Morton Grove’s long-running big annual festival, Morton Grove Days, is back for a four-day run, and organizers are planning for safety and sunshine in the wake of COVID and the Highland Park mass shooting last year, which shut down the fest’s parade, fireworks and carnival.
Both Tom Friel, Morton Grove’s assistant village manager, and Morton Grove Police Commander Dennis Johnson said police would be providing additional security at this year’s events.
The festival will begin on July 1 at the village’s Harrer Park and Civic Center, featuring children’s activities and entertainment and performances by The Ron Burgundys, billing itself as yacht and softcore rock from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and The Boy Band Night as well as a half-hour opening ceremony scheduled for 6 p.m., per online festival information.
July 2 will feature performances by bands the Totem Frogs, Face the Music and Infinity, according to the schedule. The bands Buckle and 7th Heaven will perform July 3 and bands The Jammers and the Neverly Brothers will cap off the performance schedule July 4 before fireworks at dark, per festival information.
July 4 will also feature a parade down Dempster Street scheduled for 2:30 p.m., while a beer garden, Midway carnival and a food court will be on offer all four days of the festival, according to the schedule of events.
“Police are planning a stepped-up security profile,” said Friel. “There’ll be some precautions.”
Morton Grove Days is put on by the Morton Grove Special Events Commission. It has run for at least 70 years, according to history on the event’s website. Those interested in volunteering to help put on the event may contact Special Events Commissioner Georgianne Brunner at [email protected].