Colors celebrate the day
Lake County was painted red, white and blue Friday as area communities celebrated another Fourth of July holiday.
From parades to festivals to fireworks shows, thousands spent the day with family and friends enjoying food, games and plenty of entertainment.
The party got started early in Antioch with the village's annual 5K Run for Freedom, which was followed by the always popular parade down Main Street.
Whether it be watching kids dash for free candy, checking out the classic cars, or getting the chance to spend the day with their neighbors, everyone had something different to love about the annual parade.
"I love the floats," said Renee Blackeney. "You can tell all the time they put into them."
Mike Lapke thought it was great to see so many people out celebrating the day.
"There are at least 10,000 people in town and I think they are all here today," he said.
In Mundelein, a parade featuring more than 75 entries, including numerous Cub Scout troops, the high school cheerleaders and marching band, and this year's Miss Mundelein, will highlight the village's annual Community Days event. starting at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Other Lake County celebrations include Lincolnshire's annual Red, White and Boom event, Lake Zurich's Family Days and a special pre-fireworks performance by Libertyville's Village Band.
After waking up early for the parade, spending the afternoon at a festival and then turning out for a nighttime fireworks show, Lapke said he would getting a good night's sleep.
"It makes for a full day," he said.