Record Roundup: How to celebrate Independence Day, North Shore style

It’s America’s birthday again, and the North Shore is ready for a good time.

Whether you’re decking out your bike in red, white and blue, heating up for some friendly competition with neighbors or relaxing lakeside to watch fireworks, there are no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day locally.

Wilmette

Per usual, Wilmette kicks off the celebrating a day early, with three events slated for July 3.

The festivities are off to the races with the annual Yankee Doodle Dash 5K at 8 a.m. Runners will follow a new route this year, beginning and ending at Gillson Park. Race registration closes June 30.

After the dash, locals are invited to cool off at the Star Spangled Splash from 1-3 p.m. at Centennial Park. Centennial pools will be open from 2-6 p.m. with free admission for residents. Carnival games, face painting, bounce houses and more will offer entertainment throughout the afternoon.

From 5-10 p.m., food vendors, musicians and performers will bring Gillson Park to life. Head to the Wallace Bowl and enjoy Jesse White Tumblers, superhero training, the South Shore Drill Team and more. Complete your Fourth of July look with face painting and airbrush tattoos in the park.

Wilmette’s Independence Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. Catch the dazzling display off the south end of the harbor at dusk.

Northfield

Northfield welcomes residents to Willow Park from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for a day of energy, contests, and delicious food and drink.

The celebration kicks off with a spirited parade at 10 a.m. The parade’s two lineups — one starting at Old Willow Road and Somerset Lane, and the other at the North Shore Senior Center — will converge at the Community Center at Willow Park.

Bikes, wagons and strollers decorated in red, white and blue are encouraged. Judging for Best Overall, Most Creative and Best Retro will take place at the pee-wee baseball field after the parade, so be sure to get your streamers and sparkles ready.

Concessions and amusements open at 10 a.m. Grab a burger, hot dog, cotton candy or Sno-cone, along with complimentary popcorn. Children can enjoy a giant slide, bounce houses and sand art among other activities.

And per tradition, residents of all ages are invited to participate in races and an egg toss contest at 11 a.m.

Winnetka

Winnetka’s celebrations start bright and early (and rain or shine) on July 4 with the Firecracker 5K Run at 7:30 a.m along the Green Bay Trail.

Winnetka’s annual parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Elm Street and Glendale Avenue. Catch orchestras, jugglers and Uncle Sam on stilts strolling east down Elm Street toward Village Green Park. Join your Winnetka neighbors as local organizations and community members march through the streets in decorated bikes, wagons, costumes and floats.

Festivities move to Village Green Park following the parade with face painting, balloon artists and a flag-raising ceremony from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Families can join foot races to compete for a trophy and bragging rights. Check out the Winnetka Park District website for more information.

The celebration continues at Duke Childs Field with a performance by The Breakfast Club at 7 p.m., followed by the Jesse White Tumblers at 8 p.m.

Winnetka’s celebration wraps up with a classic firework show in the same location at 9:20 p.m.

Glencoe

Glencoe’s Fourth of July festivities span two days, beginning Thursday evening, July 3, and continuing into Friday afternoon.

Festivities kick off Thursday at 5 p.m. with Party in the Park, featuring food trucks, games, inflatables and live music at Lakefront Park. Fireworks will launch over Glencoe Beach around 9 p.m. to light up the night.

On Friday morning, the Village’s free 2.1-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m. at the Glencoe Train Station. Kalk Park will keep competitive spirits high with kids’ games from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and a bags tournament from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ahead of Glencoe’s annual Independence Day parade, DJ Pizza Head will spin some family-friendly live music downtown at 11:30 a.m.

The parade begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of South and Hawthorn avenues. Line up along its route — traveling east on South, north on Vernon Avenue, east on Park Avenue, south on Village Court and ending at Hazel Avenue — to catch a glimpse of the village’s patriotic pride.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.