everybody was really good and organized,” Nienhouse said. “This is my third year of doing this. It’s a little different than our usual ribfest event.”

Students from Lyons Township High School worked in the kitchen and served food. Members of the Justice Lions Club and Justice Public Library were also on hand to greet attendees.

The Justice Chamber of Commerce is comprised of local business people working together to promote the success of area businesses and encourage new businesses to locate to Justice. For more information, visit justicechamberofcommerce.com.