Community Corner

Chicagoland: Fourth of July 2012 Showings

We have all the Fourth of July firework shows listed here from Skokie to Crystal Lake. Don't miss these displays and special celebrations in the Chicago suburbs.

The Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year. 

That means you will have the chance to catch festivities the weekend before, the weekend after and, of course, on July 4, 2012. 

We've got a list below of firework displays in the Chicago suburbs and special celebrations for the Fourth of July. Did we miss one? Let the community know in the comments' section. 

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Fourth of July Fireworks -

Skokie (From the village) -

Find out what's happening in Skokiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Skokie's Fourth of July parade kicks off at noon and features marching bands, tumblers, live animals, drill teams, clowns, vintage automobiles and more. The parade runs north from Oakton Community College on Lincoln Avenue to Oakton Street, then east from downtown to Oakton Park.

At 5 p.m. the fun moves to Niles West High School (Oakton Street just west of the Edens Expressway) featuring food, drinks and live bands until dusk. Finally, the spectacular 3-D Fireworks Fest begins, with the first 10,000 patrons receiving a free pair of 3-D glasses. Show begins at dusk. 

Arlington Heights: Head on over to Arlington Park on the Fourth of July for a day filled with music, food and of course, horse racing. Post time is 4 p.m., and gates open at 1 p.m.

Following the races, stick around for a major firework display. The first 10,000 in attendance will receive 3D Fireworks Glasses, and the first 1,000 kids will receive a complimentary Firecracker Popsicle.

Barrington: The 28th Annual Barrington Fourth of July Celebration on July 4 will include a Fourth of July parade beginning at 10 a.m. at Barrington High School, music presented by Barrington's community band from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and of course a firework display.

Fireworks can be seen best from the lawn of , located at Lake Cook Road and Hart Road. 

Bartlett: Bartlett's Firework Extravaganza will start at 9:30 p.m. at Apple Orchard Park on July 4.

Bartlett will hold a Fourth of July Fest that will run from July 4 to 8 this year. Some of the most notable events include a plastic turtle race fundraiser, and a free Carnival Day for children with physical and developmental disabilities and their families on Friday, July 6 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Check in begins at 2 p.m. All special needs children must be accompanied by a family member 16 years or older.

Cary: If you want to catch fireworks a day early, head out to on July 3 for music, food and fireworks. The park will open at 6:30 p.m. and the band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow. Parking is $5 (grass), or $10 (pavement).

Chicago: Navy Pier is one of the ultimate stops for firework spectacles all summer long.

Every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:15 p.m., the fireworks are set off from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. On the Fourth of July, a fireworks display will be synchronized with music at a special time of 9 p.m.

Crystal Lake: Dig your feet in the sand at Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, and enjoy a fireworks concert on July 1. Concessions will be available.

The fireworks display will wrap up Crystal Lake's four-day Lakeside Festival that begins on July 28 and runs through July 1. The festival includes carnival rides, a beer garden, baggo tournament, kids ice cream eating contest and kids bike parade. 

Elgin: The Northwest Fourth-Fest, which claims to be the burb's biggest Fourth of July Celebration.  Located at the Sears Center, this celebration runs from July 4 to July 8.

With food, a carnival, entertainment and fireworks on July 4 at 9:30 p.m., you won't run out of things to do. Some of the most notable events include a bags tournament at 3 p.m. on July 4, an ABBA tribute band on July 6 at 9 p.m. and pony rides from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on July 7.

Elk Grove: A fireworks display will be held at Lions Park on the Fourth of July and will start at 9:15 p.m.. Concessions open at 6 p.m..

Fox River Grove: Did you miss the fireworks on Independence Day? Don't fret! Fox River Grove is setting off fireworks on July 7 at dusk in Picnic Grove Park.

Glen Ellyn: Glen Ellyn will hold its annual Fourth of July Celebrations, which will begin on June 30 — the weekend before the Fourth of July — with the Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta where participants will either sink or float in their vessels constructed out of cardboard.

On July 4, grab a blanket and head out to to be dazzled by fireworks, which begin at dusk.

Glenview: Glenview will be hosting its 40+ year Independence Day Celebration on July 4. The daylong celebration begins with a bike parade at 11 a.m., and then a main parade at 11:30 a.m.

A Twilight Show will be held at , 800 Shermer Road. The North Shore Concert Band will start off the show with a patriotic concert and fireworks will be synchronized to patriotic music.

Huntley: The  will set off fireworks from its parking lot on July 4 at dusk. A rain date has been scheduled for July 7.

Lake Zurich: Fireworks will be set off at  on Rand Road on Independence Day.

Libertyville: The July 4 fireworks display will light up the sky at approximately 9:30 p.m. at . 

Palatine: Do you want to help set a world record? Then head out to to attend the Hometown Fest. On July 1, an attempt will be made to break the world record for "most hand-held games played at one time." There is a $2 registration fee, but all proceeds go to Relay for Life. Other activities at the Fest include a carnival, blood drive, and of course, fireworks! The fireworks will be on July 3, at 9:30 p.m..

Rolling Meadows: For fireworks and a fun parade, Rolling Meadows will have you covered on July 4. The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will follow this route: Central Road to Jay Lane to Grouse Lane to Meadow Drive to Kirchoff Road. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. at Salk Park.

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