The Chicago Traveler

Fireworks

by Matt B on July 3rd, 2007

What would Independence Day be without fireworks? “Celebrate the independence of your nation by blowing up a small part of it.” (The Simpsons, “Summer of 4 Ft. 2″) So where is there to go to see some bright lights and loud booms?

A grand display complete with great music can be found at the Taste of Chicago tonight, but you don’t necessarily have to be at the Taste to enjoy it. In fact, many spectators enjoy the colorful explosions from Navy Pier, and some Chicagoans will even be witnessing the spectacle from the Chicago River on cruise ships and private boats.

Of course, that’s just one option of many, and the 4th will bring with it a plentitude of fireworks displays…

• 4th of July Fireworks at Navy Pier (free!): 600 E Grand Ave; 312-595-7437.
  This ten-minute show, beginning at 9:30 p.m., takes place over Lake Michigan and is set to patriotic music.
• Arlington Heights Fireworks ($5 reserved seating, $6 before 6:30 p.m., free general admission after 6:30 p.m.): 2200 W Euclid Ave (Arlington Heights); 847-385-7500
  11:15 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  For racing fans, the first post for horse races is at 1:00 p.m. From 1:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., kids’ activities include pony rides, face-painting, and a petting zoo. After a day of racing, there’s live music at 7:30 p.m. and a 30-minute fireworks display at 9:00 p.m, the largest suburban display in Chicagoland.
• Evanston Fireworks (free!): 400 Clark St (Evanston); 847-475-4585
  The Palatine Concert Band provides a free concert of patriotic music at 7:30 p.m., followed by a lakeside fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.
• Naperville Ribfest ($10, free after 7:00 p.m., no admittance after 9:30 p.m.): 700 S West St (Naperville)
  12 noon - 10:00 p.m.
  More than 20 restaurants compete for bragging rights in “best rib” and “best sauce” categories. Kids will love the petting zoo, climbing wall, face painting, and obstacle course. There’s also magicians, clowns, and tumblers. Fill up on ribs, and then settle in for fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Oak Park Fireworks (free!): 201 N Scoville Ave (Oak Park); 708-358-5406
  Grab a seat in the bleachers or on the grass; fireworks begin at dusk at the high school stadium.

Wherever you find yourself, remember to be safe and have fun!

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) claudia meyer, Zoran Nikolic

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