Highland Park to Host Parade, Live Music, Fireworks for Fourth of July

The information below comes from the City of Highland Park.

The City of Highland Park is pleased to announce the schedule of events for the Fourth of July, with all events occurring on Thursday, July 4.

The theme for this year’s festivities is “Highland Park Public Library: 125 Years.”
Children’s Bike & Pet Parade - 9:30 a.m.

The Independence Day celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Children’s Bike & Pet Parade, sponsored by the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. Those interested in participating should meet at 9:15 a.m. in the lower level of the parking structure at the northwest corner of St. Johns and Laurel Avenues. For more information, please contact the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce at (847) 432-0284/info@chamberhp.com.

Independence Day Parade - 10:00 a.m.

Immediately following the Children’s Bike & Pet Parade, residents are encouraged to continue the celebration with the annual Independence Day Parade, hosted by the City and the Park District. The parade features floats, marching bands, dignitaries, novelty groups, community entries and other specialentertainment. The parade will begin at the intersection of Laurel and St. Johns Avenues and head north on St. Johns Avenue, then turn west on Central Avenue and continue to Sunset Park. 

Fourth Fest - 11:00 a.m.

After the parade, the fun moves to Sunset Park for Fourth Fest from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fourth Fest will feature a variety of food vendors and musical performers to entertain residents. Also, enjoy carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, picnic games, carnival games, live music and concession stands. For more information, please contact Cathy Fiori of the Park District of Highland Park at (847) 831-3810/cfiori@pdhp.org.

Battle of the Bands & Fireworks

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the Independence Day concert at Wolters Field will feature the grand finale of the Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands contest, now in its eighth year. Winning bands from previous rounds compete against each other for a grand prize and the chance to be named the 2013 champion.

Participating bands are from across Chicagoland and the audience determines the winner. For more information, visit www.BitterJester.com/BattleoftheBands. 

As the concert ends and dusk falls, the evening concludes with Highland Park’s aerial fireworks display, which is best viewed from Wolters Field.

Residents are reminded that regulations prohibit alcohol at this location. Eventgoers are encouraged to consider parking at Wolters Field, Highland Park Hospital’s East Parking Lot, or in parking lots located at the Highland Park Country Club or the Staples lot. Pedestrians may cross Park Avenue West at Highland Park Country Club or Sunset Road.

Residents are asked to refrain from parking along Route 41 and Park Avenue West during the fireworks display. Attendees are not permitted on the Highland Park Country Club grounds for the fireworks show.For more information, or to obtain any weather-related announcements or updates, please call the City’s Summer Events Hotline at (847) 926-1033 or visit www.cityhpil.com/july4.