Evanston's century-old Fourth of July celebration will go on as planned this year, but the volunteer nonprofit behind it says the tradition could disappear entirely by 2030 without a major infusion of donations or sponsorships.
Tracy Alden, president of the Evanston Fourth of July Association, warned the Mayor and City Council in a February 18 letter that the organization has steadily depleted its investment fund over the past five years to cover rising costs. "As it stands now, we will be completely unable to fund the Celebration in only three years without large, sustainable donations or sponsorships," Alden wrote. The association has not publicly disclosed the fund's current balance or its annual budget.
The association, founded in 1922 after a child was injured playing with fireworks, is entirely donation-funded. Alden's letter noted a persistent misconception: many attendees believe the City of Evanston pays for the celebration with tax dollars. It does not.
The association is not asking the city for a direct appropriation. Instead, it has requested the city's help in securing long-term sponsors. Current 2026 sponsors include Northwestern University, Byline Bank, Hagerty, and the City of Evanston, which provides a sponsorship rather than a budget allocation. The Daily Northwestern first reported the funding warning on May 28.
This Year's Schedule — Saturday, July 4
The full celebration proceeds as planned:
- Morning Games, 9:00–11:30 a.m. at five locations: Lincolnwood School, Willard School, Kamen Park, Baker Park, and Robert Crown Community Center
- Kids Fun Run, 12:45 p.m. at Ackerman Park
- Parade, 2:00 p.m., starting at Central Park Avenue and traveling east on Central Street to Ryan Field at Ashland Avenue
- Palatine Concert Band, 7:30–9:00 p.m. at Arrington Lakefront Lagoon, Dawes Park
- Lakefront Fireworks, 9:30 p.m.
Residents who want to support the association can donate at evanston4th.org or mail contributions to P.O. Box 1898, Evanston, IL 60204.
