( 8 )
Believe it or not, the 4th of July is almost here and we are ready for it! This holiday symbolizes freedom for America and also the heart of summertime. That means it’s the perfect time to take a day or two and enjoy yourself with family and friends! Here's a fun rundown of inspirational ideas as you make your patriotic plans right here in the Rockford region!
PRE 4TH OF JULY FUN
What could be better than celebrating July 4th? Doing it the whole weekend long, of course. That’s right, since the holiday falls on a Monday this year some festivities will be kicking off the weekend prior. Be sure to plan in advance because there are a lot of unique and entertaining ways to have tons of fun in our community.
Photo courtesy of Discovery Center Museum
Friday, July 1
Strut your stars and stripes on Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. as science and art join hands for KABOOM - a patriotic celebration at Discovery Center Museum. Witness explosions, send stomp rockets soaring, construct light and sound creations, create a red, white, and blue masterpiece and more. Cantina Taco food truck will be onsite selling their delicious tacos for an explosion of flavor in your mouth!
Saturday, July 2
Join Rocktown Adventures as they gear up and head outdoors in the Rockford region for Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayak adventures on July 2nd in the morning. This is a great way to get some fresh air and start your weekend off right. To learn more visit: https://rocktownadventures.com/events/.
Zion Lutheran Church will host a fun social Cars and Coffee event on Saturday (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) There will be tons of vintage and new cars to see and delicious coffee to drink. In addition, there will be special patriotic presentations by the Color Guard presentation, Rockford Police Department and Winnebago County’s Sheriff, Gary Caruana.
Sunday, July 3
Photo Courtesy of Starlight Theatre/RSO
Join the Rockford Symphony Orchestra for their performance of The Star Spangled Spectacular at Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College. This annual performance on Sunday (8 – 9:30 p.m.) will feature a variety of patriotic favorites and the always popular tribute to our community’s veterans, along with other iconic tributes. Local food trucks will also be available at 6 p.m. before the show, so be sure to bring your appetite along with you.
THE MAIN EVENT
If you want to bearing up for a fun-filled holiday then look no further. Here we have all the ways to participate in 4th of July activities all day and night!
Photo courtesy of Rockford 4th of July Celebration Facebook page
Highlights include:
7:00 am - Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk
9:00 am - Patriotic Prayer Breakfast at Beattie Park (Coffee and pastries handed out at 8:30 pm)
3:30 pm - Free music entertainment at Joe Marino Statue - Gramps with Amps
4:00 pm - Davis Park opens, live entertainment and children's area (park entrance closes at 9:15 pm)
4:40 pm - Motorcycle parade begins
4:50 pm - Screw City Jeeps parade begins
5:00 pm - Main patriotic parade begins
5:30 pm - Children's entertainment inside Davis Park
6:00 pm - Entertainment inside Davis Park - Dirty Pop
6:00 pm - Music entertainment at the Parade Grandstand - Bootleg Soul
9:30 pm - Firework Spectacle in the Sky - Tune to 103.1 for the soundtrack synced to the 30-minute Firework Spectacle in the Sky
Click here for the full details!
Photo courtesy of Ski Broncs
If you’re looking for stunts and comedy all wrapped into one adventure, then look no further because the famous Ski Broncs will be performing their spectacular water ski show, July 4th at 7pm at Shorewood Park in Loves Park, followed by a huge fireworks display across the river at Rockford Country Club.
Photo courtesy of Rockford 4th of July Celebration Facebook page
FIREWORKS
It wouldn’t be the full 4th of July experience without seeing fireworks! There are a few different spots to watch the show in the downtown area. In previous years, viewing the firework show somewhere along the river has been a personal favorite of mine. There are plenty of spots to meet with friends and family and enjoy the 30-minute show. A few spots include the Chestnut Street Bridge, State Street Bridge, Davis Park, Embassy Suites (reservations required), and more! If you plan on spending most of the day on the river, making a stop at the docks of the Prairie Street Brewhouse would be a great place to enjoy some dinner, drinks, and the fireworks! If you want a rooftop seat experience along with live music and drinks then reserve your spot at The Standard. The firework show will be synchronized to a soundtrack filled with patriotic, love, and unity themed music.
Whatever you plan to do for the 4th of July we sure hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends.
