Great Lake hosting Independence Day events
Great Lakes Naval Station near North Chicago will host one of the area's larger Fourth of July celebrations starting today.
Navy officials brought back the July 4 bash last year, with the one-day event attracting more than 25,000 visitors. Tighter Defense Department regulations because of the war on terrorism were cited as a reason the Independence Day event was scrapped in 2002.
This time, the action will be two days with no admission charge. The festivities run from noon to 9:30 p.m. today, and noon to 10 p.m. or so Saturday.
Highlighting the event will be a 30-minute patriotic fireworks show choreographed to music from the Great Lakes band starting at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The pyrotechnics will fly over the 98-year-old base's signature clock tower building at Ross Field.
"That's the best place to watch the fireworks," Sheppard said of Ross Field. "You're right on top of them. They're wonderful."
Tantric is the outdoor music stage headline act at 7:30 p.m. today; Rock legend Eddie Money is the featured act at 6 p.m. Saturday before the Navy band takes over.
The event also will offer food vendors, soft drinks and beer.
Unlike last year, Sheppard said, visitors must enter Great Lakes' main gate off Sheridan Road just north of Route 137 where they will be directed to a parking area. Large coolers, weapons and explosives will be confiscated, he said.
Meanwhile, Great Lakes' Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department and the Blue Jacket Memorial Chapel will use the Fourth of July bash as an opportunity to collect donations for a food drive.
Food drive organizer Rick Pearce said donations of nonperishable items will be distributed through local shelters and places of worship. Drop-boxes will be at the Blue Jacket chapel entrance, at the information booth gazebo and Ross Field.
Pearce said it's hoped more than 2,500 pounds of food can be collected over the two days.
Great Lakes is the Navy's only boot camp. An estimated 40,000 recruits are expected to graduate to become sailors this year.
Sheppard said the Navy already is planning a "big blowout" Fourth of July weekend event to celebrate Great Lakes' 100th birthday in 2011.