FIREWORKS
July 3 | Graf Park | 5:30-9:30P
Details
Fireworks are currently set to start at dusk (approximately 9 pm). The evening’s event will include lawn games, concessions, DJ, and giveaways. A local scout troop will provide a flag ceremony in Graf Park before the fireworks show.
No alcoholic beverages, sparklers, or smoke bombs will be permitted in the park.
Parking
Please be kind to our neighbors when parking on residential streets.
ANNUAL PARADE
July 4 | Downtown Wheaton | Steps Off at 11A
This year’s parade theme is Celebrate Our Freedom!
July 4 is not only a celebration of our nation’s independence and a special day in America’s history but a celebration of our freedom. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Every year, Americans honor the 4th of July as the birthday of the United States with firework shows, parades, and backyard barbecues while reflecting on our great nation with loved ones. We all missed these celebrations in 2020 and are excited to bring them back for the community this year.
For your entry, display your patriotic spirit and show how the theme most resonates with you this year, perhaps a celebration of a new business, reopening your doors, celebrating a milestone, or simply celebrating the present.
All entries will be eligible to win an award in one of the categories listed below. All entries will be judged at the viewing stand on Union Avenue.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 Parade!
Parade winners:
Best Youth Group | Chi-City Tumblers
Best Non-Profit | St. John Lutheran Church & School
Go Green | Wheaton Nurseries
Best Neighborhood | LOVV-The Dance Studio
Carlson’s Best of Show | Mid-USA Falun Dafa Association
Mayor’s Spirit | Wheaton Municipal Band
Best Musical Entry | Prom Band
Bart Loiacono Most Creative | Downtown Wheaton Association
Best Use of Theme | Justin Burau
Most Patriotic | Wheaton Sports Center
Best Political | Milton Township Republican Central Committee
Awards may be picked up on weekdays from 9A-54P at the Wheaton Park District office located at 855 W. Prairie Ave.
2021 Judging Categories*
Most Patriotic | Symbolizes America and the Fourth of July
Best Youth Group | Best entry from participants under 16 yrs. old
Best Nonprofit | Best entry from a nonprofit (includes churches)
Best Neighborhood | Best entry by a Wheaton neighborhood
Carlson’s Best of Show | Overall best entry/float
Mayor’s Spirit | Best representation of Wheaton
Best Musical | Best entry performing music
Bart Loiacono Most Creative | A creative idea brought to fruition
Best Use of Theme | Best use of current parade theme
Go Green | Best Use of Recycled Materials
Best Political | A political entry that entertains or is patriotic
*Paid entries are not eligible for awards
Parade Parking
The parking options listed below are free and available to the public on weekends:
Wheaton Place Garage
232 W Wesley St, 1st & 2nd Floor
Willow Avenue Garage
220 S Cross St, 1st Floor
Public Parking Lot #2
South side of 100 block of Wesley St
MEDIA GALLERY:
2019 Image Gallery
View all images from the 2019 celebration at https://bit.ly/3cbyRGg
Videos by City of Wheaton
CONTACT US:
Questions?
Please contact Margie Wilhelmi, Director of Marketing at mwilhelmi@wheatonparks.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Please contact Amy Seklecki, Superintendent of Marketing & Special Events at aseklecki@wheatonparks.org.