Latest news with #BarringtonHighSchool
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fireworks near me, Chicago 2025: Fourth Of July guide — parades, and parties across the city and suburbs
City-Based Celebrations: Parades, Picnics, and Local Fireworks Live Events Popular Unofficial Fireworks Displays in Chicago Horner Park (2741 W. Montrose Ave.) Humboldt Park (1440 N. Sacramento Ave.) Legion Park (3100 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.) Rogers Park Lakefront (between Albion and Farwell avenues) Sheridan Park (910 S. Aberdeen St.) Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.) Suburban Festivities: A Full Slate of Fireworks Aurora: July 3, dusk at McCullough Park and Aurora Transportation Center Barrington: July 4, 9:30 p.m. at Barrington High School Batavia: July 4, 9:30 p.m. at Engstrom Park Bolingbrook: July 4, post-9 p.m. at Bolingbrook Golf Club Buffalo Grove: July 4, 9 p.m. at Willow Stream Park Elgin: July 4, approximately 9:20 p.m. at Festival Park Evanston: July 4, 9:30 p.m. at Arrington Lakefront Lagoon Naperville: July 4, 9:30 p.m. at Frontier Sports Complex Skokie: July 4, 9:30 p.m. at Niles West High School St. Charles: July 4, post-dusk at Langum Park Regional Highlights: Northwest Indiana and Beyond DeKalb: July 4, at Hopkins Park Lockport: July 3, at Dellwood Park Romeoville: July 3, at multiple locations Libertyville: July 4, at Butler Lake Park New Lenox: July 4, at Village Commons FAQs Will there be official fireworks in downtown Chicago on July 4, 2025? Are there any fireworks shows at Navy Pier? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Though the City of Chicago will not host an official fireworks display on the Fourth of July, celebrations across the city's neighborhoods and suburban towns promise a rich mix of parades, family-friendly events, and dazzling 4th of July fireworks shows. From lake cruises to local picnics and community festivals, Fourth Of July Chicago 2025 is set to offer residents and visitors plenty of options to mark America's Independence Day.A popular alternative to unsanctioned pyrotechnics in the area, the Winnemac Park Advisory Council will again host its all-day 'Fourth For All' event from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 5100 N. Leavitt Street, as mentioned in a report by pride will be on display as residents join or watch the parade starting at 9:30 a.m., beginning at Sauganash Park (5861 N. Kostner Ave.) and concluding at Hiawatha and Forest Glen avenues. The post-parade gathering will include classic fare such as hot dogs and snow 3945 N. Springfield Ave., Independence Park will host its traditional family-oriented parade between 10 a.m. and noon, featuring games and children's of the city's most cherished traditions, this long-running parade will step off at 11 a.m. from 1525 E. 53rd Street and march to 1355 E. 53rd Street. The celebration continues with a community Navy Pier will not feature fireworks on July 4 itself, pre-holiday displays and cruises offer a maritime take on the July 2, residents can board cruise boats from Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) for a lakefront dinner experience set against a fireworks backdrop. The experience runs from 7 to 9:30 the fireworks on Wednesday, July 2 at 9 p.m. or Saturday, July 5 at 10 p.m., from multiple viewing spots along the pier or not officially sanctioned, several city parks traditionally light up the night sky with fireworks once the sun goes down:Residents are reminded to exercise caution and abide by local safety ordinances when attending or participating in unofficial surrounding Chicago are once again hosting large-scale 4th of July fireworks displays with local flavor. Among the highlights:Each of these suburban celebrations also features parades, carnivals, or musical events scheduled earlier in the day, providing full-day entertainment for Day festivities stretch into Northwest Indiana and rural Illinois, bringing local flair to the national holiday. Antioch will host a fireworks display at dusk at Sequoit Creek Park, while Joliet offers a large-scale show at Busey Bank Field at 9 p.m. on July notable displays include:While Fourth Of July Chicago may not include an official city-sponsored fireworks show, its neighborhoods and neighboring towns are keeping the patriotic spirit authorities have urged residents to verify event times, arrive early, and follow traffic and safety guidelines. Whether by the lake, in the suburbs, or right in the heart of the neighborhood, Chicagoans are ready to celebrate the Fourth — with light, sound, and community the City of Chicago will not host an official fireworks display on July 4 this year. However, neighborhoods and nearby suburbs are organizing their own celebrations with fireworks and community but not on July 4. Navy Pier will host fireworks on July 2 at 9 p.m. and again on July 5 at 10 p.m.. You can view them from the pier or along the lakefront.
Boston Globe
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Bristol, R.I., native wins $60,000 scholarship, headed to top journalism school
I asked Biancuzzo to tell us more about her passion for journalism and her goals. Q: When did you decide that you wanted to pursue journalism as a career? Advertisement Biancuzzo: I decided to pursue a career in journalism after enrolling in Barrington High School's television production, Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up You're off to the University of Missouri, which has one of the most prestigious journalism programs in the country. What made you choose to become a Tiger? Advertisement A multitude of reasons. After applying to 12 different universities and having many opportunities at hand, I was at a crossroads of not knowing which college to enroll in. I explored each university while in search of what made their journalism program unique, and when researching and touring Mizzou, I fell in love with their This method includes a hands-on approach from one's first day of classes – an opportunity to learn by doing. In addition to this method, I also was drawn to the community at Mizzou as it is a big school with a tight community feel. If you could cover any story in the world right now, what would it be? The Russia-Ukraine War. We are indirectly involved with several wars worldwide. My empathy and focus at this time of my life is drawn toward the many experiences on the ground of all sides, rather than the politicians and the military. With this opportunity I would fly to the Ukraine and talk to the civilians there who are affected by it on a daily basis. I would want to sit down with them and ask how this war changed their lives, specifically people within my age range. While I am afforded the opportunity to receive a higher education, I would like to know how young people in war-torn countries are handling the realities of war. Are they able to receive higher education? Are they even able to finish school? This chance would mean learning more, not just for my own curiosity, but for the world to know the hardships they are enduring. Advertisement What's the No. 1 thing journalists (and readers) should know about your generation? Gen Z is a generation filled with passion and curiosity. I may not be able to speak for my entire generation, but I can speak for both myself and those closest to me, that our generation is a strong one, often equipped with grit to face challenges. We have faced many hardships already with not only coming of age during the time of COVID-19, but also maturing during a time of various wars taking place overseas and experiencing political unrest in our own divided country. We have seen fundamental rights taken away, and, with that, we have risen to the occasion. I want readers and other journalists to look at my generation and know that we are strong and not afraid to have our voices heard. Let's flash forward 10 years. Where will we find Scarlett Biancuzzo? In 10 years, I'll be pursuing a successful career in journalism. It is my goal to have a career by this time, working for a large news network as a broadcast journalist. Broadcast journalism is truly an open-ended career with countless opportunities that I plan to take, head-on. This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, . Dan McGowan can be reached at
Chicago Tribune
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Fireworks 2025: All the Fourth of July shows in the Chicago area
With the Independence Day holiday comes fireworks — read on to find the best displays near you. Downtown Chicago fireworks at Navy Pier are every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. through Aug. 30, including at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5; more at Almost a hundred Chicago-area communities are listed below, many with celebrations spread out over the Independence Day weekend (July 4 falls on a Friday this year). If no time is mentioned, most displays begin at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.) and last about half an hour. Antioch: Parade at 10:30 a.m. July 4, followed by festivities at 4 p.m. and fireworks at a new site at Sequoit Creek Park (845 Main St.); Arlington Heights: The local Frontier Days Festival at Recreation Park (500 E. Miner St.) is back, running July 2-6. The parade is 10 a.m. July 4; more at But no community fireworks display for 2025. Aurora: The city of Aurora will host an Independence Day fireworks display on July 3, best viewed from Aurora Transportation Center (233 N. Broadway Ave.) with music from DJ Suave Smooth; and McCullough Park (150 W. Illinois Ave.) with music from DJ Pena. Parade in downtown Aurora (from Benton and Broadway) at 10 a.m. July 4; Barrington: Main Street parade at 10 a.m. July 4, then fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Barrington High School (616 W. Main St.); Bartlett: The town's Fourth of July Festival returns to Community Park (corner of South Bartlett and Stearns Roads). Skydivers at 7:35 p.m. July 4, then fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Festivities continue through the weekend, including a parade at 10 a.m. July 5; Batavia: The Batavia Sky Concert will be 9:30 p.m. July 4 in Engstrom Family Park (326 Millview Drive), with fireworks set to music; Beecher: The Fourth of July Commission for the town of Beecher will host the 4th of July Festival from July 2-5. Look for fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Firemen's Park (675 Penfield St.); Bensenville: The Independence Day Parade kicks off the celebration at 10 a.m. on July 4, starting at Town Center (12 S. Center St.) and ending at the Redmond Recreational Complex (545 John St.). LibertyFest begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the Public Works facility at 9:30 p.m.; Berwyn: Gates open for fireworks at 8 p.m. July 3 at Morton West High School (2400 Home Ave.); Blue Island: The Fourth of July Parade will run from Prairie Street on Western Avenue, beginning at noon July 4. Fireworks have not yet been announced; Bolingbrook: Grounds open at 3 p.m. July 4 for music and food vendors at Bolingbrook Golf Club (2001 Rodéo Drive), with fireworks at sunset; Bridgeview: The annual fireworks at Commissioners Park (8100 S. Beloit Ave.) have not yet been posted; more information at Brookfield: The Brookfield Fourth of July Parade has a new route for 2025, starting at Garfield Avenue and heading south on Grand Boulevard. Fireworks have not yet been announced; Buffalo Grove: The annual celebration at Willow Stream Park (651 Old Checker Road) begins with a patriotic-themed concert at 7 p.m. July 4 with the fireworks display at 9 p.m.; Burbank: Party in the Park with a carnival, music and food will be June 26-29 in Narragansett Park (77th St. and Narragansett), with Saturday night fireworks at 9:45 p.m. June 28; Burr Ridge: The Pleasant Dale Park District's fireworks will be at dusk July 3 in Walker Park (7425 S. Wolf Road). Food vendors and family fun begin at 5:30 p.m.; Crystal Lake: Fireworks at dusk July 6 at Main Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive). The parade will kick off at 1 p.m. at City Hall, finishing at Lakeside Festival Grounds; Deerfield: The Deerfield Family Days is back in Shepard Park (440 Grove Place) with live bands, carnival games and food vendors from 5:30 p.m. July 3 and fireworks at dusk. Then a parade at noon July 4 begins at Deerspring Pool (200 Deerfield Road); DeKalb: The celebrations are in Hopkins Park (1403 Sycamore Road), with music and festivities starting at 4 p.m. July 4. Fireworks at dusk; Des Plaines: The community plans a fireworks display June 29 at Oakton College (1600 Golf Road), with gates opening at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Then a parade at 10 a.m. July 4 from the intersection of Center Street and Wicke Avenue; Downers Grove: The Village of Downers Grove Independence Day Parade is 1 p.m. July 4, from Main Street and Grant. The joint Woodridge-Downers Grove fireworks display is 9:30 p.m. July 4 (corner of 75th Street and Lemont Road); Elburn: The Lions Club of Elburn will present a fireworks show on July 12 at Lions Park (500 Filmore St.). Food and nonalcoholic concessions will be sold; Elgin: The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. July 4 at the intersection of Douglas and Slade. Later, there will be food, a pie-eating contest and concerts in Festival Park (132 S. Grove Ave.) and the night will end with a fireworks display on the Fox River; Elk Grove Village: The village's celebration begins with a concert with Cheap Trick music at 8 p.m. July 4 on Rotary Green (164 Lions Drive) and fireworks at 9:30 p.m., sponsored by the Lions Club; Elmwood Park: The village's Fourth of July parade will start at 9 a.m. July 4 at 78th and Fullerton Avenues, ending in the Circle. Gates open for the holiday celebration at Elmwood Park High School (8201 W. Fullerton Ave.) at 6 p.m., Sucker Punch plays at 7:15 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Evergreen Park: The 55th annual community parade and fireworks will be on June 27, with the parade at 6:30 p.m. from 95th and Springfield, followed by fireworks at dusk at Martin B. Duffy Park (92nd and Ridgeway); Evanston: Parade at 2 p.m. July 4 on Central Street, a live band in Dawes Park at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at the lakefront; Fox Lake: Celebrate Fox Lake has a parade that starts at Grant Community High School at 10 a.m. June 28, then an event 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Lakefront Park (10 Riverview Ave.) with fireworks at dusk; Fox River Grove: The town's annual fireworks event opens 6 p.m. July 12 at Picnic Grove Park with music and food before the show; Frankfort: The celebration begins at 7 p.m. July 4 at Main Park (200 S. Locust St.) with music and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; Glencoe: Party in the Park at Lakefront Park (99 Park Ave.) begins 5 p.m. July 3, with live music, food trucks and fireworks over the lake from 9 p.m. The Independence Day Parade steps off at 1 p.m. July 4 in downtown Glencoe; Glen Ellyn: The Fourth of July Parade begins at noon at Memorial Park, with fireworks at dusk at Lake Ellyn Park (645 Lenox Road); Glendale Heights: The annual Glendale Heights Fest is back July 10-13, with a carnival and live music, plus fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 13 in Camera Park (101 E. Fullerton Ave.); Glenview: Northwest suburban Glenview has a parade at 11:20 a.m. July 4 and fireworks show at 9:20 p.m. in Gallery Park (2001 Patriot Blvd.) with music beginning at 6 p.m. and the Glenview Concert Band at 7 p.m.; Gurnee: Fireworks are 9:45 p.m. nightly July 3-5 inside Six Flags Great America (with regular park admission); Also village fireworks for Gurnee Days on Aug. 9; Harvey: The city's celebrations begin at 2 p.m. July 4, with a parade, a carnival and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.; Hawthorn Woods: Fireworks are planned for 9:15 p.m. July 3 at Community Park (5 Park View Lane), with the park opening at 3 p.m. for live music and food vendors; Highland Park: The village plans Independence Day events beginning on July 3 with a festival at the Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave. W). After a remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. July 4, the downtown parade returns at 11 a.m., beginning at First Street and Laurel Avenue. No city fireworks or drone show for 2025; Hoffman Estates: The Northwest Fourth-Fest runs July 2-6, including a carnival, live music, a parade along Illinois Boulevard at 9 a.m. July 4, a drone show at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Village Green, and fireworks 9:30 p.m. July 5 at NOW Arena (5333 Prairie Stone Parkway); Huntley: After a Main Street parade at 4 p.m., the Independence Day fireworks show begins at about 9:30 p.m. July 4 in Deicke Park (11419 IL-47); Itasca: The Village of Itasca has announced that Fourth of July fireworks have been canceled for 2025 due to construction around Hamilton Lakes; Joliet: Joliet Slammers baseball games include fireworks the nights of June 20 and July 4 at Joliet Slammers Stadium (1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive); La Grange: Fireworks from La Grange Country Club will be 9:30 p.m. July 3. The usual viewing space for nonmembers in Waiola Park (corner of 47th Street and Waiola) is closed for construction through October; Lake Forest: The 18th Annual Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks will be July 4 at Deerpath Community Park (400 Hastings Road), set to music. Gate opens for a concert at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk; Lake Zurich: The annual Independence/Family Day at Paulus Park (200 S. Rand Road) begins 10 a.m. July 4 with music and food vendors. Then fireworks are launched over the lake at about 9:15 p.m.; Lemont: For Freedom Days 2025, a July 3 celebration at Centennial Park (16028 W. 127th St.) opens at 4 p.m., with live bands at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; program guide at Libertyville: The fireworks event at Butler Lake Park (835 W. Winchester Road) begins with a concert by the Village Band at 7:30 p.m. July 4 at the Band Shell, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Lincolnshire: The annual Red, White and BOOM! festival will be July 3-4, with food and entertainment July 3 in North Park (1025 Riverwoods Road), followed by a 10 a.m. parade, 2 p.m. cardboard boat regatta and 9:30 p.m. fireworks on July 4 in Spring Lake Park (49 Oxford Drive); Lisle: The village will have July 3 fireworks at Community Park (1800 Short St.) at 9:30 p.m. Also, live music begins at 5:30 p.m. on the Van Kampen Stage. On July 4, a parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Lisle Junior High School (5207 Center Ave.); Lockport: City of Lockport and Lockport Township Park District are hosting the annual fireworks show on July 3 at dusk in Dellwood Park (corner of Woods Drive and Highway 171); Lombard: The village plans to host fireworks at dusk on July 4 at Madison Meadow Park (East Madison Street and South Ahrens Avenue); McHenry: The city's fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. July 13 as part of Fiesta Days at Petersen Park (4300 Petersen Park Road). Fiesta Days will be July 10-20 with carnival rides, live music, an art fair and a July 20 parade; Mokena: The village's annual fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. July 3, with music starting at 5 p.m. in Main Park (10925 W. La Porte Road); Morton Grove: The Morton Grove Days festival July 3-6 has fireworks July 4 at dark at Harrer Park (6140 Dempster St.). Plus a parade at 2:30 p.m., as well as live music and a carnival all weekend; Mount Prospect: The 86th annual Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival will be July 2-6 at Melas Park (1500 W. Central Road) with a carnival, music and fireworks on July 2 (short show) and July 4 at 9:30 p.m.; Mundelein: The Mundelein Community Days 2025 will be June 29 to July 6, mostly near Seymour Avenue and Crystal Street. Fireworks are 9:30 p.m. July 4, with a parade from Mundelein High School (1350 W. Hawley St.) at 1 p.m. July 6; Naperville: The Naperville Salute will not be held this summer, but community fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Frontier Sports Complex (3380 Cedar Glade Drive); New Lenox: Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4 at New Lenox Village Commons (101 Veterans Parkway), with music by Billy Gray Music at 6 p.m., followed by music by the Joliet American Legion Band for the display; North Riverside: The Fourth of July Parade will start at 10 a.m. July 4 on 9th Avenue and 26th Street. Then music and food vendors, including a concert by Hello Weekend, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Commons (2401 S. DesPlaines Ave.), followed by fireworks provided by the Riverside Golf Club; Northbrook: Fireworks at dusk July 4, which can be seen from Techny Prairie Park and Fields (1750 Techny Road) and Meadowhill Park (1479 Maple Ave.). Plus other events all day, including a parade at 4 p.m. from Westmoor School (2500 Cherry Lane); Oak Brook: The annual Taste of Oak Brook returns at 4 p.m. July 3 at the Village Sports Core Fields (700 Oak Brook Road). Fireworks and drone show at dusk; Oak Lawn: Fireworks at dusk (at 9 p.m.) July 4 at Richards High School (10601 Central Ave.). Come back between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. July 5 to help with cleanup; Oak Park: The Village of Oak Park plans a parade at 10 a.m. July 4 from Longfellow Park (Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street), but no fireworks this year; Orland Park: Independence Celebration begins on July 4 with a pet and kids bike parade at 5 p.m., then a concert at 5:30 p.m., followed by Presentation of Colors and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. in Centennial Park West (15609 Park Station Blvd.); Oswego: Fireworks will be at dusk July 4 at Prairie Point Park (4120 Plainfield Road); Ottawa: A fireworks event begins at 8:45 p.m. July 4 on the Fox and Illinois Rivers at Ottawa Township High School (201 E. Main St.); Palatine: The Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest runs July 2-6 in Community Park (256 E. Palatine Road). Fireworks at dusk July 3 and a parade beginning on Wood Street at 11 a.m. July 5; Palos Heights: Inflatables and games from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 3 in Community Park (south of Route 83 on 76th Avenue). At 5 p.m., food and music start in Memorial Park (7600 W. College Drive), followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. A parade kicks off at noon July 4 on Harlem Avenue; Park Forest: A concert featuring Carla Prather at the Village Green (349 Main St.) followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. on July 4; Park Ridge: Live music at 8 p.m. and fireworks at dusk July 3 at Maine East High School (2601 Dempster St.); Pingree Grove: The community's Independence Day Celebration will be July 11-12. A parade starts at 4 p.m. July 12 at Alta Vista Drive and Wester Boulevard, and Mad Bomber fireworks are planned at 9:30 p.m. at Cambridge Lakes (1125 Wester Blvd.); Rochelle: After a Municipal Band concert, the fireworks will be at dusk July 5 in Atwood Park (10th Avenue and 20th Street); Romeoville: Three simultaneous fireworks shows at 9:30 p.m. July 3 at Lukancic Middle School (725 Normantown Road), Volunteer Park (1100 Murphy Drive) and Discovery Park (300 S. Highpoint Drive); Rosemont: The west suburban Parkway Bank Park (5501 Park Place) hosts an annual 'Rockin' In The Park' free concert series. A concert featuring a Bob Seger cover band at 7 p.m. July 4 will have post-show fireworks; Round Lake: Fireworks will be 9:15 p.m. July 5 near the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center (2007 Civic Center Way), with bands and festivities for Beachfest beginning at 5 p.m.; Sandwich: The annual Sandwich Freedom Days is back with a 10 a.m. July 5 parade, then fireworks at dusk at Sandwich Fairgrounds (1401 Suydam Road); Schaumburg: The popular way to see fireworks in Schaumburg is to catch a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game at Wintrust Field (1999 S. Springinsguth Road). There will be fireworks after select home games, including July 3-5; Skokie: The town hosts a downtown parade at noon July 4. It's followed by a family festival at 6:30 p.m. at Niles West High School (5701 W. Oakton St.), with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Sleepy Hollow: A daylong holiday celebration July 4 includes a parade at 11:30 a.m. in Sabatino Park (Winmoor Drive and Thorobred Lane). Then the fireworks are 9:30 p.m. July 6, with gates open at 7 p.m.; South Holland: A Family Fun Festival runs noon to 4 p.m. July 4 at Veterans Memorial Park (500 E. 160th Place), followed by fireworks at dusk; Spring Grove: The July 4 celebration will include a noon parade at Winn Road and Highview Street and fireworks at dusk, best viewed from Thelen Park (8516 Winn Road); St. Charles: The St. Charles Park District is planning fireworks at dusk on July 4, launching from Langum Park. Best viewing will be on the south side of downtown St. Charles, plus parts of Langum Park (50 Devereaux Way) and Mt. St. Mary Park along Geneva Road (look for a red balloon during the afternoon to check your view); Tinley Park: Festivities in McCarthy Park (16801 S. 80th Ave.) kick off with live music by Five Guys Named Moe at 4 p.m. July 4, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Vernon Hills: The parade will start at 9 a.m. July 4 at the corner of Deerpath and Atrium Drive. Music begins in Century Park (1002 Lakeview Parkway) at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks around 9:15 p.m; Wauconda: The Big Bang fireworks celebration is dusk July 3 at Bangs Lake; Waukegan: Music for ROCK in the U.S.A. begins at 6 p.m. July 4 at Green Town on the Rocks (175 N. Harbor Place). Fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. at the Waukegan lakefront; Warrenville: Organized by the Warrenville Friends of the 4th, the celebration kicks off with festivities in Cerny Park (4S150 River Road) at 5 p.m. and a parade at 6 p.m. July 3. Then fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4; Westmont: The Independence Day Celebration will begin at 4 p.m. July 4 at Ty Warner Park (800 Blackhawk Drive), with fireworks at 9:30 p.m., launched from the Willow Crest Golf Club north of the park. Also, food trucks and music; Wheaton: Independence Day will be celebrated with a carnival from 5:30 p.m. and fireworks and drone show around 9 p.m. July 3 in Graf Park (1855 Manchester Road), plus a downtown parade at 10 a.m. July 4; Wheeling: The village's Rock 'n' Run the Runway event is June 28, with bands from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m., all at Chicago Executive Airport (1080 S. Milwaukee Ave.); program at Wilmette: Fun & Fireworks is planned for July 3; festivities and music begin at 5 p.m. and fireworks at dusk at Gillson Park, on the lakefront north of the harbor; Winnetka: The Fourth of July parade starts at 10 a.m. July 4 at the corner of Elm Street and Glendale. Concert and the Jesse White Tumblers begin at 7 p.m. at Duke Child's Field (1321 Willow Road) before fireworks at 9:20 p.m.; Woodridge: The annual 4th of July Picnic is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Castaldo Park (3024 71st St.) Later, the joint Woodridge-Downers Grove fireworks display is 9:30 p.m. July 4 (corner of 75th Street and Lemont Road); Woodstock: Fireworks begin at dusk on July 4 in Emricson Park (900 South St.). The park opens 7 p.m.; Yorkville: The town is planning a July 4 celebration with a parade starting at 9 a.m. at Yorkville High School and ending at Town Square Park. Fireworks begin at dusk near the corner of Route 47 and Countryside Parkway; Email us to add a show to this list.
CBS News
30-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Dad of teen girl killed by Metra train in Barrington, Illinois wants to know why there's still no pedestrian gate
The father of a 17-year-old girl hit and killed by a Metra train in Barrington, Illinois, last year says his grief will never go away — and he is ramping up his fight to keep other students safe. Mike Lacson is raising new concerns about why it has taken the Village of Barrington so long to install a pedestrian gate to prevent such tragedies. Lacson's daughter, Marin Lacson, was on her way to Barrington High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, when she was struck and killed by a Union Pacific Northwest Metra train. Almost a year and a half later, there are still fresh flowers. Marin Lacson Family Photo/CBS But there is no pedestrian gate. "I can't believe that 15 months in, we're still asking for gates to be put up," said Mike Lacson. Lacson's interview with CBS News Chicago was the first time he spoke one-on-one about losing his daughter — and the pain that never goes away. "There's no healing for us. There's no healing from this," he said. "It's learning to live with it." Marin was a junior at Barrington High School. Like dozens of other students, she crossed the tracks at Hough and Main streets to get to school on that gray, foggy January morning last year. She waited for one Metra train to pass. When it did, she began to cross — and a train coming from the other direction hit her. "The witnesses that saw the accident — I think one of them actually said, you know, that train jumped out of the fog," said Lacson. Shortly after Marin's death, Lacson began fighting for a pedestrian gate at the crossing. Dozens in the community joined him. "We will not take excuses anymore," said Roma Khan. Khan and other activists are also fueled by the knowledge that Marin wasn't the only student hit at Hough and Main streets. Eleven years earlier, then-11-year-old Dominic Szymanski lost his foot in a similar incident. CBS News Chicago spoke to Dominic's mom last year. "I had very strong feelings about what needed to change," said Gayle Szymanski. "My answer was gates." In February 2024, CBS News Chicago asked then-Barrington Village President Karen Darch if she thought the village had dropped the ball at the Metra crossing. "I feel like it has been — we can put things place that enhance safety," said Darch. Darch said at the time that getting a gate was complicated. But officials said one should be in place by early 2025. A frustrated Lacson confronted the Barrington Village Board this past April. "You've delayed this process," he told the board. "You have delayed this process." In fact, it took until late March of this year for the Village of Barrington event o submit a petition, as is required for the project, to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Lacson said this also followed 14 months of victim-blaming. "They are actively telling people it is Marin's fault," he said, "and I'm not going to accept that, because if there were pedestrian gates there, she would still be here." Newly elected Illinois state Sen. Darby Hills lives in Barrington. "This has been an issue my constituents have been bringing up to me from day one," Hills said. Hills supports a ped gate at the crossing too. "I, again, am jumping into this, and I'm trying to find out where the missteps are, or where there's some sort of way I can help," said Hills. Lacson and his wife recently met with Marin's lacrosse teammates at what would have been one of her final games as a senior. "One more thing," he told the girls on the team. "Hug your parents." Some members of the team wore shirts in Marin's honor. Lacson said his way of honoring his daughter will be getting that gate installed — and he is going to keep fighting until it happens. "Absolutely," he said. "Absolutely." So why the delay? According to a Barrington village spokesperson, the Illinois Commerce Commission — which must improve the ped gate — recommended that all renderings and reports be completed before the project petition was submitted. The ICC will hold a hearing on the hearing on the ped gate on Thursday, June 5.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Memorial Day events in RI: Parades, Boots on the Ground for Heroes and more
It's the gateway to summer and the fashion maven's first chance to wear white shoes, but Memorial Day weekend is first and foremost a solemn recognition of the men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedom of all Americans. Pay your respects by bringing the family to one of the many parades and wreath-laying ceremonies across the state. And then try some of our other suggestions to get into the summertime spirit. Barrington ( Monday, May 26. The day starts with a wreath-laying at Barrington High School at 9 a.m., followed by a parade from the school to Town Hall, where there will be a formal ceremony at 11 a.m. with bagpipers, speeches and another wreath-laying. Charlestown ( Sunday, May 25. At 1 p.m., the parade steps off on Old Post Road at Ridgewood Drive, winding along Route 1A and Route 1 to Narrow Lane. There are observances during the parade at Cross' Mills Baptist Church and Cold Brook; another follows at Charlestown Naval Airfield Memorial at Ninigret Park. East Greenwich ( Monday, May 26. Starting at 10 a.m., the parade steps off at Academy Field and winds through the Hill and Harbor District via Mawney Street to First Avenue for a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial on Cliff Street. Closing ceremonies and a fly-over by the 143rd Airlift Wing follow at Town Hall. East Providence, Monday, May 26. The annual parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Old Oldham School on Bullocks Point Avenue and proceeds to American Legion Post 10 on Willett Avenue. Exeter ( Sunday, May 25. The town celebrates its 50th annual Memorial Day Parade this year along Route 102, winding from Sunderland Road to the Exeter Public Library. It steps off at 1 p.m., followed by a ceremony honoring veterans and family fun at the library. Lincoln ( Monday, May 26. Stepping off from Keefe Funeral Home at 11 a.m., the parade moves down Smithfield Avenue to Chase Farm, where there will be a celebration with food trucks and live music. North Providence ( Monday, May 26. The annual event steps off at 1 p.m. from North Providence High School on Mineral Spring Avenue, turning onto Douglas Avenue and ending at Governor John A. Notte Jr. Park with a closing ceremony, wreath-laying and food. South Kingstown ( Monday, May 26. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Holley and Main streets in Wakefield and concludes at the Saugatucket Park Veterans Monument at 101 High St. There, a ceremony will include musical performances, an honor guard gun salute and a wreath-laying. Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery will host its annual grave-flagging ceremony on Saturday, May 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The effort encourages volunteers and visitors to 'take the flags and go to any section to place the flags at the top of each headstone.' On Monday, May 26, the cemetery will host the annual service to veterans beginning at 1 p.m. Gov. Dan McKee and other dignitaries are expected to attend. Rogers High School senior Grace Rochelle will serve as the keynote speaker, delivering her first-place essay in the VFW Voice of Democracy contest. Boots on the Ground for Heroes ( Fort Adams State Park, Newport. This patriotic display of more than 7,000 boots and flags will be open for remembrance and to honor post-9/11 fallen U.S. service members. Each boot bears the service member's name, photo and biographical information. The event, sponsored by Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, is free and open to the public May 23, 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and May 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival ( May 24 to 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway, Warwick. Stroll the blocked-off streets around Pawtuxet Park and browse the handcrafted wares of more than 100 fine artisans while enjoying live music, games and fair food. The event is family-friendly and free. Newport Vineyards ( 909 East Main Road, Middletown, celebrates Memorial Day weekend and kicks off its 30th anniversary summer by opening its Tank Patio. On Friday, May 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the area will overflow with live music, free axe throwing on Friday, cupcake pairings on Saturday and the chance to enjoy beer and wine tastings, sangria slushies and treats from the new charcuterie cart or the patio menu. Rogue Island Comedy Festival ( runs from May 22 to 25 in locations around Newport. This year's lineup includes Natasha Legerro, Ian Lara, Geoffrey Asmus and more. Ticket prices vary. Roger Williams Park Zoo ( 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Enjoy Breakfast with the Elephants before the zoo opens on Saturday, May 24, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. After a hot meal al fresco, you can join zookeepers to learn about training, feeding and caring for the zoo's herd of African elephants. You'll even help prepare the yard for the day and perhaps watch as an elephant creates a piece of custom art. Later the same day, regular zoo admission allows you to take part in Penguin Palooza (rain date is May 25) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The new penguin habitat will be ceremoniously opened with penguin-themed activities and treats. Rhode Island Football Club ( hosts the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, May 24, at 4 p.m. at its Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket. It's Military Appreciation Day and tickets start at $27. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 2025 Memorial Day events in RI: Parades, Boots on the Ground and more
