Naperville Salute returns with music, family fun and its first Ruck March

Now in its second year, Naperville Salute is expanding to provide even more activities for the local community.

The four-day festival, organized entirely by volunteers, will feature live music, food and beverage vendors, special presentations for military veterans, and a Family Fun Zone.

Head to Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville July 1-4 to enjoy several days of family-friendly activities centered around celebrating veterans, active military, first responders and their families. Proceeds will go to assist veterans through Naperville Responds to Veterans.

The music stage will be open 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, and noon to 9 p.m. Monday at Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave. A VIP Veterans' Tent will be available to ensure the comfort of military service members in attendance.

General admission tickets for ages 12 or older are $5 on Friday, $15 on Saturday and Sunday, and free on Monday. Kids ages 11 and under are free with paying adult. Admission is free for veterans or military service members. Get tickets at www.napervillesalute.org/music.

Before the music starts, there will be many outdoor activities for all age groups at the Family Fun Zone, which will have free entry from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Activities include: CrossTown Exotics, an interactive exotic animal display; MidWest Fun Factory with face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon art; KidStrong Naperville with an obstacle course and fitness fun; Stacey M Designs with crafts and coloring fun; Pull Ups for Patriots; Chezaday Magic interactive magic shows; craft tent; Patriotic Crafts, U.S. Army, Blue Help, Within Thin Lines podcast, the Salt Creek Ballet, and more. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

The Family Fun Tent will be open during the musical entertainment from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday to Sunday. Admission is required with kids age 11 and under free with paid adult. Activities will include glitter tattoos, patriotic crafts and more included.

The July 1 musical lineup opens at 4 p.m. with After School Special, a classic rock cover band, followed at 6 p.m. by BBI, a five-member band that plays old school to hip-hop. Headliner Shining Star, featuring 10 highly talented musicians harmoniously joining forces to present a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire, will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Saturday's music stage will open at 4 p.m. with the Alika Arlynn Band, featuring the Midwest country artist's original music along with many favorite cover songs.

Eric Chesser, a country music singer and songwriter who grew up in Plainfield, makes a return appearance to Naperville Salute at 6 p.m.

Rising country music star Jon Langston will grace the stage at Rotary Hill at 8 p.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, Red Pop Fury will open the fest at 2 p.m., followed by The PriSSillas, featuring an eclectic setlist and witty sense of humor, at 4 p.m.

The modern rock cover band Mike & Joe will perform a mix of music from the 1970s to today at 6 p.m. The popular Chicago-area cover band Maggie Speaks will take the stage at 8 p.m.

The Naperville Salute's Independence Day observance will include a fireworks display, presented by Woody Buick GMC, Sunday at the Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Road.

On Monday, the fest kicks off with Naperville Salute's inaugural Ruck March at 8 a.m. starting at Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court. Registration starts at 7 a.m. Join the Ruck (a brisk 5K walk) to Rotary Hill and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms. Cost is $30 which includes commemorative patch, one drink ticket and one food ticket. Afterward, enjoy food, drinks, music and family entertainment on Rotary Hill. To sign up, go to www.napervillesalute.org/ruck or email SaluteRuck@gmail.com.

Admission is free on Monday with the music stage opening at noon with The Starboards, a three-piece acoustic yacht rock show, followed by Convoy at 1:30 p.m. Wild Daisy will perform current country hits, with some of the classics and some rock mixed in, at 3 p.m., followed at 4:30 p.m. by The Wayouts with the best of 1960s garage rock.

Popular classic rock tribute band Arra will close out the festival at 6:30 p.m.