Suburban weekend preview
Ordinary Outcast at Viper Alley
Ordinary Outcast, a local party band will sing favorite tunes July 2 at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m.
Glen Ellyn Picnic in the Park
Individuals can picnic in park while witnessing the summertime spectacle of the Glen Ellyn Cardboard Regatta from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at Lake Ellyn, 645 Lenox Road. The Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department will be the chefs of the event. All proceeds go to the 4th of July committee, an all volunteer organization, to fund the village’s parade and fireworks.
Ribfest
The Naperville Exchange Club will host Ribfest, July 1 to 4 at Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., featuring finger-licking ribs from a variety of food vendors as well as live music, including REO Speedwagon, STYX and Grand Funk Railroad. A fireworks display will take place at 9:30 p.m. July 4. For more information, go to ribfest.net.
Lisle Eyes to the Skies
Lisle Eyes to the Skies will be at Lisle Community Park, located on Short Street, west of Route 53. A carnival will take place through July 3. The festival, which will include live music, food and entertainment, will take place from 3 to 11 p.m. July 1 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 and July 3. Weather permitting, balloon launches are scheduled at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 1 to July 3. Balloon glows are set for 8 p.m. July 1 to July 3. A fireworks display is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. July 1 to July 3. The fireworks display on July 3 will be presented and timed with a patriotic musical score. Fireworks will be launched north of the hot air balloon field. For more information, go to eyestotheskies.org.
Family Picnic & Fireworks featuring “The Taste of Grayslake”
Join the park district in Central Park on Saturday, July 2 from 3 to 10 p.m. There will be entertainment for the entire family. Children’s rides and activities are scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m., live bands will play all day with headliner Chasing The Day from 6:15 to 9:15pm, Business Booths, Food Vendors and don’t forget fireworks at dusk.
Lemont Park District’s Freedom Run
Race through the scenic and hilly streets of Lemont with either a 5K race or a 10K race at 8 a.m. Sunday, July 3. Race day check in begins at 6 a.m. and the cost is . For more information or to register visit the Lemont Park District website.
Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade
The July 3 parade, beginning at 1 p.m., follows its historical 1.8 mile route beginning at City Hall, proceeding down Dole Avenue and ending at the Lakeside Festival grounds. The Community Fireworks at Main Beach will be the same day at dusk to celebrate Crystal Lake’s 175th Anniversary of the arrival of the first settlers.
Mount Prospect 4th of July Parade
The Fourth of July parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Monday, July 4 and begins at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Emerson Street and ends at Melas Park.. The theme of this year’s parade is “Mount Prospect Creates Memories.”
Winnetka Fourth of July 2011
The celebration begins with Winnetka’s annual parade on Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m. The parade sets off from the corner of Elm and Glendale streets, and heads east to the Village Green. A flag-raising ceremony, children’s
flag parade, and family races follow the parade on the Green at 11 a.m. From 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Duke Child’s Field, the District presents “Fourth Fest,” featuring food, children’s entertainment, and a pre-fireworks concert. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm.
Northfield Fourth of July
Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Northfield Park District at Willow Park. Events include the 10 a.m. bike parade and contest, a DJ and free amusements. Running Races followed by relays and other family contests and ending with the announcement of the Family Trophy at noon.
GALA July 4th Fireworks Show
The Great American Light Show Association, a local non-profit group that operates Oak Park’s July 4 festivities, will host its 12th annual fireworks show starting at sundown Monday, July 4. The event will take place at Oak Park and River Forest High School’s stadium at Lake Street and Linden Avenue. The show is free and open to the public. GALA is a partnership that involves the Oak Park and River Forest High School, Park District of Oak Park, the Oak Park police and fire departments and Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest. In case of severe weather, the fireworks show will take place Tuesday, July 5.
Taste of Lombard
The Lombard Jaycees’ annual Independence Day celebration begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 30 and continues through Monday, July 4 with a full schedule of events, entertainment and fun each day. The party wraps up with a fireworks concert starting at 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, featuring music broadcast on 101.5FM. For more information, go to tasteoflombard.com.
Fourth of July Celebration in Northbrook
The all-volunteer Northbrook 4th of July Association brings you the Fourth of July Celebration in Northbrook. Begin the day with the traditional Pancakes in the Park from 7 to 11 am at Village Green on the corner of Shermer and Meadow. The Annual Police versus Firemen department softball game starts at 10 am; listen to the Dooley Brothers Band playing in the Gazebo from 9 to 11 am. The bike parade kicks off at 2 p.m. from the corner of Western and Cherry followed by the mile-long Northbrook Parade beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Independence Day Community Celebration
A Star-Spangled Banner Day is planned for the community Monday, July 4, to commemorate the Wheeling Park District 50th Anniversary. Decorate bikes, trikes, wagons, strollers and scooters at the Community Recreation Center, off of Dundee Road, starting at 1 p.m. At 2 p.m., the Sis Boom Bike and Pet Parade begins with mascots, Petie and Willie, leading the way from the CRC to the “secret” location of the Wheeling Park District Time Capsule in Heritage Park. The ceremonial Time Capsule dig takes place at 2:30 p.m. At 3:30 PM, the party moves to the Aquatic Center with live music by Postadelic and games throughout the afternoon.
Celebrate America Craft & Art Fair
Burlington Park, Chicago Avenue and Washington Street, will host 125 handcrafted booths July 4. Enjoy a day of unique crafts, delicious food, kids activities, and live music.