Several area July 4th activities are again on the calendar. Community celebrations include parades, food festivals, flea markets, musical entertainment, and firewroks.
And as some celebrations are already started, safety is emphasized, especially with igniting fireworks. The State Fire Marshall offices and local fire personnel urge those organizers to leave the fireworks to professionals. Too many hospital ER's become very busy with accidental injuries due to explosives. Grill safety is also an issue during the holidays.
Questions about which explosives are legal and what's prohibitive is always discussed during the 4th of July. The town of LeRoy is warning its residents increased fines will be imposed for those launching fireworks. The LeRoy City Council is reaffirming fireworks are illegal in the city and officials are increasing its ordinance fine to $750 dollars. Last year, groups of people hosted their own commercial-grade fireworks displays. LeRoy Police issued citations and ordered to cease or face additional fines or arrest.
Fireworks are illegal under state law and city ordinance unless you're professional licensed with proper permits.
Iroquois County >
The City of Watseka invites visitors to a July 4th parade at 10 am. Entries are accepted thru the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce. Parade entries can earn prizes in several categories. "Stars & Stripes" is this year's theme. Young coloring contest winners will join Pam German as Parade Grand Marshal.
The Lions Club is also serving its annual pancake & sausage breakfast -- from 7 - 10 am -- in the basement at St. Edmund's Catholic Church. Fireworks are at dusk south of the County Courthouse.
The Village of Onarga has several events at Durham Park July 5 - 6. Fireworks are at dusk, displayed by the Onarga firemen. A Saturday parade at 11 am features a theme of "Celebrating The American Dream." A Flag-Raising event follows the parade. There's kids games, vendors, antique tractor pulls, talent show, sporting events, car & motorcycle show. Parade entries are open.
Kellart Lake at Cissna Park also has its annual fireworks show.
Ford County >
Pells Park at Paxton features fireworks and other fun events from 4 - 9 pm on Thursday.
In Sibley - fireworks are offered at dusk on July 4.
Vermilion County >
The City of Hoopeston hosted fireworks this weekend (Saturday 6/29) at the Soccer Fields on S. 6th Avenue.
Rossville has fireworks Thursday July 4 at dusk at Christman Park.
Kankakee County >
Kankakee Community College has its annual campus Independence Day Celebration on Thursday 7/4. Carloads of visitors are welcome, $20 per carload. The City of Kankakee extends a welcome to all.
Music by the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Symphony Orchestra, The KVSO, and the Kankakee Municipal Band provide welcome entertainment and holiday selections. KCC President Michael Boyd is set to narrate “Casey at the Bat.”
A 25-minute Firework Show begins at about 9 pm. Food vendosrs are included with proceeds going to the KVSO.
Manteno -- offers fund and fireworks from 7-11 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at Manteno Sportsmen’s Club. The South Side Social Club will perform at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk.
At Momence -- the Independence Day Celebration is Wednesday 7/3. Live music begins at 7 pm by The Silhouettes. Fireworks are at dusk on Railroad Avenue near the Island Park footbridge.
St. Anne -- scheduled its its Independence Day fireworks for dusk dusk Saturday, June 29 at Community Park.
Aroma Park also hosting its holiday fun Saturday, July 6. Food and live entertainment is at the Aroma Park Boat Club. Free parking, no cover charge. It all starts at 5 pm. Fireworks are on the river.
Beecher also has its 2024 Beecher 4th of July Festival in Firemen’s Park July 3 - 6. The theme this year is Backyard Barbecue. During the four-day event, there will be parades, live music, a festival market, games, a car raffle and more. For more information, go to villageofbeecher.org.
The Village of Dwight offers fireworks July 5 at Garrett Park. The light show begins at about 9:30 pm. Visitors can gather in the grassy area at the far east ball field (Washington and Williams).
94.1 WGFA
