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On Independence Day, Sunday, July 4, Evanston's festivities will include citywide playground sports and games, tennis, the ever-popular parade, 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.

2003 Theme Highlights Lighthouse; Lighthouse Director named Grand Marshal

This year's theme Evanston: Beacon of Freedom will pay tribute to the Grosse Point Light House, which is celebrating its 130^th year. The lighthouse constructed in 1873 was used to guide ships on the lake and now houses a museum and nature center. Tours of the lighthouse take place Sat. and Sun., June-Sept. For more information on the Lighthouse click here.

Leading off the parade this year as Grand Marshal will be Donald J. Terras the Superintendent of the Lighthouse Park District of Evanston. Donald has been managing the operations of the Grosse Pointe Light House since 1984 and is the author of the book "Grosse Point Lighthouse: Landmark to Maritime History & Culture". We are delighted to have our own lighthouse keeper Don with us at the front of the parade this year.

Air Force Flyover Scheduled on the 4^th

The 440^th Air wing's 95^th Airlift Squadron will fly over Central Street on the fourth of July sometime between 11:00 and 11:30. There will be a formation of three C-130 transport aircraft. The planes are based out of Milwaukee and will be making a tour of several 4^th of July parades in the Chicagoland.

The pilot of the lead plane is 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 are glad to have Andrew and the entire crew be a part of the pre-parade festivities this year. For more information on the C-130 aircraft that will be flying overhead click Here.

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.

The 2002 Celebration:
America's Heroes - Evanston's Heroes

The 2002 Pelton Award - Best of Show.
Backlot Association

Share your favorite July 4th memories with other Evanstonians!