Celebrate Independence Day at Naval Station Great Lakes July 3-4

Naval Station Great Lakes and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department extend an invitation to families, friends and neighbors to be a part of the base's annual Fourth of July celebration on historic Ross Field from 3-11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, and 3-10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

On both days, there will be carnival rides and games and a main stage with performances by national, regional and local bands, as well as food and beverages from local area vendors.

On July 3, a full music line up is planned on the "Rock, White and Blue" main stage, featuring this year's headliner Theory of a Deadman. A RWB VIP package is available that includes exclusive access to the front row section of the main stage.

On July 4, festivalgoers will enjoy more live bands throughout the day, ending the evening with music from Navy Band Great Lakes' Ceremonial Band.

Festivalgoers will also enjoy bingo for prizes, a paintball arena, a marketplace with specialty exhibitor booths and Naval history exhibits, plus roving performers and costumed characters that will be working the crowds.

A number of tributes are planned throughout the two days to honor military service members and veterans, including a special ceremony at approximately 8 p.m. on July 4. All military veterans and service members attending the festival will have the opportunity to sign an honorary guest book and receive a hero's name tag to wear.

Children of all ages will have plenty to do in the Kids Zone, featuring hands-on activities like the SeaPerch/STEM underwater robotics educational activity, a petting zoo and an indoor rock climbing wall, as well as a full lineup of live entertainment acts.

U.S. Army veteran Ben Manthe will bring his Frontline Professional Wrestling show to the celebration, with shows scheduled at 4:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 3, and 4 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on July 4. The ring will be on the south side of the Ross Field festival grounds near Fisher Road. Admission to the wrestling show is $2 per person for general admission, and $5 for ringside, which includes full access to the wrestlers both before and after the show.

The Mobile Riverine Force Association will bring a mobile museum to the celebration both days. Vietnam veterans will be on hand to tell their story.

Both nights conclude with fireworks choreographed to music. On July 3, the "Rock, White and Blue" fireworks display will begin at 10:45 p.m., and on July 4, a fireworks extravaganza will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Naval Station Great Lakes is off Sheridan Road in North Chicago. The general public must enter through Gate 3. Gates 1 and 5 will be open only to base personnel.

The festival is-for all-ages, open to the public, and offers free parking and no admission charge.

For details or the RWB VIP package, visit www.mwrgl.com or visit the Naval Station Great Lakes 4th of July Facebook page.