Wheaton's Field of Honor returns June 30-July 4

Wheaton Park District and Warrenville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8081 will host the Field of Honor 2021 from June 30 to July 4 at Seven Gables Park, 1750 S. Naperville Road in Wheaton.

A display of 2,000 U.S. flags will bring the community together in a patriotic tribute to honor our heroes. Each U.S. flag represents an individual and tells a story. Flags may be sponsored to honor individuals currently serving in our active-duty military, fallen servicemen and servicewomen, first responders, heroes in our lives, veterans, Vietnam veterans, and hometown heroes.

Consider making a donation to support this event at www.healingfield.org/event/wheatonil21/. Sponsors also are welcome.

You also can add order a flag, for pickup or delivery, that includes your own dedication, "Dedicated to/or in Memory of." Cost is $25 for pickup or $35 for delivery.

The Wheaton Park District also is planning an Independence Day Celebration July 3-4.

Fireworks and family fun are scheduled for 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 3, in Graf Park. Fireworks are currently set to start at dusk, approximately 9 p.m. The evening's event will include lawn games, concessions, DJ, and giveaways. A local Scout troop will provide a flag ceremony in Graf Park before the fireworks show.

No alcoholic beverages, sparklers, or smoke bombs will be permitted in the park. A parking map will be available for download or viewing prior to the event. Please be kind to our neighbors when parking on residential streets.

The annual Independence Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 4, in downtown Wheaton. The theme will be "Celebrate Our Freedom."

Parade applications are due Friday, June 25, at wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/july4/. For your entry, display your patriotic spirit and show how the theme most resonates with you this year, perhaps a celebration of a new business, reopening your doors, celebrating a milestone, or simply celebrating the present.

All entries will be eligible to win an award in one of the categories listed below. All entries will be judged at the viewing stand on Union Avenue.

The 2021 judging categories are:

• Most Patriotic: Symbolizes America and the Fourth of July;

• Best Youth Group: Best entry from participants under 16 years old;

• Best Nonprofit: Best entry from a nonprofit (includes churches);

• Best Neighborhood: Best entry by a Wheaton neighborhood;

• Carlson's Best of Show: Overall best entry/float;

• Mayor's Spirit: Best representation of Wheaton;

• Best Musical: Best entry performing music;

• Bart Loiacono Most Creative: A creative idea brought to fruition;

• Best Use of Theme: Best use of current parade theme;

• Go Green: Best use of recycled materials;

• Best Political: A political entry that entertains or is patriotic.

Paid entries are not eligible for awards.

The parade staging area opens at 9 a.m. on Main Street, north of Hawthorne Boulevard. The parade will start at 11 a.m. south on Main Street and head about 10 blocks, before turning west on Union Avenue to Memorial Park.

For a map, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Parade parking will be free at Wheaton Place garage, 232 W. Wesley St., first and second floor; Willow Avenue garage, 220 S Cross St., first floor; and the public parking lot No. 2, south side of 100 block of Wesley Street.

For sponsorships, contact Kristina Nemetz at knemetz@wheatonparks.org.