July 4, 2023 Event Registration Information

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May 27, 2023 -- The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for the community to gather on July 4, 2023. The City and Park District are working collaboratively to develop events and activities using a trauma-informed approach with the goal of balancing the diverse needs that have emerged in the wake of the Highland Park shooting. The theme, “We are Highland Park,” focuses on who we are as a community. The day’s events will be flexible and structured to allow community members the opportunity to participate in the way that is most comfortable and meaningful for them. 

Schedule of events for July 4, 2023:

• Remembrance Ceremony (10:00 AM, City Hall)
• Community Walk (11:00 AM, City Hall or St. Johns & Elm)
• Independence Day Community Picnic (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Sunset Woods Park)
• **EVENT AT CAPACITY** Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band Concert & Entertainment (5:00 PM Entry / 7:30 PM Concert, Wolters Field)
• We Are Highland Park Drone Show (9:30 PM, Wolters Field)

View an overview of events.

Q&A

Additional information is provided in the Q&A, which will continue to be updated as planning continues:

• Q&A: Security Protocols
• Q&A: General Questions
• Q&A: Registration & Check-in
• Q&A: Support
• Q&A: Remembrance Ceremony
• Q&A: Community Walk
• Q&A: Evening Entertainment at Wolters Field
• Q&A: Volunteering & Donations

Please reach out to the City with any additional questions at cityhp@cityhpil.com.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility accommodations include live ASL/Spanish interpretation and limited seating at the Remembrance Ceremony and vehicular transportation for the Community Walk upon request. Questions about access or requests for any reasonable accommodations that will facilitate full participation in the events should be directed to the City’s ADA Coordinator Emily Taub at etaub@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1005 by June 20, 2023. The City will make reasonable efforts to accommodate questions or requests received by June 20, 2023.

Further Information

The planning process has been informed by conversations and feedback with victims’ families and individuals who were injured, as well as input from community members, elected officials, and staff, many of whom attended the parade. Cognizant that individuals build resiliency in their own time and in line with guidance from the Department of Justice, community members are encouraged to “opt-in” to the activities that are most comfortable for them. These multiple opportunities for the community to gather will give individuals the option to choose how best to engage; the City and Park District encourage all community members to be understanding of neighbors who may have a different comfort level.

Information regarding July 4, 2023 activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues. Updates from the City are available at www.cityhpil.com, and updates from the Park District are available at www.pdhp.org. Individuals are welcome to share their feedback via email to the City at cityhp@cityhpil.com.