Evanston Fourth of July Association
Established 1922
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Parade Pictures from 2008
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Learn more about the Fourth of July Association

Click on the map to see this year's parade route.
See the Schedule of Events for Parking Information.
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Many Thanks to the North Shore Emergency Association for Providing Radio Communications for more than 40 years.
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2009 Theme:
"E Pluribus Evanston - Together We Are One"



The 2009 Celebration is History. Damp Start, Great Day!

The Evanston Fourth of July Association's 88th year started off mostly clear for the morning's sports activities and then some light rain in the afternoon for the Parade. Illinois Governer Pat Quinn and the Navy Band from Great Lakes led the way down Central Street. Spectators were a little damp but in great numbers as one would expect. The rain stopped and the sun came out as folks gathered at the Lakefront for a band concert and musical fireworks display. A little rain does not stop things in Evanston. Another "Best Ever" year is on the books.


Click This Link for the 2009 Fireworks
This Takes You A Website Called Blip.tv
Click This Link for the 2009 Band Concert
This Takes You A Website Called Blip.tv
VIEW THE 2008 PARADE
YOU WILL NEED WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER
VIEW THE 2008 CONCERT & FIREWORKS
YOU WILL NEED WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER
Countdown to the Fourth:
count down It has been 7 months 4 days 10 hours and 51 minutes since The Parade


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!




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!


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!
 


Past Celebration Managers Work the Parade

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 Led By Local Pilot A Treat In Past Parades.

The 440th Air wing's 95th Airlift Squadron flew over Central Street on the fourth of July for several years. They would fly a formation of three C-130 transport aircraft. The planes were based out of Milwaukee and made a tour of several 4th of July parades in the Chicagoland area.

The pilot of the lead plane was Evanstonian Major Andrew Krafft of the US Air Force Reserves. Andrew began his military career in the Navy for 12 years and flew P-3 Submarine chasers out of Barber's Point NAS in Hawaii among many others. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, he also taught as a flight instructor at NAS Pensacola in Florida. Major Krafft is a full time commercial pilot flying Airbus A-320's with United Airlines. We were glad to have Andrew and the entire crew be a part of the pre-parade festivities and they will be missed.


Share your favorite July 4th memories with other Evanstonians!
 


By The People, For The People

The Evanston Fourth of July Association is an Illinois Non-Profit Corporation