City of Highland Park,IL

Home Resident City Sponsored Events 4th of July Parade and Celebration

2020 Virtual Fourth of July Celebration
The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park have made the difficult decision to cancel the annual in-person Fourth of July celebrations due to COVID-19 health concerns. The Independence Day festivities include the community parade, Fourth Fest family event, the Bitter Jester Music Festival, fireworks display, and Float & Fireworks event at Hidden Creek AquaPark. More information is available in the cancellation announcement.

However, the City, Park District, and other partners look forward to a virtual celebration this year! Explore ways to get involved below.

2020 Virtual Parade "Floats"

Click these links to view the "floats" that were entered into the 2020 virtual parade. Many thanks to all for their participation!

Kick-off: Independence Day Greeting from the City of Highland Park
National Anthem by Clara Gillis
Independence Day Message from City Council
American Legion Auxiliary Post #145
Celebrating Responsibly & Sustainably
Video Message from Mayor Rotering
Stars and Stripes Forever Over Highland Park (Photo by Carol Lazarus)
Best Wishes from the Zias Family
Burn Boot Camp
Central Park Condo Walkers
Video Message Honoring Veterans from Jeffrey Cohen
In Memoriam: Honoring Mayors Daniel Pierce and Raymond Geraci
National Anthem by Mary Lynn Saks
Happy 4th from CERT Volunteers Leslie and Spencer Neilan
Freedom Home Care and Medical Staffing
National Anthem by Lauren Santi
Happy 4th from Gregg and Mary Cary
Children's Musical Parade
League of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood
Conclusion: Favorite Photos from Years Past

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

Have a blast this 4^th of July and be a part of the community-wide Firecracker 5K virtual event. All proceeds benefit the Parks Foundation of Highland Park SMILE Grant-in-Aid fund. The Firecracker 5K is open to all ages and can be completed between July 1 – 5.

Fee is $25/person and $40/family.

For more information and to register, click here.

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)