HOW TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY AMID CORONAVIRUS

Fourth of July Firework shows doubtful in many local areas due to COVID-19 concerns

The Coronavirus pandemic is extending into its fifth official month, as many local communities within the Chicagoland area are cancelling their annual Fourth of July firework shows. Many communities began implementing social distancing guidelines and Stay at Home orders in mid-March, resulting in the cancellation of many upcoming events, including Independence Day celebrations. Citizens who hoped that things would return to normal by the Fourth of July are probably disappointed to learn that many communities have cancelled their annual shows or are not allowing the shows to be open to the public.

The annual Fourth of July fireworks show held in Lemont has been cancelled, but the town will host a parade on July 3. Mokena, on the other hand, cancelled their parade, but will host a firework show on July 4. Details will be provided at a later time. Lockport and Frankfort have both cancelled their annual Firework shows, while New Lenox will host a parade honoring essential workers on July 4 at 11am.

The city of Joliet will host their 74th annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4 at 9:15 PM. Unlike previous years, spectators will not be allowed to be inside the stadium prior to or during the firework show, according to Joliet Chamber of Commerce President Jan Howard. However, there are no restrictions on being in the parking lot or close to the stadium, according to the official calendar event listing posted on Patch.com The firework show held at Memorial Stadium is a longstanding tradition and many local citizens, like Dmitri Gab, are happy the event hasn’t been cancelled.

“I’ve been going to the firework show here [in Joliet] all my life,” Dmitri Gab stated, “It’s nice to know that they’re still doing it this year. I look forward to it every single year.”

Another Joliet location that usually hosts firework shows is Silver Cross Field in Downtown Joliet. The Joliet Slammers, a semi-professional baseball team based in Joliet usually sets off fireworks after their games, but with the Coronavirus pandemic, their season has not begun and it is doubtful that they will set off fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend.