Rolling Meadows fireworks show here to stay

Plans are well underway for Rolling Meadows' annual Independence Day parade and fireworks show Sunday, July 4.

Though cuts have been made elsewhere, city council members and commissioners set aside funding this year for the long-standing summer tradition.

"We talked about getting rid of them but they were always in the budget," assistant City Manager Barry Krumstock said of the fireworks. "They're part of our community events, and we like to keep community events the same."

The city bought $16,000 worth of fireworks from an outside contractor this year, down from $20,000 last year. A contract was recently approved by the city council.

The parade will start at 1:30 p.m., after churches along the route have finished their Sunday services. The route begins at Rolling Meadows High School and heads north up Jay Lane, then west on Grouse Lane and north on Meadow Drive to Kirchoff Road, ending at Rolling Meadows Shopping Center.

This year's parade grand marshal is Richard Wright, president of the Rolling Meadows Library board of trustees, in honor of the library's 50th anniversary.

The parade will be followed by the Cancer Awareness Committee's family fun walk. The fireworks show kicks off at 9:30 p.m. at Salk Park.