Highland Park cancels July 4 celebrations

The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park have canceled the annual Fourth of July celebrations due to COVID-19 health concerns, officials said in a news release Tuesday.

The Independence Day festivities include the community parade, Fourth Fest family event, the Bitter Jester Music Festival, fireworks display, and Float & Fireworks event at Hidden Creek AquaPark.

"This decision took into account the lead time for planning the events and was made after careful consideration based on the consensus of public health officials," Mayor Nancy Rotering said in the release.

Also, Food Truck Thursdays have been canceled through July 30. The event, which typically attracts large crowds, will be reevaluated in June when additional data becomes available, according to the city news release. The city also has canceled the annual Memorial Day observance, and honors for fallen servicemen and women may be incorporated into the Veterans Day celebration in November.

Changes or cancellations to other seasonal large-scale events will be announced based on further guidance from public health officials.