It’s America’s 250th birthday and the Springfield area is celebrating in a big way with fireworks, concerts and other events.
What this makes this Fourth of July different?
In the months leading up to America’s bicentennial in 1976, Springfield was one of six stops in Illinois for the Freedom Train. Since the bicentennial, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which holds two semi quincentennial exhibits, was constructed and the site of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot was designated a national monument by then-President Joe Biden through the Antiquities Act.
The site of that Freedom Train stop, Douglas Park, has been changed to Duncan Park, honoring Otis B. Duncan, a Black World War I veteran from Springfield. Springfield also has had one of the longest-running celebrations of Juneteenth, widely known as Black Independence Day.
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Where to celebrate
Fireworks
Theatre
What: Directed by Gus Gordon, “1776,” the Tony-Award-winning musical, recreates the signing of the Declaration of Independence
Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, LRS Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St.
When: July 1-3 at 7:30 p.m.; July 4-5 at 2 p.m.
More: hcfta.org
History
Parades
ALPLM
When: 3:30 p.m., July 4
Route: Kids and pets parade around Union Square Park, 500 E. Madison St.
More: There are Foam and Flight Bubble Parties, food trucks and music by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band and the 3rd Coast Brass Band from Chicago. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
City of Jacksonville
When: 10 a.m., July 4
Route: The parade originates at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The route will proceed on Grand Avenue (Morgan County Fairgrounds gate), head east on West State Street, around the city square, exit on North Main Street and disperse at Douglas Avenue.
More: The parade’s focus is “Celebrating Freedom, Service and Impact.” Rabbi Rob and Lauren Thomas will serve as parade marshals. Visit Rotary Club of Jacksonville at jacksonvillerotary.org.
Village of Jerome
When: 9:30 a.m., July 4
Route: The parade will start at the Municipal Building, 2901 Leonard St., with music from Debbie Ross, and proceed north on Leonard, turning right on Glenn Avenue, turning right on Fillmore Avenue and turning right on Jerome Avenue.
More: The parade includes a fleet of classic cars and trucks from Route 66 Cruisers. Afterwards, there is a Touch a Truck event at Jerome Memorial Park, 1616 Reed Ave. Visit villageofjerome.com or call 217-546-2203.
Sports
What: The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes take on the Terre Haute Rex with $2.50 tickets celebrating America 250. ‘Shoes players will be wearing red, white and blue Route 66 uniforms for the game.
Where: Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 E. North Grand Ave.
When: 2:50 p.m., July 4
More: shoesbaseball.com
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Your complete guide to America’s 250th birthday in Springfield region
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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By Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register | USA TODAY Network
