The long awaited celebration of our nation’s birthday is coming soon!
St. Charles Park District, in partnership with the City of St. Charles, will host an extraordinary fireworks display on Sunday, July 4 at DARK. When the sun goes down, the night sky lights up with an ooh- and aah-worthy festival of colors, lights and sounds.
Launching from Boy Scout Island, this year’s show will be bigger and better than ever before.
According to Mike Kies, Superintendent of Recreation, the number of shells that will be dispersed over a 20-minute timeframe will be more than ever.
Best viewing locations for this year’s fireworks include Pottawatomie Park, Pottawatomie Golf Course, Ferson Creek Park, Richmond School grassy area off Oak Street, St. Charles North High School parking lot and anywhere downtown St. Charles.
“There’s so many places to spread out and see the fireworks”, said Kies.
But before the boom-and-sizzle of fireworks supply the soundtrack to the 4th of July celebration, the band Soda will take the stage in the historic pavilion at 6pm until the start of the fireworks extravaganza at dark. Get a taste of your favorite fizz from this professional band whose biz is to capture the heart and soul of the most diverse play list you’ll find anywhere.
Though the pyrotechnics don’t start until dark, Pottawatomie Park opens at dawn for family and friends who want to make a day of it. Picnic tables are available on a first-come/first-served basis, so it is strongly suggested that patrons bring their own tables, blankets and lawn chairs. And while the 4th of July may be a perfect day for an old-fashioned, home-made picnic, you can also leave the cooking to someone else. Several food truck vendors will be onsite to purchase a variety of delicious items. Or there’s always snacks available for purchase at the River View Miniature Golf Course Refreshment Stand, which will remain open until 9:15pm that night.
While at Pottawatomie Park awaiting the start of the fireworks, take advantage of all the other fun things to do there. With over 90 acres, there’s plenty to explore along the ½-mile walking trail loop. Organize a game of sand volleyball, baseball, frisbee or play a round of tennis. Little ones can scramble over the multi-level play area with its tree house, climbing walls and bridges, and covered chutes and slides. Visit the new sensory garden and inclusive playground, too.
An elaborate, par-42, 18-hole course, River View Miniature Golf features an interactive babbling brook, waterfall, sand traps, windmill, lighthouse, and bridges to challenge golfers, and its picturesque setting amid natural landscape on the banks of the Fox River provides a serene and scenic backdrop. The last tee-off time is 7pm. Ages 16+ pay only $7 per 18 holes of golf. The cost for children is $6, and those 5 and younger pay only $3. Pedal boat and kayak rentals are not available on July 4.
Families may also spend time swimming at Swanson Pool, hitting the links at Pottawatomie Golf Course or cruising down the Fox River on a paddlewheel riverboat. The pool will open at 11am and close at 6pm. The daily admission fee is $7 for residents and $11 for non-residents. Riverboat cruises are available six times throughout the day with the last trip at 4pm. Fee for ages 16+ is $12. Ages 3-15 pay $10, and ages 2 & younger are free. Reservations are required at the pool and for the riverboats. Pottawatomie Golf Course will open at 6am with the last tee time available at 4pm. Once the course is cleared of golfers, it is open to the public as one of the best spots from which to view the evening’s fireworks.
In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be held the next available evening. Note: Boy Scout Island is closed as this is the location where the fireworks are launched.
For more details, visit stcparks.org/july-4th.
