The Evanston Fourth of July Association is proud to Celebrate its 85th year and the theme is a fun and appropriate one. We will also join the rest of the Nation in celebrating the 230th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of independence.

On Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4, Evanston's festivities will include citywide playground sports and games, tennis, the ever-popular parade at 2:00 p.m., a lakefront musical performance and fireworks extravaganza. The full day of activities will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude with the fireworks show, which begins at 9:15 p.m. Each year, the Evanston Fourth of July Association plans family-oriented activities to entertain the city's residents. See the Schedule and individual links above for more information.

We Need Your Support to Make This Happen!

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!

"Donate Here"

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!

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, 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.

“A Star Spangled Night”
Was a Star Spangled Success!