Two major July 4th fireworks celebrations are happening this summer, but they will not be the large scale events they’ve been in the past.
Freedom Fest, which happens July 2nd at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, will be having a fireworks display. Gates open at 4 p.m., and the fireworks will begin around 9:15 p.m. Kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals will be available from 4 to 7 p.m., but there will be no food vendors and no other entertainment. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is encouraging people to avoid gathering in large crowds. Admission is $2 person. Military and children under 5 are free.
The Champaign County Freedom Celebration will be doing fireworks on July 4th. There will be no parade or 5K, and no food vendors or other entertainment that evening. The fireworks display will happen in the E-14 lot on the U of I campus. There will be a special radio broadcast on 97.5 FM, 107.9 FM, and 1400 WDWS NewsTalk AM from 3 to 9 p.m. featuring bands from C-U. Find information about parking and more here.
Top photo by Sam Logan.