New organizers for Wheaton's Fourth of July

For the first time in two decades, the Wheaton Jaycees aren't involved with planning the city's Fourth of July parade and fireworks display.

But if the new organizers of the annual tradition have anything to say about it, Wheaton residents won't notice the difference.

"Our goal is to make sure the community sees the same event that they've seen for the last 20 years," said Margie Wilhelmi of the Wheaton Park District, which stepped in after the Jaycees relinquished responsibility for the Fourth of July celebration. "We hope they walk away feeling like they came to a great event."

Park officials started the transition by forming a committee and speaking with the Jaycees.

In addition to volunteers, the committee includes park district staff members who have experience organizing large special events, like Taste of Wheaton.

"So we were pretty confident that it would all be seamless," said Wilhelmi, the park district's marketing and fund development manager.

To date, park officials say the planning process has gone smoothly.

Wilhelmi said there's been a "steady" number of entries for the parade, which is considered one of the largest in northern Illinois.

This year's parade is scheduled to step off at noon on July 4 at Main Street and Hawthorne Boulevard. A grand marshal hasn't been chosen yet.

One significant difference this year is that the fireworks display is slated for July 3.

"We'll see how the public responds, but I think it will be fine because it's a Saturday," said Mike Benard, Wheaton's park director. "Saturday night fireworks and a Sunday parade flows really nice."

One benefit of having the fireworks on July 3 is that the city should get more bang for its buck.

Like past years, the city of Wheaton - not the park district - is paying for the celebration out if its budget. The city has set aside $30,000.

Park district staff is recommending that $13,500 be spent on the 20-minute fireworks show, which will be held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds and neighboring Graf Park along Manchester Road.

"We're looking to spend in the vicinity of $13,000 on a fireworks show that would normally cost $20,000," Benard said.

On Wednesday night, park board members learned that two companies are interested in doing the fireworks for that price.

A decision on which company gets the job is expected to be made in two weeks.

Mayor Michael Gresk said he's pleased with how everything is coming together.

"The job the Jaycees did was admirable for 20 years," Gresk said. "I would expect the park district to carry on that wonderful tradition."