Prospectus

Issue date: 7/1/09 Section: News

Media Credit: File Photo, Prospectus Explosive thingies go boom during Champaign's Fourth of July celebration last year at Dodds Field, Parkland College, the same location this year's festivities will occur.

Independence Day has a special place in the Midwest, and especially so in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding townships. The farming communities have long been a source of patriotic pride, churning out soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and coasties to serve our country. The hardworking men and women of the Midwest have kept a lot of American products, well, American. And during the Fourth of July celebrations, it's apparent that people here love their freedom and way of life.

One of the wonderful perks of living in the area is having the choice of visiting a number of cities, towns, and villages for a hometown holiday feel worthy of a feature movie. From fireworks to fresh produce, tea parties, peace parties, service member celebrations, parades, music, and home cooking, east central Illinois is a magnificent place to experience something new or traditional this holiday.

Here are just a few highlights that occur on or around Independence Day. Enjoy your holiday, and be safe!

-Eat to the Beat at West Side Park (July 3, 12 p.m.) featuring Nathaniel Seer (acoustic). Come to the West Side Park Bandshell with a sack lunch and sit in the shade under the gazebo.

-The Champaign Park District's historic theatre, the Virginia, will feature
Ice Cream and Independence: A Live Radio Show (4 p.m.-7 p.m., 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday, July 3, $16 adult, $14 student/senior, $8 child) - celebrating Abraham Lincoln and featuring pre-show Civil War Re-Enactors and displays, the Concert Band of Illinois, Civil War Band instruments, and free Cold Stone ice cream.

-Tired of the war? Go to West Side Park on the Fourth of July to eat some free vegan/vegetarian food, which is actually served every Saturday by Food Not Bombs. West Side Park is located at the corner of State and University.

-Tired of taxes and the economy? Go back to West Side Park the day on the 5th of July for an all-volunteer resurgence of the Tax Tea Party that we last saw on April 15. Bring your patriot gear, signs, and tea, and visit between noon and 2 p.m.

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