A number of towns and suburbs on Chicago’s North Shore, and elsewhere, have canceled their fireworks and other July 4 events in response to the mass shooting Monday at the parade in Highland Park.
In Highland Park, the parade was to have been followed by Fourth Fest, the Bitter Jester Music Festival at Wolters Field and fireworks, all canceled Monday after more than a dozen people were shot, at least five of them fatally, in the north suburb. No concerts had been scheduled Monday night at the local Ravinia Festival. “The Ravinia family is reaching out with love to our Highland Park community,” the festival posted on social media.
Elsewhere:
The second day of Deerfield Family Days and the parade have been canceled and the village just west of Highland Park. An alert on the Deerfield website urged residents with “any information about the shooting” to call 911 or the FBI tip line.
Village officials announced on social media they were canceling the Fourth of July parade and urged residents to “remain home” with the “threat still at large.” The village posted on Twitter: “There have been no incidents or direct threats to Glencoe. Public Safety are monitoring the situation and recommend avoiding public and crowded areas at this time.”
The beaches in Evanston were closed, and the Fourth of July Parade and fireworks were canceled “out of an abundance of caution.” A city news release stated: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors to the north.”
The Fourth of July parade and fireworks have been canceled, and the Glenview Park District has closed all its facilities and canceled all programs through Tuesday, July 5, according to Glenview police.
The north suburb announced that “due to the shooting in Highland Park, the City of Lake Forest is canceling the Annual Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks at Deerpath Community Park out of an abundance of caution.” The Forest Park Beach is also closed.
The City of Elgin is postponing celebrations at Festival Park, a concert and fireworks, due to both the weather and events in Highland Park.
The downtown parade, live music and fireworks have been canceled, as announced on the park district’s website.
All remaining July Fourth events have been canceled, according to an alert on the village website. “Our thoughts are with our Highland Park neighbors.”
The Morton Grove Police announced on Twitter that “amid the developing situation,” the parade, carnival, Morton Grove Days festival and fireworks would be canceled.
Fireworks in Melas Park and the rest of the Lions Club Festival are canceled, according to the village.
The village has canceled Fourth of July events including the Symphonic Band concert and fireworks.
Fireworks July 4 are being postponed in the far northwest suburb, “out of the utmost respect to those that lost their lives in Highland Park today.”
The fireworks and celebration have been canceled, according to the village website.
Fireworks at the Community Center have been canceled and may be rescheduled to a later date.
Oak Park fireworks are canceled “in response to the tragic mass shooting,” according to a village alert.
Planned fireworks will be postponed to a date to be announced later, Libertyville posted on its website. “Like all surrounding communities, we are saddened by the tragic events today in Highland Park.”
“Consistent with the recommendation of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office,” the village has canceled fireworks.
The town’s annual “Red, White, & BOOM!” fireworks, parade and cardboard boat regatta have been canceled “out of an abundance of caution.”
Mayor Steve Lentz posted that village “has decided to cancel all July Fourth festivities this evening due to the Highland Park tragedy.”
The police in northwest suburban Vernon Hills announced on Twitter the fireworks would be canceled.
The local park district announced fireworks at Duke Childs Field would be canceled “out of respect for the victims of the shooting in Highland Park earlier today.”
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The Village of Kenilworth has closed their beaches until further notice according to their website saying, “We feel it is best to avoid permitting large gatherings until the perpetrator(s) are captured.”
Mayor Craig Johnson posted a message that the Fourth of July concert and fireworks would be canceled, “out of caution and consideration.” He added that the fireworks would contribute to Elk Grove Rotaryfest on July 23.
“Out of an abundance of caution,” the village has canceled a concert and fireworks at Century Park. “We extend deepest condolences to our neighbors in Highland Park.”
The Village of Wilmette Park District has closed all facilities in response to the shooting and an increased police presence will be downtown, according to a news release from the village.
A news release from the City of Waukegan said fireworks have been canceled in response to the shooting saying it stands in “solidarity with our neighbors in Highland Park.”
The planned Monday night game between the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins will play as scheduled, starting with a moment of silence and without the postgame fireworks.
dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
