2020 Virtual Parade "Floats"
Show Your Patriotic Spirit!
Fly a US flag, hang patriotic bunting, and decorate your home or business with red, white, and blue lights or light up the evening with luminaries. Email images of your decorations to cityhp@cityhpil.com for possible posting on the City's social media.
Virtual 4th of July Parade
Be part of the City's social media celebration by submitting a photo or video sharing a short, patriotic message. As the 2020 parade theme was intended to be "Thank you, America's Navy!" messages of appreciation for American sailors and all service men and women are particularly welcome. Individuals, businesses, and organizations are welcome to submit a video or photo. Submissions may be featured on the City's social media.
Please read the following guidelines and all information on the submission form carefully before submitting your photo or video:
- Landscape orientation (ideally 16:9 ratio)
- 15 seconds or less in length
- Refrain from political messages or advertising
- Ensure all language, imagery and gestures are suitable for a family audience
Please submit your entry through this form. Please note that you must be logged in to a Google account to complete the form and upload your video. If you do not have a Google account, or if you have any other questions, please email us at cityhp@cityhpil.com.
National Anthem Sing-Along
Record yourself singing the National Anthem and email your video (or a link) to cityhp@cityhpil.com for a chance to be included in a compilation video.
Virtual Kids' and Pet Parade
The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce invites all children and their pets to ‘participate’ virtually with a photo or brief video of children with their decorated bikes and pets. Visit chamberhp.com for more information
Firecracker 5k Run, Walk, Race Event
Fee is $25/person and $40/family.
Local History Trivia Contest
Join the Highland Park Historical Society for an Independence Day Zoom Trivia Contest! More information will be shared at highlandparkhistory.com.
Bitter Jester Music Festival
The Bitter Jester Music Festival, featuring Friday night concerts in June and culminating in a final concert on the 4th of July has transitioned to a virtual Original Song Competition that Highland Park residents can enjoy (and participate in!) online throughout the month of June! Music will be featured on social media with Winners announced on July 4, as always. Visit Facebook (@BitterJesterBattle) or Instagram (@bitterjester_musicfestival) for more information! This summer-long music festival is produced by the Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts, NFP, a not-for-profit charitable organization in Highland Park.
Learn more about the Bitter Jester Music Festival...
Movies, Music, and More
To get into the Fourth of July spirit, pop some popcorn and consider enjoying one of the below films or series related to Independence Day! Also, visit the Highland Park Public Library’s website at www.hplibrary.org to access movies, books, music and more from home!
· Drums Along the Mohawk (NR)
· 1776 (rated G)
· Yankee Doodle Dandy (rated G)
· Revolution (PG-13)
· National Treasure (rated PG)
· Sons of Liberty (NR)
· TURN: Washington's spies (NR)
· The Patriot (rated R)
· Betsy Ross (NR)
· The Devil’s Disciple (NR)
· The Real George Washington (NR)
· Colonial Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot (NR)
· The Scarlet Coat (NR)
Movies, documentaries, and music available digitally through the Highland Park Public Library (www.hplibrary.org):
The Words that Built America
Liberty! The American Revolution
Thomas Jefferson
Ken Burns: Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Franklin and Colonial Independence
Not Much of a War
Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, & Historic Pennsylvania
Jean Fritz: Six Revolutionary War Figures
Will you sign here, John Hancock?
The Real George Washington
American Experience: George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't be King
Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
Journey of the One & Only Declaration of Independence
Patriotic Music available on Hoopla Digital