Glencoe Cancels 4th Of July Parade, Fireworks, Activities

Jonah Meadows
Updated ·2 min read

GLENCOE, IL — Village and park district board members in Glencoe last week made the joint decision to call off Fourth of July celebrations and other summer activities due to concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus.

"We are disappointed that our annual 4th of July traditions need to be canceled," Lisa Brooks, president of the Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners, said in a release. "Our staff is working hard to come up with safe and meaningful ways to celebrate Independence Day."

Fourth of July events called off in 2020 include the community parade, the Party in the Park and Fireworks display at Lakefront Park, Glencoe's Got Talent and the Glencoe Rotary Fun Run, according to a joint release from the village and park district.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the cancellation of Glencoe's treasured 4th of July festivities during this unprecedented time," Village President Larry Levin said.

"However, it is paramount that we take all the precautions necessary in order to safeguard the health of Glencoe residents, Village and Glencoe Park District staff and event volunteers," he said. "Despite being unable to celebrate as we have in years prior, through our tremendous Glencoe spirit, we will find new ways to commemorate Independence Day together as a community."

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In addition to all Independence Day activities in Glencoe, the Glencoe French Market, the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale and Movies on the Green have also been canceled. The Glencoe Chamber of Commerce was unable to host the market due to the loss of its contract with its event planner, according to the joint statement from the village and park district.

Under Gov. J.B. Pritzker's five-stage Restore Illinois reopening plan, gatherings of more than 10 people will not be permitted until June 29 at the earliest.

Village and park district staff intend to plan "virtual" ways to celebrate the 2020 Independence Day holiday, according to the statement.

Glencoe's decision to cancel Fourth of July festivities follows similar moves by officials in Buffalo Grove, Evanston Highland Park, Wheaton and other suburban communities.

This article originally appeared on the Winnetka-Glencoe Patch