No matter where you are on the political spectrum, we all can agree: Fireworks displays are a fun way to celebrate America.
Not all of the area fireworks shows, festivals and celebrations are taking place on the actual holiday.
Here is the 411 on nine area fireworks extravaganzas.
Rockford Fourth of July Celebration
What: Patriotic parade, live music and a Fourth of July fireworks spectacular launching from the Jefferson Street Bridge for the first time in 25 years to allow for more pyrotechnics.
When: Parades begin about 4:30 p.m. July 4 with a motorcycle parade followed by a 4:50 p.m. Screw City Jeep Club parade and a 5 p.m. patriotic parade. Live entertainment on the City Market stage starting at 5 p.m. Fireworks expected at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Rockford (Joe Marino Park, Beattie Park Gazebo and City Market Pavilion followed by fireworks launched from the Jefferson Street Bridge.)
More: 4thandlights.com
Belvidere Heritage Days
What: An annual festival celebrating the Belvidere community and its history. Plans include a foam party and laser light show downtown June 27, culminating with a concert and fireworks June 28 at the Boone Conty Fairgrounds.
When: Fireworks June 28 at dark.
Where: Events are planned in downtown Belvidere and at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
More: Belvidere Heritage Days on Facebook.
Davis Junction fireworks
What: Davis Junction celebrates Independence Day with a fireworks display.
When: Fireworks at dusk July 3.
Where: Davis Junction Community Park at 101 Lincoln Avenue.
More: davisjunction.com
Village of Winnebago Fourth of July Celebration
What: Parade and fireworks.
When: Parade starts at 10 a.m. July 3, with lineup starting at 8 a.m. on McNair Road. Fireworks begin after dusk July 3 at Winnebago High School, 200 E McNair Road.
More: Village of Winnebago on Facebook.
Byron Fourth of July Fireworks Show
What: Byron hosts its free annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show featuring food vendors and concession stands followed by a 20-minute show set to music.
When: Doors open at 6 p.m. July 4.
Where: Byron Dragway, 7287 N River Road in Byron.
Shabbona Fourth of July Parade & Festival
What: Organizers brag it is the “best fireworks show in Northern Illinois.” It’s taken place annually at Lake Shabbona in DeKalb County for more than four decades. Festival starts with pancake breakfast and includes crafters and a parade in the village of Shabbona. Fireworks at the lake after dark.
When: Festival 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. followed by fireworks at dusk July 4.
Where: Village of Shabbona and Lake Shabbona State Park.
More: dekalbcountycvb.com
Cherry Valley Parade and Fireworks
What: Cherry Valley will host an Anything with Wheels Parade starting at Village Hall, 806 E. State St. and proceed to Baumann Park. Fireworks at Baumann Park that night.
When: Parade starts promptly at 1 p.m. July 4. Fireworks begin after dark, around 9:30 p.m.
Where: Baumann Park, 218 Walnut St.
Rochelle Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
What: Independence Day Celebration featuring a variety of food vendors followed by fireworks.
When: 4 to 10 p.m. July 5
Where: Atwood Park, 10th Avenue and 20th Street in Rochelle.
More: cityofrochelle.net
Tutty Baker Fest
What: Weekend of family-friendly fun, carnival, music, Little Miss Firecracker Pageant, games, crafters, axe throwing, vendors, car show and fireworks.
When: July 11 to 13; Fireworks July 12; parade July 13.
Where: Downtown Freeport
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: Can’t get enough fireworks? Here are 9 Rockford area shows on or around July 4
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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