7/3-7/4: Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 2025 - July 4, 2025
Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate all week long!
This year’s theme, Stars, Stripes & Summer, captures the essence of American pride and community spirit. The stars and stripes symbolize our flag, honoring our nation’s independence, our service members, freedom, and unity. Summer represents a time of celebration—a season filled with sunshine, backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and festive community events. Together, they create a perfect backdrop for a fun, meaningful celebration where everyone can come together to enjoy good food, great company, and patriotic pride under starry summer skies.
Any delays or cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted here, the Wheaton Park District Facebook page, and RainoutLine.
JULY 3 | Festivities & Fireworks | Graf Park | 5:30P
Fireworks, Drone Show and Fun:
Gather your crew, show your pride, and come enjoy a family-friendly evening full of laughter, lights, and local flavor!
Drone show will be visible from Graf Park only.
Food Vendors:
Don’t miss treats from these amazing food vendors!*
302 Wheaton
Dippin’ Dots
Genoa Italian Concession
Kori’s Koop
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Snowie Shaved Ice
*List subject to change. Fees apply.
Parking:
Access to DuPage County Fairground parking lots for the July 3 event will only be allowed from County Farm Road.
Park Policies:
The use of sparklers, smoke bombs or any other type of fireworks is prohibited. Individuals will be held responsible for any damage caused.
NO PETS allowed in the park. Service animals are permitted.
Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
No firearms are permitted to be taken into Wheaton Park District buildings or onto Wheaton Park District grounds. The Wheaton Park District is a government agency and pursuant to Illinois’ Concealed Carry Law restrictions.
No weapons (including pocket knives) of any kind are allowed on the property.
All tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars and vaping are not allowed. Smoking of any kind is prohibited in Graf Park, including marijuana.
JULY 4 | Parade | Downtown Wheaton | 10A
Parade:
Join Wheaton’s 2025 Independence Day Parade to celebrate with your community!
Be sure to decorate your parade entry in red, white, and blue to celebrate the 2025 theme of Stars, Stripes, and Summer!
For the safety of all parade participants, spectators, and volunteers, please stay at or behind the curb at all times.
Parade Grand Marshal:
Steven Fixler
This year, the parade’s Grand Marshal will be Wheaton resident, Steven Fixler, a retired U.S. Army Major, who completed 25 years of service from 1979-2004 as both an Armor Enlisted and Armor Officer.
As an officer, Steven Fixler held the positions as a Tank Platoon Leader and Tank Company Executive Officer, Scout Platoon Leader and Headquarters Company Executive Officer (West Germany), where he also deployed to Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Tank Company Commander (Ft. Carson, CO), Tank Battalion Executive Officer (South Korea) and Cavalry Squadron Operations Officer (Ft. Knox, KY).
During his career, he also held positions as an Observer/Trainer for National Guard units, Assistant Professor of Military Science (University of Minnesota) and Operations Officer for United States Army Troop Command – Korea (Yongsan).
From 2002-2010, he volunteered at the U.S. Army Armor Museum/Patton Museum. Since 2005, he has volunteered at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, where he gives tours of the Main Exhibit Hall and the Tank Park. Steven currently works for the Veterans Assistance Commission of DuPage County.
More Information
Contact Us:
Please contact Kim Prazak, Assistant Director of Arrowhead Operations at [email protected].
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Please contact Margie Wilhelmi, Director of Marketing at [email protected].
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