Lake Forest 4th Of July 2020 Fireworks Canceled

LAKE FOREST, IL — Independence Day across the country will not look the same in 2020 thanks to the coronavirus. Organizers of fireworks and other July 4 festivities in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, like those in most other cities and villages in Illinois, have canceled their annual Fourth of July festivities.

"The notion of having eight to ten thousand people close to one another enjoying the festival and watching fireworks is just not something that the governor is going to allow. Gov. Pritzker has been pretty clear that the large gatherings of people will be among the last things to go back to normal." said event coordinator, Rick Amos, of the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation.

In Lake Bluff, the Fourth of July parade has been cancelled. Organizers have planned the first-ever home decorating contest. Residents and businesses may submit entries of patriotic decorations prior to July 2.

Earlier: Lake Forest Day 2020 Parade, Carnival Canceled Due To Coronavirus

Illinois will move into the fourth phase of the its reopening plan Friday, 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 Lake Forest-Lake Bluff 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.