Chicago to draw thousands for holiday weekend festivities

CHICAGO (WLS) -- With the Grateful Dead concerts, baseball games, food festivals and other events that will draw tens of thousands of people into the city, the travel website Orbitz has named Chicago the top destination to celebrate the Fourth of July this year.

"It's my first time," said Tourist Tynnell Hollins, who is visiting Chicago with her family. "I'm loving it. I don't want to go back home."

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but here," said Camiella Manley. "It's our first time so we are excited."

The Grateful Dead will make music history by playing their final three concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Chicago White Sox have a night game and the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field on Saturday that will end with their first post-game fireworks show.

"Last time we were here it was about 105 degrees and we were sweating," said Cubs fan Matt Schuller. "Eighty degrees in Chicago? Where else do you want to be?"

Getting around Chicago will be difficult with ongoing construction and some Taste of Chicago closures starting as early as Friday afternoon.

Street vendors are hoping to capitalize on those who've ditched their cars and opting to work late.

"We might work late, depending on how busy it gets," said Shaya Hynes, of Mrs. Be's Italian Ice.

For those headed to Navy Pier for Saturday's fireworks, public transportation is suggested as roughly 100,000 people are expected to attend.

"We're really asking people to come early if they want to see the fireworks," said Nick Shields, Navy Pier spokesman. "Our parking garage will close early at a certain point."