Community Corner
Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills Ready for Fourth of July
Before the fireworks, Monday's activities will include a parade, a turtle race, and even some Domino's Pizza.
Grab your sunscreen and get ready for a Fourth of July filled with fun in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills.
The ’s Independence Day celebration kicks off with the annual parade that draws crowds of spectators. Participants in the parade include marching bands, community organizations and costumed characters.
“It’s a long-standing tradition,” said Gina Hassett, Hinsdale's director of parks and recreation. “The streets are heavily lined with families that invite multiple generations out for the parade. We’ve even seen breakfast buffets.”
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The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Sixth and Garfield streets, then heads north to First Street. It will continue west to Grant Street, turn to the south on Grant and end at Sixth and Grant streets.
“The folks that line along the streets really get into it,” Hassett said. “It’s an important part of their summer.”
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After the parade, head over to Burlington Park, 19 E. Chicago Ave., where the celebration continues with the annual Family Festival. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 100 arts and crafts vendors will be selling their creations.
“They are all hand-made,” Hassett said of the items for sale.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free activities for children include giant inflatables, free table-top carnival games and face painting. Food vendors will also be selling refreshments.
At 11:30 a.m., the Rotary Club of Hinsdale will host the 5th Annual Turtle Races at the west end of the park, featuring “real, live turtles.” More than 20 trophies will be awarded.
The West Suburban Concert Band will perform a free concert from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the park.
Also on Monday, the weekly farmer’s market—hosted by the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce—will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in a parking lot adjacent to Burlington Park.
“There’s a little bit of everything,” Hassett said of the day’s activities.
While Burlington Park’s mature trees provide a lot of natural shade, Hassett reminds those joining in the outdoor celebration to be prepared for the high temperatures forecast for Monday.
“Bring lots of fluids,” Hassett said. “It’s supposed to be a hot one.”
For more information about the July 4 events, contact the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department at 630-789-7090.
Next door in Clarendon Hills, the Clarendon Hills Park District will hold its annual Summer Fest from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 4 at Prospect Park, 315 Chicago Ave. The Park District will be handing out free Domino’s Pizza and beverages. In addition, two inflatables will be on site for children to jump around.
“We started it about two years ago,” said Katie Gock, recreation supervisor at the Clarendon Hills Park District. “A lot of people start coming out when it gets dark for the fireworks.”
The fireworks show at nearby Hinsdale Golf Club, 140 Chicago Ave., starts around 9:30 p.m. While the private golf club is not open to the public, residents can see the fireworks from Prospect Park.
“A lot of people sit on the sled hill, and they sit on the outfield of the baseball field,” Gock said.
For more information contact the park district at 630-323-2626.
