Skokie 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide, Scheduled Time

SKOKIE, IL — July 4th is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you this Independence Day. Patch has gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Skokie so you can start planning now.

As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service was predicting a high of 82 to 89 degrees Thursday for the Chicago area, but just like last year — when storms turned deadly on the 4th of July — scattered storms are a possibility. The NWS is predicting a 30 percent chance of storms both Wednesday and Thursday nights — so keep an eye out for weather-related fireworks cancellations.

Here's what's in store for the Skokie on July 4th:

The 2019 Skokie Fourth of July Parade begins at noon at Oakton Community College. The route heads up Lincoln Avenue to Oakton Street before heading east past a reviewing stand is located at the corner of Oakton Street and Skokie Boulevard in Oakton Park. The event will be held rain or shine, featuring marching bands, drill teams, vintage cars, live animals and more

The 2019 grand marshal for the parade is WGN Sports Director Dave Eanet, who is also the play-by-play sportscaster for Northwestern's football and basketball teams.

The parade will also feature a pair of military grand marshals: Clarence Burgeman, who grew up on the West Side of Chicago and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, has been a resident of Skokie since 1959 and had a career in sales and with the Illinois State Lottery. Edgar Navarro was deployed to Kuwait in 2003 and 2005 with the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant and a pair of Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals.

Roger Badesch, a longtime radio journalist and educator currently heard on WGN, is serving as master of ceremonies and reviewing stand announcer. Patti Vasquez, a stand-up comedian, talk show host and co-creator of an upcoming TV series called "Patti Happens" is appearing as a celebrity guest. The event will also feature the national anthem performed by Wayne Messmer, whose renowned renditions of the Star Spangled Banner have been featured at every major local sports team.

3D Fireworks Festival
The Fourth of July Celebration moves to Niles West High School for the evening, for a celebration starting at 5 p.m. with food, drinks and live music, children's games and face painting from 6:30 p.m. until the fireworks begin at dusk. The first 10,000 patrons will receive a free pair of 3D glasses. In case of rain, fireworks will be held on Friday, July 5.

More: 2019 Summer Event And Festival Guide For Skokie, Lincolnwood or for Evanston

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

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.