Evanston Fourth Of July Parade, Fireworks, Concert Canceled
EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston Fourth of July Association announced Tuesday that all physical components of its 2020 Independence Day celebration will be canceled due to the new coronavirus. That means no playground activities, roller skating, kid's fun run, Fourth of July parade, live concert and fireworks, organizers said.
"This year will be a new, historic celebration due to stay-at-home/social distancing demanded by the pandemic," according to a release from trustees of the nonprofit volunteer association, which does not receive funding from the city.
Organizers determined it was not possible to host the 99th edition of the event safely in the usual manner, according to the release. Instead, they decided to donate $10,000 to the Evanston Community Foundation.
"Traditionally, we would use these funds to celebrate together, but we recognize the unprecedented need in our community and have, we believe appropriately, voted to direct our support to ECF's Evanston Community Rapid Response Fund," it said.
With no in-person parade or fireworks display, the organizing committee called on residents for ideas to to help create a "virtual 4th of July" celebration, which could include a community-wide art project, a physically distant parade, outdoor decorations, pictures of fireworks in windows and other activities.
"We want to hear your ideas and hope to engage the whole community," organizers said.
Even under the next phase of Pritzker's five-part "Restore Illinois" plan, gatherings would still be limited to 10 people. The fourth stage, which would also see the reopening of schools, restaurants and bars, would allow for gatherings of up to 50 people, the governor announced Tuesday.
Other communities where Independence Day events have also been canceled include Buffalo Grove, Highland Park and Wheaton.
In Evanston, planning has already begun for the city's centennial Fourth of July celebration next year, according to the association.
"To truly share our victory over this pandemic, as well as our organization’s victory through several wars and challenges of the past 100 years, we are proud to present our 100th Celebration in 2021," association trustees announced. "We welcome new people on to our committees, so please contact us if you would like to be involved at the ground level."
This article originally appeared on the Evanston Patch
