Wheaton celebrating the Fourth with Field of Honor, concert, fireworks and parade

A special display of flags and an all-new concert band performance, along with traditional fireworks and a Fourth of July parade, will mark this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Wheaton. This year’s theme is “Reach for the Stars.”

Field of Honor

This moving display is a gift to the community made possible through donations, sponsorships, and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. You can show your support and gratitude by sponsoring a flag or making a donation.

Come see 2,000 American flags on display in perfectly straight rows at Seven Gables Park between dawn and dusk Saturday, June 29 to Thursday, July 4. The display is hosted by the Wheaton Park District and the Wheaton United Soccer Club.

“Hundreds of volunteers from the community donate their time to make this a spectacular patriotic event,” said chair Rudy Keller. “Each evening, there will be patriotic performances, including from vocalists, bagpipers, drummers and Honor Guards. Flyovers and taps also will be part of this special event.”

Donors may purchase a 3-foot-by-5-foot flag for $30 and dedicate it to a specific honoree. On July 4, flags can be picked up and taken home. Donations benefit the Warrenville VFW Post 8081.

Learn more at healingfield.org/event/wheatonil24. For information about volunteering for the event, contact Rudy Keller at Rudy_Keller@comcast.net.

U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America

New this year, the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Memorial Park band shell, 225 Karlskoga Ave.

The 90-minute concert honoring our nation and its veterans will feature the unit’s 45-member concert band. These are family-friendly, all-ages events. Admission is free and open to the public.

Also, the Wheaton Municipal Band will perform a Patriotic Spectacular concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, in Memorial Park. This is in place of the band's weekly Thursday performance.

Fireworks show

Fireworks will take place on Wednesday, July 3, in Graf Park, 1855 Manchester Road. Leading up to the fireworks show, enjoy lawn games, concessions, carnival rides, DJ-provided entertainment, and giveaways beginning at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at dusk, around 9 p.m.

Parade

The annual parade will step off at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, from Main Street and Hawthorne Boulevard, south on Main to Union Avenue, west on Union to Wheaton Avenue, south on Wheaton to Front Street. The viewing stand is on Front Street.

This year, the parade's grand marshal will be former three-term Wheaton Mayor Michael J. Gresk. He served on the Wheaton City Council for eight years and served for 12 years as mayor. He also served on the Wheaton Park District board and in leadership capacities for several community organizations, including the Wheaton Lions Club, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Wheaton Association.

Parade units include the Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South high school marching bands and the Medinah Shriners Mini Choppers, entertainment from Acrodazzle, classic cars driven by members of the Midwest Model-T Ford Club, and participation by local businesses and community organizations.

For information or registration to participate in the parade, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/july4/. The parade entry deadline is Wednesday, June 26.