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Politics & Government

Cook County Readies 2012 Picnic Permits

Permits will be available to purchase online and in person Tuesday.

With winter setting in it might be hard to imagine rolling out the wicker basket and gathering the family for a picnic. But to perhaps get in the gingham mood, you might consider picking up a Cook County Forest Preserve Picnic Permit Tuesday. 

Permits officially go on sale Jan. 3, and can be purchased online, or in-person at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem Avenue, River Forest.

Earlier: 

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More than one million people purchased the slip in 2011, with peak sales occurring within the first week, according to a press release from the Forest Preserve. "On the first day of permit sales we sell about 13 percent of what we sell the whole year and there's more than a million people who participate in preserves," said Karen Vaughn, a spokeswoman for the department. 

"There are holiday dates that are very popular popular and do sell out and that's why people want to get out so early." Vaugh added. 

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Permit prices vary based on group size and the amenities of the space. Permits must be obtained by groups of 25 people or more, and no more than two permits are allowed annually per person, or organization. 

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