Cue the Sparklers: It’s the 4th!

Did you know that the Fourth of July is one of the oldest federal holidays? Although the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the date didn’t become a federal holiday until June 28, 1870! Now, every summer, Americans celebrate Independence Day with hot dogs, parades and, of course, fireworks.

If you’re looking for a way to commemorate this patriotic holiday, look no further than the Chicago Southland!

Kick off the festivities in the City of Palos Heights on July 3 with the Independence Day Celebration. From 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, attendees can enjoy family-friendly inflatables and games at Community Park (located south of Route 83 on 76th Avenue). The fun continues at Memorial Park (7607 West College Drive) at 5:00 PM with food, music and beer, concluding with a fireworks display at 9:15 PM. Plus, on July 4, the city will be hosting its Independence Day Parade, stepping off at noon on Harlem Avenue.

Head over to the Village of Homewood on July 3 for the Stars and Stripes Family Social! Located at Irwin Park (18120 Highland Avenue) this event will feature tons of family fun, including exciting inflatables for the kiddos to enjoy. A concert by local band Shout Out will be performed (don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs!), and food and beverages will be available for purchase from multiple vendors. On July 4, the village will host its annual 4th of July Parade, stepping off at 10:00 AM from Dixie Highway, south to Ridge Road. Parade vendors will also be available for attendees to enjoy!

Get your blood pumping during the Veterans Liberty Run & Run in the Village of Orland Park on July 3. Spring, jog or walk this 1- or 2-mile course through scenic Centennial Park (15600 West Avenue). All participants will receive a dri-fit race shirt, a USA hand flag, a pass for one free admission to the Centennial Park Aquatic Center, post-race refreshments and an entry into the prize raffle. To register for the race, visit RunSignUp.com. And on July 4, snacks, beverages and live music will be available at Centennial Park, followed by a presentation of colors and fireworks at 9:30 PM!

A four-day long celebration can be found in the Village of Beecher! Beginning on July 3 at Firemen’s Park (675 Penfield Street), the whole family can enjoy the carnival, food, raffles and bingo (plus a beer tent for the adults!). A parade will be held on July 4, but the fun doesn’t end until July 6!

The Village of Frankfort will be hosting their 4th of July Celebration at Main Park (400 West Nebraska Street) from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Inflatables, kids’ games, a balloon artist, a live band, a DJ and concessions will be available at this sensational celebration!

A city tradition returns to the City of Blue Island with the 4th of July Parade! Kicking off at 12 noon from 123rd Street, the parade travels through the heart of the city’s business district and historic uptown. Plus, the fun continues at the Blue Island Waterfall Park (located on the Cal Sag Channel at Fulton and Chatham Streets) with a dazzling fireworks display over the falls beginning at 9:00 PM.

Stop by Veterans Memorial Park (500 East 160th Place) in the Village of South Holland for a day full of activities for the whole family on July 4! From 12 noon to 4:00 PM, the kids will love the carnival games, bounce houses, giant obstacle course, balloon artists and the giant slide. Plus, live music and food trucks will also be on deck. Later, beginning shortly after dusk, the night will conclude with an incredible fireworks show.

Enjoy an outside-the-box Independence Day celebration at Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park & Picnics in Joliet and Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center in Burbank with unlimited rides and attractions! For up to three hours, participants can take advantage of go-karts, laser tag and mini golf, plus thrilling rides like the Monster Hop, the Bone Shaker, the Crazy Cabs or the Miner Mike Coaster (rides vary per location). For just $36.95 per person, enjoy a family-friendly day of fun!

To see more event listings, check out VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Events. Have a “Yankee Doodle” day this 4th of July as you celebrate the red, white and blue!

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