Promising to spice up Rockford’s annual fireworks display, the 2025 show will include new features and launch from the Jefferson Street Bridge for the first time in 25 years.
You won’t be able to see the show from the old tried and true viewing locations at Davis Park and Ingersoll Centennial Park, so chances are you may need to find a new place to enjoy the pyrotechnic display.
Here’s what you need to know about Rockford’s 2025 Fourth of July celebration.
Why is the fireworks show moving?
After more than two decades launching from a former ComEd site across from Davis Park in downtown Rockford, the Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee is moving its launch site back to the Jefferson Street Bridge.
It’s a location that offers nostalgia for some and something new for more recently arrived Rockfordians, 4th of July Civic Committee Co-Chairman Ted O’Donnell said.
More importantly, it allows operators to put on a new display that wouldn’t have been visible enough from its older launch site: Ground effects using new pyrotechnic technologies.
“We thought, OK, let’s bring a whole new show and spice it up and make it something different,” O’Donnell said. “It gives it a new feel, but then it also throws it back to the days that Rockfordians will remember and bring a touch of nostalgia.”
What are the best viewing spots?
View the show from Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St.; the Riverview Ice House parking lot, 324 N. Madison St.; Joe Marino Park, 100 N. Water St.; Haight Park, 451 Lafayette Ave.; the State Street Bridge; the Chestnut Street Bridge; the Rockford Riverwalk; or Rockford Museum Park parking lot, 711 N. Main St. Great views are also available from boats in the Rock River.
Is the show set to music?
The 30-minute fireworks show is put on Pyrotechnico, billed as the largest fireworks company in North America. It is expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. The display is synced to patriotic and feel-good music that will play on 103.1 FM. The fireworks show will be broadcast on WTVO-17.
This ain’t free. How can you help?
The fireworks show is organized by the all-volunteer Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee and paid for through sponsorships and donations. The overall event costs an estimated $80,000 to put on, of which $60,000 is for the fireworks display itself. Support this years show by buying beverages at the City Market Pavilion on July 4 or log on to 4thandlights.com and make a donation. There will also be signs around downtown with a QR code that can be scanned from your phone and donation booth at the City Market Pavilion, 100 N. Water St. You can also mail in a donation to the Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee, 728 N. Prospect St., Suite 107, Rockford, IL. 61107.
Are there any plans for entertainment?
Free concerts are planned as part of the celebration. Vendors open at the City Market Pavilion starting at 4 p.m.
City Market Pavilion: 5 to 630 p.m. — That 70’s Band | 7 to 9 p.m. — On the Rocks
Beattie Park Gazebo: 7 to 9 p.m. — Mr. Ed
Is the parade route moving?
There are no changes to parade route or time this year. Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. with a motorcycle parade followed by a 4:50 p.m. Screw City Jeep Club parade and at 5 p.m. patriotic parade. The parade route kicks off on 7th Street, heads north, heads west on East State Street, crosses the bridge and continues until it disbands at Church Street.
What bridges will close?
Park on the side of downtown where you will be headed after the fireworks show because bridges will be closed.
The Jefferson Street Bridge will close at noon July 3 at East Jefferson and North First streets and at West Jefferson and Wyman streets. It will remained closed until midnight July 4. The pedestrian bridge under Jefferson Street Bridge will be closed July 3 and reopen July 5.
Main roads downtown for the parade will close starting at 2 pm on July 4. Most roads will open back up after the parade. Jefferson Street Bridge, State Street Bridge and Chestnut Street Bridge will stay closed all night. The Whitman Street Bridge, Auburn Street Bridge and Morgan Street Bridge will remain open throughout the day.
After the parade, barricades will be moved away from the outer parade perimeter and tighter around the event perimeter in downtown Rockford. It should allow for more access to parking and the downtown.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 7 things to know before you head to Rockford’s fireworks show and best places to watch
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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