Lake County communities are hosting parades, fireworks, live music, carnivals and more to celebrate America’s Birthday not only on July 4, but also before and after that date.
Families have several chances to see fireworks as well as parades in different towns on different days. Here are some of the many free events planned around the Fourth of July in Lake County. Some events include activities such as a 5K run that require registration and payment.
Celebrate Fox Lake July 1
Celebrate Fox Lake will be held July 1 at various venues, including Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Road. A car show runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Millennium Park, 23 Rollins Road. The Celebrate Fox Lake Parade begins at 11 a.m., starting at Grant Community High School, 285 E. Grand Ave., and traveling down Grand into downtown Fox Lake. Live entertainment and other activities run from 5 to 10 p.m. at Lakefront Park. Fireworks launch off Nippersink Lake at 9:30 p.m. 224-225-1404. foxlake.org/391/Celebrate-Fox-Lake.
Mundelein Community Days July 1-4
Mundelein’s annual four days of festivities around the Fourth will be held July 1-4 at a new location, Village Hall Plaza, 300 Plaza Circle Drive. The event features a carnival, fireworks, parade, the Mundelein Munch, music, games, a car show, contests such as horseshoe and bags tournaments, martial arts demonstrations, fire engine rides, big bubblemaking and other children’s activities, a pet parade and more. Highlights include the Through the Decades parade kicking off at 2 p.m. July 2 at Mundelein High School, 1350 W. Hawley St., and moving east on Hawley Street to Seymour Avenue. Fireworks will be held at dusk on July 4. 847-949-3200. mundelein.org/community/community-days-2021.
Round Lake Beach Fest and Fireworks July 1
An Independence Day celebration will be held from 3 to 11 p.m. at the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way. Festivities include live entertainment, live music, magic shows, and food and drink vendors. Fireworks begin at dusk. 847-546-8558. rlapd.org/beachfest-fireworks.
Waukegan Parade July 2
The Waukegan Park District hosts an American Independence Day Parade beginning at 1 p.m. July 2. The Grand Marshal, State Sen. Adriane Johnson, will lead the parade beginning at Franklin Street and Sheridan Road and traveling north to Jack Benny Drive. 847-360-4700. waukeganparks.org/parade
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.Deerfield Family Days July 3 and 4
A two-day family event will be celebrated July 3 and 4 in Deerfield. Food vendors, carnival games and bouncy rides will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 3 followed by fireworks in Jewett Park, 836 Jewett Park Drive. Family Days continues July 4 with a 5K race that begins at 8 a.m. and starts and ends at Maplewood Park, 900 Clay Court. Tickets: $35-$40. Registration is required. A bike parade will be held from 8:30 to 9 a.m. in the Rosemary Terrace Parking Lot. A dog show (BYOD or Bring Your Own Dog) will be held from 8:45 to 10 a.m. at Jewett Park. Vendors will sell food and drink, and carnival rides will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Uncle Sam’s Band will perform live from 10 a.m. to noon, and an arts and craft show will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., all on July 4 at Jewett Park. The event includes a noon parade, which has a new route, starting at Deerspring Pool and heading west on Deerfield Road and north on Park Avenue. 847-945-5000. deerfield.il.us/279/Family-Days.
Red, White and Boom Festival in Lincolnshire July 3 and 4
Lincolnshire’s Red, White and Boom Festival will be held July 3 at North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Road. The afternoon event includes entertainment, a carnival and food and beverages for sale. The event continues July 4 with a 5K race, parade, cardboard boat regatta and fireworks at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive. 847-913-2331. lincolnshireil.gov.
Celebrate America in Antioch July 4
Antioch’s Celebrate America event will be held July 4. A parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at Antioch Community High School, 1133 Main St., traveling down Route 83. The theme is Broad Stripes, Bright Stars and Brave Hearts. Mellencougar will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Antioch Band Shell on Skidmore Drive. Vendors will sell food and beer and fireworks will occur at dusk. 847-395-2160.
Buffalo Grove Concert and Fireworks July 4
The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band under the direction of Howard Green will perform patriotic, traditional and Broadway music beginning at 7 p.m. at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road. The annual fireworks display will be launched after the concert. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnic basket, cooler, lawn chairs and blankets for the event. 847-459-2500. vbg.org/resident_services/community_events/buffalo_grove_symphonic_band.php.
Lake Zurich Independence Family Day July 4
Lake Zurich’s Independence Family Day begins at 10 a.m. July 4 at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road. The day will feature live music and food and beverage vendors. No alcohol will be sold, and those who bring their own must purchase $5 wristband and wear it during the event. The beach will be open, and passes are required to use it for swimming. Fireworks will be launched over the lake at 9:15 p.m. 847-540-1769. lakezurich.org/464/4th-of-July-Celebration.
Vernon Hills Parade, Concert and Fireworks July 4
The village of Vernon Hills will celebrate the Fourth of July beginning with a 9 a.m. parade starting at Deerpath Road and Atrium Drive on July 4. The marching units will move south to Sullivan Drive, west to Aspen Drive and ending at Hawthorn Elementary School, 430 Aspen Drive. A concert by the Big Fun Band will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, followed by fireworks over Big Bear Lake and Little Bear Lake. 847-367-3700. vernonhills.org/100/July-4th.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.