Although American’s celebrate Independence Day on July 4 each year, some Metro East towns have chosen to work on a one-day delay in 2014.
Troy and Granite City will be traditionalist, hosting fireworks displays on July 4. Caseyville, Belleville and Edwardsville have chosen July 5 for their festivals and fireworks.
Troy – July 4
Troy will host a fireworks display at dusk on July 4 in Tri Township Park, located at 409 Collinsville Road. Hot dogs, water and Washington Kettle Corn will be sold.
Granite City – July 4 and 5
Patriots in the Park will have carnival rides and food booths on both July 4 and July 5, beginning at 1 p.m.
The July 4 evening lineup includes:
6 p.m.- Contemporary Christian band, Finding Favour
7 p.m. – Classic rock from Hobo Jungle
7:30 p.m. – Mid-America Sport Parachute Club Demonstration
7:50 p.m. – Tess Boyer, finalist from “The Voice”
8:35 p.m. – Patriotic presentation
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks
Registration for the July 5 car show is from 8 a.m. to noon on July 5.
Registration for the 5k run/walk begins on July 5 at 7 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m.
Patriots in the Park is held at Wilson Park, 2900 Benton Street, Granite City.
Caseyville – July 5
Caseyville will hold its annual Independence Day Picnic and Fireworks display on Saturday, July 5 in Caseyville Park.
The picnic opens at 5 p.m. with food, a kid’s area with games and face painter, a military artifacts display and live music by Sweetwater from 5-8 p.m. followed by Larry Raymer.
The washer tournament will start earlier, with registration at 2 p.m. and play starting at 3 p.m. People interested in the double elimination tournament with prizes can call 618-343-4346 or show up at registration.
Officer Singleton and Paco will give a K-9 demonstration at 6 p.m.
Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
Attendees will not be allowed to bring in glass containers, pets, or fireworks.
Belleville – July 5
Held on the campus of Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville’s return to fireworks will include music, family friendly events and a laser show.
The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America will kick off the festivities at 7:30 p.m. The laser show begins at 9 p.m. and fireworks start exploding at 9:15 p.m.
Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. No Pets, alcohol or concealed weapons will be allowed. Food and drink are available for purchase.
SWIC is located at 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Organizers encourage using the MetroLink to arrive at campus because parking is limited.
Edwardsville – July 5
The county seat of Madison County will be celebrating the day after Independence Day from 11 a.m. until well after 9 p.m.
A veteran’s march will begin around 11 a.m. at City Park, ending at the American Legion Post 199 at noon. The march will leave City Park and travel south on Kansas Street, west on Schwarz Street and access the American Legion via the sidewalk along Illinois Route 157. Marchers will use sidewalks. The streets will remain open.
The remainder of the events will take place at the American Legion, located at 58 S. State Route 157, Edwardsville.
The Schedule of Events includes
12 p.m. – Beer garden open
2 p.m. – Live music with “Mo’ Pleasure Band” on the main stage
2 p.m. – Children’s area opens with games, bounce house, giant slide and train ride
2 p.m. – Shopping area opens with vendors selling home décor, apparel, accessories and wood crafts
2 p.m. – Concession stands will serve hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, popcorn and more
4 p.m. – Face painting and balloon animals
5 p.m. – DJ
7 p.m. – Edwardsville Municipal Band
8:45 pm. – Mayor Hal Patton
9:20 (Dark) – Fireworks
