08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Morton Grove Days marks Fourth of July with parade. Carnival rides, funnel cakes and more open during 4-day run.
The Morton Grove Days Parade has been a longstanding tradition, and it continued this year on the Fourth of July as thousands lined Dempster Street in the summer heat.
Put together by the Morton Grove Days Commission, an independent organization made up of volunteers, the event relies heavily on community members to work and on private donations to fund the festivities, officials say.
As people sat on curbs, waved American flags, chatted with family and friends, and prepared their hands to catch some treats, attendees shared what they were looking forward to most during the parade.
'His excitement- catching candy, and how simple it is for kids to celebrate,' said Lauren Niederkorn, a Morton Grove local, talking about her 5-year-old son, Roland.
Niederkorn, her husband Nathan, and their son Roland had already attended a Niles Fourth of July parade earlier in the day, where Roland collected an impressive amount of candy.
'Maybe 100 [pieces],' the 5-year-old said.
Looking ahead to the rest of their heat-filled day, Niederkorn shared their family's itinerary.
'We're going to go see some college friends and see some fireworks, then sleep; sleep a lot and find air conditioning,' she said.
Returning for the eighth year was Morton Grove local Lizette Villegas.
'It's cute, honestly. Like, it's small enough so it doesn't get too crowded. The kids love it. They always throw a bunch of goodies, candies and trinkets for the kids. There's always the Jesse White Tumblers which is a lot of fun to watch. So yeah, it's a cute little event,' said Villegas.
She and her daughters were looking forward to seeing the tumblers perform stunts during the parade.
Attending the parade for the first time were Morton Grove residents John Deguilio, his wife Laura, and their 1-year-old son, Nolan.
'I actually don't know what's going to happen during the parade. This is his first parade ever, so we don't know what to expect,' said John Deguilio, referring to his young son. 'He loves trucks, so I think he'll be more excited about the trucks.'
Laura Deguilio looked forward to seeing American traditions on display.
'We're proud to be from America. We love the Fourth of July, and it's a great experience for our son- and seeing our neighbors,' said John Deguilio.
The crowd cheered as first responders began making their way down Dempster Street, kicking off the parade with blaring horns, waving hands and candy tosses. The parade also included marching bands, dancers, and flying magic carpets.
The parade rolled for more than an hour. Then attendees made their way to the Morton Grove Days carnival at Harrer Park to keep the Fourth of July celebration going. Morton Grove Days ran from Thursday to Sunday and featured thrilling rides, games, food stations, live entertainment and more.
With a freshly made funnel cake in hand, Allan Morales attended the carnival for the first time. Jennifer Gonzalez returned for her third year.
'To eat, play games, wait for my other buddies, and then watch the big fireworks up in the sky,' Morales said, laying out his carnival plans for the day.
Gonzalez looked forward to the 'rides and food.'
Kierra Kim, 18, attended the carnival with her boyfriend Ryan Goodman. Kim recalled the nostalgia she feels each year.
'I've been coming to this carnival since I was a little kid, maybe like 4 or 5,' she said. 'We're kind of just getting it started. I think honestly, just everything leading up to the fireworks is kind of a highlight.'
A fireworks show closed out the July 4 day.
Goodman attended Morton Grove Days this year for the second time.
He said he enjoys 'the spirit of it. Just kind of like eating junk food, being with my girl and having fun.'
Carnival-goers of all ages hopped on various attractions. As screams, laughter and the aroma of carnival food filled the air, Morton Grove Days created a festive Fourth of July evening.
Live entertainment kicked off at 5 p.m., beginning with singer Natalie Lynch, followed by Buckle, and headlined by rock band 7th Heaven, which played both classic and original hits.
As the sun set, thousands gathered in Harrer Park's open field as fireworks lit up the night sky, bringing this year's Fourth of July celebration to a close.
