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View/Print a copy of our schedule of events (PDF)
View/Print a copy the Pace Bus information (PDF)
View/Print a copy the Fun Run information (PDF)
Independence Day 2008 Celebration
The Independence Day 2008 Celebration, hosted by the Wilmette Park District, will take place on Thursday, July 3, at Gillson Park. The annual Fun Run/Walk For Fun-beginning and ending in Gillson Park-will be held on Friday, July 4.
Thursday, July 3
Family Fun and Fireworks
Games and rides for children, entertainment, roving performers, and a Tastefest are all part of the festivities beginning at 4 pm on Thursday, July 3. A traditional concert of patriotic music by the Palatine Concert Band is scheduled for 7:30 pm in the Wallace Bowl. The Grand Fireworks display lights up the sky at 9:30 pm. In case of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled to a later date.
Take the Pace shuttle bus
Due to construction on Sheridan Road this year, parking in and near Gillson Park will be extremely limited. The easiest way to get to and from the Independence Day celebrations is by using the special Pace shuttle bus service. Motorists may park at Edens Plaza or at the METRA commuter lot. The shuttle bus route will run from Edens Plaza east on Lake Street, south on Green Bay Road, and east on Central Avenue to Gillson Park where passengers will be dropped on Michigan Avenue south of Washington Avenue. Passengers will be picked up all along the route. The shuttle will run about every 10 minutes between 4 pm and 6 pm and then every 5 minutes between 6 pm and 9 pm. After the fireworks, the last bus leaves Gillson Park at 11 pm. The fare is $3 eastbound and free westbound return. Tickets will be issued for the return trip. Exact change only-fare boxes DO accept dollar bills. Seniors with valid RTA senior reduced fare card and children under 7 are free.
July 3
Entertainment Schedule
Festival Stage
| 5:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. | | Emcee: Ken Schultz, The Flying Fool |
| 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. | | Mr. Singer & Kerry Appleberry of the Sharp Cookies, High Energy Sing-along Dance Music for Families |
| 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | | The Jesse White Tumblers, Sponsored by the Wilmette Community Relations Commission |
| 7:15 p.m. - 7:55 p.m. | | Dennis DeBondt, Very Funny Magic |
| 8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. | | The Stephanie Rogers Band, Lively Pop Rock |
| 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. | | The Dooleys, Folk, Irish, Swing & Good Old Rock & Roll |
Roving Entertainers
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| 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | | Frank Birdsall, Uncle Sam on Stilts |
| 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | | Mike Vondruska, Juggler |
Sports, Games & Rides
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| 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | | Games and Races (in the main game area), Preschool-Adult |
| 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | | Free Throws (south of Big Tent), Grades 2-3 & 4-8. Final rounds: 7 p.m |
| 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | | Carnival Games (in the Big Tent), Preschool through 8 years old |
| 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | | Face Painting (tent near Moonwalk) All Ages |
| 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | | Moonwalk, Speed Pitch (south of softball field)
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| 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | | Giant Slide, Mini Golf, Rat Race Obstacle Challenge |
Food
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| 4:00 p.m. - until closing | | Taste-Fest, featuring some of your favorite restaurants |
July 3rd Independence Day Concert At Wallace Bowl
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| 7:15 p.m. | Palatine Concert Band |
July 3rd Grand Fireworks Display
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| 9:30 p.m. | Shot over Lake Michigan between the Pier and Wilmette Harbor
In case of rain, fireworks will be rescheduled to a later date
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Friday, July 4
2008 Fun Run/Walk For Fun
View/Print a copy the Fun Run information (PDF)
The Fun Run, Walk For Fun and Youth Run are among the most popular events during the Independence Day Celebration. This year's Adult Fun Run will use the ChampionChip timing system. Day of the race registration opens at 7 am. Race chips will be distributed on race day only. The races begin at 8 a.m. as participants in the Fun Run and Walk for Fun start wending their way through Gillson Park and the streets of Wilmette. There are six categories for men and women in the Fun Run contest, with awards presented in all categories. The Walk for Fun is for recreation only-no awards are presented.
The Youth Run has three age groups-6-7, 8-9 and 10-13-to accommodate the large number of entrants. Pee Wee runners are age 5 and under. Awards are given in each of the children's categories. The children's events take place inside the park.
Early adult registrations are $20, the day of the event the adult fee is $25. Registration for children is $10. Note: Pee Wees are 5 & under--they run for free and registration is not required. Early registrants will receive a T-shirt. Register in person at the Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., or at the Administrative Offices in Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave. Registration will also be available in Gillson Park on the morning of the race. Check the schedule, join your neighbors and friends, and wrap up your Fourth of July celebrations with a bang! For more information call the Wilmette Park District at 847/256-6100.
2008 Fun Run and Walk For Fun
Friday, July 4 2008
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| 7:00 a.m. | | Open Registration at the Big Tent |
| 7:30 a.m. | | Runners warm up |
| 8:00 a.m. | | Adult Fun Run, Men and Women, 13 and Up |
| 8:00 a.m. | | Adult Walk For Fun, (recreational only) Men and Women, 13 and Up |
| 9:00 a.m. | | Youth Run, ages 6-7 |
| 9:15 a.m. | | Youth Run, ages 8-9 |
| 9:30 a.m. | | Youth Run, ages 10-13 |
| 9:45 a.m. | | Pee Wee Run, 5 and under, no registration required |
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