Independence Day

Despite rain, people enjoy the Crystal Lake’s annual Independence Day Parade on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Crystal Lake. This year’s parade feature close to 100 units.

Joliet waste collection service will be one day late for Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.

Various Independence Day festivities will take place across Will and Grundy counties featuring community celebrations, fireworks, live music, food trucks and more.

With festivities abound, the DeKalb Park District is gearing up to bring the community together for the annual tradition, that is the Fourth of July.

Motorists can expect temporary road closures in Wheaton during the city’s Independence Day events on July 3 and 4.

I tell this story to suggest two concepts: how easy it is to mistake falsehood for truth, and how we lead unexamined lives regardless of how hard we try.

The hour-long patriotic program — part of the 60th annual Let Freedom Ring celebration — started at noon, when the heat index was around 93 degrees, which kept most people in the shade of nearby trees. A reenactment of former U.S. Rep. Robert R. Hitt was part of the program.

The Field of Honor in Wheaton creates a stirring display of patriotism at Seven Gables Park for five days through the Fourth of July.

From the Petunia Festival to watching fireworks shoot across the Rock and Mississippi rivers — people are ready to turn out and celebrate America's birthday.

Once rain clears mid-day Thursday, it will be dry for fireworks shows and festivals.