Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison named grand marshal for Barrington’s Fourth of July Parade

Jim Cornelison, longtime anthem singer for the Chicago Blackhawks, will be the grand marshal for the Barrington Fourth of July Parade. The parade will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, from Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St.

For the Fourth of July festivities after the parade, Cornelison will be singing the national anthem and other songs like “America, The Beautiful” at noon at the Barrington Lions Brat Tent in the Wool Street parking lot, next to Moretti's Restaurant, 421 E Main St.

Enjoy a patriotic concert by the Barrington Community Band with a lineup of patriotic favorites, marches, sing-alongs, and show tunes.

The celebration includes a special segment where all active duty and veterans will be invited on stage to celebrate Independence Day

Also on Saturday, the Barrington Lions are hosting special guest author Regina E. McCarthy at 1:30 p.m. Her book, “Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog,” illustrated by Sue Dettman, tells the story of Gilbert, a shy groundhog with big worries like stage fright, having no friends, and dealing with a bully. Everything changes for Gilbert when he meets a wise old oak tree who teaches him simple tools to calm his anxious body and take care of himself from the inside out, giving him the newfound confidence to share his rock collection with the after-school club, make a new friend, and bravely stand up to the bully.

The Barrington Lions Club, which is celebrating its centennial, kicked off the Brat Tent on Wednesday, July 1, with music by The Cave Dwellers, Brother Tim and Aberdeen Drive. The musical entertainment continued on Thursday, July 2, with The Bourbon Aristocracy, the Sons of Bildor, and 16 Candles.

On Friday, July 3, the Brat Tent will be open from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The musical lineup features Oliver Dodge, a talented singer-songwriter delivering heartfelt acoustic favorites, modern hits, and an easygoing sound,rom 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Next is the Pat McKillen Band from 6 to 7:30 p.m., a local favorite bringing high-energy classic rock, blues, and crowd-pleasing favorites.

Closing out the night from 8 to 11 p.m. is Between the Lines, one of the Chicago area's premier party bands delivering an energetic mix of classic rock, pop, country, and today's biggest hits.

Additional attractions include bingo from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., grilled meats, ice cream, inflatables for kids, and a beer and wine selection. There is a $5 entry fee after 5 p.m. for ages 18 or older.

Visit BarringtonLionsClub.org, and on Facebook, and Instagram.

Barrington’s Fourth of July Fireworks will start at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St.