Above / Happy Independence Day! Throughout the year, the Naperville Riverwalk provides the natural setting for many annual charity walks, concerts and special events. In 2018, thanks to funds raised by the Riverwalk Foundation’s Duck Race (on hiatus again for 2021) a new flag pole and American flag were placed near the Riverwalk Covered Bridge at Webster Street near the Naperville Township Building.
A year ago, Independence Day, July 4, was kicked off with a “pop-up” event to “Celebrate Naperville’s Heroes” hosted by Safe Suburbs at Moser Tower along the Riverwalk.
For 2021, the second annual 90-minute tribute was held at 9AM July 4 at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Again organized by Safe Suburbs USA founder Kevin Coyne, seventeen speakers from near and far, mostly residents of the Naperville community, expressed gratitude for the United States of America and the freedom this nation enjoys.
Surrounded by American flags, folks attended the patriotic, public event clad in red, white and blue. Coyne and Lisa Gangi served as emcees. Chad Pedigo sang the National Anthem. Colin Gavin performed “God Bless America” on the bagpipes.
Quite surprisingly, every speaker spoke briefly, providing a different all-American story with thanks to men and women who serve in the military as well as local law enforcement and fire departments, responding beyond the call of duty for everyone’s safety. (Look for another story with photos to be posted in the coming days as PN reflects on the altogether fitting Fourth of July weekend in Naperville.)
Meanwhile, as noted by Naperville Crime Stoppers, “Keeping the community safe is everybody’s responsibility.”
Celebrate Independence Day safely. And thanks for leaving the fireworks to the professionals.
The Naperville Salute Fourth of July Finale!
Fireworks! Independence Day, July 4. Spectacular fireworks will spray high in the sky! God bless America! Be prepared to watch the 30-minute colorful display beginning at 9:30PM from Frontier Park, south of 95th Street!
Thanks to The Naperville Salute, City of Naperville Special Events & Cultural Amenities Fund and Naperville Park District with sponsorship by Woody Buick/GMC and Meson Sabika.
Bold shout-outs for independence & freedom…
Welcome to running commentary of other things to do on the Monday-day-off holiday to celebrate Independence Day. Mix, mingle and connect in this active community from Centennial Beach to Knoch Knolls Park and all the destinations in between.
Remember! When out and about, help keep the community safe. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Be mindful of pets and other individuals that might have a negative response to firecrackers, especially after the 4th of July. Help protect physical and mental health of everyone around you.
But mostly, most folks have learned since early 2020, whatever the season or special holiday, if you’re not in good health, stay home. Keep in touch with family and friends.
Wash your hands often, but don’t wash away your commonsense.
Have faith, hope and charity to fulfill unmet needs of less fortunate and find ways to support your local business community whenever possible.
Then celebrate safely. Thank you.
Though a large number of longstanding events have been canceled for 2021, others continue to provide plenty of local culture, social engagement and community spirit in Naperville, Illinois. Consider runs, walks and bike rides this summer, sometimes with virtual opportunities, in the great outdoors and local parks.
Naperville Municipal Band Concerts continue at 7:30PM every Thursday in Central Park through Aug. 19. Live! Free of admission charge!
Now that a weekend of Naperville Responds for Veterans events held along the Riverwalk is wrapping up, charity walks are scheduled in the linear park starting at the Grand Pavilion on other dates in July. Consider Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk on Sunday morning, July 18; and Walk-On for Lymphoma Research Foundation on Friday evening, July 30.
On Saturday evening, July 10, “Dinner Under the Scoreboard” for JWEGSTRONG.org will be held in Knoch Park, just off West Street.
Naperville events invite all individuals to catch the can-do spirit associated with the many ways this community has worked together since its founding in 1831.
Enjoy a meaningful, safe and happy July. Keep cool on dog days now through August 11. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Peace.
July – From sidewalk sales to summertime sails!
Visit Downtown Naperville for an Independence Day weekend of sales (Sidewalk Sales run July 8-10.), specials, surprises and sailboat sculptures!
The patio is open and seating is now available inside, too, at Quigley’s, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. Independence Day is a time to remember when Nancy Quigley expressed gratitude to two dedicated men, Keith Murphy (just back from nine months deployment in Afghanistan) and Rich Mikel (former Bureau Chief of the Naperville Fire Department, now Chief in Elk Grove Village), for their service with thoughts of an All-American 4th of July. Sláinte!
Downtown merchants are open and they enthusiastically welcome opportunities to serve you! They also welcome your patience as everybody gets back into the hospitality mode after challenging times for many months. Thanks as always for shopping locally for your favorite summer celebration gifts and dining experiences.
For everything about downtown Naperville shopping, sidewalk sales, dining, entertaining and safety protocols, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
For a listing of local eateries and treat shops, visit www.dinenaperville.com.
To create a “staycation” at a local hotel, check out www.visitnaperville.com.
Venture throughout town to learn about Naperville’s rich history. Find stories about the city’s early beginnings, rapid growth and more recent plans for development at Naper Settlement as well as along the Riverwalk and at 51 Century Walk locations.
Create memories! Cheers to celebrating safely!
Finally, thanks for remembering our Founders and the Declaration of Independence they began signing 245 years ago.
