4th of July Fireworks at Centennial Park

The rockets' red glare washed over the hills around Centennial Park Monday night, as Orland Park celebrated Independence Day with a serious fireworks display.

Trying to take some pointers from Patch photographer Edward Maurer, who graciously assembled a shot-by-shot , I gave my trusty Canon SX 210 IS a whirl at snapping some blast pictures.

Some worked, some didn’t. But I can tell you the best piece of advice is to use an actual standing tripod. Your camera needs to be incredibly still, and my mini handheld tripod only went so far.

Before the fireworks, Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band entertained the crowds, followed by a rousing ‘Star Spangled Banner.’

The fireworks were far from the only Independence celebrations throughout 4th of July weekend. Patch was there for the parades, a first-ever concert and a chance for the Orland Park Police Department to win back the right to talk smack for a year.

• Orland Park hosts its first outdoor concert as part of Independence Day weekend.
• Participants in Orland Park's annual 4th of July weekend pet and bike parade came ready to show off their patriotic best
• The Orland Park Recreation Department's annual Liberty Family Fun Run and Walk drew over two hundred participants, young and old, at Centennial Park on Friday.
• Police notch a 20-13 victory to even series between the two at 4-4 and claim bragging rights for the year.