Glenview 4th of July Schedule Set

The following is from the Glenview Park District:

The 49th annual Glenview Independence Day celebration promises a colorful day of community pride and patriotism. Festivities, including the parade and fireworks display, draw more than 40,000 people and will take place on Friday, July 4. The parade route will follow the route established in 2013 due to construction along Glenview Road in the downtown area. The parade route will begin just north of the intersection of Harlem Avenue and Glenview Road, travel south on Harlem before turning right, or west onto Central Road to its ending point at Johns Park and the judges' reviewing stand.

A children's Bike Parade starting at 11:15 a.m. kicks off the parade and is sponsored by Heinen's. Any child, preschool age through age nine, can participate in the Bike Parade by bringing a decorated bike to Harlem Ave, between the Glenview Dairy Bar and the Library just north of Glenview Rd. by 10:30 a.m. The Bike Parade is free, no pre-registration is required and no judging is involved. Bike helmets are strongly recommended and participation ribbons will be presented to all children.

The main parade begins at 11:20 a.m. and is sponsored by Glenview State Bank, Astellas Foundation USA and Mariano's. The parade will feature more than 70 units, including fire trucks and police cars, marching bands, scout troops, sports teams and community and neighborhood organizations. Entries will be judged in six separate categories, including Best Musical/Variety Unit, Best Neighborhood Group, Best Youth Group, Best Business Unit, Best Adult Group, Best Community Service or Church Group and the Judge's Choice Award.

Parade officials are also promoting the "Stay on the SafeSide" campaign to keep spectators a safe distance from parade vehicles. Parade-goers are asked to stay behind the red line along the parade route as candy and other goodies are distributed. In addition, patrons are encouraged to bring plenty of water and sunscreen in case of extremely hot weather conditions.

The Independence Day Twilight Show, sponsored by Glenview State Bank, begins at 7:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Glenview Park Golf Club, 800 Shermer Rd. For the safety of patrons, access to the golf course grounds for the show and fireworks is not permitted until 5 p.m. The evening features a patriotic concert by the 100-piece North Shore Concert band and a fireworks show synchronized to music. The Cafe restaurant will be selling snack items, food and beverages. Grab a hamburger, hotdog, brats, beer, wine, soft drink or snack while the fireworks light up the sky.

Many streets surrounding the golf course will be marked with No Parking signs. Cars parked in these areas will be towed to free up emergency vehicle access. Go to glenview4th.com for a complete list of holiday parking restrictions. Non-reserved parking spaces on the grass at Springman Middle School, 2701 Central Rd., will be available to the public for $5 on a first come, first serve basis. The lot opens at 6 p.m. Firecrackers and sparklers are not allowed on the golf course and will be confiscated.

There is still plenty of time to show your patriotic support and make a donation. To date, the Glenview 4th of July Committee has received donations from local businesses and residents totaling close to $55,000 with the annual fundraising goal of at least $70,000. Everyone who donates $25 or more will receive a Glenview 4th of July spinner to display in their yard. Spinners may be picked up at the Park Center front desk, 2400 Chestnut Ave., during regular business hours. Residents can make their Glenview 4th of July donation through July 15th at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave. or at any of Glenview State Bank's four Glenview locations. Donations can be made at any time online at glenview4th.org.

Lastly, Dine and Share communitywide opportunities will be available leading up to the 4th of July. The first one will be on June 24th at Michael Salerno's Pizzeria in Glen Town Center, 2085 Tower Drive.  The Glenview 4th of July will receive 5 percent for every purchase made excluding delivery orders.  The second one will be on June 28th from 4-7 p.m. at Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Glen Town Center, 1840 Tower Drive. The Glenview 4th of July will receive 25 percent for every purchase made during that time period. Stop by and enjoy a delicious meal to support the 4th of July. For additional Dine and Share restaurant partners, check glenview4th.org.