Fireworks, parades and fests in the Fox Valley
Aurora: Independence Day Parade, Benton and River streets, 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4. Travels east to Broadway Avenue, north to Galena Boulevard, west to Stolp, south to Downer Place and conclude at River Street. Presented by the Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 in partnership with the city of Aurora. It starts with a patriotic ceremony at 9:15 a.m. outside the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Info: www.aurora-il.org.
Batavia: Fourth of July Fireworks at Engstrom Park, Main and Millview streets, 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Savor the Flavor food vendors open from 5-9:30 p.m. $5 donation for parking at both high school parking lots (off Wilson and Main), the Ace Hardware parking lot and the Wilson Business Center on West Wilson Street. Info: bataviafireworks.org.
Burlington: Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, July 3, at the Burlington Township Park grounds. Parking will be entering on South Street (Peplow Road) between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. There will be food vendors and an American Legion salute to veterans. Fireworks begin between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Rain date Friday, July 5. Info: www.vil.burlington.il.us/
Cary: Summer Celebration at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road. Park opens at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3. Live music by Spoken Four at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. Rain date for fireworks is dusk July 11. Free. Parking $5 on grass; $10 on pavement. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site. Info: (847) 639-6100 or carypark.com.
Elgin: Fourth of July Parade, downtown Elgin, at Douglas Avenue. Steps off at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 4 at Douglas and Slade avenues. It proceeds south on Douglas ending at Highland Avenue. Theme is “Elgin Marching Through Time,” with units encouraged to dress up in historic attire. Info: downtownelgin.com.
Fox River Grove: Fireworks at Picnic Grove Park, off the Fox River, Fox River Grove, on Saturday, July 6. Musical entertainment and food at 6 p.m., fireworks begin at dusk. No entry to the park after 9 p.m. and no parking at the park. Shuttle bus service will be available. Info: (847) 639-3170.
Hoffman Estates: Elgin is a participating city in Northwest Fourth-Fest, July 3-7 on the grounds of the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates (just off I-90). Carnival, Bingo, games, food and drink sales, live music, more. Hours: 6-10 p.m. July 3 (carnival only); 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 4; 6-11 p.m. July 5; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 6; noon-10 p.m. July 7. July 4 main stage: 7th Heaven, 4:30 p.m.; Modern Days Romeos, 7:30 and 10:15 p.m.; and Elgin Symphony Orchestra, 9-10 p.m. July 5 main stage: Thompson Square, 7:30 p.m. $10, with TBA opening act at 6 p.m. July 6 main stage: Brian Lavender, 6 p.m. and .38 Special, 8 p.m. July 7 main stage: Libido Funk Circus, 7:30 p.m. Village Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 6 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 7. Free admission. Info: www.northwestfourthfest.com.
Huntley: Fireworks show at Huntley Outlet Center, 11800 Factory Shops Blvd., I-90 and Route 47, dusk Saturday, Aug. 31. The regular Independence Day show was rescheduled to Labor Day weekend due to I-90 interchange work. Info: www.premiumoutlets.com.
Pingree Grove: Independence Day Celebration, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the baseball fields near Cambridge Lakes Drive and Wester Boulevard. There will be a parade at 5 p.m., along with a car show, food and craft vendors, music and fireworks. Info: villageofpingreegrove.org.
Sleepy Hollow: Fourth of July Celebration at Sabatino Park, Winmoor Drive and Willow Lane, Thursday, July 4. Sleepy Hollow Mile Fun Run/Walk at 8 a.m.; Bob Zdenek Memorial Fishing Derby from 9 to 11 a.m. at Lake Sharon; Bill Ritchie Memorial Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. Games, booths and pony rides and entertainment, pie eating contest, raffle drawing at 4 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. $5 donation to park for fireworks. or www.sleepyhollowil.org.
St. Charles: Fourth of July fireworks at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. Fox Valley Concert Band will entertain from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4 in the historic pavilion. Red Woody will play classic rock and alternative hits in the historic pavilion from 6 p.m. to dark. Fireworks begin at dusk off Boy Scout Island. Free. Fireworks can be best viewed at Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park. Rain date will be next clear evening. Info: stcparks.org.
South Elgin: Fourth of July Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, at the corner of West Spring Street and Wedgewood Drive. Free, but attendees are asked to bring a food pantry donation. Info: www.southelgin.com.
Ÿ Red, White and Blue Dollar Day at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. La Fox St. (Route 31), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 4. All riders pay $2 this day only, as museum celebrates its 47th birthday. Info: (847) 697-4676 or foxtrolley.org.
Sugar Grove: Fourth of July parade begins at 1 p.m., with lineup at 12:30 p.m., in the front parking lot of Kaneland John Shields Elementary School. Parade will feature Join JoJo and the Clowns in Town. Everyone is welcome to ride a decorated bike or simply walk along. Past parades welcomed tractors, fire trucks, police cars and other community vehicles. Info: sgparks.org, (630) 466-7436.