Get ready to Party in the Park in Huntley

Known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4 has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).

In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies, then fighting in the revolutionary struggle, weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and, two days later, its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

From 1776 until the present day, July 4 has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Huntley Community Radio is going to help celebrate this great occasion with commercial-free music from Friday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m., after the HCR Evening News until the end of the Huntley "Party in the Park." The evening of July 4 begins on 101.5 FM or huntleyradio.com at 7 p.m.

The pregame party will be hosted by Huntley Community Radio's own Eric Thomas, The Duchess, Sir William and The Unsane Jeremy Soderstrom. There will be kids games, dance contests, giveaways and interviews with the crowd.

The pregame party will be blasted out to the crowd in Deicke Park and simulcast on 101.5 FM. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m., depending on the darkness.

Huntley Community Radio will have a specially made Fourth of July soundtrack that will coincide with the fireworks. The "Party in the Park" will continue until all the cars have left the park, so tune into 101.5 FM after to hear the conclusion of the show.