Latest news with #FourthofJulyParade
Chicago Tribune
29-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Niles junior police academy gives ‘enthusiastic group' of middle schoolers a glimpse at policing
A group of middle school students graduated from the latest Niles Police Department Junior Police Academy, getting a close up look at the police station and operations, and participating in mock police work. Caitlin Atkinson, a Niles Police Department school resource officer, told Pioneer Press the 11 participants ranged in age from 11 to 14 and were mostly students from local schools, including Clarence E. Culver, Emerson Middle and Gemini Middle schools. 'It went really well. We had a very enthusiastic group of kids,' said Atkinson, who ran the program with school resource officer Liam Ryan. The academy ran for four hours in the morning from July 14 through July 16 at the Niles police station. 'The first day we did a tour of the station, showed them our lockup. They thought that was pretty cool,' said Atkinson, who took over running the academy from former school resource officer Kevin Regal when she joined the unit in December. Day one also included a mock Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report, or POWER test, which Atkinson explained is what police applicants undergo during the hiring process. 'Basically, they had to run a couple of laps, do a couple of sit-ups, and sit and reach,' said Atkinson, who marks her seventh year with the police department in August. Sergeant Chris Koch was a third academy instructor, previewing the mobile command unit and the technology officers are able to use on the first day, returning on the second day to have participants try impairment goggles and talk about the dangers of drunk driving. Day two included a mock crime scene for participants to solve and a canine demonstration from Officer Jesse Bloomberg and his K-9 partner, Frank, an all-black German Shepherd. 'We did a mock traffic stop at the end,' said Atkinson about activities on the final day. Day three also included police Chief Joseph Romano giving a speech and presenting certificates to the graduates during a ceremony, which also featured a slideshow of academy activities. Atkinson estimated six parents attended the celebration, which included cheese, pepperoni and sausage pizzas and a vanilla cake that read, 'Congratulations Junior Police Academy Class of 2025.' 'When we asked the kids for feedback at the end of the three days, they said they wanted it to be longer, so next year maybe we'll add a day,' Atkinson said. 'There's a couple that want to come back next year.' Many Junior Police Academy graduates go on to the Police Explorer program, which also is run by Atkinson and meets monthly. Atkinson said the current 15 Police Explorer participants, who range in age from 14 to 19 and mostly attend Maine South or Maine East high schools in Park Ridge, assist with events such as the Fourth of July Parade and National Night Out. The latter will be held Aug. 5 at Golf Mill Park. 'They help out with active shooter training,' Atkinson said. 'They sometimes come to our festivals.' Atkinson said two of this year's Junior Police Academy graduates planned to join the Police Explorer program, which is for high schoolers. 'The rest were too young. They'll have to wait a couple of years,' Atkinson said. Other Niles Police Department opportunities for young people include working as a part-time community service officer, which requires applicants to be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent, or doing an internship while attending college. Atkinson said the Junior Police Academy helps participants, who must live in Niles or attend school in the village, to understand what officers do. 'They see what it's actually like. It makes them more comfortable talking to us, realizing we're also people and they can come to us if they need us,' Atkinson said. According to Atkinson, the School Resource Officer Unit, which just welcomed Michael Dati as its third member, covers 12 educational institutions from preschool to high school, giving presentations, taking school incident reports and being a safety presence.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fourth Of July Parade: Complete guide on where you can celebrate the occasion in New York, Washington, Texas and other cities
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks: A Historic Tradition Major National Events Still On Live Events Macy's Fireworks Show, New York City: One of the most iconic Independence Day fireworks displays in the U.S. is set to dazzle the skyline once again. National Parade, Washington D.C.: Constitution Avenue will host its annual parade featuring floats, military bands, and historical reenactments. Let Freedom Sing, Nashville: Known for blending country music and patriotism, Nashville will host live performances culminating in a large-scale fireworks show. Kaboom Town, Addison (Texas): This popular event returns with aerobatic performances and one of the most highly-rated firework shows in the country. Celebrations Across Ohio: A Local Guide Akron: Hosting the Heart of Akron Festival from July 3 to 5 at Lock 3 and Lock 4, with fireworks on July 4 and a bicentennial-themed parade on July 5. Alliance: Silver Park will offer food trucks, live music, and fireworks at dusk on July 4. Canton: The Monumental Fourth event will be held on July 3 at the McKinley Memorial Park, featuring entertainment and a 9:45 p.m. fireworks display. Carrollton: The Carroll County Fairgrounds will host the fireworks show on July 5, with additional celebrations continuing through the weekend. Green: FreedomFest will take place on June 28, including family-friendly activities, skydivers, and fireworks at 10:15 p.m. Massillon: Events on July 3 will feature a children's pageant, local food, and a performance by New Wave Nation before the fireworks finale. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District: Fireworks at lakes including Tappan, Seneca, Atwood, and Piedmont on July 4 and 5 will serve thousands of visitors celebrating outdoors. New Philadelphia: Fireworks at Tuscora Park will highlight the First Town Days Festival on July 5. North Canton: Although fireworks are canceled this year, residents can enjoy the July 4th parade and YMCA's Firecracker Dash in the morning. Orrville: Fire in the Sky begins July 1 with a parade and culminates in fireworks on July 5. Portage Lakes State Park: Boat parades, a sandcastle contest, and fireworks are scheduled for July 5, offering a family-friendly lakeside celebration. Safety, Travel, and Closures Reflecting on Independence FAQs What does the Fourth of July commemorate? Are parades and fireworks still happening this year despite regional disruptions? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As the United States commemorates its 249th year of independence, celebrations across the nation are set to light up the sky despite certain regional cancellations and civil demonstrations. From the bustling streets of New York to the lakesides of Ohio, Americans will come together with parades, fireworks, music, and patriotic pride. This year's Independence Day—marked by a mixture of festivity and reflection—will still deliver a rich calendar of events, especially for those asking where to enjoy a parade 4th of July or catch vibrant Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a landmark in American history that led to the birth of a new nation. Over the decades, it has evolved into a national holiday celebrated with symbolic displays of patriotism such as the Fourth of July parade, fireworks, and family year, while some cities like Los Angeles have scaled back festivities amid immigration-related protests and public safety concerns, numerous cities and towns across the U.S. remain committed to preserving the celebratory a slightly muted tone in select states, some of the country's most iconic Independence Day events will go on as planned:President Donald Trump also announced that next year's 250th anniversary celebrations will include a UFC championship event hosted at the White House grounds, signaling a new era of integrating sports with national Ohio, a state rich in community pride, a wide range of events is scheduled:This year's Independence Day will also see a 4% surge in airline travel, with Americans heading home or vacationing with family, making it one of the busiest in the last 15 years. As is customary, federal offices, banks, stock markets, and postal services will remain closed on July across several states are emphasizing safety, especially for those planning to use consumer-grade fireworks. Fire departments and police are urging caution and adherence to local some areas are witnessing rallies instead of revelry due to immigration enforcement protests and other social movements, the central ethos of the holiday remains untouched. July 4 continues to symbolize the enduring values of freedom, democracy, and national unity. Celebrations—be they grand or modest—serve as a tribute to the legacy that began in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration drafted by Thomas day became formally recognized as Independence Day in 1791 and was declared a paid federal holiday in Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marking America's break from British rule and the birth of the United States as a sovereign While some cities like Los Angeles have scaled back due to immigration protests and public safety concerns, most cities and towns across the U.S. will still host Fourth of July parade events and fireworks shows.
Chicago Tribune
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin's downtown splash pad the perfect cool-down place on hot 90-degree-plus days
Nothing says summer like jumping into a splash pad on a hot day. But when you're only 11 months old and it's your first time experiencing Elgin's Festival Park water attraction — or any splash pad, for that matter — the concept can be a bit intimidating. Such was the case for Armiz Rodriguez, who was initially reluctant to check it out even with his mother, Kimberly, holding his hands as they got inches away from the shooting water sprays. But sitting near the water and letting it fall on his head seemed to help him get over his fears. Armiz's siblings — 5-year-old twins Athena and Aquiles — had no such qualms as they ran through the bouncing fountains that Kimberly said she remembers playing in herself as a child. With temperatures expected to be in the low- to mid-90s over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, it's a sure bet the splash pad will be seeing plenty of action from kids and maybe a few adults wanting a brief reprieve. Heat indexes are going to make it feel like it's closer to 100, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Eric Lenning. '(The holiday) will be a warm but not abnormally warm July day,' Lenning said. Fortunately, the humidity 'won't be quite as high as it could be this time of year.' With the hot temperatures, however, will come clear skies — perfect for the Fourth of July Parade at 11 a.m. in downtown Elgin followed later in the day by an outdoor gathering in Festival Park with food trucks, family activities, live music and a fireworks display at dusk. Forecasts are calling for a chance of storms Saturday night and Sunday, Lenning said. Although temperatures in the 90s are not unusual for early July, the normal high is about 84 degrees, according to the weather service. The hottest holiday on record in the Chicago area was 102 degrees in 2012. But it has been unusually hot so early in the summer season, with a heat advisory issued for three days in late June when temps exceeded the 90-degree mark. In fact, there were 10 days of temperatures over 90 degrees in June and the average average temperature in the Chicago area 3.6% above normal last month, Lenning said. 'People need to be careful about making sure they have a way to cool off and stay hydrated,' Lenning said of the next few days. 'This time of year, we don't want anyone to have heat-related illnesses.' Cooling off in water is one good option, the Illinois Department of Public Health advises. So is staying hydrated and cool and learning the signs of heatstroke, which include hot, dry skin; chills; confusion or dizziness; and slurred speech. Maria Rocha brought her 7-year-old daughter, also named Maria, to the splash pad Wednesday to make sure she stayed cool but couldn't resist going in herself. 'It's so fun,' Rocha said. 'The water feels great.' And it beat the heck out of what she had been planning to do that afternoon, she said. 'Ironing can wait,' Rocha said. The splash pad is open daily in the summer from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Chicago Tribune
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora area to celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, fireworks and more
Fireworks, parades and more are in store as the Aurora area prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July. The city of Aurora will hold its annual Fourth of July fireworks show on Thursday, July 3, city officials said in a press release. Two viewing locations will be available for the public — the Aurora Transportation Center at 233 N. Broadway and McCullough Park at 150 W. Illinois Ave. The gates will open at both locations at 6 p.m., with fireworks starting at approximately 9:15 p.m. With numerous food trucks set up at both locations, DJ Suavesmooth will provide music and entertainment at the Aurora Transportation Center, while DJ Pena will provide the music at McCullough Park, the release said. Six free park-and-ride shuttles will be operating round-trip ride services from 6 to 9 p.m. to help attendees reach both fireworks locations, the release said. The shuttles will resume service following the fireworks show, with the last shuttles departing at 11 p.m., officials said. For more information on the shuttles, go to Additionally, the RiverEdge Park Pedestrian Bridge, which is currently closed due to the construction taking place at the park, will be temporarily opened on July 3, allowing attendees from the west side of the Fox River to cross over and watch the fireworks show from the Aurora Transportation Center, officials said. On Friday, July 4, the city will host its annual Fourth of July Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Benton Street and Broadway in downtown Aurora. The Reviewing Stand will be placed in front of the David L. Pierce Art and History Center at 20 E. Downer Place, according to the release. Also on Friday, the Aurora Historical Society will hold its annual Independence Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the William Tanner House Museum at the northwest corner of Oak Avenue and Cedar Street on Aurora's near West Side. A 60-year tradition, the celebration is a free, family-oriented event open to the whole community, according to a press release from the Historical Society. During the celebration, the historic Tanner House, built in 1857, will be open for tours, according to the release. Outside on the museum grounds there will be a petting zoo, face painting and balloon creations. Hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase. Entertainment will kick off at 11 a.m. with a musical performance by the Seidel Family Musicians, the release stated. Juggler Andy Head will perform from 12:15 to 1 p.m. At 1 p.m. the children in attendance will gather to ring the historic bells at the site, including the old Center School bell (1869) and Aurora's Liberty Bell (1918). The ringing commemorates the first ringing of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia upon adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the release stated. The ringing of the bells will be followed by a patriotic mini-concert by the American Legion Band. The afternoon will conclude with a pie-eating contest, according to the release. North Aurora will hold its annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 3, at North Aurora Riverfront Park, with festivities starting at 5 p.m. Organizers invite the community to bring in their own blankets and chairs, food and drinks to the event There will be live music from 6 to 9 p.m. with Hillbilly Rockstarz taking the stage. Parking will be available at North Island Park and various village lots near State Street, officials said. The evening will end with fireworks, which will launch at approximately 9:30 p.m., according to officials. Yorkville will celebrate the Fourth of July with a variety of activities on Friday, July 4. The Independence Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. at Yorkville High School and end at Town Square Park. The parade route will go from Game Farm Road to Somonauk Street, Church Street, West Main Street and end at the park. There will be activities at Town Square Park beginning immediately after the parade and ending at noon. Activities will include children's foot races, bounce houses and a performance by the Yorkville Community Band. In addition to family activities, food and drinks will be available for purchase from local vendors at Town Square, officials said. Yorkville's Independence Day fireworks show will begin at dusk and will be shot off near the corner of Route 47 and Countryside Parkway. Oswego's Independence Day fireworks event will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Prairie Point Park, 4120 Plainfield Road in Oswego. The Batavia Fourth of July fireworks show will take place on Friday, July 4, at Engstrom Park on Main Street, across from Batavia High School. A variety of food vendors will be on hand at the park beginning at 5 p.m. From 8:30 to 9:15 p.m. the Batavia Community Band will preform. The fireworks show will be held beginning at 9:30 p.m. The annual July 4 fireworks in St. Charles on Friday will be launched from Langum Park at Seventh and Madison avenues in the city's downtown. The fireworks can be seen along the Fox River with the best viewing locations in downtown St. Charles, south of Main Street, event organizers said. For more on the fireworks, go to the St. Charles Park District website at The city of Plano is planning a number of activities on Sunday, July 6, to celebrate Independence Day. Scout Troop 71 and Cub Pack 317 will host a Fun Fest featuring a variety of activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lathrop Park on North Street in Plano. The annual Family Walking Parade will begin lining up at 12:30 p.m. and kick off at 1 p.m. at Lathrop Park. Families and kids are invited to decorate strollers, bicycles, wagons and themselves to join in a parade with fire trucks, police cars and antique tractors, organizers said. No reservation or sign-up is required. Youth organizations and sports teams are also invited to participate, organizers said. To secure a spot, call Plano Mayor Mike Rennels at 630-552-8275. The day ends with fireworks at Plano High School. Those attending can sit in the stands at Reaper Stadium, located at 704 W. Abe St., or bring chairs and set-up in designated areas. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m., with concessions offered by Plano Sports Boosters. Fireworks will begin at dusk. No alcohol, tobacco, firearms, coolers or tailgating are allowed at the event, organizers said.
Chicago Tribune
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Fourth of July celebrations for residents of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest set for Friday
The traditional activities of a parade, music and fireworks are set for July 4th in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Lake Bluff's Independence Day celebration will start at 7 a.m. when the Kiwanis Club of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest hosts its annual pancake breakfast at the Village Green downtown. The breakfast will lead into the village's Fourth of July Parade, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., highlighted by marching bands, local businesses, elected officials, political organizations, and other participants. Over the years, the parade has drawn thousands of attendees who line up on the downtown streets to catch a glimpse of the show. In preparation for the anticipated crowd, the village website at has a list of the corresponding parking and traffic restrictions. Later that evening, the Lake Bluff Park District will host the Sealed with a Kiss cover band at Sunrise Beach. The show is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and run for until 8 p.m. To the south, the 18th Annual Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks at Deerpath Community Park is slated to begin at 5 p.m. The festivities will include two musical cover bands, including Are You Ready For It?, a Taylor Swift tribute group. The celebration will conclude with an Independence Day fireworks display. Ticket information can be found at the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department website.
