Here’s a list of Independence Day activities in DeKalb County.
DeKALB
Fireworks
TODAY: The Independence Day celebration today starts with vendors opening at 2 p.m. and ends with fireworks at dusk at Hopkins Park. Bring chairs, blankets, games and appetites for an afternoon and evening with family and friends. Food booths from many local caterers, grills and vendors will be on-site in the early afternoon. The DeKalb Municipal Band will perform in the band shell before and during the fireworks. Fireworks are co-sponsored by the DeKalb Park District and city of DeKalb.
KIRKLAND
Fourth of July Celebration
The Kirkland Lions Club is holding its 64th consecutive Fourth of July Celebration this week. Proceeds from the event are used for Lions’ charitable work throughout the year. All events will take place at Franklin Township Park, 290 South St., unless otherwise noted.
Today: Pancake breakfast in the park from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Parade at 11 a.m. Pork chop dinner served in the park at noon. Live music by Enroute will be held in the beer garden from noon to 3 p.m. All other activities are open from noon to 10 p.m., including bingo. “Excited About Science” will demo from 1 to 2 p.m. Kirkland/Hiawatha Open House will be from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the elementary school gym. Aloha Hula Girls Polynesian show will be from 2 to 3 p.m. The Magic of Brian Holt will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Pedal pulls for the youngsters will take place at 4 p.m. in the middle of the park. Lewis Dance Progressions will appear from 5 to 6 p.m. The Couch Coins Band will appear from 6 to 8 p.m. Blooze Brothers will perform in the beer tent from 6 to 9 p.m. Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Winners of the raffle drawing will be announced in the park after the fireworks.
For more information, visit www.Kirkland4thofJuly.com or call chairman Allan Banks at 815-739-6244.
SHABBONA
Fireworks
Today: Join the Shabbona Fireworks Committee as it celebrates the country’s birthday with fireworks reflecting off the waters of Shabbona Lake. Shabbona Lake State Park is a 1,550-acre park located on the south edge of Shabbona. The lake is 318 acres with more than 6 miles of shoreline. Four years ago, the Shabbona Fireworks Committee was formed to save the 20-year tradition of fireworks being shot directly over Shabbona Lake. The committee has succeeded with public support from attendees and donations from businesses and residents of Shabbona. The committee uses area youth groups to collect a voluntary $10 per car entering the park or at nearby Indian Oaks Country Club. Ten percent of the money collected goes to the community groups. The remaining 90 percent is used for next year’s fireworks. For more information, email committee@shabbonafireworks.com or visit www.shabbonafireworks.com.
SANDWICH
Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday: The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Lineup will be at the Sandwich Fairgrounds between 8:30 and 9:45 a.m. Indian Valley Community Band concert will immediately follow the parade downtown at the gazebo in Veteran’s Park. Sandwich Fire Department water fights will be held at the fire station.
Sunday: The planned fireworks display has been canceled because of hot and dry conditions. Freedom Tot Trot will be at 7:45 a.m., 1-Mile Run at 8 a.m., and 5K Run at 8:30 a.m. Cub Scout Pancake Breakfast will be from 7 a.m. to noon at the Sandwich Fire Station, 311 E. Railroad St. Federated Church morning service will be at 9 a.m. downtown near the gazebo. Sign-up for the custom motorcycle show will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with awards at 3:15 p.m. downtown near the gazebo. “Walk Down Memory Lane” will be at 1 p.m., hosted by the Sandwich Historical Society at the fire station.
