On July 4th, the red, white, and blue were on full display in Chicago’s suburbs.
Aurora celebrated America’s independence with a Fourth of July parade.
Dozens of floats, marching bands, and entertainment support this year’s parade theme of community.
This year’s celebration began at Benton and River and was led by the parade’s grand marshal and public officials, including the city’s new Mayor John Laesch.It highlighted the community and its residents. People lined the route to celebrate being American.
“Today is just a day to celebrate community, to celebrate togetherness, because we are all Americans here,” said Aurora Mayor Tony Martinez. “We have such vast diversity within our community and we just want to make sure everyone feels welcome, feels present and feels together here in the city of Aurora.”
Aurora held its fireworks display Thursday night, but the festivities will not stop there. Many people will be out barbecuing and enjoying the day.
“I think it is important every day to celebrate your freedom… that is what the United States of America is,” paradegoer Joan Frantzen stated. “My parents are immigrants from Hungary. I am a first-generation American, so this is extremely important.”
On Friday night, Orland Park hosted its annual fireworks display.
Several families brought blankets and chairs to sit back and enjoy the display while commemorating America’s 249th birthday.
“It means independence and enjoying your freedom,” said Suzie Perez, an Orland Park resident.
“I like coming here because it is a nice quiet crowd, and they have great music,” Orland Park resident Kimberly McWright said.
Cascading colours illuminate the sky in Orland Park. The fireworks display brought families to Centennial Park West to celebrate the Fourth of July.
“Orland Park prides itself on having a good fireworks display,” said Mayor Jim Dodge.
The Bartlett Fourth of July festival kicked off with fun rides, delicious food, and games.
Festivalgoers wore red, white, and blue from head to toe.
“The clouds finally parted with the rain,” Debbie Werst, an attendee, said. “We want to come out and run into some neighbours, high school friends, tire out the grandkids and maybe later take a little swim.”
For many, attending the festival has become a family tradition.
“We have been coming here for the last four years that we have been living here,” said attendee Caprica Cicero. “My kids enjoy coming to the funfair and having a good time with our family and friends.”
Evanston also hosted a Fourth of July parade. Schools’ bands and cheerleaders marched during the festivities.
At Wrigley Field in Chicago, the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales made an appearance. The event recognised the families of fallen or disabled US service members and first responders.
Highland Park hosted an Independence Day Parade on Friday, with floats and mascots filling the streets.
Highland Park held a remembrance ceremony prior to a Fourth of July parade to honour those killed and those affected by the 2022 parade shooting.
The parade travelled from First and Laurel through downtown to Sunset Woods Park.
This year’s theme was “Dream Team,” which emphasised unity, teamwork, and resilience.
Prior to the parade, the city held a remembrance ceremony to honour the lives lost and those affected by the 2022 parade shooting.
Organisers have stated that there will be no fireworks or drone show this year in order to respect the community’s healing process.
