Barrington celebrates Fourth with fun and philanthropy
Barrington will celebrate the nation's independence this weekend with four days of food, music and fun, highlighted by a huge parade down Main Street, a fireworks show that draw spectators from across the suburbs and several opportunities to help others in need.
Fourth of July Days begins Friday, July 1, with the opening of the Barrington Lions Club Brat Tent in the North Commuter Lot of the Metra Train Station. The tent, which serves as the primary food and live music venue for the festival, opens at 11 a.m. with bingo.
Musical performances on opening day include Sons of Bildor at 4:30 p.m. and Lance Lipinsky & the Lovers at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Lions Club will dedicate the afternoon to men and women in uniform, starting with the arrival of more than 50 sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Academy. Members of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle organization will ride a lap around the festival honoring those who are lost, but not forgotten, followed by a Color Guard presentation and the national anthem.
Musical performances Saturday include The Allstars at 4:30 p.m. and Sixteen Candles at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday will see a passing of the torch of sorts as longtime community advocate Bob Lee hands over his Ride for 3 Reasons duties to Barrington High School junior Jan Gierlach, who next year will embark on a 3,300-mile solo bike ride along the southern tier of the U.S. to raise money for to help those dealing with cancer and ALS, as well as hospice care.
Sunday's full schedule of musical performances - under the banner Rock the Ride - will benefit those efforts. For more information, visit ridefor3reasons.org.
Independence Day events begin early with the annual Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Family Fitness Run. Runs of 5K and 10K begin at 7:15 a.m. at the corner of Park Avenue and Cook Street, and there also will be a 2K walk through the village's downtown.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the cultural arts in Barrington. For more information, visit www.signmeup.com or call (847) 620-4580.
The Fourth of July Parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Barrington High School, and the march continues down Main Street to Wool Street. This year's theme is "The Best of Barrington - Celebrating Our Community." Spectators are asked to bring nonperishable food and cleaning items to the parade, which will be collected by volunteers and donated to local food pantries.
Immediately after the parade, Barrington's White House will host an open house and concert. Visitors can tour the renovated 118-year-old home and learn about volunteer and donation opportunities.
At noon, the Northshore Concert Band, a 100-member band, will perform a free concert of American favorites just outside the White House. For details, visit www.BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com.
The festivities close at dusk with the annual fireworks display under the stars near Barrington High School.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.living60010.com/lions-brat-tent-schedule. aspx.