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Celebrate Independence Day on July 4

Evanston's beloved 4th of July celebration is back in person this year and better than ever! Celebrating 100 years of the Evanston Fourth of July Association, the organization will host a full day of activities on Mon., July 4, including a Kids Fun Run, parade, concert, and, of course, fireworks!

Kids Fun Run: Registration is open for the annual Kids Fun Run for children under 10. The 0.7 mile run will kick off at 12:45 p.m. at Ackerman Park, McDaniel Avenue and Central Street. Registered participants will receive a special t-shirt, bib and ribbon, so pre-register today!

A few quick reminders!

Lawn chairs: Lawn chairs and blankets may be placed on the parkway along Central Street beginning Fri., July 1 at 6 a.m. Chairs and blankets are not permitted on sidewalks or in the right-of-way.

Parking: Parking meters/pay boxes and downtown parking garages will be free on July 4. Temporary parade (.pdf) and fireworks (.pdf) parking restrictions will be in place on designated streets. 

Service changes: The City has announced service and facility schedule changes for the Independence Day holiday. No refuse collections will occur on Mon., July 4. All trash, yard waste and recycling collections will occur one day later than normal.

Fireworks: Keep yourself and others safe by not using fireworks. Fireworks are prohibited in Evanston because they are dangerous and can be distressing to individuals and pets that are sensitive to loud noises. Violators are subject to citations. Watch this video message from retired Sergeant Charles Spizey, USAF.

Food safety: Grilling out, packing a picnic, or having a cookout? Take necessary measures to prevent foodborne illnesses. The most important safety rule: Keep cold foods cold and make sure hot foods are cooked to the proper temperature.

First Friday at Mason Park

Ready for some fun community building? As a part of Evanston's My City, Your City, Our City initiative, join in on the next First Friday event tomorrow, July 1, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Mason Park. Enjoy free food, activities, yard games, raffle prizes and more!

Bonus Starlight Concert and Street Naming 

Enjoy an extra Starlight Concert this week in honor of Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste, former 2nd Ward alderman. The concert will feature the Indika Reggae Band on Sun., July 3, 5:30 p.m., at Harbert-Payne Park.

Honorary Street Naming: Before the concert, head to McDaniel Avenue and Crain Street to celebrate the public street naming of Hon. Lionel Jean-Baptiste Way at 3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update

Cases: Evanston reported 225 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 215 for the week prior. The current seven-day moving average of daily confirmed cases is 32.14.

COVID-19 Community Risk Level: MEDIUM

Hospitalizations: View local COVID-19 hospitalizations.

To date, Evanston has had 14,774 total confirmed cases, and 152 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19. View the City’s interactive COVID-19 dashboard (view on mobile). 

Vaccinations: View the City’s vaccination data dashboard (view on mobile) for the latest Evanston-specific vaccination data from the IDPH. 

Vaccines recommended for children 6 months and older

The CDC now recommends COVID-19 vaccines for very young children, ages 6 months to 5 years old. Children in this age group are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. View CDC vaccine recommendations for children.

Getting the vaccine: The Evanston Health & Human Services Department recommends first reaching out to your pediatrician or family healthcare provider to inquire about scheduling a vaccination appointment for your young child. Walgreens, CVS and other Evanston-area pharmacies also offer COVID-19 vaccines for some children in this age group. Visit vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find and schedule an appointment at a time and place convenient for you.

Tips for safer Independence Day celebrations

Ahead of the holiday weekend, the Evanston Health & Human Services Department reminds you to exercise caution to protect your family, friends and vulnerable guests by following these proven safety tips to reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19: 

-Hold as many activities outside as weather permits

-For gatherings indoors, increase air flow by opening windows for fresh air or using a portable air cleaner

-Wear a well-fitting mask around large crowds if you’re immunocompromised 

-Get tested prior to these gatherings and stay home if you’re sick

More News and Events

It's time to get rid of unwanted items in your home!

Recycle electronics and securely shred documents at the "drive up, drop off" "Evanston Recycles" event on Sat., July 9, 9 a.m. to noon, at ETHS. Only electronic waste, documents for shredding, and medications for disposal will be collected. 

Staff and Councilmember resignation announcements

This week, Interim City Manager Kelley Gandurski announced that she will leave her position effective July 11 for a new opportunity with Elrod Friedman LLP. Evanston’s 2nd Ward Councilmember Peter Braithwaite also announced his resignation, with his final City Council meeting being July 11. Join us in thanking both for their service to the Evanston community. 

Curious about the city manager search?

Join Mayor Biss and the Evanston RoundTable for a town hall meeting regarding the City’s search for a new city manager. The meeting will take place in the Parasol Room of the Morton Civic Center on Tues., July 12 at 7 p.m. Community members are invited to submit questions in advance and attend in person or watch live on City Channel 16.

Apply for a rebate on your all-electric vehicle!

Illinois residents purchasing a new or used all-electric passenger vehicle or motorcycle from an Illinois licensed dealer are eligible to receive an Electric Vehicle Rebate. The first application window will open on Fri., July 1.  Applicants must apply within 90 days of purchasing the vehicle. 

First probable case of monkeypox in Evanston

The Evanston Health and Human Services Department (HHS) announced this week the first reported probable case of monkeypox in a resident in Evanston. Although the risk to Evanston residents remains low, please be aware of the symptoms and ways to prevent infection.

Get Engaged

-8th Ward Meeting, June 30

-Virtual 1st Ward Meeting, June 30

-Virtual 5th Ward Meeting, June 30

-4th Ward Meeting, July 5

-PACE Pulse Dempster - Route 250 Public Hearing, July 13 and 15

Community Calendar

-Haitian Community Organization Festival, July 4

-Starlight Concert in the Park: "Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience," July 5

-Thursday Night Market, July 7

100 years of 4th of July celebrations!

The Evanston 4th of July Association is celebrating 100 years! As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day on Monday, check out some historical photos from past celebrations on the City's Facebook page.