Above / Before kids raced or rolled down Rotary Hill Friday evening, many were attracted to stop and chat with several Naperville Police stationed at the top of the hill. One of the youngsters wondered about the “golf cart” with the police insignia. Others welcomed the “badge” stickers and wrist bands the officers gave them. The Family Fun Tent is right up there, too, from 5 to 7PM, July 2 and July 3. And the Kids Zone is from 10AM to 12:30PM on July 3.
Update, 3:15PM Mon., July 4 / Due to inclement weather and incoming storms, The Salute will not reopen today. Be safe. Thanks, Naperville. We’ll see you next year.
Original Post, July 2, 2022 / Naperville’s Independence Day festival boasts two evenings of crowd-pleasing performances live on stage to kick off the four-day Naperville Salute that began July 1. Today, July 3, the landscape just got a bit more patriotic, as family festival fun returns to Rotary Hill for the third day of the 2nd Annual Naperville Salute.
The success, popularity and contribution of 2021’s inaugural event, plus the dedication and fortitude of its Planning Committee members and partners, helped to ensure its return in 2022.
Following the focus set during its inaugural year in 2021, the Naperville Salute festival, www.napervillesalute.org, again is a celebration of families, community and hometown values; centered around military servicemembers and first responders, “in a collective salute to them and to what they guard for us – our safety and our freedom.”
In partnership with the City of Naperville, the Naperville Park District, and many generous sponsors, The Naperville Salute takes place at Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., blending family-friendly entertainment, festival food, play and live music.
Parking, free of charge, is available at Naperville Central High School. BYO blankets and collapsible lawn chairs to spread over Rotary Hill.
And enjoy watching kids be kids as they meet up to make news friends at The Salute just for the fun of it.
Grownups especially appreciate all the smiling familiar faces of family, friends and neighbors up and down Rotary Hill!
Saturday, July 2 / Country Night / – $15
4PM Alika Arlynn / 6PM Eric Chesser / 8PM Jon Langston
Rising Country Music star Jon Langston joins the Salute in honoring our heroes when he takes the stage as the third set to perform on day No. 2.
Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “10 New Country And Americana Artists You Need To Know,” Langston is originally from Georgia but connects with audiences in every state. He has toured with Country great Luke Bryan, and his new single, “Back Words” is now playing on country radio.
Two more evenings & 9 more sets of music
Gates open for the entertainment venue at 4PM Sat., Sun., July 3 ($15 for age 12-plus); and at noon Mon., July 4 (All in for Free).
Sunday, July 3 / Rock on the Hill – $15
2PM Red Pop Fury / 4PM The PriSSillas / 6PM Mike & Joe / 8PM Maggie Speaks
Monday, July 4 / Entertainment all day! Free admission to Rotary Hill
8AM – Ruck March 5K / The inaugural Ruck March 5K steps off from the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion at 8AM. Reminiscent of a military march with participants strapped in gear and boots, the first-time Naperville event is open for all with running shoes. The fundraiser for NRFV is $30 per person. Register in advance for the Ruck March at www.NapervilleSalute.org.
FREE Concerts! Noon – The Starboards / 1:30PM – Convoy / 3PM Wild Daisy / 4:30PM – The Wayouts / 6:30PM ARRA
Tickets and more information are available now via www.NapervilleSalute.org.
When the music stops…
Festival highlights also include food and beverage vendors, special presentations for all military veterans and a family fun entertainment areas.
The all-volunteer Board of Directors of Naperville Responds For Veterans led by board president, Dan Jurjovec, as well as the Naperville Salute team also will appear throughout the event that also is intended to bring friends and neighbors together.
The Naperville Salute is run by a team of devoted and patriotic volunteers under the leadership again of Michele Clemen. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the 2022 Naperville Salute will go to assist local veterans in need through Naperville Responds For Veterans, a 501(c)3 organization. For event updates and sponsorship and donation opportunities, visit napervillesalute.org.
Focused on public safety with tributes to everyone who serves to protect this community here, across the nation and around the world, this Independence Day festival continues through July 4.
“It’s a hot one out there. Be sure to drink plenty of water,” noted the greeter at one of the entrances. For now, the forecast is for glorious sunshine.
Post from July 2, 2022, updated, July 3, 2022
Editor’s Note / For other posts about The Salute 2022, click here.
