Arlington Park fireworks coming July 2
What Arlington Park bills as the best fireworks show in the Chicago area this Independence Day, will be shot off July 2 at the track.
Since Chicago will skip its traditional Grant Park fireworks this year, the show at the track lays claim to being the best. The 30-minute-plus display will be a little longer than last year’s and will have more pyrotechnics, said David Zenner, track spokesman. The finale and the opening will both be more dramatic, and the display will be synchronized to a mixture of patriotic and popular music.
The show will encompass the entire infield area of the racecourse. Admission to the fireworks requires a ticket to the races, which start at 4 p.m. General admission is $10; under 17 are admitted free with ticket holders. Parking is also free.
The first 20,000 who attend will get 3-D glasses, to enhance fireworks viewing.
“Racing, Music and Fireworks” is Arlington Park’s annual fireworks display, which also serves as the village of Arlington Heights’ display. This year, the track hopes that people disappointed by Chicago’s cancellation will take the train out from the city to the Arlington Park station stop.
There will also be live music on the band stage by the band I Pop throughout the day and into the evening.
Last year about 30,000 people attended the fireworks, and a sellout is possible, Zenner said.
He encourages people to buy tickets online and in advance and to arrive well before the fireworks because people will arrive very early to get desirable spots.