In addition to the parade, the fireworks and Fourth Fest, this year's Independence Day celebration included the 5th annual Late Nite HP Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands.

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Winners from battle of the bands that went on throughout June in Highland Park got to perform at the city's pre-fireworks concert at Wolder's Field on July 4th, according to Bitter Jester co-owner Nic DeGrazia. The judges narrowed the five bands down to two, and then the audience picked the winner by its applause.

This year's winning band was Midnight in Montana from Highland Park and the runner up was JKZ, also from Highland Park.

Check out pictures from the event above, and click here to see more.

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