Wilmette 4th Of July 2020 Fireworks Canceled

WILMETTE, IL — Independence Day across the country will not look the same in 2020 thanks to the coronavirus. Organizers of Wilmette's fireworks and other July 3 festivities, like those in most other cities and villages in Illinois, have canceled their annual Fourth of July events.

Wilmette Park District commissioners decided last month to cancel all July 3 festivities and the annual lakefront fireworks display.

"While we understand the disappointment that will come with the cancelation of such traditional and highly-attended events, we believe the health and safety of the community is of a greater concern," district officials said in a statement.

District officials announced plans to take its traditional race online for 2020. The Yankee Doodle Dash 2.0, Virtual 5K can begin any day from June 28 to July 4. The first 200 participants to register will receive a t-shirt and medal, according to the park district website.

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 Wilmette-Kenilworth 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.