We’re celebrating the nation’s 241st birthday in a big way in Kane County, IL.

On and around July 4, 2017, there are more parades, fireworks and community celebrations than you can shake a sparkler at.

Here are a few of the events going on this weekend. If we missed any, email a link to kanecountyconnects@gmail.com.

Happy Fourth of July!

Aurora

Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks (Party On, Aurora!)

Aurora prepares to celebrate America’s birthday on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 with an action-packed day of Fourth of July activities — from the parade in the morning to a picnic in the afternoon to the fireworks at night!

Themed “Party On, Aurora,” Aurora’s 2017 Fourth of July Parade will be led by Grand Marshal Tony Galvez, a tireless advocate for children with disabilities.

The pre-parade program begins at 9:15 a.m. at the reviewing stand located in front of the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with more than 100 exciting units. Stepping off at Benton and River Streets, the parade heads east on Benton, north on Broadway, west on Galena Boulevard, south on Stolp Avenue, and west on Downer Place, ending on River.

The best viewing locations are at two separate reviewing stands: the main stage in front of the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., and a second stage near Benton and Stolp.

Picnic

Following the parade, the Aurora Historical Society will hosts its annual Independence Day Picnic and Bell Ringing Ceremony from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tanner House, 305 Cedar St.  The annual event will feature old-fashioned Fourth of July with music, games, petting zoo, museum tours, pie-eating contest, food for purchase, and the national Ringing of the Bells at 1 p.m.

Fireworks and Family Activities

The City of Lights lives up to its name with a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky over the Fox River at approximately 9:35 p.m. The best viewing will be at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park, where free family-friendly activities begin at 6 p.m.

McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, will feature the horns of Pawnshop playing live blues, rock, soul, ska and everything in between, staring at 7 p.m. Giant inflatables for children and tempting treats from a variety of local food vendors will be for sale all evening.

RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway, will feature patriotic music from the American Legion Band, beginning at 6:15 p.m., and the Fox Valley Orchestra, beginning at 7:45 p.m., on the main stage of the Dunham Pavilion, Aurora’s premiere outdoor music venue. There will be a head banging contest and the traditional community line dancing will commence at 9:15 p.m. with the Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle and more!

Set a World Record

Aurora’s ‘Wayne’s World’ celebration ends with “Bohemian Rhapsody” performed live with a Guinness World Record attempt for the Most People Head Banging Simultaneously at approximately 9:00 p.m. at RiverEdge Park.  Join in on the fun — wear flannel and when the Fox Valley Orchestra performs “Stairway to Heaven,” head down to the stage to be counted. Participation is limited to the first 1,000 people in order to get an official count. Volunteers are needed – learn more by finding the event “Head Banging World Record Attempt” on Facebook.

Free Shuttle Buses

The City of Aurora offers free park-and ride shuttle service from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with roundtrip rides to 10 convenient locations throughout the city. The shuttles resume service following the fireworks, with the last shuttles departing at 11 p.m.

See details at www.aurora-il.org/4thofJuly

www.aurora-il.org

Bartlett

5-Day Fourth of July Festival!

The Bartlett Fourth of July Festival takes place from Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4, and includes a carnival with rides and games, food, beverages, FREE entertainment for all ages, bingo, a Turtle Race, a parade, onsite presence for nonprofit groups, skydivers, fireworks, and a great sense of community pride.

The festival grounds are located at the corner of S. Stearns and S. Bartlett Road near the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road.

• Click here for the full schedule and more!

The annual Bartlett Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza is scheduled for July 4 at Apple Orchard Park located near the intersection of South Bartlett Road and Stearns Road. The fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. and finish at approximately 10 p.m.

The Bartlett Police Department will be conducting traffic control at certain intersections along South Bartlett Road and Stearns Road after the fireworks show. Motorists in the general vicinity will experience heavy travel times due to the large amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

This parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on the Sunday of the festival weekend. It includes horses, floats, fire engines, bands, Shriners, community groups and much more.

Parade Route

• Oak Avenue from North Avenuesouth to Railroad Avenue
• Railroad Avenue from Oak Avenue to Main Street
• Main Street from Railroad Avenue to South Bartlett Road
• South Bartlett Road from Main Street to Stearns Road

Visit the Bartlett Fourth of July Committee website for schedule updates or visit Bartlett 4th of July on Facebook.

village.bartlett.il.us

www.bartlett4thofjuly.com/events2

Batavia

Batavia’s Fourth of July Sky Concert!

The city of Batavia is proud to host one of the most celebrated Fourth of July fireworks productions in the western suburbs of Chicago, which they call the “Sky Concert.” It has a more than 50-year history of being produced and paid for by local citizens.

Today, the show is provided under the auspices of the Batavia ACCESS Committee. The show is paid for with private donations and fund-raisers. While the city of Batavia incurs costs for police and fire safety, no tax dollars are used to pay for the pyrotechnics.

• Location: 326 Millview Drive, Batavia
• Food: Savor the Flavor food vendors start serving at 5 p.m.
• Music: The Batavia Community Band  starts their patriotic music at 8:15 p.m.
• Fireworks: 2017 Sky Concert begins at 9:30 p.m.

bataviafireworks.org

Elburn

2017 Fireworks Show

Elgin

Fourth of July Parade Read to Go!

Registration is now open for the City of Elgin’s Fourth of July Parade. Participants can register at cityofelgin.org/july4.

In conjunction with the Gail Borden Library’s Dinosaur Giants: an Exhibit from the Sereno Fossil Lab, this year’s parade theme is “Prehistoric Creatures.” Participants are encouraged to decorate floats or wear costumes resembling prehistoric dinosaurs, birds and reptiles.

The parade, held on Tuesday, July 4, begins at the intersection of Slade Street and Douglas Avenue. The event kicks off with a “Pooch Parade” at 8:40 a.m., followed by the National Anthem at 9 a.m. From the Slade and Douglas intersection, the route continues south on Douglas Avenue through the heart of downtown to Highland Avenue.

This year’s parade marshal is the Elgin Fire Department, celebrating 150 years of service. The Elgin Fire Department is dedicated to providing a safe community through prevention and mitigation of emergencies in a professional and caring manner.

cityofelgin.org/july4

Grand Victoria Casino’s 4th of July Celebration Information

• Saturday, July 1
• Show begins at 6 p.m.
• Gates open at 4 p.m.
• Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.
• Tickets available at gvctickets.com

Fireworks

• Saturday, July 1
• 10:30 p.m.
• Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• Many downtown streets will close at various times to vehicular traffic over the holiday weekend to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience as the community celebrates Independence Day.
• Absolutely NO coolers, outside alcohol or animals will be allowed at Festival Park for the concert and fireworks on Saturday, July 1.
• Click here for information on all downtown parking options.
• Shooting off fireworks in Elgin is illegal and there is a NEW ordinance in place that will impact residents who allow fireworks to be detonated on their property. Click here for more information.
• For more information please visit the Downtown Neighborhood Association and Grand Victoria Casino.

Geneva

Kane County Cougars Fourth of July Weekend

The Kane County Cougars are celebrating Independence Day all weekend long with a multitude of activities throughout the Fourth of July weekend. Beginning on Thursday, June 29, and continuing until Monday, July 3 fans will be treated to theme nights, a bobblehead giveaway, five post-game fireworks shows and an all-you-can-eat picnic on the right field deck as well as family fun that everyone can enjoy as the Cougars take on the Clinton LumberKings (Seattle Mariners) and Peoria Chiefs (St. Louis Cardinals). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the box office at 630-232-8811 or by visiting kccougars.com.

• “Fourth of July” Picnic Ticket Option
• Roads Pre-Game Concert
• Fireworks (Extended!) Show post-game
• Gas Card Giveaway
• Tree Sapling Exit Giveaway

kanecountycougars.com

Huntley

www.huntley.il.us/

North Aurora

July 3 Fireworks and Dueling Pianos in the Park

Fireworks will be held at Riverfront Park, behind the North Aurora Village Hall on Monday, July 3, 2017. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m. with Felix and Fingers preforming dueling pianos prior to the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The concert is co-sponsored by the North Aurora River District Alliance.

BYOB will be allowed in Riverfront Park for the concert and the fireworks show. However, liquor will only be allowed in the designated areas during the event. The village hall parking lot will be closed, with the exception of a limited number of handicap parking, to allow for viewing of fireworks.

The Fox River trail will be shut down on the east side of the river between State Street and the Red Oak Nature Center, beginning in the afternoon, for this event. Residents in the proximity may want to bike or walk to the park, as parking will be limited.

northaurora.org/news

Pingree Grove

Celebrate July 7-8!

Sleepy Hollow

July 4 Festivities in the Hollow!

Come out early and get in a bit of exercise and try your luck at landing that big one and claim your prize. The day starts at 8 a.m. with a one-mile “fun run” starting at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School followed by the Bob Zdenek Memorial Fishing Derby at Lake Sharon at 9 a.m.

Refreshments open at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Bill Ritchie Memorial Parade. The parade starts at 11:30 a.m., with the fire departments leading the parade around Sabatino Park, made up of children on bikes, skaters, tractors, and floats. If you wish to be in the parade, meet at the Sleepy Hollow Pool parking lot at 11:00 a.m. No registration is required. See the parade flier for additional lineup instructions. There will be trophies awarded for the best floats and the best tractor.

Again in 2017, the Service Club is proud to welcome the Chicagoland Chapter of the Buick GS Club of America car show. The car show starts at 10 a.m and runs until 2 p.m. Visit the BGSA Car Show site for additional information.

The festival features food, games, live music performances by The Lennys, and other entertainment throughout the afternoon. Sign up early at the ticket booth for a chance to be in the pie eating contest that will take place at 2:30 p.m. with trophies for the first- and second-place contestants. At 3 p.m. the winners (who need not be present) of the raffle will be drawn.

Raffle tickets are available right up to the drawing and are a great tax deductible way to support the Service Club. The games close at 3 p.m. while the music and refreshment wind down around 4 p.m.

At 7 p.m., the park begins to fill with spectators waiting to enjoy one of the best fireworks displays in the area. The Service Club asks for a donation per car to help fund the event. Arrive early and enjoy the evening with friends.

The fireworks start at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Setup is on July 3 at 3 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome to help with setup or on the day of the event. See any club member or go to the ticket booth during the festivities.

Family Sponsor parking passes and tickets will be delivered to your house by Wednesday afternoon (July 3). If you do not receive your tickets or parking pass by July 3, you can pick them up at the Ticket Booth during the day on the 4th. For Sponsor parking, please enter off of Thorobred Lane near the fire house.

Visit the 2017 July Fourth Schedule page for a timeline of all the July 4th events. Check out the fun from the previous year’s celebration in the Service Club Photo Gallery.

ww.shsc-il.org

St. Charles

Fireworks and Fun at Pottawatomie Park!

When the sun goes down, the night sky lights up with an ooh- and aah-worthy festival of colors, lights and sounds. Best viewed from the grounds at either Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park, the fireworks show is free to the public.

Before the boom-and-sizzle of fireworks supply the soundtrack to the 4th of July celebration, the band, Final Say, will take the stage in the historic pavilion at 6 p.m. until the start of the fireworks extravaganza. Delivering an impassioned show of vibrant, youthful energy and an extensive repertoire of music, you’ll feel like you’re part of something remarkable. Experience sizzling chemistry, incredible energy and irresistible songs from the latest Top 40 hits to classics that are sure to bring you to your feet.

Pottawatomie Park opens at dawn for family and friends who want to make a day of it. Picnic tables are available on a first-come/first-served basis, so it is strongly suggested that patrons bring their own tables, blankets and lawn chairs. Refreshments from hot dogs and bratwurst to popcorn and ice cream are available at the River View Miniature Golf concession stand, which will remain open until 9:15 p.m.

In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be held the next available evening.

www.stcparks.org

South Elgin

Come One, Come All!

South Elgin presents an old-fashioned, flag-waving parade through the heart of the community, kicking off promptly at 10 a.m. July 4.

The parade begins at the corner of West Spring Street and Wedgewood Drive. Spring Street will be closed at 8 a.m., between Route 31 and McLean Boulevard.

The Parks & Recreation Department collects non-perishable food items at the beginning of the parade to help fill the shelves at the South Elgin Food Pantry.

For the safety of all, attendees are encouraged to keep children off of the street during the parade.

2017 Grand Marshal

Operation Warrior Wishes will be grand marshals of the parade.

• Operation Warrior Wishes, formerly known as All32in17, began as a father and son bucket list. A dream to be the first father & son to ever attend an NFL game at all 32 NFL stadiums in 1 season.
• In all, Matt & Craig visited their 32nd stadium in a world record time of 103 days. More importantly, they had honored over 65 wounded warriors during the regular season and planned to continue their mission during the playoffs with hopes of honoring warriors at the Super Bowl!  Thanks to Mercedes Benz, Matt & Craig reached that goal and had four warriors at the big game. In just over four months they had had honored 75 warriors at a total of 35 NFL games in 1 season.
• Operation Warrior Wishes mission is to honor heroes, keep legacies alive and provide once in a lifetime experiences to warriors from the Battlefields to the Ballfields.”  Their mission helps civilians to better understand the sacrifices these brave soldiers have made for us and gives us appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed for our country’s freedom. For more information about Operation Warrior Wishes, click here.

www.southelgin.com