In the next week, cities across America will be gearing up for the celebration of the nation’s birthday and Champaign-Urbana is no exception.
Festivities begin on July 2, when the Urbana Free Library will host a “Gussy Up Your Bike!” event for children. Participants can bring their bike, stroller, wagon or scooter to the library’s Cherry Alley walkway from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and decorate them for the upcoming holiday.
Starting off the Fourth of July itself, Alto Vineyards is hosting a “4th of July w/ the Painkillers” event. From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. eventgoers can stop by for some live music while enjoying the amenities of the vineyard. The event welcomes outside food, and a grill will be available for guest use.
Looking for another way to celebrate? Harvest Market is hosting a “Stars and Stripes Celebration” from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the fourth. This celebration includes activities like face painting, live music and a professional photographer.
The Farmhouse Restaurant inside the market will feature classic carnival food like corn dogs, walking tacos, funnel cake and more. According to their website, the Champaign fireworks display will be visible from the parking lot and the market encourages attendees to bring chairs to view the show.
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For a more classic celebration of the holiday, head over to Memorial Stadium for The Champaign County Freedom Celebration. On the Fourth, the home of the Fighting Illini will become the host for a holiday parade, entertainment and fireworks.
This year’s parade theme is “America Celebrates Pride Of the Heartland” and will take over Kirby Avenue and South First and Fourth Streets. The parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. between State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium. Following the parade begins an evening filled with musical entertainment and children’s activities.
To cap off the night, the fireworks will begin at dusk, which the organizers predict will be around 9:15 p.m. According to the CCFC website, the firework show is choreographed and synchronized to music, providing a unique experience for participants.
With all of these events and more, C-U leaves its community with plenty of options to celebrate the red, white and blue.
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