The show’s not over! City cancelled most fireworks, but suburbs offer alternatives
This year, Navy Pier is the only site for July 4 fireworks in the city. Chicago is certainly known for its dazzling fireworks shows, but if you’re looking for a venue that is less crowded or more kid-friendly, don’t count out the suburbs!
JULY 2
Enjoy a day of horse racing, music and fireworks at the Arlington Park racetrack in Arlington Heights. According to the Arlington Park website, the fireworks display will last over 30 minutes. The first 20,000 attendees will receive 3-D fireworks glasses and the first 1,000 kids get a free firecracker popsicle.
JULY 3
Take your family to Gillson Park in Wilmette on Sunday July 3rd for games, rides, entertainment and a TasteFest beginning at 4 p.m. The Grand Fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Lisle’s Eyes to the Skies festival will end with fireworks displays July 1-3 in Lisle Community Park. According to the festival website, because Monday is a work/school night, the Eyes to the Skies Committee decided that the finale will be done on July 3 instead of the 4 so kids and parents could relax and enjoy the show.
JULY 4
Because of the Chicago’s budget cuts, Navy Pier is now the exclusive site for fireworks in the city. You can catch fireworks shows on Saturday July 2 at 10:15 p.m. and Monday July 4 at 9 p.m. There will be no fireworks on July 3.
Navy Pier is also offering fireworks displays all summer on Wednesdays and Saturdays through September. For a full listing of dates and times, click here.
Photo by bayasaa
Fireworks will be launched from Clark Street Beach at 9:15 p.m. and can be viewed from any part of the lakefront east of downtown Evanston. Grab some chairs and tune into 90.5 FM to hear accompanying music along with the fireworks display.
Catch the 3-D Fireworks Fest in Skokie at Niles West High School at 5701 Oakton Street. The 3-D fireworks glasses will be distributed to the first 10,000 visitors.
Morton Grove’s fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. in Harrer Park, at 6250 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053 at Fernald Avenue.
Itasca is known for hosting one of the largest fireworks displays outside of the Chicago. Hamilton Lakes Office Campus at I290 & Thorndale Ave. The show will begin between 9:45 and 10 p.m. Fireworks are set to last about 25 minutes.
The city of Naperville’s Independence Day fireworks extravaganza begins at 9:30 p.m. in Knoch Park as part of its annual Ribfest celebration. Entry into the park could end early due to capacity, so get there early!
Libertyville’s July 4 celebration will be held at Butler Lake Park. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk around 9:30 p.m.
Take your family and friends to Tinley Park’s free Fourth of July celebration featuring live music, children’s games and activities, food tent, beer tent, bingo, and fireworks.
For a detailed list of July 4 events in the suburbs listed by county, visit http://chicagofree.info/2011/06/27/chicago-area-fireworks-options-2011/.
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Topics: 4thofjuly