The Evanston Fourth of July Association, in cooperation with the City of Evanston, will sponsor a parade along Central Street and fireworks along the lakefront, in addition to other traditional activities on Monday, July 4, as part of their annual 4th of July celebrations.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating For 100 Years – Evanston Fourth of July Association.” The Evanston Fourth of July Association is a non-profit organization that was formed 100 years ago after a child was injured while playing with fireworks. After this accident, parents joined together in 1922 to offer a safe and supervised July 4th celebration.
Parade
The award-winning Evanston 4th of July Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Central Street at Central Park Avenue and travels east to Ashland Avenue.
Spaces are still available for community organizations, businesses, bands and more to participate. Parade registration is open through June 15.
Concert & Fireworks
The Palatine Concert Band will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Arrington Lakefront Lagoon at Dawes Park, located at Sheridan Road and Church Street. Lakefront fireworks set to music will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tune in to FM 90.5. Fireworks are visible from most lakefront parks.
Fun Run
Children 10 and younger are invited to take part in the half-mile Evanston 4th of July Kids Fun Run. Participants can register online or on race day from noon to 12:30 p.m. The run begins at 12:45 p.m. at Ackerman Park, Central Street and McDaniel Avenue. The $15 registration fee includes T-shirt, bib and ribbon for the first 125 registered, plus finish line refreshments. All proceeds benefit the Evanston Fourth of July Association.
Morning Games
Family playground activities will start at 9 a.m. at seven Evanston locations:
- Baker Park, Forest Avenue and Keeney Street
- ETHS West Field, Church Street and Dodge Avenue
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, Foster Street and Darrow Avenue
- Kamen Park East, South Boulevard and Barton Avenue
- Lincolnwood School, McDaniel Avenue and Grant Street
- Robert Crown Center, Main Street and Dodge Avenue
- Willard School, Central Park Avenue and Park Place
Playground activities include Frisbee, jump rope competitions, sack races, pie eating contests, watermelon eating contests and more. Visit evanston4th.org for more information.
Youth Art Project
All school-age youth (K-12) are encouraged to submit July 4th-themed original hand-drawn or hand-made artwork, sculptures, wood workings or even musical compositions which will be placed on the 4th of July Association’s website. Photos of artwork can be submitted by email to celebration@evanston4th.org through July 5.
Public Art Project
The Evanston Fourth of July Association has sponsored a Public Art Project to coincide with their 100-year-anniversary celebration. Art installations will be provided by Stitch of Freedom – Kendra Balans; Stronger Together, Brighter Together – Jamie Adams; American Dreams – Samantha McDonald; Bloom – Jylen Grayson; Indivisible – Brian Petrone; Coming To The Table – Nancy Guo and Grace Park and Celebrate (Circle of Friends) – Pamela Seatter.
Free parking will be available in downtown Evanston public parking garages. Visit cityofevanston.org/residents/parking/lots-and-garages for locations and more information.
The Evanston Police Department will provide updates regarding traffic, parking and more on Twitter. Follow @EvanstonPD.
Submitted by City of Evanston