HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WGN) — The city of Highland Park continues to reimagine its Fourth of July events, after the tragic mass shooting nearly three years ago that killed seven and left dozens more wounded.
This year, the city will host events over two days, starting with a community festival on Thursday night, the eve of the Fourth of July holiday. Festivities get underway at 5:30 p.m., as the north suburb hosts a night filled with food, fun, and music, free for all to attend.
For years, the festival took place on July 4, shortly after the parade, but after a gunman opened fire at parade-goers in 2022, organizers canceled the festivities.
Now, the festival is back, with a new location at a city park, a new date, and a rebrand as the kick-off to the Fourth of July.
WGN-TV spoke with Park District Executive Director Brian Romes about the changes.
“This is something we’ve talked about for years,” Romes said. “I think it gives people an opportunity to make a decision that they feel most comfortable with.”
Romes says there will also be additional security at the festival to ease concerns people may have about large gatherings. A remembrance for the victims of the mass shooting is also set for Friday morning, with the city’s annual Fourth of July parade to follow.
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