Barrington's Fourth of July has something for everyone
From a family run to benefit the arts to a crowd-pleasing fireworks show, patriotic parade, plenty of live music and a look back at the community's distinguished history, Barrington area residents won't have to go far this weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July in style.
The holiday celebration kicks off early, literally, with the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Family Fitness Run 5K/10K (and 2K walk) at 7:15 a.m. Friday.
The race, an 18-year tradition formerly known as The Run for the Arts, raises money to support cultural arts programs in the community. The event features 5K and 10K courses that wind through Barrington and Barrington Hills. The 2K walk takes participants through the streets of Barrington.
To find out more or to register, visit www.signmeup.com/99697 or call (847) 620-4580.
Once you're done running or walking, find a spot along Main Street, sit back and enjoy Barrington's annual Fourth of July Parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. Friday at Barrington High School. The parade will march along Main Street, ending at the downtown Metra station.
This year's parade, with the theme "A Star Spangled Salute," will feature lively bands, classic cars, local performers, and decorative floats. There will be awards for the float displaying the most patriotism, the best use of the theme, and for the float that best represents the community spirit of Barrington.
A food drive during the parade will collect donations for the Barrington and Cuba township food pantries.
For more information about the parade and activities surrounding the parade, visit barringtonparade.com.
Local history buffs won't want to miss the White House Open House after the parade until 3 p.m.
As a central part of the village's Sesquicentennial (150th) Celebration next year, the 115-year-old White House, at 145 W. Main St., is being restored and renovated into an elegant venue for community, civic and cultural gatherings.
During the open house, visitors can tour the building, see the architectural plans, and view interior design concept boards. Fundraising materials will be available, as well as ways to get involved. Members of the committee and volunteers will be available to answer questions. To learn more, visit
Also this weekend at the White House, Barrington's Sesquicentennial Committee is hosting a "Road Show" to collect documents pertaining to Barrington's history. It is an opportunity for local residents to bring historic photographs, old letters, meeting minutes, directories, or other small memorabilia that reference the town's history. The memorabilia will be scanned and returned to its owners that day.
The Independence Day fun will be capped off with the annual fireworks display at Barrington High School. Parking is available at the high school, and there will be bands playing before the pyrotechnics, so pack a picnic supper and enjoy the fireworks as they begin at dusk.
The Brat Tent, located north commuter lot of the Metra station, will again serve as a centerpiece of the fest, with food, music and family entertainment Thursday through Saturday. Headliners are Suburban Cowboys playing at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and Sixteen Candles at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. For a full schedule, visit barrington4thofjuly.com.
Barrington 4th of July Festival
Festival is in downtown Barrington, which many events in the Metra station parking lot off Main Street. Daytime (before 5 p.m.) admission is free. After 5 p.m., admission is $5 for adults, free for anyone 17 or under. For additional information, visit the festival website, barrington4thofjuly.com.
Thursday, July 3
1 to 5 p.m. Baggo Tournament
1 to 3 p.m. Obstacle Course Competition
4 p.m. Speaker, Bruce Johnson, Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3
4:40 p.m. Western Sky Band
8:30 p.m. Suburban Cowboys
Friday, July 4
7:15 a.m. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Family Fitness Run
10 a.m. Fourth of July Parade
11:30 a.m. White House Open House
Noon to 2 p.m. Barrington Community Band
Dusk Fireworks
Saturday, July 5
12:30 p.m. Frank Birdsall - Entertainer Extraordinaire
1 to 3 p.m. Obstacle Course Competition
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rolling Thunder motorcycle showcase and honor ride
4 p.m. Speaker, Kirk Morris, Gold Star Father
4:30 p.m. Alex and the All Stars
8:30 p.m. Sixteen Candles