Will there be a fireworks display this year?
No, there will not be a fireworks display this year. Instead, the City will present a custom drone show, viewable from the traditional locations at Wolters Field and nearby areas. Please note that the direction of the show is different; individuals should face southeast from Wolters Field for best viewing.
Will there be a parade this year?
No parade is planned in 2023. The Community Walk, following the same route as the 2022 parade, will be a reminder of our beloved community tradition and symbolizes the reclaiming of the parade route as we build resiliency together. The community walk will step off from City Hall (1707 St. Johns Avenue) for those who attend the Remembrance Ceremony and progress north on St. Johns Avenue before turning west on Central Avenue where they will join with those participating in the Community Walk only, ending at Sunset Woods Park (1801 Sunset Road.) The Community Walk will not be a parade and will not include floats or performers, but will be an opportunity for active engagement. Viewing the walk along the route will be discouraged.
I am interested in planning a large-scale activity, such as a block party, rally, or march, for July 4, 2023. How do I approach this?
Given the scale of the events planned for July 4, 2023, the City and Park District will not be issuing special event permits for July 3 – 5, 2023.
May I purchase a We Are Highland Park t-shirt without signing up for any of the events?
T-shirts, including children's t-shirts, may also be purchased through local businesses HP Tops (667 Central Ave. Ste 5 / 847.433.0540) and Thread House Custom Apparel (450 Central Ave. Ste 215 / 847.580.3964).
Where and when will t-shirts be available for pick-up?
We Are Highland Park t-shirts purchased through the event website will be available for pickup at the Highland Park Country Club (1201 Park Ave. W.) during the following times:
- Thursday, June 29, 2023 - 3 PM to 7 PM
- Friday, June 30, 2023 - 9 AM to 4 PM
- Monday, July 3, 2023 - 9 AM to 4 PM
T-shirt pickup will not be available on July 4.
Where may I leave flowers or other memorial items in honor of those who were killed?
The temporary memorial, located at the Rose Garden adjacent to City Hall (1707 St. Johns Ave.) includes tributes for each of the victims, prepared by their family members. The Rose Garden is open to visitors, who are welcome to leave meaningful items. As this is an outdoor, grassy space, please note that the City reserves the right to remove items that may be dangerous (such as lit candles) or that will be unable to withstand the elements. These items will be removed to the care of the Highland Park Public Library, where they will be considered for inclusion in the Local History Archives. Items honoring individuals will be catalogued and offered to their families.
Are there any restrictions on what items may be brought to the temporary memorial?
Families and community members alike may leave meaningful items or mementoes at the temporary memorial. The City appreciates the understanding of visitors in remembering the victims in a reverent and respectful manner. The Rose Garden is a natural space with grassy areas. For the safety of all, lit candles are not permitted at the temporary memorial. LED or flameless candles are permitted.
Will there be media at the events?
The City anticipates that these events will generate media interest and expects reporters will be on-site covering the events throughout the day. Individuals should expect to see satellite trucks, camera crews, and roving reporters and photographers at the events. The City is working proactively with media partners to facilitate their coverage and encourage reporters and crews to be respectful of the sensitivity of the events. This includes providing designated media parking and staging areas, pre-planning media availability for Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch, and encouraging compassionate language and interactions while covering these events.
) on the top right corner of the website and select your preferred language. Translation services are also available through the Highwood Public Library.