Our favorite two-day celebration! No Images? Click here Gina Catalano Celebrate Independence Day with the Wheaton Park DistrictWheaton, Ill. –The Wheaton Independence Day Parade is a long standing tradition that draws thousands of people and will display more than 90 parade entries this year. This year's parade theme, Home Grown, celebrates those that founded the town in the 1830s and those who continue to make it their home. The celebration starts July 3 in Graf Park with a carnival, DJ, food vendors and activities for all ages. Once darkness falls, the sky will burst with pops of color, light and sound with the District’s annual firework display. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Parking will be available in the park just south of Monroe Middle School and also in the western fields of the fairgrounds. Sparklers and smoke bombs are prohibited. Event coordinators strongly advise no dogs in the park due to the nature of the event, its large crowds and the loud fireworks. The celebration of the nation continues the next morning with the Wheaton Park District and the City of Wheaton’s annual Fourth of July parade, led by Grand Marshals from the Wheaton Lions Club. Lions Club International was founded in Chicago in 1917 and offers business and professional people a way of sharing their success by helping those less fortunate than themselves. The Wheaton chapter was established in 1923 and participates in four fundraising events each year to raise awareness for people with sight, hearing and diabetic needs. “The Wheaton Lions Club is honored to be selected by the Wheaton Park District as the Grand Marshal for the 2019 4th of July parade,” President Elect RC Crompton said. “As Grand Marshall of this year’s parade, the Wheaton Lions hope to raise the awareness for the many services and support projects we provide to our community.” The “Home Grown” festivities begin on July 3 at Graf Park (1855 Manchester Rd.) at 5 p.m. with fireworks beginning around 9 p.m. The parade on July 4 begins at 10 a.m. Due to planned City improvements, the parade route will be altered significantly this year. Staging will be located in the same location near Main St. and Hawthorne Blvd. The parade will head south on Main St. and turn west on Union Ave., then will turn south at Wheaton Ave. where the judging stand will be located (near Union and Wheaton Ave. intersection). Parade will conclude at Seminary and Wheaton Ave. Route changes are posted at wheatonparkdistrict.com/july4 and on the City of Wheaton website. The Wheaton Independence Day Parade is sponsored and supported by City of Wheaton, DuPage County Republicans, Haggerty Chevrolet of Glen Ellyn, and Smile Doctors Braces by Dr. Allen. Parade entry applications are being accepted until June 24 at wheatonparkdistrict.com/july4. For questions, contact Kristina Nemetz at knemetz@wheatonparks.org or 630.510.5064. |