Evergreen Park Independence Day Parade, Fireworks Set For July 3

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- Evergreen Park's "Third of July" Parade celebrating America's 243nd birthday steps off at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 3. The parade will be followed immediately with fireworks in Duffy Park at dusk.

Leading the 2019 parade is the legendary parks and recreation director Dennis Duffy. Duffy retired last month after 39 years of dedicated service.

Known for holding its parade a few days before the actual Fourth of July holiday, Evergreen Park's patriotic promenade has gained a reputation as being one of the best in the south suburbs. The parade has been held on July 3 since 1968, except for those years when July 4 fell on a Sunday or Monday.

This year's parade is celebrating its big 5-1. To give the parade a hometown flair, veterans from throughout the region are invited to walk in the parade.

The 51st annual edition will feature families marching together, community groups, businesses, churches, youth teams, scout troops and even a few politicos getting into the act. After the parade, march on over to Duffy Park at 92nd and Millard for fireworks. The fireworks will burst in air around 9 p.m.

The parade steps off from Springfield and 95th Street, east on 95th Street to Richmond Avenue, and north on Richmond to 91st Street where the parade disbands.

Want to march in the parade? There's still time to enter a float or a car. Just print out an entry form and drop it off at the Community Center at 3450 W. 97th St., Evergreen Park.

In addition to the Hometown Heroes, Evergreen Park Community High School and Central Middle School bands will be making an appearance. See who else is marching:

Merry Marchers
Stanford Battery (Civil War re-enanctors)
Jesse White Tumblers
River City Rhythm
Balster Magic
Neon Nuts
Those Funny Little People
West Suburban Shriners
Medinah Flying Carpets
Medinah Antique Cars
Southwest Shriners Mini Vehicles
Medinah Fire Unit Gocarts, Fire Wagons

Download the 2019 parade application.