Itasca fireworks goes back-to-basics, more patriotic

Recessionary cutbacks have forced Itasca leaders to take a back-to-basics approach with the village's annual Fourth of July fireworks this year.

But officials say that's actually a good thing.

The village will host its annual fireworks on Sunday, July 4, at Hamilton Lakes. The event is now the largest in Illinois and attracts roughly 50,000 people, who traditionally come for the fireworks spectacular and entertainment by mainstream acts like Smash Mouth and Lifehouse.

The 23-minute fireworks show choreographed to music will return Sunday, along with food and drinks for sale. But this year's entertainment will align more closely with the spirit of July Fourth.

The U.S. Army will provide activities for the crowd from 4 p.m. until dusk, including a military vehicle display, flight simulators and interactive exhibits, a Black Hawk helicopter landing, and performances by Joe Cantafio and the 101st Rock Division, as well as the Pat McKillen Band.

Two Army generals will address the crowd, including a World War II veteran who fought during the allied invasion of Normandy.

"We want to make this a very patriotic evening," Itasca Trustee Frank Madaras said during the event's planning phases.

Village President Jeff Pruyn said the new lineup will "compliment the holiday."

The shift in entertainment stemmed from budget cuts, as the village and its corporate sponsor, Hamilton Partners, worked to keep admission free and parking at $20 in the face of the economic downturn.

Last year's entire event cost more than $250,000, with the village paying about $60,000 from hotel tax revenues. Itasca also traditionally pays roughly $30,000 in overtime for police and public works staff to be on duty.

Hamilton Partners, which hosts the event on its grounds, foots the rest of the bill - about $70,000 - that is not paid for through additional sponsorships and parking fees.

Rick Staback of Hamilton Partners said organizers will monitor Sunday's event to see how the 2011 fireworks should play out. He said Itasca expects a larger crowd this year, since some nearby towns canceled their displays due to budget woes, and because Chicago has scaled back its July 3 lakefront fireworks, which formerly was the largest display in the state.

If the new entertainment lineup pleases the expected larger crowds, Staback said Itasca might have a new tradition in play.

"We are always looking at new ideas and ways to improve," Staback said.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go </p>

<p class="News">What: Itasca Fourth of July Fireworks, featuring interactive and musical entertainment by the U.S. Army</p>

<p class="News">When: 4 p.m. July 4; fireworks at dusk</p>

<p class="News">Where: Hamilton Lakes, Thorndale Avenue and Route 53</p>

<p class="News">Cost: Free admission; $20 for parking</p>

<p class="News">Info: itasca.com</p>