July 4, 2024
Remembrance Ceremony 10:00AM – Registration Required
Edgewood Middle School, 929 Edgewood Rd, Highland Park, IL
The City will host a remembrance ceremony at 10:00 AM. The program will be available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, and will include remarks from Mayor Nancy Rotering, faith leaders, and music. The remembrance ceremony will be open to the public via advance registration only to ensure venue capacity. To protect the privacy of individuals in attendance, the ceremony will be held indoors. In addition to the in-person remembrance ceremony, a remembrance video message will be available to view the morning of July 4, 2024 on the City's web site at www.cityhpil.com.
All guests entering the Remembrance Ceremony event area must pass through metal detectors and are subject to visual inspection, bag check, and additional security measures by the City of Highland Park and its Police Department staff. Please see the Security & ADA Notice below for more information.
In the event that the ceremony reaches max capacity and registration is closed, you may email cityhp@cityhpil.com, subject line "Wait List" to be put on a wait list should any tickets become available for this event. You must include your name, address, number of tickets being requested, and names of all individuals attending with you to be added to the wait list.
Additional Highland Park Independence Day Information
*No registration is required for the following events, they are open to attend.
Independence Day Parade: 1:00 PM
The City and Park District present "Sweet Home Highland Park," a community-focused parade kicking off at 1 PM along a new route through Downtown Highland Park beginning at Laurel Ave and First St. The theme invites participation from residents, community organizations, and businesses encouraged to showcase their love for Highland Park with float design and festive décor that spotlight something special about the community.
Fourth Fest: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Following the parade's conclusion, community members will enjoy entertainment, rides, carnival games, a petting zoo, and other family-friendly activities at Sunset Woods Park as part of 4th Fest, presented by the Park District of Highland Park from 1:30 to 4:30 PM.
Main stage entertainment will feature the popular band Radio Gaga and other entertainers. Food trucks will be available on site. Additional details will be available at pdhp.org.
*There will not be a City or Park District-sponsored evening event on July 4, 2024.
The temporary memorial, located in the Rose Garden adjacent to City Hall (1707 St. Johns Avenue), is always accessible to the public, and will be available on July 4, 2024. Visitors who may be concerned about re-traumatization from patriotic décor, floats, etc. related to the parade itself are encouraged to avoid visiting the memorial between 11 AM – 2 PM.
The City recognizes that community members may benefit from professional support in considering participation in Independence Day activities. The City's Resiliency Division provides assistance including short-term counseling, resources and referrals, case management and needs assessments, and more. For information about support services available through the Resiliency Division, please contact Resiliency Manager Madeline Kati, LCSW, at mkati@cityhpil.com / 847.926.1036.
