PLEASE NOTE: This event has already occurred.
Editor's Note: As your family makes plans to head out to an event this summer, we encourage you to check with event organizers to confirm details - and remember to pack your masks!
We continue to share many events that are being held virtually - scroll down for the link on where to stream when applicable.
Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/04/2019
9:00 am - 10:30 pm
Location
Memorial Stadium
Categories
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, this event has been cancelled for 2020.
The Champaign County Freedom Celebration includes a 5K Race, the area’s largest parade, and fireworks at dusk.
5K Race-Walk: 7:30 AM REGISTRATION OPENS
- 7:30 a.m. – Race Day Registration Opens
- 8:30 a.m.- Youth Run
- 9:05 a.m. – 5K Race/Walk
*Registration and Staging: State Farm Center between the State Farm Centers’ Northwest and Northeast Parking Lots on Kirby. Parking Location: State Farm Center North East Parking Lot. RACE START: Florida Ave. (between First and Fourth street) across from Memorial Stadium. RACE FINISH: is the same as the Starting Line on Kirby in front of the State Farm Center.
Pre-register online by June 27 to save!
Since 1950, the Champaign County Freedom Celebration has brought area residents together for the sole purpose of celebrating our country’s independence.
In 1994, the 5K Race/Walk was born. In 1999, we added a Youth Run. This event brings over 700 people together to run or walk the Fourth of July parade route before the parade begins. It’s an exciting and energizing way to kickoff the celebration in the morning before the heat of the day.
For reasons of safety, no dogs will be allowed on the course and participants with strollers must wait until all other runners/walkers have started the race.
Parade: 11:05 AM START
Everyone loves a parade whether it’s for the floats, marching bands, or nostalgia of the red, white, and blue. Parade participants and onlookers can look forward to a great parade lineup and viewing under the shade, all along Kirby / Florida Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy.
The parade begins near First & Kirby. Continues East on Florida to Lincoln Ave. then proceeds North on Lincoln Ave to California. Parade units turn onto Illinois street to disperse and exit area at Goodwin Ave.
Potty houses and vendors are located throughout the parade route. See the map for exact locations.
Evening Festivities: 7:00 PM START
The evening’s festivities begin at 7 p.m. with musical entertainment Wreckless Whisky on the main stage which will be located along Kirby Ave between First & Oak Streets. There will also be children’s activites. (bounce house/inflatables) Parking is available in the State Farm Center and Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) parking lots. Following the music, at around 9:10 p.m., there will be some announcements & presentations. After the announcements, there will be the singing of our National Anthem, an invocation, and then the retiring of our nations flag by a color guard. Immediately following, the always entertaining fireworks display. Drones are not permitted; the area is a no fly zone for drones.
The 2019 Freedom Celebration Fireworks Location
The launch location will be lot E-14 west of the State Farm Center.
Be sure to come early and sit close to the stage. You will be entertained by this year’s live band and when the evening show is completed, this is the best way to hear the synchronized music track. Should you find yourself out of range of the stage, be sure to bring a radio and you can hear the fireworks music on NewsTalk1400 WDWS AM and Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS .