While more than 50 Fourth of July fireworks shows are scheduled for this week across the Chicago suburbs, the fireworks display previously dubbed Illinois’ largest will not take place until 2025 due to “unique challenges.”
The announcement about Itasca’s Fourth of July fireworks cancellation was made in March of this year, following a meeting of the Village Board that cited numerous obstacles to hosting the annual event.
Increased crowd size, less available land space for activities, nearby construction, and a 43% increase in total event budget were among the reasons given in a memo recommending cancellation.
“Staff would reevaluate the viability of fireworks on July 4th in future years,” according to the memo.
The celebration, which is typically held at Hamilton Lakes Business Park, has resulted in sold-out hotels in the area, according to the memo. For the past decade, Itasca’s fireworks show has been billed as the ‘largest in Illinois’ in terms of dollars spent on fireworks in a single show.
“This was an extremely difficult decision to make,” Village Administrator Carie Anne Ergo said in a statement announcing it. “Itasca takes great pride in hosting the largest and best fireworks display in northern Illinois.”
Our top priority is the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses, and visitors. Given this year’s unique challenges, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025.”
Ergo went on to say that in the fall, staff would start discussing the possibility of hosting fireworks again in 2026.
Hundreds of fireworks displays will continue to be held throughout the Chicago area on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4. Here’s the full list.
Source
