Independence Day fun starts July 3 in Wheaton

What's more American than a picnic?

Hot dogs, potato salad, apple pie, gingham blankets - these things epitomize summertime eating, but ultimately they're about coming together as family, as friends and as communities. That's why the Wheaton Park District and the city of Wheaton are saluting that great American icon through 2015's Independence Day celebration theme, "The All-American Picnic."

The festivities begin at 4 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Graf Park, 1701 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Kids, adults and families can enjoy rides, concessions and DJ entertainment while waiting for the main event - the fireworks. As the night descends at 9 p.m., the sky will light up with pops of light, color and sound as residents from Wheaton and beyond celebrate the birth of our nation. (The grandstand at the DuPage County Fairgrounds will not be available for fireworks viewing this year.)

On Saturday, the July 4 Parade will step off at 10 a.m. near Hawthorne and Main Street, traveling south on Main, turning west on Wesley Street, south on Wheaton Avenue, east on Front Street and concluding at Front and Cross streets in downtown Wheaton. Residents line the street to get a view of the float participants, which include political parties and candidates, schools, local charities and churches.

This year's parade will feature two parade marshals: Ken Carlson of Carlson's Glass and Mirror and Ryne Stolarz, Wheaton native and soccer player for Team Illinois. Team Illinois will be competing in the Special Olympics World games in July.

For information about July 3 and 4 and "The All American Picnic" celebration, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/july4.