Planning your Fourth of July festivities? Consider taking a trip out to Starved Rock Country this upcoming holiday weekend and catch some of the best fireworks displays Central Illinois has to offer. Here’s our top five list of must-see fireworks shows in Starved Rock Country.
Celebrate LaSalle Fireworks
Downtown LaSalle
June 26th - Dusk
LaSalle’s biggest block party of the year is back! Celebrate La Salle returns Jun 24 -27 for four days of classic car shows, kids carnivals and amazing live music. Featured performers at this year’s fest include 80′ hair rock tribute band Hairbanger’s Ball, popular Chicago-based dance and party outfit Libido Funk Circus, the ultimate Eagles tribute show 7 Bridges and International Polka Hall of Famer Steve Meisner. Saturday night’s festivities will conclude with the city’s annual fireworks display, which can be conveniently viewed from the festival site downtown.
Mendota’s Independence Day Celebration
Lake Mendota Park
June 26th - Approx. 9:30 p.m.
The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Independence Day celebration at Lake Mendota Park. Gates will open to the public at 7 p.m., with a beautiful fireworks display following at approximately 9:30 p.m. In addition to this free fireworks show, you’ll find delicious Mexican available at the Tacos Guzman food truck and a booth where the local Lions Club will once again be selling their popular corn dogs.
Utica’s Independence Day Celebration
Carey Memorial Park
July 2nd - Dusk
Utica’s annual firework festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with games and activities for kids being offered at Carey Memorial Park, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary food will also be available at the park’s pavilion (while supplies last) alongside another food vendor on-site. Fireworks are expected begin at dusk. In addition to the beautiful fireworks display, the Village of North Utica will also be hosting a vendor show located in the nearby Canal Market on July 3rd and 4th, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Grundy County Fair Fireworks
Grundy Country Fairgrounds
July 3rd - 9:30 p.m.
Part of the Grundy Country Fair, Morris’ impressive fireworks display is paired with five full days of fun fair activities, carnival rides, music, agricultural displays and live animals. Following the fireworks show, the fair ground dance hall will be featuring Southern Draw Band, who have developed a following around the Chicago area for their dance-friendly Southern Rock.
Sheridan 4th of July Fireworks
Sheridan School Grounds
July 4th - Dusk
Sheridan hosts one of the hidden gem of Starved Rock Country’s fireworks displays. Known locally for its long and elaborate shows, as well as it’s delicious carnival food vendors. This is a can’t miss show in the Northern reaches of Starved Rock Country, start making your plans today.
Ottawa 4th of July Fireworks
Downtown Ottawa/Ottawa High
July 4th - Dusk
Considered one of the biggest and best fireworks displays in Starved Rock Country, Ottawa’s show offers beautiful panorama views of fireworks reflecting off the river. This unique setting offers convenient viewing sites at the high school bleachers or from the bluffs along the Illinois & Fox Rivers, where the show can be viewed from either on shoreline or from inside your boat.
Streator 4th of July Celebration
Downtown Streator/Northpoint Plaza/Anderson Fields
July 11th - 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks are just one part of Streator’s weeklong Fourth of July festivities this year. The city will be hosting an impressive lineup of events, including a car show, a 5K marathon, carnival, talent show and live music, featuring headliners Lita Ford, Joe Nichols, Buckcherry and Colt Ford! Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m. on July 11 at Anderson Fields Golf Course.
More Starved Rock Country Fireworks Shows:
Saturday, July 3
Minonk: 10 p.m.
Peru: Dusk on Water Street
Princeton: Dusk at Zearing Park
Sandwich: Dusk.
Sunday, July 4
Hennepin: Dusk
Henry: Dusk on Illinois River.
Leland: Dusk behind Leland School.
Walnut: Dusk
Saturday, July 10
Marseilles: Dusk.
Saturday, Aug. 14
Wenona: Dusk