Lake County Gazette

The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park have announced plans for community events during the Independence Day holiday in 2025. This year, festivities will begin on July 3 with the Park District’s festival for all ages. The City’s “Dream Team”-themed parade, featuring entertainment coordinated by the Park District, will bring vibrant community spirit to Downtown Highland Park when it steps off at 11 a.m. on July 4. Additionally, the City will coordinate a remembrance ceremony in the morning.

“Highland Park’s Independence Day events reflect the community’s patriotic spirit and steadfast commitment to supporting and celebrating each other,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “This year’s parade theme reminds us that teams bring people together in support of a common goal, and that we are most resilient when we support each other. ”

Cal Bernstein, president of the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners, said: “Celebrating this national holiday with our loved ones is crucial to our community’s identity. It is an opportunity to come together to share special moments with our neighbors and friends while we celebrate our nation. ”

This year, there will be no drone or fireworks show organized by the City. Recognizing various community needs related to trauma, sustainability concerns, and pet needs, the City Council has decided to pause evening events for further discussion. The City will seek community engagement and feedback later this year as staff plan for 2026.

As Independence Day events have evolved over the past two years, both the City and Park District have adopted a trauma-informed approach guided by the Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime and mental health clinicians. This approach reflects a commitment to building community resiliency while reclaiming Highland Park’s Independence Day traditions.

The Park District's festival on Thursday, July 3 will take place at The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave. W), marking the start of inclusive Independence Day-themed activities continuing through July 4 and throughout the weekend. The festival offers an opportunity for everyone to gather, celebrate," enjoy an evening with family," friends," dinner," music," games," and various attractions." Food trucks will be available on-site; further details can be found soon on pdhp.org.

On July 4," a remembrance ceremony will honor those whose lives were lost and show solidarity with those injured or traumatized." Details about this event will be shared when available." A temporary memorial located in Rose Garden adjacent to City Hall (1707 St." Johns Avenue) remains open to public visitors;" however," those concerned about re- traumatization from patriotic décor may wish to avoid visiting between10am-2pm due as parade staging begins around10:30 am .

The "Dream Team" parade celebrates themes such as family ,"friends," sports ,dance ,faith ,community or neighborhood ." Participants are encouraged wear teamjerseys while floats display colors mascots favorite teams organizations .Theparade follows same route as last year beginning First St & Laurel Aveprogressing through Downtown ending Sunset Woods .Sign ups participation startMonday March3 information cityhpil.com/independenceday

There won't any sponsored evening event either by city district .Updatesregarding activities shared both entities continue planning .cityhpil.com provides updates from City while pdhp.org offers updates from Park District .