A diverse group of people encircles the spark of the Fourth of July. This concept captures the healing power of kindness and the guiding light of truth and justice, represented by a central sparkler radiating energy through the community. The composition gradually evolves into the shape of a larger sparkler—symbolizing warmth, celebration, and togetherness. As the sparkler radiates outward, it visually reinforces how truth and kindness create a ripple effect that lights up the entire community.“
– NeigerDesign
2025 Parade Awards
| Award Category | Recipient(s) |
|---|---|
| President’s Award (Best Group Overall) | Evanston Township High School |
| Pelton Plaque (Outstanding Neighborhood Group) | Tierra y Luz de Mexico-Evanston |
| Chief Judge’s Award (Special Merit) | Four Star Brass Band |
| Commercial | 1. Gym 1801 |
| 2. Orangetheory Fitness Evanston | |
| Community Float | 1. Backlot Playground Association |
| 2. Teresa Parod Murals and Thayer Street Engineering | |
| 3. Chicago Union Ultimate Frisbee | |
| Community Participating | 1. Indivisible Evanston |
| 2. Asparagus Council of South Evanston | |
| 3. Evanston Voices for Choice Coalition | |
| Community Performance | 1. Second City Samba |
| 2. CirquesExperience | |
| 3. Purple Line Drummers | |
| Invited Performer – Band | 1. Chesterton Trojan Guard |
| 2. Chicago Highlanders Pipes and Drums | |
| 3. Los Paisanos Mariachi Band | |
| Invited Performer – Other | 1. South Shore Drill Team |
| 2. Jesse White Tumbling Team | |
| 3. Charros de la Mesa | |
| Motor Vehicle | 1. Priehl Cleaning |
| 2. Windy City Miata Club | |
| 3. American Taxi Dispatch | |
| Youth | 1. JaHbat FC – Uniting the Community |
| 2. Troop 924 and Liberty Bell | |
| 3. High Ridge Chargers Football and Cheerleading |
2025 Celebration Schedule
MORNING GAMES
Starting at 9:00 am at six locations:
Lincolnwood School, Willard School, Kamen Park, Baker Park, ETHS Track and Robert Crown Community Center.
KIDS FUN RUN
Starting at 12:45 pm as scheduled.
Online Registration Click Here
TENNIS FINALS
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bent Park
Managed by the Evanston Community Tennis Association
www.evanstontennis.org
PARADE
Starting at 2:00 pm
Begins at Central Park Avenue and travels east on Central Street to Ryan Field at Ashland Avenue
BAND CONCERT
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Palatine Concert Band
Arrington Lakefront Lagoon at Dawes Park
LAKEFRONT FIREWORKS
9:30 pm A Musical Extravaganza!
2025 Celebration Details
Evanston’s Fourth of July theme for 2025—“Truth Guides, Justice Unites, Kindness Heals”—has been announced, with parade registration now open and fundraising efforts underway to sustain the city’s largest annual event.
Seeds of Change Planters on Parade
Visit all the supporting business locations where our planters can be seen!
We kindly invite you to consider contributing to our 2025 Fourth of July celebration budget.
The Evanston Fourth of July Association wishes to thank you for your unwavering support as we successfully brought back the cherished traditions of our community – the grand parade and spectacular fireworks display – after a three-year hiatus. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and participation played an integral role in making this year’s celebrations a resounding success, rekindling the patriotic spirit in our town.
As we reflect on the joyous memories created this year, we are thrilled to announce that planning has already commenced for the 2025 festivities. With your continued support, we look forward to making next year’s Fourth of July celebration even more remarkable and memorable for all in our beautiful Evanston community. Thank you for being a part of our tradition and for helping to keep the spirit of independence alive in our town.
VOLUNTEER
We need more hands on deck. If you're interested in planning the celebration or parade, sign up now!
SPONSOR
The generosity of Evanston businesses and citizens continues an Evanston tradition!
Living the Declaration Fellowship
The “Living the Declaration” Fellowship is a new leadership program that will mentor ten volunteers and expand the EFJA Board and celebration teams. Working with partner organizations, the EFJA will provide trainees with the resources they need to succeed as Independence Day parade/event celebration organizers or Trustees as well as year-round leaders across Evanston.
We are looking to develop a younger generation of leaders committed to making Evanston’s single-largest annual event a reflection of our community as a whole. If you would like to be a Fellow or nominate a Fellow, please contact us at info@evanston4th.org.
Thanks to our Celebration Sponsors
Mission Statement:
The Association’s Sole Mission is to provide safe and entertaining family oriented events and activities on the nation’s Independence Day Holiday. Our Vision is for everyone to discover, enjoy and support the wonderful 4th of July traditions this Association has provided since 1922. The Association was founded and continues to operate on these Core Values: freedom of views and expressions, respect for individual rights, responsibility to provide fair and equal treatment of participants and spectators, cooperation with City of Evanston codes and ordinances, and to provide the best Independence Day celebration possible for all to enjoy and remember.