Champaign County Freedom Celebration

Theme “America Celebrates 250 Years”

Grand Marshal:Champaign County History Museum & It’s Leadership

July 4 Schedule (back to normal times)

Youth Run -8:30 AM

5K Run/Walk – 9:05 AM

Parade – 11:05 AM

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 Avenue, South First Street, and South Fourth Street. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy.

The parade begins at 11:05AM in E-14 at First and Kirby Ave. It continues East on Kirby Ave/Florida Ave to Lincoln Ave then proceeds North on Lincoln Ave to Illinois St and then, Ends in The Parking lot of ISR.

Evening Entertainment – 6:00 PM
The evening’s festivities begin at 6 PM, with musical entertainment on the main stage which will be located along Kirby Ave between First & Oak Streets. There will also be children’s activities (bounce house/inflatables). Parking is available in the State Farm Center SE Parking Lot and Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) parking lots, and around research park. Following the music, at around 9:00 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.

Fireworks – 9:15 PM (Dusk)

The annual Fourth of July celebration was first held in 1949. For more information, visit the website or follow on Facebook.

Volunteers are needed. this year on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. If you would like to offer support, click here and pick a time that works best for you.

Please remember that events may be canceled or rescheduled last minute due to unpredictable weather or other factors. We encourage you to reach out to event organizers before heading out to an event to verify it is still happening.