Food, music, fireworks in store for July 4th
The Fourth of July boasts fireworks and celebrations across the nation, but you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the festivities.
One of the largest local Fourth of July celebrations doubles as an opportunity to learn more about the Naval Station Great Lakes – the U.S. Navy’s headquarters for training.
“It really is the only time the base is truly open to the public,” said John Prue, the installation program director for morale, welfare and recreation. “So, they get to see not only a good festival and celebrate our nation’s birthday, but really see what the base is all about. Part of this festival is to educate them about what we do.”
Gates to the base will open at noon both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, for an entirely free festival full of activities.
Live music, food, a carnival and a kids zone will keep families busy throughout each day.
Bingo games will feature prizes such as airline tickets, and a craft fair hosted by more than 15 vendors will be available, as well.
“These are top notch crafts, not a flea market by any means,” Prue said.
A professional football will be striped out, and at the end of each night, a person will be selected to try to kick a feld goal for a prize of up to $5,000.
Pantric, an alternative rock band, will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, while Eddie Money will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday.
And the grand finale, of course, is the fireworks display.
Every single firework that goes up is choregophreaed to music, Prue said, which makes for a stunning display.
“We have the most spectacular fireworks you’ll ever see in front of the clock tower – our kind of icon building on the base,” Prue said.
“We light up the skies and we added about 20 percent to our [fireworks] budget. Ss local towns are reducing theirs, we added 20 percent.”
Nearly 25,000 people attended the event on July 4 last year, and that number is expected to grow this year, Prue said.
“We expect at least 25,000 to 30,000 on the fourth,” Prue said. “Fourty to 45,000 is a real number over the two days.”
Naval Station Great Lakes is at 2601 East Paul Jones St., in Great Lakes.
For more information, visit www.mwrgl.com, or call the festival hotline at 847-688-2110, ext. 484.
If you just can’t get enough fun Friday and Saturday, the Wauconda American Legion Post 911 will host an exciting opportunity for plane lovers Sunday, July 5.
The U.S. Navy will bring in an F-18 flight simulator for people to fly in – for free – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A motorcycle bike show will take place and military vehicles will be on display, while a DJ plays tunes outside. Food and beverages will be available.
The fun takes place at the Wauconda American Legion Hall, 515 S. Main Street, in Wauconda.
For more information, call 847-526-9718.
• The Round Lake Area Park District will host it’s annual Fourth of July Celebration from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. The fun-filled, family-friendly event will be full of live music, children’s entertainment, food and, of course, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Activities will take place at Hook Lake in Round Lake Beach. For more information, call 847-546-8558.
• Blarney Island will feature back-to-back concerts by Joe Bachman and The Crew at 7 p.m. both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. From Philly, the band is back by popular demand, and known for its time playing at Sloppy Joes in Key West. Blarney Island, 27843 W. Grass Lake Road, in Antioch. For more information, call 847-395-4122.
• The Village of Antioch Fourth of July Celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, with a parade down Main Stree. A children’s fun fair will follow at Williams Park, located at Main Street and Williams. There also will be a 5K run, picnic, entertainment and fireworks. The whole town celebrates this day long event. For more information, call 847-395-2160.
• The Wauconda area has it’s own celebration for locals. Lakeland VFW Post 2486, Wauconda American Legion Post 911 and the Village of Island Lake have joined together to sponsor their third annual July Fourth Parade and Family Picnic. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. along the length of Burnett Road in Island Lake. Following the parade, an old fashion picnic will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Park on Route 176, where veterans will provide free hot dogs and pop. Kids can participate in free games with guaranteed prizes, different craft activities, and pony rides. There also will be prizes for the adults, music and a patriotic ceremony. For more information call 847-526-5049.
• “Celebrate Fox Lake” by joining the Village of Fox Lake for free entertainment Saturday, July 4. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the annual Independence Day Parade, which will follow Grand Avenuee at Grant High School, to Millennium Park at Grand and Rollins Road. Then join in the fun with a crafts and collectibles show, family entertainment, a food festival, music, games and karaoke. Fireworks will be shot off at dusk, approximately 9 p.m., overlooking Mineola Bay. For more information, call 847-587-3944.
• “A Patriotic Celebration” will be hosted from 7:30 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Waukegan Harbor. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy music by the lake, with free parking and admission.
Then watch the Fourth of July fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on the Waukegan lakefront.
For more information, call 847-599-2525.
