Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and Evanston community members will have a variety of activities to choose from to celebrate Fourth of July weekend.
The City of Evanston has partnered with the Evanston Fourth of July Association to organize a series of events on Saturday, and neighboring towns are also offering holiday programming. From fun runs to fireworks, here’s The Daily’s list of Independence Day events.
Morning events
For families seeking opportunities for their kids to release some energy, there are multiple events on Saturday morning.
From 9 to 11:30 a.m., there will be free games hosted at five locations: Baker Park, Kamen Park, Lincolnwood Elementary School, Willard Elementary School and Robert Crown Community Center.
A Fun Run open to children ages 10 and under will be held at Ackerman Park at 12:45 p.m. There is a $16 entry fee to register, and participants will receive T-shirts and get a chance to meet Sparky, the Evanston Fourth of July Association’s mascot.
Parade
Evanston’s annual Fourth of July parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Central Street at Central Park Avenue, traveling east toward Ryan Field at Ashland Avenue. This year’s parade has 76 entries ranging from school marching bands to local political candidates. Its grand marshal will be retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston), who has represented Illinois’ 9th Congressional District since 1999.
Concert and fireworks
Palatine Concert Band, an ensemble of adult volunteers, will play a concert at the Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park starting at 7:30 p.m. Following the performance, a musical fireworks display will close out the night. The Evanston Fourth of July Association’s official program called this year’s fireworks show “truly special.”
Nearby events
Those hoping to start their celebration a day early can visit Wilmette, where there is programming offered on Friday. The Star Spangled Splash! is a free event at Centennial Park, 2300 Old Glenview Road, from 1 to 3 p.m., with activities including face painting and an inflatable water slide. Starting at 5 p.m. in Gillson Park, there will be live music, food vendors and activities with a fireworks show at sunset.
In Winnetka, there will be a Firecracker 5K Run starting Saturday at 7:30 a.m. open to all ages. The village will also host a morning parade, activities at Village Green Park — including a traditional flag-raising ceremony — and evening fireworks.
Skokie’s 4th of July parade starts at 12 p.m. on Saturday in the village’s downtown. In the evening, the Skokie Fireworks Festival will be held at Niles West High School, featuring live music, activities and a fireworks display.
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