Twenty-one year old Parkland graduate James Stewart used to go to the 4th of July parade and fireworks every year when he was younger. But for him, some of the festivities have now lost their appeal.
“I don’t have a reason to go anymore, they throw out candy at the parade, and that’s for kids,” Stewart said.
But while some will pass on the Independence Day events, many, like Illinois College of Business sophomore Erim Levy, are looking forward to the festivities.
“This will be my first year watching the parade and the fireworks. I was told they were really good here,” Levy said.
Enough are expected to participate that the local police departments are taking special measures to ensure everything goes smoothly.
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Campus police are expecting a big turnout this weekend for the Champaign County Freedom Celebration.
“We estimate about 50,000 people coming out to view the fireworks at Parkland,” said Lt. Roy Acree of the UI Police.
New this year, special detail officers will be patrolling during and after the parade; some on motorcycles, bicycles and four wheelers to cover more area.
“This is something we need to have, not only to block the streets, but to make sure people are behaving themselves,” Acree said.
UI Police will be collaborating with the Champaign County, Urbana, Parkland and Illinois state police departments to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Also, number of roads near Parkland College will be closed or restricted prior to the fireworks at Dodds Park.
The Champaign County Freedom Celebration established a safety committee to develop a traffic plan for the evening show and fireworks. Traffic will be directed by local law enforcement to and from the site.
Among numerous other changes, Bradley Avenue from Country Fair Drive to Clayton Blvd./Parkland’s main entrance will be one way only — west bound — beginning at 6 p.m. At 9:00 p.m. Bradley Avenue between Country Fair Dr and Clayton Blvd./Parkland’s main entrance will be closed to all traffic.
Also, the MTD buses will not be operating on July 4th, due to the holiday.
There will be 3,000 parking spaces available in the event’s primary parking lots on Parkland property, according to the event’s website.
