Celebrate 4th of July in Highland Park!

Join the City of Highland Park tomorrow, July 4, and celebrate the Nation's Independence Day all day!

The theme for this year's parade is our "Highland Park Fire Department: Celebrating 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.

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 special entertainment.

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. The Park District of Highland Park's annual 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.

Battle of the Bands & Fireworks

Beginning at 5:00 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 ninth year. New this year are available food vendors on site during the concert and leading up to the fireworks. Winning bands from previous rounds compete against each other for a grand prize and the chance to be named the 2014 champion! Participating bands are from across Chicagoland and the audience determines the winner. For more information, visit www.BitterJester.com/BattleoftheBands. 

At approximately 9:30 p.m. when the concert ends, the evening concludes with Highland Park's aerial fireworks display, which is best viewed from Wolters Field.

Eventgoers are encouraged to consider parking at Wolters Field, Highland Park Hospital's East Parking Lot, or in parking lots at the Highland Park Country Club. Pedestrians may cross Park Avenue West at the 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. Please note that parking in the Wolters Field lot will be limited due to construction.

Attendees are not permitted on the Highland Park Country Club grounds for the fireworks show.

For more information, or to get any weather-related announcements or updates, please call the City's Summer Events Hotline at (847) 926-1033 or visit www.cityhpil.com/july4. 

Happy 4th of July!