07-07-2025
Highland Park celebrates July 4 with return of a remembrance ceremony and parade
This year's July 4 events in Highland Park included the return of a morning indoor remembrance ceremony, held this time at The Moraine, and the 11 a.m. parade on the same route as last year's parade.
The parade's newer route takes an alternate route to Central Avenue and diverts from the Port Clinton Square block, where seven people were killed and many were injured at the parade on July 4, 2022.
The deceased victims are Katie Goldstein of Highland Park, Irina McCarthy of Highland Park, Kevin Michael McCarthy of Highland Park, Stephen Straus of Highland Park, Jacki Lovi Sundheim of Highland Park, Nicolás Toledo of Morelos, Mexico and Eduardo Uvaldo of Waukegan.
Bobby Crimo of Highwood was convicted of the crimes this past spring.
The 2025 parade stepped off on Laurel Avenue and First Street and included 37 parade entries. The parade concluded at Sunset Woods Park after about an hour, under cloudy to sunny skies and a mid-70-degree range of weather.
The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park presented the community-focused parade with a theme of the 'Dream Team.'
'What a great morning celebrating Highland Park's team spirit,' said Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering.
'We are so fortunate to live in a community that is exceptionally engaged and supportive.'
Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart also walked the parade route with elected officials.
'Let's all be safe,' Rinehart said to people on Independence Day.
Rinehart encouraged all to, 'think about those that have been impacted by the parade three years ago.
'Hope everyone has a great, safe, and meaningful day,' Rinehart added.
