Friday Fourth of July fireworks canceled, rescheduled in Chicago area due to storms
Multiple Fourth of July fireworks displays planned for Friday night in the Chicago area have been canceled or rescheduled because of strong thunderstorms moving through the area.
The city of Aurora announced their July 3 fireworks show at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park is being rescheduled to Friday, July 10, because of the weather. Aurora's Fourth of July parade is still set to take place Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
Officials said the decision was made based on the National Weather Service's forecast of thunderstorms as the city continues to recover from previous storm damage. Some residents are still without power, the city said.
Highland Park Independence Fest has also been canceled and the fireworks display will be rescheduled to a later date. Officials said the Independence Day Parade scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and Star Spangled Pool Party scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4, will continue as planned.
Highland Park officials have not yet set a new date for the fireworks.
Roselle canceled their Friday night celebration and fireworks display as well, citing safety during sever weather. They said in a Facebook post that they are already working with their vendors, performers, technicians and public safety officials to find a future date to move the Fourth of July celebration to and will announce it when they have an alternative date set.
Taste of Oak Brook has been canceled, including the fireworks, drone show and live entertainment because of the storms. Officials said repeated rounds of storms Friday caused extensive flooding, safety and structural issues and electrical hazards. Anyone who pre-paid for a parking or group space will be automatically refunded. The event will not be rescheduled.
Wauconda's Friday night fireworks have also been postponed due to heavy rain and flooding in Cook Park. Officials said a new date has not yet been set and is not Sunday, July 5. Officials said they will share the new date when it has been determined.
Deerfield canceled their Friday night fireworks and all Family Day activities because of the storms. The Family Days Parade on Saturday will go on as planned, pending weather conditions. Any further updates will be posted to the Deerfield Police Department and Village of Deerfield social media pages.
Meanwhile Lemont is starting their fireworks show early, at 8:45 p.m., because of the weather.
Firework shows are planned throughout the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana starting Friday night. You can find a show near you here.
Strong storms snarl start of Fourth of July celebrations
At the Hoffman Estates Northwest Fourth-Fest, kids and adults looking forward to enjoying the more than 30 rides, but 40 minutes after gates opened, the weather took a turn. Attendees were sent scrambling as rain and storms suddenly blew in.
Both operators quickly covered their wares, and carnival operators protected electrical equipment as the festival temporarily closed.
"It's a temporary closure. We're hopeful we'll get enough good weather this afternoon, to open back up but due to some of the information we got from the National Weather Service and some of the other weather services we use, we did make the call to close temporarily," said Deputy Village Manager Jon Pape.
And indeed, the festival reopened around 2:30 p.m. Pape said they are still keeping an eye on the weather to determine if the fireworks will go on at 9:30 p.m. as planned. Hoffman Estates said they will post that information on the village's social media platforms.
