Warrenville spreads Fourth of July fun over two days
Warrenville’s Fourth of July Celebration, a two-day event organized by the Warrenville Friends of the 4th, kicks off with a parade on Wednesday, July 3.
This fun event showcases Warrenville’s talent with local school and park district dance troops, bands, and singers.
Local scouting troops walk the parade, celebrating the flag and what it represents. Attendees will see new and old-time fire trucks and squad cars, as well as floats from local businesses and community groups.
The parade, with the theme, “Hometown Pride,” steps off at 6 p.m. Wednesday, heading south on Warren Avenue, west on Warrenville Road, south on Curtis Avenue, ending at Woodland Road with the national anthem sung at the judges' stand.
Cerny Park opens at 5 p.m. with vendor booths, followed by children's entertainment from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the pavilion. The band Centerfold will take the stage from 7 to 8:30 p.m., followed by TNT Chicago from 9 to 11 p.m.
On Thursday, July 4, the annual Firecracker 5K Run/Walk starts at 8 a.m. at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center. The scenic course incorporates the Illinois Prairie Path, Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve, and the streets of downtown Warrenville. Cost for the 5K is $45. Register at www.warrenvilleparks.org/event/firecracker-5k-2/.
Before the 5K, kids, ages 3 to 6, can join the 50-yard dash or kids ages 7 to 10 can compete in the 100-yard dash. Cost is $5 and it includes a participant ribbon only. After the 5K, there will be the Sparkler 1-miler for all ages for $20.
Next, Cerny Park is transformed into a large festival to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, sack races, a hula hoop contest and much more. Adults have their choice of food and beverage as well as joining in on the contests and watching the live music entertainment. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks show at the end of the evening.
The Warrenville Athletic Association's annual Cerny Series baseball games start at 10 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m., children's parade participants should gather at St. Irene's Church on Warren Avenue with the parade stepping off at noon, going south on Warren Avenue to Cerny Park. The theme is “Walk, Run, Scoot or Ride.”
At noon, the vendors booths open and there will be an opening flag ceremony at 12:15 p.m.
On the main stage, Warrenville musician Katie Kostner will perform from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., followed by Room to Move from 3 to 4 p.m. and Brass on Fire from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
In the pavilion, there will be karaoke from noon to 6:30 p.m. and free bingo and prizes, courtesy of the Warrenville Historical Society, from 2 to 3 p.m.
The Warrenville Park District will be hosting activities from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and there will be children's entertainment from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The popular fire department water fights start at 2 p.m.
Warrenville's annual horseshoe contest will be 2 to 4 p.m.
Headliners Hi Infidelity will close out the two-day celebration, performing from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. The fireworks show starts at about 9:30 p.m.
For information, visit facebook.com/WarrenvilleFriendsOfThe4th/.