Fireworks on July 4th? 11 places to watch in central Illinois on Independence Day
The first Independence Day celebration in July 1777 was practically synonymous with fireworks in honoring the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence, according to brittanica.com.
Americans continue to commemorate the rich history of the United States through fireworks every Fourth of July, and central Illinois will be a part of those festivities.
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Why do Americans celebrate 4th of July with fireworks?
According to brittanica.com, many people refer to a letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail, informing her of the country's independence that read like this:
"[This day] ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."
With the observance taking place in the middle of the Revolutionary War, the website points out that fireworks likely wouldn't have been the first option.
So, why were fireworks the celebratory item of choice for Independence Day?
The celebratory display of fireworks we know today evolved out of the use of fireworks in romantic performances of combat and in elaborate pageants and plays, typically associated with national events. … Thus, by the time of the American Revolution, spectacular displays of fireworks had already become a popular way to celebrate national prosperity and patriotism.
brittanica.com
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Here's where to find Independence Day fireworks displays on the Fourth of July:
Fulton County, Illinois
Canton 4th of July Fireworks
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023.
Where: Memorial Stadium at Canton High School, 1001 N. Main St., Canton, Ill.
Website: www.cantonillinois.org
Knox County, Illinois
Galesburg Big Bang Boom
When: 9 p.m. on July 4, 2023.
Where: Lake Storey Park, 1572 Machen Dr., Galesburg, Ill.
Website: www.thelaseronline.com/event/big-bang-boom-4th-of-july-fireworks-show-in-galesburg-2/
Mason County, Illinois
Havana Independence Day Celebration
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023.
Where: Riverfront Park, west of N. Schrader St., Havana, Ill. Alternate location if river levels are too high is Havana High School, 501 S. McKinley St.
Website: havanaparkdistrict.org
McLean County, Illinois
Bloomington 4th of July Celebration
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023.
Where: Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Ill.
Website: https://www.visitbn.org/events/4th-of-july-in-miller-park/
Chenoa Fourth of July Fireworks
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023.
Where: Football field at Prairie Central Primary West, 700 S. Division St., Chenoa, Ill.
Website: www.facebook.com/chenoa4thofjuly
Normal Fourth of July Celebration
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023.
Where: Fairview Park, 801 N. Main St., Normal, Ill.
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Peoria County, Illinois
Chillicothe July 4th Fireworks
Date: Dusk on July 4, 2023.
Where: Three Sisters Park, 17189 Illinois 29, Chillicothe, Ill.
Website: www.facebook.com/threesisterspark
Peoria Red White & Boom
Date: 9:30 p.m. on July 4, 2023.
Where: In Downtown Peoria along the riverfront, Water Street.
Website: redwhiteandboom.us/
Tazewell County, Illinois
Hopedale July 4th Celebration
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023 at Dusk
Where: Hopedale Park, near Hittle Road and Park Drive in Hopedale, Ill.
Website: www.facebook.com/HopedaleLions
Pekin July 4th Celebration
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023. Rain date is July 5.
Where: Pekin Park Stadium, Red Bud Drive, Pekin, Ill.
Woodford County, Illinois
Eureka 4th of July Celebration
When: Dusk on July 4, 2023.
Where: Eureka Lake Park, 101 Lake Road, Eureka, Ill.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Independence Day 2023: 11 July 4th shows, displays in central Illinois
