As the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence in July, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff are planning weeks of events to commemorate the milestone.
While traditional Independence Day festivities are scheduled for the July 4 weekend, additional programs beginning this month will expand the celebration.
“The city is joining communities across the country in celebrating America’s 250th birthday,” Lake Forest spokeswoman Dana Olson said. “The idea is to connect American history with Lake Forest’s role in that.”
Among the upcoming events is a Lake County-wide contest, with an April 15 deadline, inviting kindergarten through 12th grade students to submit art or essay projects on what America means to them.
On April 16, a guided tour of the Jean & John Greene Nature Preserve in Lake Forest will offer perspective on what the land looked like 250 years ago. Beginning April 17, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff will present a four-part exhibit on Fort Sheridan curated by Lake Forest College students.
In June, the History Center, the Gorton Community Center and the Lake Forest Library will host additional programs tied to the nation’s history.
The celebration will culminate over Independence Day weekend, featuring the customary fireworks show the night of July 4 at Deerpath Community Park, hosted by the city’s parks and recreation department. This year’s festivities will also include a food festival and concert in Market Square on July 2 and an ice cream social July 5 at Forest Park Beach.
Olson said the city also plans to bury a time capsule and set up pop-up recording booths inviting residents to share their stories.
“The idea is to collect stories from Lake Forest residents about what it is like living in Lake Forest, what their experiences have been and what they think their future holds,” she said.
A complete listing of events is available through the city’s website.
In neighboring Lake Bluff, organizers are planning more than 30 events as part of the village’s commemoration, with additional programs still in development, according to Mark Dewart, co-chair of a citizens committee overseeing the celebration.
“We have a mix of traditional Lake Bluff events that have a 250th anniversary twist,” he said.
Events include history-related programs sponsored by the Lake Bluff History Museum, presentations on notable local figures, a community chorus performing patriotic songs on June 28 and a special feature at the village’s annual classic car show the day before.
“For the car show, we are going to set aside space for red, white and blue cars,” Dewart said.
Dewart said his fellow co-chair, Kathleen O’Hara, will host a series of podcasts focused on local history.
On July 2, the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes will perform on the Village Green. The morning of July 4 will feature the village’s Independence Day parade, which has drawn thousands in past years and is expected to prominently recognize the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“There is something here that would interest anybody in the community and provide a connection for everyone,” Dewart said.
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Dewart also noted that on Oct. 22, Seth Kaller, an expert on American historical documents, will bring a collection of historic materials to the community and speak about their significance to students and residents in both villages.
“He is particularly excited about sharing this with students,” Dewart said.
A full calendar of events is available at lbstyle250.org, and the committee also maintains social media channels with updates.
The 250th anniversary arrives at a time of deep political divisions nationally, but both Dewart and Olson said they expect the celebrations to generate enthusiasm locally.
“I have not heard any negative or uncomfortable feedback from anyone,” Dewart said. “Largely it is because much of this has local relevance, and we are very conscious of that.”
Olson echoed that sentiment.
“One of the things that will be great about this is that, while we have our differences, this is about celebrating what we have in common,” she said. “Everybody in Lake Forest can rally around celebrating our country after 250 years.”
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.