Towns across northern Illinois will be celebrating the 4th of July throughout the weekend, whether it’s a parade, a concert or a firework show.
Fireworks are a big tradition for the 4th of July and will be seen sporadically throughout the weekend in professionally produced displays.
Ordinary citizens, however, are limited in what they are legally allowed to use in terms of fireworks.
“Pretty much the only thing legal in Illinois are items that stay on the ground, that don’t propel into the air under any power or explode for the most part,” said Tim Morris, fire prevention coordinator for the Rockford Fire Department.
Sterling-Rock Falls Fire Chief Gary Cook said fireworks such as sparklers, snakes and smoke bombs are categorized as novelty items and are not regulated under the Illinois Fireworks Act.
“Consumer fireworks that you can find in a lot of tents are consumer grade. Also, the tent has to be licensed to sell consumer grade fireworks, and you also have to have a permit to purchase consumer grade fireworks,” Cook said.
Cook said sparklers can reach temperatures over 1200 degrees, and someone can get a burn very easily. Everything needs to be supervised, and caution must be used when dealing with an open flame.
Rockford Fire Inspector Morris drew this comparison:
“We don’t even let our children touch the stove, which is usually 300 to 500 degrees; but yet we are easily able to hand a child an up-to-1,800-degree piece of metal to hold in their hand.”
Most holiday event schedules are available on the website of the sponsoring municipality. Here is a sampling of public events this weekend around the area:
Rockford
Rockford will be celebrating Independence Day on Thursday and Saturday.
The Mississippi Heat, a Chicago-based blues band, will perform at Sinnissippi Music Shell at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Saturday is filled with events from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
7 a.m.: MELD July 4th Classic Run starting at The Trolley Station on N. Madison St.
Noon: Meet Great Human Beings gathering at State & Main
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Riverview Ice House 40th Anniversary Open House
6 p.m.: Carl Cole at the piano at S. Wyman and Elm St.
6:45 p.m.: Motorcyle Parade along parade route
7 p.m.: Annual Parade featuring Rockford Phantom Regiment (The parade will form at 7th St. and 6th Ave. at 7 p.m.)
9:30 p.m.: SkyConcert Fireworks Show
Freeport
Freeport will celebrate Independence Day at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road. The"Sky Concert 2015" fireworks show will be synchronized to music played live at Kickin' Country 92, beginning after dusk on Sunday, July 5.
Peru
Peru’s fireworks celebration has been cancelled due to a flooded shoot site and high currents along the Illinois River. Possible rescheduling will be discussed during a Parks & Recreation board meeting at 6:30 p.m. July 14.
LaSalle
The 4th of July Parade in downtown La Salle will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Participants are to meet at 10:30 a.m. at the corners of 2nd and Wright Streets. People who decorate theire bicycles can receive a goody bag and get to ride in the parade. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sterling Rock Falls
Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees’ fireworks display will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday. The Sterling Municipal Band will give its annual performance of the 1812 Overture.
Elgin
Elgin’s 4th of July parade will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and will proceed down Douglas Ave. ending in front of City Hall.