Fourth and fun: A North Shore Independence Day weekend in photos

North Shore residents found friends, festivals and fireworks to fight off the heat on an extended Fourth of July weekend that brought soaring temperatures.

Per usual, Wilmette and Glencoe kicked things off on Thursday, July 3, followed by Winnetka, Northfield and Highland Park (see Highland Park coverage here) on the Fourth.

Wilmette held its annual Yankee Doodle Dash to get things started Thursday, following that up with an afternoon family event, the Star-Spangled Splash. All of it led to the highlight, Fun and Fireworks at Gillson Park.

Gillson Park was full of food and festivities, including children’s games, as thousands of neighbors set up blankets, tarps and chairs throughout the huge lakefront park.

A series of musical guests got the crowd on its feet in anticipation of the fireworks finale that lit up the night sky starting at dusk.

Not to be overshadowed, Glencoe began its two-day spectacular with a Party in the Park on July 3.

The event had food, games and live music at Lakefront Park in anticipation for the fireworks display over Lake Michigan.

The following day, July 4, Glencoe hosted a fun run before its annual parade with local officials and special guests and performances, like the Jesse White Tumblers.

Winnetka and Northfield got things going on the morning of the Fourth of July.

Each held parades, while Winnetkans could finish off their evening at Duke Childs Field for a fireworks extravaganza.

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