Illinois’ largest fireworks show returns to Itasca’s Hamilton Lakes July 4

Continuing a long-standing summer tradition, the village of Itasca will celebrate Independence Day with a live pyrotechnics spectacular and music-filled evening on Thursday, July 4, at Hamilton Lakes, located west of O’Hare Airport at the intersection of I-390 and Park Boulevard.

This marks 27 years since the first Fourth of July celebration at the scenic Itasca site — an event notable for being the largest fireworks display in Illinois.

The festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. with numerous area restaurants and food vendors serving a variety of tasty foods and beverages. Church Street Brewing will be offering a selection of craft beers.

New this year, the event will feature an entertainment zone for kids, with jugglers, balloon sculptures, and fun activities such as face-painting.

The Maggie Speaks All-Stars, a Chicago-area cover band, will take the stage at 6:45 p.m. and perform hit songs for three hours.

The fireworks, synchronized to pop music, movie music and patriotic music broadcast on a concert-quality sound system, will begin at 9:45 p.m.

Admission to the event is free. On-site parking is available for $25 per car; preferred parking is $30.

For full details, including a map of the event site, visit www.itascafourthofjuly.com.

The fireworks and music are presented by Itasca and Hamilton Partners Inc., and sponsored by Hill Group, Omni Commercial Group, Arthur J. Gallagher, Earthwise, Allied Universal Janitorial Services, ABM Industries, and the Daily Herald.