Marching bands, classic cars, and a wrestling ring on wheels rolled down Main Street on Saturday, July 4, as Downers Grove celebrated both Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary with its annual parade.
The parade stepped off at 1 p.m. from Main Street and Grant Street, traveling south to Warren Avenue through downtown. Spectators lined both sides of the route to watch community groups, dancers, and a bright red vintage Ford Thunderbird convertible cruise past. One float carried a full wrestling ring, complete with two kids wearing championship belts and a performer in costume pointing toward the crowd.
The Village of Downers Grove posted a photo recap on Tuesday, July 8, calling the event "one to remember" and thanking everyone who turned out to mark the nation's semiquincentennial.
The parade went on as planned despite weather concerns earlier in the week. The Village had flagged possible thunderstorms as early as Wednesday, July 2, warning that both the parade and fireworks could be canceled. By the morning of July 4, officials confirmed the parade would proceed at 1 p.m.
Fireworks canceled, reschedule date pending
The evening fireworks show did not go off as planned. The Village announced on Saturday, July 4, that the Downers Grove-Woodridge joint fireworks display was canceled due to unsafe conditions at the launch site near 75th Street and Lemont Road. The show had been scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m.
Officials said the fireworks would be rescheduled but have not announced a new date as of Wednesday, July 9. Residents can check downers.us for updates.
When the same show was canceled on July 4, 2022, the Villages rescheduled it for Sunday, October 2, 2022.
Upcoming community events
Saturday, July 11 — Downtown Downers Grove Market, 7 a.m. The weekly market runs every Saturday through October 17.
Saturday, July 11 — Garden Walk, 9:30 a.m. Presented by Downers Grove First United Methodist Church, the walk features five private gardens open to visitors, with proceeds benefiting homeless families.
