Highland Park 4th Of July 2020 Fireworks Canceled

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Independence Day across the country will not look the same in 2020 thanks to the coronavirus. Organizers of Highland Park's parade, fireworks and other Fourth of July festivities, like those in most other cities and villages in Illinois, have canceled their annual events. Although the traditional events have been canceled, a series of new, socially distant celebrations are planned for the holiday, according to city staff.

Members of the Highland Park community may submit photos or videos of up to 15 seconds with short, patriotic messages to be included in a compilation. The 2020 parade's theme had been scheduled to be "Thank you, America's Navy," so messages for sailors and other service men and women are especially appreciated, according to staff.

Everyone is invited to record themselves singing the Star-Spangled Banner and take pictures of their patriotic home decorations and email the photo, video or a link to cityhp@cityhpil.com for the chance to be included in a compilation video.

The Bitter Jester Music Festival has replaced its Friday night concerts in the run up to a July 4 finale with a new original song competitions. Highland Park residents can take part in the competition — dubbed "Bitter Jester Music Festival Year 14.5" — or listen to entries through the month of June, with winners declared, as always, on the Fourth of July.

The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce invited all children and pets to submit a photo or brief video of children with their decorated bikes and pets. The Highland Park Historical Society plans an Independence Day Zoom Trivia Contest. And the park district is holding a community-wide Firecracker 5K virtual event, which is open to all ages and can be completed anytime from July 1 to July 5.

Earlier: Highland Park 4th Of July Festivities Canceled Due To Coronavirus

Illinois will move into the fourth phase of the its reopening plan Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Monday.

State regulators are set to allow outdoor recreational gatherings of groups of up to 50 people, with multiple groups given adequate space to socially distance and limit interactions, according to a summary from the the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. At the start of Phase 4, outdoor seated events will be allowed at 20 percent capacity, but no general admission shows will be allowed.

More: Movies, Zoo, Summer Camps, Gyms In Chicago Set To Reopen Friday

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Highland Park Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute. Check your event before you go.

Check out this roundup of everything from barbecue essentials to patriotic table decor to be sure your July 4 is the best in the USA.