Fireworks

Village of Hawthorn Woods 4th of JulyWednesday, July 3, 2024

Community Park opens at 3:00 p.m.

Since 1776, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence. Hawthorn Woods is proud to gather our community for a fireworks display to honor the occasion.

Relax and watch as we light up the sky honoring our country and celebrating our freedom. This event is complete with live music and food vendors. Bring your blanket and chairs for a fun-filled night celebrating our country! Admission and standard parking are free. Registration and fee required for premium parking.

Schedule

3:00 p.m.Park & Parking Opens
5:00 p.m.Food Vendors Open
6:00 p.m.Concert Starts
9:15 p.m.Fireworks

Parking

Premium Parking
Premium paid parking is available for Hawthorn Woods residents on July 3, 2024, at Community Park, located at the corner of Old McHenry and Quentin roads. Registration is required for premium parking; the fee is $25 per vehicle.

Registrations are non-refundable, but are transferrable. Registration is available online only (processing fee required), starting on May 1, 2024 until it is filled.

Parking is limited. The parking lot will open at 3:00 p.m. on July 3, 2024. We suggest all vehicles be parked by 8:00 p.m. Vehicles that exit the parking lot will not be allowed to re-enter. 

Free Parking
Free parking will be available at St. Matthew Church (24500 N. Old McHenry Road). Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please follow the direction of parking personnel.

Food & Beverages

Food and beverage vendors will be on-site on July 3rd. Please check back later for more details. Outside food and beverage is permitted. 

Alcoholic beverages will not be available for purchase. Persons 21 years of age and older may consume alcohol responsibly at this event. 

Important Information

  • Community Park will close at dusk on July 2, 2024 and will not open until 3:00 p.m. on July 3, 2024. No setup is allowed before 3:00 p.m. on July 3. Any personal items in the park prior to opening will be removed at the owner's expense.  
  • You must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol at this event.
  • Small tents, canopies, and sun shades are permitted and must be safely secured to the ground. These items must be taken down prior to the start of the fireworks show to ensure they do not block the view of others around you. 
  • Pets are not allowed at this event.
  • For special accommodations, please contact Amy Mason at amason@vhw.org or (847) 847-3533.

A Message from Hawthorn Woods Police Department: Celebrate Safely

Fireworks Safety Graphic

In an effort to maintain the safety of the residents and visitors to the Village of Hawthorn Woods effective immediately the Hawthorn Woods Police Department has instituted a zero tolerance policy towards illegal fireworks.

Annually, thousands of people are treated in emergency departments for fireworks related injuries in the U.S. Two-thirds of these injuries and in some cases death, occur between June 16 and July 16.

Officers will be vigilant in enforcing the fireworks laws. Citations will be issued with fines ranging from $100 to $750. All illegal fireworks will be confiscated and destroyed properly.

Enjoy Fireworks Safely

The Fourth of July means barbecues and fireworks. It may seem like harmless fun, but fireworks are explosives. Only professionals should handle them.

On average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. Follow these tips to prevent injury from fireworks:

  • Leave the lighting to the professionals. Attend fireworks displays.
  • Do not try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
  • Keep sparklers away from children. They can burn at temperatures about 2,000 degrees. That is hot enough to melt some metals.

For more information on firework safety, check out the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks page.