Bartlett starts its Fourth of July celebration
Bartlett once again will celebrate the Fourth with events including a carnival, music, turtle races, pedal tractor pull, kids activities, fireworks and a parade.
The event at Apple Orchard Park at the corner of Stearns and Bartlett roads is put on by the Bartlett Fourth of July Committee, which was formed in August 1992 by a few residents who wanted a "hometown celebration that would create memories for our children and our children's' children."
The committee is not a part of any other organization. Its sole purpose is to provide a Fourth of July Celebration each year.
The village of Bartlett funds $12,000 toward the cost of the fireworks display. The Bartlett police and fire department provide safety support. The Bartlett Park District allows the festival on its soccer fields, supervises parking and removes garbage. The Bartlett Lions Club organizes the parade.
The popular plastic turtle races will be at 4 p.m. Friday at the Bartlett Aquatic Center. The Bartlett Park Foundation sells up to 1,000 tickets for $10 each as a fundraiser. Donated prizes include cash, sporting events, family activities and food. Tickets are available at the Bartlett Community Center and other locations. Call (630) 540-4824 for information.
The parade will be at 1 p.m. Sunday. The route starts at Bartlett Park, then proceeds on Oak Avenue from North Avenue south to Railroad Avenue; on Railroad Avenue to Main Street; on Main Street to South Bartlett Road; and on South Bartlett Road to Apple Orchard Park at Stearns Road. The parade will result in street closures in the area until about 2:30 p.m., police said.
Here's a schedule of activities:
Bartlett Fourth of July Festival
FRIDAY
Noon to 11 p.m. Carnival
Noon to 11 p.m. Food & Beer Tent
1 p.m. Tractor Pull for all ages at Aquatic Center
1 to 3 p.m. Free Children's Entertainment at Bandstand area: DJ leads interactive games and dances; picnic games such as a water balloon toss and wheelbarrow races; face painting; balloon twisters
3 to 5:30 p.m. Los Treboles Negros in Beer Tent
4 p.m. Turtle Race at Aquatic Center
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sam Savage at Bandstand
6 to 9:15 p.m. Bingo Tent
8 to 11 p.m. Rick Lindy & Wild Ones at Bandstand
8:30 p.m. Chicagoland Skydiving Center
9:30 p.m. Fireworks Extravaganza (music simulcast on FM 98.1, the festival closes down during the show)
SATURDAY
Noon to 11 p.m. Carnival ($23 for unlimited rides from noon to 5 p.m.)
Noon to 11 p.m. Food & Beer Tent
4 to 5 p.m. The Redmonds at Bandstand
5:30 to 8 p.m. Johnny Russler & Beach Bum Band at Bandstand
6 to 11 p.m. Bingo Tent
8:30 to 9:25 p.m. Chasing Alice at Bandstand
9:30 to 11 p.m. Bad Medicine at Bandstand
SUNDAY
1 p.m. Bartlett Lions Club Fourth of July Parade Downtown
3 to 8 p.m. Carnival ($20 for unlimited rides)
3 to 8 p.m. Food & Beer Tent
3 to 7 p.m. Bingo Tent
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Crossfire at Bandstand
6 to 8 p.m. Hi Infidelity at Bandstand
Visit www.bartlett4thofjuly.com for schedule updates.