Community Corner
Metra Offers Early Getaway Service
Most Metra lines will add and shift train departures to better accommodate the rush of passengers who typically leave early for holidays.
Metra: Metra will offer early getaway service on Friday, June 30, and altered service Monday, July 3 on most lines to help customers get a jump start on their Fourth of July celebrations.
Most Metra lines will add and shift train departures to better accommodate the rush of passengers who typically leave work early before a holiday. More detailed information about added service and schedule changes can be found at metrarail.com.
“We want to help our customers have a great holiday weekend, and we know for many that means leaving work early to be with family and friends,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “We’re also adding capacity to our trains so traveling is as safe and easy as possible for all those participating in the festivities in and around Chicago.”
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Trains will operate on a regular Saturday schedule on Saturday, July 1, and on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Sunday, July 2.
On Monday, July 3, Metra will run a weekday schedule, with some adjustments on the BNSF, Milwaukee District North, Milwaukee District West, SouthWest Service, and three Union Pacific lines. Details are available at metrarail.com.
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Metra will operate a Sunday/holiday schedule on Tuesday, July 4, meaning the Heritage Corridor, North Central Service and SouthWest Service lines will not operate. In addition, the UP North Line will hold inbound Train 826 until 10:25 p.m., 15 minutes later than scheduled, to accommodate passengers attending the Naval Station Great Lakes 4th of July Celebration. Trains on other lines may be held to accommodate festival attendees as needed.
To make holiday travel even more affordable, Metra is offering a special $8 holiday pass good for unlimited travel on July 4. The pass can be purchased with cash on the train or via the Ventra App, which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play. As always, Metra’s $8 Weekend Pass offers unlimited rides on Saturday and Sunday. And, throughout the summer, up to three kids 11 and under can ride free with each adult.
Metra’s rideshare partner, Uber, offers another option to take you between the train station and the festivals. If you’re new to Uber, download the app, request a ride, and a nearby driver will arrive in minutes. Enter promo code METRA2017 for your first ride free up to $15. This offer is not valid on uberCAB.
To help families plan trips on Metra this July, the agency released a list of events that are easily reached by train:
Naperville
June 30 - July 3, Knoch Park, about 1.5 miles from the Naperville Metra station (free daily shuttle service from the Burlington lot south entrance at the corner of 5th and Washington)
This festival is complete with fireworks, indulgent eats, live music and children’s activities. The festival is dedicated to the elimination of child abuse and domestic violence and donates proceeds to these efforts.
There is a fee for the festival.
July 4, 360 N. Broadway, one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the area. This event features the American Legion Band, playing American standards, marches and more. Fox Valley Orchestra will play top 40 hits, classics and more. There will also be local food vendors and inflatables for the kids. Before the fireworks start, there will be an attempt to create a world record for the most people head-banging to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Park opens at 3 p.m. American Legion Band starts at 6:15 p.m.; Fox Valley Orchestra starts at 7:45 p.m.; fireworks start at approximately 9:35 p.m. Free.
Westmont
- Taste of Westmont
- July 13 - 16, downtown Westmont (on Cass Avenue)
- Food, music, family fun and more!
Lisle
Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival
June 30 - July 2, 1825 Short Street (about 1 mile from Metra station)
Daily launches of hot air balloons, balloon glows, carnival, huge children's area, craft fair, live music on two stages, nightly fireworks, unique food vendors, plus much more! There is a fee.
July 21, Lisle Community Park Bandshell, 1825 Short Street (about 1 mile from Metra station)
Fun for the whole family, including fun fair games, face painting, children's entertainment, prizes and more! Win prizes at more than 20 fun fair games that will entertain and challenge. Snacks will be available for purchase at Sea Lion Aquatic Park's Sammy's Snack Shack. All Ages welcome! Free admission.
Hinsdale
- July 4 Independence Day Celebration
- 30 E. Chicago Ave.
- Event kicks off with a 10 a.m. parade. There will be handmade arts and crafts, turtle races, West Suburban Concert Band and kids' activities.
La Grange
July 15 and July 16, on La Grange Road from Cossitt to Odgen and on Harris Avenue from La Grange to Ashland. The 42nd annual event features nearly 200 artisans from throughout the Midwest showcasing one-of-a-kind handcrafted items.
Union Pacific North Line
North Chicago
July 3 and 4, historic Ross Field, Route 137 (Sheridan Road), Great Lakes. One of the region's biggest Fourth of July fireworks celebrations; includes national, regional and local bands, roving performers, carnival rides, games, festival food, a kids' zone and an indoor rock wall. Fireworks will take place at about 9:30 p.m. Festival runs from 3 - 10 p.m. Admission is free. The last train will be held to accommodate those leaving the fireworks July 4.
Evanston
July 15 and 16, Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church Street
Evanston’s lakefront will be transformed into a global village. This two day event features art from many countries, family crafts activities, international cuisine and live music, dance and spoken word performances. Free admission.
Glencoe
July 29 and 30, along Green Bay Road and Park Avenue
Showcasing the work of more than 110-juried artists from across the country in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry and wood. Attendees will be able to interact with artists through demonstrations and chats. Kids also have the opportunity to participate in art scavenger hunts throughout the weekend. Free admission.
Highwood
Highwood Days/North Shore Taco Fest
July 20 - 23 in Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave.
Featuring carnival rides, live music and a veritable taste of Highwood. The accompanying Taco Fest brings together the region's best taco purveyors. Admission is free.
July 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave.
Dozens of amateur and professional mixologists will compete for the title of Best Bloody Mary. Admission is free.
Union Pacific West Line
Wheaton
July 26 - 30, DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road. This is going to be a busy place. With multiple events on the grounds every weekend, there will certainly be something for everyone including the Great Midwest Train Show, All Animal Expo, The All Night Flea Market and so much more. For ticket prices and daily schedules call 630-668-6636.
Oak Park
Summer Concerts in Scoville Park
Sunday evenings through August 20, Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street. Concerts start at 5:30 p.m. and are a great chance to listen to some music, dance with family, and picnic with friends! Free.
Union Pacific Northwest
Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival 2017
June 30 - July 4, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner, Arlington Heights
Family activities including music, carnival rides, 4th of July Parade, pony rides, an arts and crafts marketplace and much more. Entry is free.
Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect Downtown Block Party 2017
July 21 and 22, Emerson Street and Busse Road
Great food and entertainment and plenty of fun, free rides for kids and great food from local restaurants. Free admission.
79th Annual Mount Prospect Lions Club Village Festival 2017
June 30 - July 4, Melas Park near Central and Busse Road (just over one mile from Metra station)
Live music, food tent, fireworks June 30 and July 4, family day, pancake breakfast, car show, raffle prizes, and much more! Free admission.
Palatine
June 30 - July 4, 262 Palatine Road (about 1 mile from Metra station)
Includes fireworks, entertainment, food vendors, parade, carnival and many other family activities. Proceeds fund community projects, community grants, high school scholarships and much more.
Park Ridge
July 13 - 15, along Summit Avenue between Prospect and Touhy Avenues.
Music, food, hands on kids’ activities, Family Fun Zone and Nagurski Kiddie Rides.
"Irish" Fest
July 14 and 15, on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, Euclid and Vail.
The fest offers music, food, Irish dancers and plenty of kids’ activities. There is a fee.
Rock Island
Oak Forest
Oak Fest 2017
June 29 - July 4, 159th and Central Avenue, Oak Forest (about 1 mile from Oak Forest Station).
Fun bands, great food and carnival rides. Entry is free.
Joliet
Joliet Slammers
Through Labor Day, Silver Cross Field (1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive)
Professional minor league baseball in the Independent Frontier League. Check their website for schedule information and take Metra to the weekend games for just $8.
Midlothian
July 16 - 23, 4130 W. 147th Street (about 5 blocks from Metra station)
A weeklong festival, filled with fun and excitement, including carnival rides, Vegas Nights, food and beer vendors and more!
Mokena
July 16, Front Street Metra station
Sample traditional Italian foods such as pasta and meatballs, sausage and beef sandwiches, fried dough, pastries and more served throughout the day. In addition, there are plenty of activities for kids and families. Music too! There is a fee.
Oak Forest
June 29 - July 4, 159th and Central (approximately 1 mile from Metra station)
Lots of events including a car and bike show, bean bag tournament, family fun day, hometown hero salute, music, fireworks and more. Some events and activities may have a fee.
Tinley Park
Saturdays, 7 - 10 p.m., Zabrocki Plaza (adjacent to the Metra Oak Park Avenue station)
Music under the stars. Food and beverages are sold by Tinley Park establishments. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Free.
Milwaukee District West Line
Schaumburg
Schaumburg Boomers
Through Labor Day, Boomer Stadium, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road
Professional minor league baseball in the Independent Frontier League. Check their website for special promotions and take Metra to the weekend games for just $8.
Itasca
July 13 - 16, Washington Park, Irving Park and Rush Street (about 2 miles from Metra station)
This community festival features live music, food, vendor booths, a carnival and plenty of other family activities throughout the weekend. Free admission.
Milwaukee District North Line
Morton Grove
July 1 - 4, American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street
Includes carnival rides and games, food, a beer garden, live entertainment, children's activities, 4th of July Parade and a 4th of July Fireworks Show.
Northbrook
July 15 and 16, Village Green Park in downtown Northbrook
A fine arts festival just a quick walk from Metra’s Northbrook Station.
Glenview
July 29 and 30 on the Lyon School grounds, Lake Street and Waukegan Road, Glenview. Features fine art and fine crafts, children's activities and strolling musicians. Free admission.
Metra Electric
Homewood
Movies in our Parks, Irwin Park, 18106 Highland Ave. (about 4 blocks from Metra Homewood Station)
July and August
Movie starts at dusk. Concessions open throughout movie.
Independence Day Parade and Family Fun Fest
July 4, Parade kicks off at 10 a.m.
Enjoy a giant parade, representing Homewood’s civic groups and businesses. Parade travels down Ridge Road to the Izaak Walton Preserve for the H-F Park District's annual Family Fun Fest.
Image Via Pixabay
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