We Need Your Financial Support!

The Evanston Fourth of July Association is the entity that plans and executes ALL of the activities on the 4th of July. This production is not a City of Evanston function nor do we receive any money from them at all. All program costs are paid for by our non-profit 501(c)(3) organization through the generosity of Evanston residents and businesses.

As you look at our Schedule of Events you will see a full and comprehensive day of City wide activities beginning with the morning sports an playground games, the afternoon parade, the evening concert at Dawes Park and then our award winning musical fireworks extravaganza.

Everything costs us money. Marching bands and supplies for the parade, supplies and awards for games and the professional computer fired synchronized musical fireworks show are examples. We are required by the City to provide our own insurance for example and that is quite expensive. As the list goes on we need your help.

Please send a check with your tax deductible contribution (as allowed by law)for whatever you can afford to us or click on the link below and pay right now securely online!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE NOW !

Please make checks Payable to the Evanston Fourth of July Association. P.O. Box 1898, Evanston, IL 60204-1898

If you, your company or organization are interested in sponsoring a band in the parade or an entire program please contact us right away: support@evanston4th.org. Thanks for your support in celebrating our countries birthday with fun and style!

The Evanston Fourth of July Association proudly Celebrated its 86th year and it was complete success. Rain and severe thunderstorms were forecasted but Mother Nature shined upon Evanston once again to produce a sunny afternoon with light breezes and warm temperatures.

The Parade was one of the larger ones in recent history and included nearly 140 entries. Some spectators commented after the parade "It was terrific! How did you arrange for so much diversity and an international presence for the parade this year?" I explained that the parade is open to groups from all parts of the area and the world and that it was their initiative an desire to be a part of the program that made it work.

Activities at the lakefront could not have been better. The weather is always a concern for a successful outdoor band concert and fireworks show but this year their were clear skies and very light cool lake breezes. The Palatine Band did another wonderful job and began with America the Beautiful followed by our now annual tradition of Taps. As Emcee Paul Wilson asked for silence entire crowd was attentive; you could hear a pin drop. The band added a great piece in tribute to Abraham Lincoln as part of their always fine and improving patriotic repitroir.

Association President Dave Sniader delivered a short speech thanking the wonderful Celebration Team for their great efforts and success this year as well as the work of City departments that work overtime to provide us with clean and safe venues all day long. He also reminded the audience that the programs they enjoyed all day long and into the night are run exclusively by the Association's all volunteer staff and funded by individuals and area businesses, foundations and organizations. He thanked everyone present that had already contributed and appealed to those that had not yet done so to visit this website and give here. Our proud sponsors were thanked each by name as well. Chief Parade Marshal Hillary Bean announced the first place winners of the parade and Mayor Morton delivered an inspirational patriotic message.

The fireworks show was another best ever. With thousands of people watching from Chicago to Wilmette and able to listen to the music by radio on 90.5 FM the show began with America the Beautiful sung by Ray Charles and Alicia Keyes. The shells were in perfect synch with the music as the very diverse custom musical score danced with some of the finest new shells to hit the skies in a vast array. The park was packed and the waters of Lake Michigan directly in front of the show were full of boats. After thirty minutes including two finales' it ended with many bangs, the sound of boat horns and cheers of people. The day was complete.

Evanston Youth Hockey Association State Champs in 2006

Congratulations to the Evanston Youth Hockey Association's Girls Team for being U-10 Girls State Champions in 2006. The pictures below show their pride being displayed at the 2006 Parade. The Association has also been an important part of the Parade for several years as they are the folks that distribute the programs to spectators along the route. When you see them in action this year, give them a cheer!
 

Five Celebration Managers took a minute out of a busy morning to pose for a photo at the 4th of July Parade.
It is the Celebration Manager that coordinates the planning and execution of the day's events with all of the
Celebration Team members and committee chairs.

From left to right: Craig Thompson, 1998-2002, Sam Sibley, 1993-1995, Michael Kipley 2003-2005 and 2007, Curtis Chancellor, 1986, Dave Sniader, 1996-1997

Evanston Parade Voted #1 by North Shore Magazine.

Readers of North Shore Magazine were asked to vote on their favorite activities in the area. The proud distinction of best parade went to Evanston's Fourth of July Parade and is featured in the July 2003 issue. The article recognized the great number of bands, the recognition given by Country Home Magazine as the third finest celebration in the country (see below) and that the entire program is an all-volunteer effort.

Evanston's Fourth Celebration Rated Third Best
in the Nation by Country Home Magazine

Of the five great Fourth of July Celebrations in the entire United States, Evanston was ranked number three by Country Home Magazine in their August 2001 edition.

They wrote: "Evanston, Illinois. Off the beaten path from the perennial Taste of Chicago festival in Grant Park, locals stake their spots early along Central Street for a classic parade filled with marching bands."

Leading the list was the Celebration in Washington D.C. followed by Boston. The article cited the National Symphony in Washington performing on the West Lawn and the Boston Pops' performance at the Esplanade.

"We are very excited and truly delighted that Country Home recognized Evanston with such distinction" said David Sniader, President of the Evanston Fourth of July Association. "Being ranked in the top three in the nation with the massive National Celebration in Washington and the legendary Boston Fourth Party surrounds us with great company" he said. 

There is one important fact that separates Evanston's Celebration from almost all others including the top two mentioned in the magazine. It is planned and executed entirely by volunteers and supported through individual donations and corporate gifts. "It is only through these efforts and support and our great relationship with the City that we can produce such a quality experience for all Evanstonians. We know in our hearts that the character of our City and the efforts I just described make us number one," Sniader said.

Air Force Flyover Scheduled on the 4^th